Archives > Sports Update
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Rowlett, Rockwall clash in 15th meeting of Lake Ray Hubbard rivalry
By DEVIN HASSON, dhasson@starlocalnews.com
Who: Rowlett vs. Rockwall
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium
Series Record: (Tied, 7-7)
Last meeting: Rowlett 34, Rockwall 14 (2011)
Rowlett and Rockwall will meet for the 15th time on Friday when they renew the Lake Ray Hubbard rivalry at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium.
The two teams could not have had different starts to the season. The Eagles pulled away in the second half to post a 31-14 victory over North Mesquite last week, while the Yellowjackets were routed by West Mesquite in a 43-17 loss.
Rowlett featured a number of new faces at the skill positions and many of them past the first test.
Quarterback Carson Hyles completed 20-of-24 passes for 292 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while running back Derrick Imade had 23 carries for 114 yards and a score.
Imade's production was made more valuable as the Eagles were playing without leading rusher Jalen Rhodes, who accounted for more than 1,000 yards last season. Rhodes suffered a sprained ankle in the scrimmage but is practicing this week and the coaching staff is hopeful he will be ready for Friday.
"We knew what Derrick was capable of, he has his own style and is a tough runner, we just weren't sure how long he would be able to do it because he hadn't carried the ball in over a year, but he came through with 23 carries and more than 100 tough yards," Hardin said. "Carson was making his first varsity start and he threw an interception on his first varsity pass, but after that, he really settled down and was outstanding."
Rowlett also got a boost on the outside from wide receivers Chris Heath and Tyler Hogan. Heath, who Hardin called a "definite threat," concentrated on basketball last season but made a smooth transition to the gridiron by catching seven passes for 154 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Hogan had nine catches for 106 yards while Jonathan Williams also had some key grabs.
Hardin also spoke highly of the defense, which tightened up particularly late in the game. The Eagles have a seasoned defensive line, but that is not the case at linebacker or in the secondary.
But that back seven came up with big performances, including the team's defensive player of the week Nick Kirpes, sophomore Jerek Capdeville and senior Grant Dotsy.
The Rowlett defense will try to stop a Rockwall offense that had a hard time moving the ball against West Mesquite a week ago. The Yellowjackets finished the game with 317 yards, but much of that came after the game was no longer in doubt.
Quarterback Dylan Campman combined for 126 yards rushing and receiving last week and accounted for two scores. Zach Berryman rushed for 85 yards and caught a touchdown pass, while Xavier Castillo had five receptions.
The Rockwall defense was torched by West Mesquite for nearly 500 total yards and will need to drastically improve to have a chance this week.
This will be the 15th meeting for the Eagles and Yellowjackets, with each having won seven times. But Rowlett has had the upper hand of late, winning in each of the last two years and a win on Friday would give them the edge in the series.
"Rockwall is not any different than any other year; they are solid, Coach (Scott) Smith will have them well prepared and they are just a hard team to beat," Hardin said. "It should be a hard-fought battle, but I am excited about it. Rockwall is always a good team and we like that challenge.'
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Sports Update «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
