Rattlers drop heartbreaker to Livingston
CELEBRATION Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra Navasota’s Giovanni Perez (7) celebrates his first half goal that gave the Rattlers a 1-0 lead over Livingston in 4-A Area Round action at Madisonville High School March 28. Livingston won in penalty kicks.
FABIAN PEREZ Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra Fabian Perez fights to retain possession of the ball near Livingston’s goal during second half action in Madisonville.
RICARDO ALVARADO Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra Ricardo Alvarado advances the ball with a big kick against the Livingston Lions. The young Rattlers defied odds throughout the season. The penalty kick loss to Livingston in the Area Round was a heartbreaker.
MADISONVILLE – Throughout the season the youthful Rattlers picked each other up as they defied odds. Following the heartbreaking loss to Livingston, Navasota rushed to pick up their young team from the turf at Madisonville High School’s Mustang Stadium.
“Nobody expected you to be where you are today and make it this far,” said Navasota assistant coach Patrick Preston as he cried with his team. “This hurts but you have nothing to hang your head about.”
Tied 1-1 after regulation and two extra-time periods, the Rattlers and Lions exchanged penalty kicks. In the first round of five kicks each, kickers from both teams kept the goalies off balance converting on each attempt.
The next round of kicks was an alternating sudden death sequence. Livingston converted three consecutive kicks. A Navasota kicker lined up to attempt the tie. He faked left and kicked away from his body aiming for the right side of the goal, but the kick didn’t travel far enough right, and Livingston’s goalie made a diving save to win the game.
Giovanni Perez scored Navasota’s lone goal in regulation during first half action. Navasota retained the lead for the majority of the game, but the Lions scored the tying goal with 1:34 remaining in regulation.
“This hurts right now, and I know y’all are sad,” said Navasota Head Coach Brian Lopez. “It hurts me too but use this to get ready for next year.”
The Rattlers graduate one senior, Diego Montecinos, from a team that won a District 20-4A Championship, and a 4-A Bi-District Championship. Navasota returns a stout lineup next season including District MVP Adrian Castillo, who will be a junior. He is one of four first-team all-district players for the Rattlers. Navasota has a total of 10 players selected to all-district teams and Lopez was named Coach of the Year.