EARL WATT
• Leader & Times
A dejected team of eighth grade Seymour Rogers Apaches were stunned when a tight game was called in the third quarter due to darkness that led to a 14-8 loss to Kenneth Henderson.
The Apaches dominated most of the first half, and Francisco Cardenas game the Apaches an 8-0 lead after breaking free around the left side for a touchdown after catching a key third-and-15 pass for a first down earlier in the drive.
But the Falcons returned the kickoff for a touchdown late in the second quarter to tie the game, and after the Apaches fumbled the ball on the next drive at the 15 yard line, Kenneth Henderson was able to take advantage of the short field with a fourth down pass to the end zone to take a 14-8 lead.
The two teams traded punts to start the third quarter before the Apaches marched the ball down to the Falcon 1 yard line but could not score on fourth down.
Before the Falcons had to snap the ball at their own 1 yard line, the game was called due to darkness, leaving the Apaches one yard short of a tie and possible lead.
The seventh grade Apaches played earlier but could not contain Falcon running back Matt Rios who carried the bulk of the carries for the Falcons.
Kenneth Henderson took a 22-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Apache defense stiffened and did not allow another score until the second half. The Falcons were able to get two more touchdowns in the second half for the 35-0 win.
Seymour faces Eisenhower in the crosstown clash at 4 p.m. Thursday at Redskin Field, where there are lights.
