It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but Mercedes ultimately got the result they hoped for on Friday. They pulled ahead with a 20-19 photo finish over the Rowe Warriors. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Tigers.
Robert Sanchez had a dynamite game for Mercedes, rushing for 232 yards and a touchdown while picking up 8.0 yards per carry. Sanchez is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 114 every time he's taken the field this season. Diego Bravo was another key player, rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Mercedes was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 376 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2023.
One reason for the win was Mercedes' imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. Anthony Velasquez was especially locked on to Rowe's QB and sacked him twice.
When it comes to explaining why Rowe lost, don't look at Samuel Liguez. Despite the final result, he rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. The dominant performance gave Liguez a new career-high in rushing yards.
Mercedes now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Rowe, they are on a five-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-3.
Mercedes will venture away from home to face off against Edinburg North at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Rowe, they will welcome Palmview at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Palmview will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something Rowe surely won't give up without a fight.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
