Converse Judson pulled out a 35-28 Hammer Bowl win against Judson ISD rival San Antonio Wagner in 2018, but was motivated to make more of a statement in 2019's meeting. The Rockets used a strong start on Friday to set up their 52-14 win at Converse's D. W. Rutledge Stadium.
"Last year, we knew that it was a close game and we wanted to step that up," said VYPE Player of the Game Mike Chandler. "We didn't want there to be any argument about who was better. I think we showed that from first quarter to fourth."
Judson was on point early, including nearly recording a scoop and score in the opening quarter. Since it was called back, the Rockets put their sights on taking the first lead. Chandler's three touchdown passes helped his team achieve that. The first one found De'Anthony Lewis on a 32-yard strike, and Humberto Villarreal followed with a 40-yard field goal that expanded the lead to 10 points.
VYPE Player of the Game Mike Chandler's 3 TDs helped Converse Judson make statement in 52-14 Hammer Bowl win against Judson ISD rival San Antonio Wagner. Look for recap on our site tonight. @JudsonISD@GoRocketPride@JudsonFootball@kingmac_23@JudsonAthletics#txhsfb#VYPESATXpic.twitter.com/pHy4kcqQdl
— VYPE San Antonio (@VypeSATX) September 7, 2019
The Rockets also redeemed themselves on the defensive front because they finally recorded the turnover and fumble that they had missed out on in the opening period. They grabbed the loose ball on the first play of the second quarter and Chandler followed with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Amarea Bailey-Davis.
The scoring didn't slow down. Lewis added a 49-yard rushing touchdown, Darius Hughes recorded a 26-yard pick six and Aristide Brown had a score on the ground before halftime, but don't forget about the 45-yard Chandler-to-Davion Wilson scoring connection that made it a 45-0 game with 9:32 left in the third quarter.
Wagner did have some late success in the forms of Mark Alanis and Joerell Brown touchdown runs, but Aristide Brown's 50-yard touchdown scamper wrapped up Judson's victory in the closing minutes.
"It's great, especially since they're such a good team," Chandler said of the competition. "Last year, they made a deep run [and] we made a deep run. I think we both get each other ready for district play."
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