The Judson Rockets (1-3) faced off against the East Central Hornets (3-1) at the Hero’s Stadium for their first District game Sept. 27, 2024.
The first quarter started off in favor of East Central winning the coin toss, choosing to receive the ball. The Hornets intercepted the ball and scored the first touchdown of the game, with the score 0-6. After a fumble recovered by the Hornets, and with roughly three minutes left on the clock, the Hornets scored a touchdown and scored the extra point, leading the Rockets, 13-0. As the Rockets received the kickoff return on the 30 yard line, the quarter ended, with the Hornets in the lead 13-0.
The second quarter started with the Rockets in possession of the ball on the 42 yard line. There were a few fumbles from the Rockets, that the Hornets recovered, and some that the Rockets recovered just in time. With roughly a minute left on the clock, at Rockets 4th down, #95 on the Rockets, Herminigildo “Bo” Amador punted a field goal, helping to end the quarter off with 13-3, Hornets in the lead.
At halftime, the Diamond and the Dazzler dance teams performed to “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5, played by the Judson Rocket Band. The Rocket Band, including the Color Guard, performed their 2024 UIL program, “Dr. Spin.” The East Central Band had their Middle School Night, playing “Danger Zone” with the Legacy Middle School Knights and the Heritage Middle School Hurricanes. Afterward, they performed their 2024 UIL program. The Honeybees dance team performed to “INDUSTRY BABY” by Lil Nas X.
The third quarter started off with the Rockets receiving the ball. As the Rockets made their first touchdown of the night, it became void after a flag was thrown because of a personal foul against the Rockets. The Rockets made a comeback for their second play, and successfully scored a touchdown and an extra point goal, making the score 13-10. WIth the Rocket defense coming back with a vengeance, they successfully blocked the Hornets from making a touchdown, which resulted in the Hornets being forced to try and make a field goal. The Hornets were successful, making the game 16-10. At Rockets 2nd and 1, the Rockets scored a touchdown and made the extra point, with the score 17-16, Rockets. At Hornets 1st down, the Hornets scored a touchdown but missed the extra point, with the quarter ending 22-17, Hornets.
The fourth quarter started off with Hornets 2nd and 9. At Hornets 4th and 9, the Rockets attempted to intercept the ball, but failed. At Hornets 1st and 9, the Hornets scored a touchdown, but a flag was on the play and so it was voided. The Rockets intercepted the ball at Hornets 1st and 14. Rocket morale on the bench was high, players cheering on their teammates on the field. At Rockets 1st and 25, the Rockets fumbled the ball. The Hornets picked it up, but it was void. At Rockets 4th and 7, the Rockets scored a touchdown, tying the game, 22-22. After scoring the extra point, the score was 23-22, Rockets. A flag was called on the play, but the touchdown still counted. The Rockets failed to score two extra points. A key player throughout the game, Rocket Quarterback #15, Elijah Favela, was switched out for Rocket Quarterback #16, Brayden Smith with one and a half minutes left. At Rocket 1st and 10, Brayden Smith tackled Hornet #57, Maxxon Bartay, causing his helmet to fall off. At Hornets 1st down, the Hornets scored a touchdown, with the score 28-23, Hornets. The two extra points were at first not counted, but after a flag on the play, they were. At Rockets 3rd and 1 with the ball on the 50 yard line, the Hornets called their last timeout. The Hornets switched a player and caused some strife among Rockets fans who believed that it was against the rules and flag-worthy. After an incomplete pass by the Rockets, the game ended with the Rockets being defeated 30-23, continuing their losing streak (1-4), and giving the Hornets a win (4-1).
This week is a BYE week, but the Rockets will be back to face off against the Steele Knights Oct. 11, 2024 at DW Rutledge Stadium.