Javelinas hold off Cowboys, win 24-18 in league opener

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | October 11, 2023

COTULLA COWBOYS FOOTBALL

Miscues, missed opportunities cost Cotulla in one score loss to Crystal City.

Cotulla failed to cash in on several scoring opportunities and the miscues proved costly in a 24-18 loss to Crystal City on the road in the District 14-3A, Division I opener for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys held a 12-0 lead before allowing the Javelinas to score 18 unanswered points and claim a lead they never surrendered. A turnover on their final possession ultimately derailed the Cowboys’ hopes of a comeback.
“It was another disappointing loss last week at Crystal City,” CHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Esteban Rodriguez said. “After jumping out to an early 12-0 lead midway through the first quarter, we drove the ball down the field to the 15-yard line on our third possession, until a botched snap derailed that drive.
“In the second quarter, momentum changed completely, with Crystal City scoring 18 unanswered.”
Crystal City’s lead surged to 24-12 midway though the third until Cotulla was finally able to answer.
Quarterback Alex Medina led Cotulla on a one-play drive as he broke off a 65-yard touchdown run to make it 24-18 in the third.
Cotulla’s defense then forced a Javelina punt and the offense put together another march down the field. Cotulla would drive to the Javelinas’ 20-yard line where Crystal City came up with some big defensive stops and forced a turnover on downs.
The Cowboys had one final attempt to tie or take the lead in the fourth but a fumble negated that drive.
“As I told my team during the bye week, records mean nothing, and we have to prepare as if they are one of the best teams in South Texas,” Rodriguez said of the previously winless Javelinas. “Crystal City played a great, physical football game.
“Although it was a tough pill to swallow, we must move forward and prepare for Poteet. I always preach that in the game of football, we must have a short term memory, and worry about the next play, game or opportunity.
“We are hosting Poteet this week, in hopes to get our season back on track.”
Cotulla will host the Aggies this Friday at Myers Memorial Stadium. Poteet is winless at 0-6 this season and are coming off a 19-6 loss to Lytle. The six points Poteet scored in losing to Lytle are the first points the Aggies have scored in five games.

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