On Friday, August 27, the Judson Rockets faced off against the Desoto Eagles in their pre-season game of the 2022 season. This game was one of the most anticipated games of the season and it did not disappoint.

The game started off in the Eagle’s favor. Senior Andre Jones drove the ball up the field until an Eagles defender stripped the ball causing Jones to fumble, giving the Eagles possession. The Eagles then charged downfield for a touchdown making it 7-0, Eagles. However, Judson fired back, as senior Michael Burroughs connected a 25-yard pass to Jones up the middle for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the Rockets drive, making the score 6-7, Eagles, after Junior Adrian Cortes missed the field goal.

After an interception was thrown by Burroughs, junior Chancellor Edwards forced a sack for a 20-yard loss, causing an Eagles 4th down punt situation. After the Rockets gained possession, Judson took the lead, as Burroughs hit Junior Ariez Sylve-Matautia downfield for a 40-yard touchdown pass making the score 12-7, with Judson on top. The Eagles then took possession two minutes before the first quarter ended, which resulted in an Eagles touchdown as they regained the lead 14-13, Desoto right before the second quarter.  

The thrill of this game was just getting started.

After a 33-yard field goal was made by Cortes, the Eagles quickly regained possession. But the Judson defense came out swinging as senior Josiah Walker got a huge sack against the Eagles, giving the Rockets the ball with great field position. Burroughs then squeezed through the Eagle’s defense for a 5-yard touchdown run, making the score 22-14, as Judson regained the lead, however, the kick was missed. Shortly after kickoff, sophomore Devin Boyd-Smith came up with a spectacular interception that was run back for a touchdown, making the score 29-14, Judson, as they extended their lead over the Eagles.

As Desoto came back out onto the field, Judsons defense wasn’t letting up.

Senior Alex Garcia came up with a fumble recovery, which was forced by Junior Johnny Bowens to bring out the Judson offense one last time before the first half concluded. Burroughs capitalized by running in a 4-yard touchdown bringing the score up 35-14, Judson, as the first half ended. 

As the third quarter began, the Rockets were having a hard time finding a rhythm, as they lost 50 yards due to penalties. Both teams kept their foot on the gas the entire quarter. Desoto came into the half powerful, as they scored on the opening series of their offensive stand making the score 35-21, Judson. As the Rockets lost possession on the following drive, senior Alan Caracheo drew a forced fumble and recovery, resulting in a turnover on downs going into the 4th quarter.

To kick off the 4th quarter, Desoto came out firing with a 15-yard touchdown pass making it 35-28, Judson still with the lead. With Judson at the 6-yard line, Cortes lined up for a field goal but hit the right goalpost giving the ball back to Desoto with two minutes left. As the clock runs down, Desoto had four attempts to win. However, Judson’s defense didn’t let up as Bowens got a clutch sack forcing the Eagles back 20 yards. With the final offensive play for Desoto, the Eagles quarterback was flushed out of the pocket scrambling to find an open receiver. The Eagles quarterback then heaves the ball downfield, only for junior Jeffrey Bondoc to get a game-securing interception with a minute left. As Judson’s offense came out, the celebration started. Burroughs then takes a knee for the clock to run out as players shake hands and walk off the field with their heads up high.

Judson secures the win against Desoto making them 1-0 in-season play.

The Rockets (1-0) are set to head to Austin next week on Friday, September 3 as they take on Lake Travis (1-0) at Cavalier Stadium in Austin for their second game of the season and their first away game. 

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