Despite a phenomenal run in the regular season, Mercedes couldn't carry that success into this playoff game. They took a blow against the Alamo Heights Mules on Thursday, falling 63-21. While losing is never fun, the Tigers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 343rd, while the Mules are ranked 71st).
When it comes to explaining why Mercedes lost, don't look at Robert Sanchez. Despite the final result, he rushed for 141 yards and two scores while picking up 7.8 yards per carry, and also picked up 39 receiving yards. Sanchez's longest rush was for an incredible 70 yards.
Even if they lost, Mercedes' defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Noah Buenrostro, Devontae Lewis, and Jerrin Gonzalez, who each picked up one sack apiece.
It was another big night for Dk Garza, who rushed for 278 yards and six TDs on only 13 carries for Alamo Heights. Garza's rushing production has been exceptional for a while as that marked his 11th straight game with at least 115 rushing yards. Alex Cross was another key player, picking up 89 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Having lost for the first time this season, Mercedes fell to 11-1. As for Alamo Heights, the win (which was their seventh in a row) raised their record to 11-1.
Mercedes does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Alamo Heights, they wasted no time getting back out on the field and have already played their next game, a 41-18 victory against Victoria West on the 28th.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
