Slaton earns 1st win of the season against Cougars
By Nolan Alexander
Slatonite Intern
The Slaton Tigers won their first game of the season Friday (Sept. 17) with a 40-0 win on Homecoming versus Odessa Compass Academy.
The first quarter of the game began with a kickoff to the Tigers, who started with good field position. They drove the whole way down the field and capitalized with a 25-yard passing touchdown from Eli Perez to Ayden Ramirez.
After that drive The Tigers kicked to the Cougars who then started their drive at the 25-yard line. The Cougar drive ended with an interception, but the run was called back.
The second drive however ended with a 20-yard rushing touchdown from CJ Anzley making the score 14-0.
Still in the first quarter, Slaton was looking to strike again at the end zone with their next drive. The Tigers marched a long way down the field before Quarterback Eli Perez was able to score a one-yard rushing touchdown. The first quarter ended with another Tiger touchdown, this one coming from Anzley from 10-yards out, followed by a missed point after attempt.
No team was able to find the end zone in the second quarter.
The Tigers kicked the football away the second half to Odessa Compass, who eventually threw another interception.
The Tigers were able to capitalize on the turnover courtesy of Anzley’s 19-yard rushing touchdown, making the score 34-0 at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter was riddled with turnovers for the Cougars, giving more opportunities for the Tigers.
Slaton was only able to score once more with another rushing touchdown for Anzley, this one coming from five yards out, ending the game.
Coach Lawrence Johnson said this about his team after the win.
“Always feels great to get the first (win) of the season,” he said. “Our kiddos practiced with a different energy and it showed on Friday.”
After the win Coach Johnson huddled his team up at midfield to give them a post game speech about their effort.
Johnson told his players to enjoy the moment for 24 hours and then it is back to the grind in preparation for Post.
The rushing attack was lopsided in the Slaton win versus the Cougars. The Tigers were able to rush for 316 yards and Coach Johnson took notice of the boys up front.
“The running game is always a point of emphasis for our team. Our offensive line played their (backsides) off for us and created holes for our backs to run through.”
Leading rushers for the Tigers were Anzley with 16 carries for 189 yards with four touchdowns, Xzavion Whaley with nine carries for 94 yards, Demarcus Trotty with one carry for 30 yards, John Bernal with one carry for one yard, Jaden Gwin with two carries for two yards, and Eli Perez with one carry for one yard and a touchdown.
Quarterbacks Eli Perez and Ayden Ramirez combined for 74 total yards on 56 percent pass completion and zero interceptions,
Leading receivers for the Tigers were Trotty with one catch for 30 yards, Isaac Sanchez with one catch for two yards, Ramirez with one catch for 25 yards and a touchdown, and Gwin with two catches for 32 yards.
The Tiger defense was able to hold Odessa Compass Academy to 101 total yards of offense and caused four turnovers. The Tiger offense was responsible for 390 total yards and zero turnovers.
Slaton plays at Post this Friday (Sept 24) in their last preseason showdown before a bye week Oct. 2.
District starts Oct. 9 against Kermit in Kermit.
Game is as of press time.
