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After blowing out Winn 47–0 to open the season, Eagle Pass showed they can win the nail-biters too. On Friday night, the Eagles held on in a back-and-forth battle to beat the Taft Raiders 29–28—a game that could have swung either way until the final moments.
Senior Duo Takes Over
The spotlight belonged to the senior tandem of Sebastian Velasquez and Xavier Barrera. Velasquez delivered a monster performance, racking up 252 receiving yards and three touchdowns, torching Taft’s secondary all night. His highlight of the evening came on a 75-yard catch-and-run that left defenders chasing.
Barrera was equally sharp under pressure, completing passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 13.3 yards per attempt. His poise in crunch time was the difference-maker for Eagle Pass.
Momentum and Records
The win lifts Eagle Pass to 2–0 on the season, stacking bragging rights after also winning the last head-to-head with Taft. For the Raiders, the tough loss drops them to 1–1 as they regroup for conference play.
Looking Ahead
Eagle Pass now turns its focus to Canyon, with kickoff set for September 19 at 7:30 p.m. Taft, meanwhile, will look to rebound quickly when they face Marshall on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in what will be their first taste of in-conference action this year.
Senior Leaders Set the Tone
Two seniors led the offensive explosion. Running back Luis Flores wasted no time making his mark, piling up 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries. Quarterback Xavier Barrera chipped in with 65 rushing yards and a score of his own, while also putting on a show through the air.
Standout Plays & Game Flow
The Eagles didn’t just score—they buried Winn early. By halftime, the scoreboard already read 37–0, as Eagle Pass used a balanced mix of punishing runs and sharp passing to take control. A third-quarter safety only widened the gap.
Barrera was efficient in the pocket, completing 15 of 19 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. His chemistry with underclassmen receivers was on full display, highlighted by Sebastian Velasquez, who hauled in five catches for 70 yards and a score.
Relentless Defense
On the other side of the ball, Eagle Pass’s defense never gave Winn a chance to breathe. The Eagles racked up four sacks, with Arturo Hernandez responsible for two of them. The constant pressure set the tone and forced Winn into mistakes all night.
By the Numbers
- Total rushing yards: 219
- Passing yards: 190
- First-half lead: 37–0
The Eagles’ ability to dominate in every phase—offense, defense, and even special teams—proved they had shaken off any offseason rust.
Looking Ahead
While Winn showed brief flashes of fight, the night belonged entirely to Eagle Pass. Controlling the pace, the field, and the scoreboard, the Eagles sent a clear message: they’re ready for a big season ahead.