Apaches’ defense stalls Eagles’ offense

The Gonzales Apaches closed out non-district play with a 34-14 home opener win over the Pleasanton Eagles Friday, Sept. 20.

The Apaches’ defense shut down the Pleasanton offense, forcing multiple turnover on downs, an interception and holding the Eagles to only two offensive scores.

“The defense has been pretty solid all year long, and they're continuing to get better. Still, you know, just a couple of plays that hurt us, and we’ve got to stop those for us to get to where we need to get defensively,” Apaches head football coach Joey Rivera said.

Apaches defensive back Isaac Gonzales recorded the team’s interception and was glad to be part of a strong defense.

“Honestly, I think it's the best [defense] in our division, best in the district, and I think we're going to keep on showing it every single week,” Gonzales said.

The Apache offense rolled past the Eagles’ defense with three touchdowns by Ayden Ramirez, one by David Clack III and a connection from quarterback Tyler Hoffman to Damion Hunt.

“I think we just went out and executed. We had a good week of practice, and it all paid off,” Ramirez said.

Hunt said his team’s offense has been getting better during the past two games this season.

The offensive line for the Apaches put in the work against the Eagles, paving way for the five touchdowns that were scored.

“We were very solid today. I think everybody executed their plays right. All week we've been stressing about getting our blocks and doing everything right. I think we did it today,” Apaches offensive lineman Omar Borjon said.

Rivera said the offensive line is a great unit and they were working cohesively during the game.

“You know it's always going to be a good night when the O-line is calling the plays. They know what they want to run, and you don't question them when they're doing that,” Rivera said.

Apache Stadium was electric for the first home game of the season and Rivera was excited to get back to playing at home.

“It's always great to be here to Apache Stadium. I still say it's one of the most special places in Texas. It's a special community, and it was great to have the crowd packed, the band going, cheer, Flames, our trainers, everyone that was involved, ROTC, from the national anthem and everything. Just a beautiful night in Gonzales, Texas, for sure,” Rivera said.

The Apaches will take on a familiar team to open up district play at home Friday, Oct. 4 against the Smithville Tigers.

The last two games have come down to one or two scores and Rivera and his team know what to expect from Smithville.

“It's the same we've been preparing all week. It's just we're going to work on ourselves, we’ve got to continue. It doesn't matter who the opponent is, we're still continuing as Apaches to get better, but we know what the last two years have held with them, so we're not taking anything for granted, but we'll be ready here for Homecoming,” Rivera said.

The Apaches and Tigers first met in 1942 and have played against each other 13 times. Gonzales leads the series 8-5.

The Smithville game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.