'Rider kickers blank Tenaha in opener, 8-0
contest at Roughrider Stadium Tuesday night, with the Rough-
riders recording an 8-0 victory. (Photo by John Krueger)
CENTER -- The Center Roughriders scored six first-half goals - including two in the final 39 seconds - as CHS captured their season opener Tuesday night, 8-0, over Tenaha here at Roughrider Stadium.
Six different 'Riders scored in the contest, led by German Lopez and Alex Perez, who scored two goals apiece. Other goals were scored by Gilberto Presa, Jonathan Carmona, Luis Reyes and Felipe Parra.
Roughrider Head Coach Richard Ruiz said playing a physical team like Tenaha is good for his team, who kept the tempo high throughout.
"Tenaha played very physical and has a lot of promising talent," Ruiz stated. "Our team showed to be more physical than it was last season and the more games that we play will be a learning experience for us from each opponent."
Both teams, although aggressive, appeared to be feeling each other out in the early minutes. Then, with 9:48 gone in the half, Perez took a shot from 12 yards out from the left side of the goal and it sliced into the bottom right side of the net.
Luis Reyes had an opportunity to score the next goal for Center when he was awarded a penalty kick with 23:43 on the clock. The attempt sliced to the bottom left side of the goal and just past the outstretched arms of the THS goalkeeper.
Perez scored his second goal of the game just over four minutes later when he corraled the loose ball and hit a strong shot in front of the goal. The shot deflected off the goalie's hands and dribbled inside the post for a 3-0 Center lead with 19:25 left in the half.
Presa scored off an Eric Ramirez shot that was saved by the goalie. Presa was there on the rebound for a direct shot into the back of the net. The score came with 15:37 left in the half and gave Center a 4-0 lead.
In the final minute of the half, German Lopez took a pass from Eduardo Chavez on a breakaway opportunity and Lopez scored from point blank range. The score came with 39 seconds remaining in the half and boosted the Roughrider lead to 5-0.
Then, as the clock was winding down, CHS turned it into a quick score when Parra got an open shot and sliced a shot into the next just before the horn sounded at the half.
Lopez scored his second his second goal of the night and Carmona added one of his own in the second half as the Roughriders scored a pair of insurance goals in the final 35 minutes.
Center (1-0) will hit the road on Friday when the 'Riders take on Whitehouse. The junior varsity contest will start at 5:30 p.m.
Coach Ruiz said he hopes his team can use its next four matches to get ready for the start of District 35-4A play on Feb. 9.
"The district that we play in is very tough and competitive," Ruiz explained. "It is one that requires a great deal of hard work for the teams to compete (for a playoff spot). Our goal for our next match is to keep preparing and improving for district."
Tenaha (0-2) will continue its season Friday night when the Tigers travel to Hudson. The contest will kickoff at 5:30 p.m.