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Joaquin running back Jericho Newman follows lead blocker, Mason Hughes, across the line of scrimmage for a healthy chunk of yardage for the Rams. (Colton Bragg photo/The Light and Champion)
The Joaquin Rams and Beckville Bearcats are no strangers to one another. Over the past two seasons, the Rams and Bearcats have met four times, twice in the regular season and twice in playoff action.
Last season, Beckville opened Joaquin’s season with a loss and then ended the Rams’ season in the first round of playoffs. This year during their week two matchup, the Rams were short a pair of defensive playmakers and were unable to seal the deal in the fourth quarter falling 42-41.
Friday night marked the most recent meeting for these two teams. Joaquin entered this contest excited at the prospect of facing Beckville healthy. The return of Maddox Hutchins and Cole Bragg invigorated the Rams and ultimately played a role in their victory.
“We just wanted the opportunity to play [Beckville] with our full crew,” said Joaquin head football coach Wade Lawson. “Even starting off last year, Maddox Hutchins had already broken his leg, and I think that anyone can see the difference he makes on the football field for us.”
Another player that deserves a healthy dose of praise is senior running back Andre Brown. Brown was a difference-maker on both sides of the football Friday night. His first touchdown was a 55-yard sprint to paydirt. Brown’s second was a pick-six that he returned for a ridiculous 96yard touchdown. Brown opened the third quarter with his third and final touchdown, this one on a 19-yard rush.
“Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.” Said Lawson when asked about Brown’s contribution.
Defensively, the Rams looked sharp. They were able to force turnovers in key situations and allowed their offense to capitalize in crucial moments. Gauge Jordan and Cole Bragg each had interceptions in the fourth quarter. Jordan also had a fumble recovery to seal the game.
“As long as I’m here, we’re going to hang our hat on good defense, and tonight it really paid off for us,” said Lawson.
Looking ahead, the Rams are set to face off against the undefeated Cooper Bulldogs in Tyler at Rose Stadium at 7:00 p.m.. Only 16 teams remain in contention in 2A Division I football. If Joaquin can keep their edge on defense and the grit they’ve shown offensively, the sky is the limit.