Junior quarterback Billy Ray McCrary rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more as the Raiders rolled to a 43-21 win over Harlandale in the third round of the playoffs.
“I’m glad we actually won,” McCrary said. “I feel we went into the game too confident and I think it was good to learn that we have to stay focused and not overlook anyone.”
The game started a little rocky for the Raiders. Three false start penalties on their first drive forced the team to punt from deep in their own backfield and give the Indians the ball in Raider territory on the 47. A pass interference call would help move the Indians closer and on 3rd and 13, quarterback Brandon Ramon connected with Ian Martinez for a 25-yard touchdown.
The Raiders answered back in the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown pass to receiver Wesley Geisler and a two-point conversion by McCrary. The Indians scored again on their next series, a 73-yard drive that ended with Ramon connecting with James Mendoza for a 31-yard touchdown. Harlandale attempted another score with four seconds left, but the field goal was blocked by junior Chris Hoad to end the half with the Indians leading 13-8.
“I felt pressure to step up our game because we were losing and nobody wants to lose,” Hoad said. “But with the help of our coaches and their halftime adjustments gave us the opportunity to go win during the second half.”
The Raiders came out strong in the second half, scoring three times in the third quarter. McCrary scored on a 54-yard run, senior Andre Alger rushed for a 28-yard touchdown and McCrary threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to push the Raiders lead to 29-13. In the fourth quarter, McCrary scored on a 74-yard run and Geisler scored on a 28-yard run. The Indians added a touchdown in the final minutes, an 18-yard pass on 4th and 2.
The Raiders had 465 yards of offense, including 419 on the ground. McCrary accounted for half the total with 232 rushing yards. On defense, Hoad sacked Ramon twice and Michael Denmon had an interception that set up one of the Raiders’ touchdowns.
Harlandale ends their season 10-3 and the Raiders improve to 10-3 and move on to the fourth round. With Cedar Park losing by one, the Raiders are the lone LISD team still in the playoffs. On Friday, they take on Brennan at Comalander Stadium in San Antonio. The San Antonio school is undefeated with a 13-0 record.
“We feel confident,” quarterback and wide receiver Wesley Geisler said. “There is some added pressure, but in the end we are just playing another game.”
