In a surprising turn of events on Friday night, the Judson Rockets (0-0) lost their season opener against the Johnson Jaguars (0-0) at home, 24-21. The second annual Peanut Butter Bowl game kicked off with the Senior Night celebration and a presentation of an award to Coach Soto. Facing off against Coach Soto’s former school after last year’s overtime Peanut Butter Bowl victory at the Alamo Dome, the game was sure to be a good one.
The first quarter started off with the Rockets on offense. The Rockets were initially struggling to find their rhythm on offense, and with a faulty snap of the ball, possession was awarded to the Jaguars. The Jaguars made the most of this opportunity scoring a touchdown within the first three minutes of the game putting the Jaguars up 7-0. With the offense in, senior De Morlean McGarity converted a first down, to give the offense a much-needed spark. Senior Nathaniel Stanley scored the first Rocket touchdown to put the Rockets on the board, senior Douglas Tolliver easily completed the field goal tying the game 7-7. Sophomore Marcel Smith intercepted the ball and a combination of efforts from Juniors Jack Call and Isaiah Hopewell gave the Rockets another first down. With this, Senior Terrel Smith was able to score a Rocket touchdown by finding a break in the Jaguar defense. Initially, a flag was called on the play, but the touchdown was ruled good. The Rocket defense was able to outlast the Jaguars offense ending the first quarter up 14-7.
The Rockets started off the second quarter with high energy, Senior Nathaniel Stanley ran the ball giving the Rockets a first down. The Jaguars’ defense made it hard for the Rockets to find an opening to score. After the Jaguars intercepted a pass, they quickly scored a touchdown tying the game at 14-14. The end of the second quarter was mostly uneventful, the game was tied 14-14 at halftime.
To start the third the defense was in for the Rockets, they shut out the Jaguars and the Rockets acquired possession early into the third. Senior Terell Smith once again made it happen for the Rockets running inside for a fourth down. Senior Nathaniel Stanley scored his second touchdown and the play was once again completed by Senior Douglas Tolliver to put the Rockets up 21-14. The defense put the pressure on the Rockets offense to end the quarter, 21-14.
The fourth quarter started with the Rockets on defense, though with a touchback the Rockets were able to gain back possession. The Rockets completed a first down but were unable to score. The Jaguars made the most of the regaining of possession and completed the first down with the ball on the Rockets’ 46-yard line. The Jaguars scored a touchdown on the next play and tied the game 21-21. With a Rocket fumble with only 33 seconds left, the momentum completely shifted toward the Jaguars’ side. It was clear that the Jaguars’ intention was to get in field goal range and end the game. The Jaguars scored a field goal putting them up 24-21 with only 2 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Rockets showed a tremendous amount of fight at the end of the game, but with a tackle to Junior Elijah Favela the game ended 24-21, Jaguars.
The Rockets (0-1) will face Westlake (1-0) in their second preseason game of the season at Chaparral Stadium on Friday, September 1st. The theme for next week’s game is BBQ Dads vs. Soccer Moms.