Owls fly higher than Bluejays
Owl quarterback, Jordan Coronado, runs for a gain as the Owls defeat Snook 13-9. Coronado had a rushing touchdown on the first drive of the game.
Examiner sports reporter
ANDERSON - The Anderson- Shiro Fighting Owls outflew the Snook Bluejays 13-7, Friday, Sept. 9, at Owl Stadium. Anderson-Shiro (2-1) started off strong recovering an onside- kick and moving the ball well offensively. The drive was capped by a 12-yard run by quarterback Jordan Coronado who ran to the left and went into pay-dirt untouched. The drive featured big runs by running back Jarvis Haynes and Coronado. Coronado also connected with Kieran Gil on a big throw. Haynes finished with 92 yards rushing on 14 carries.
The always stalwart Owl defense was stingy and greedy as usual allowing only 84 yards total on the evening. A Bluejay feather was added to their helmet when senior defensive back, Brant Werner, picked off the Bluejay quarterback and returned it 25 yards for a Fighting Owl touchdown. Gill would tack on the extra point pushing the home lead to 13-0 at the half.
“I really liked the way we started,” said Owl Head Coach Brad Hodges. “It was strong. We left some meat on the bone in the middle. We have to clean that up, but we sure liked the finish.”
After halftime, the Owls continued to have strong defensive stands. Kevin Cabrera led the defense with 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The Owl Offense moved the ball effectively but sputtered in the redzone. Following a late Owl turnover, Snook punched in for a score to tighten things 13-7. After a quick stop, the Bluejays got the ball back around midfield very late in the game. The Owl defense tightened up, pushed Snook backwards on their final possession, and forced a turnover on downs. That strong stand led to a couple of quick Coronado kneel downs to run out the clock and seal the victory.
“Credit Snook for hanging around and playing tough in the second half,” stated Hodges. “They never gave up but neither did we.”
The Owls have Homecoming festivities scheduled all week. A community pep rally is scheduled Wednesday in Historic Downtown Anderson at 6:30 p.m. All fans are invited.
Friday Night, the Owls host the Evadale Rebels. “Evadale is going to line up and throw the ball around,” explained Hodges. “It will definitely be a challenge and a change of pace from the last two weeks.” Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Anderson with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen occurring at halftime. As always, you can follow the Navasota Examiner Sports Facebook page for homecoming game updates and videos as well as past videos and updates from all your Grimes County football teams.
Brant Werner scores a defensive touchdown following an interception in the first half against the Snook Bluejays. The Owls improved to 2-0 with the 13-7 win.
Examiner photo by Carter Benton