The Socorro Warriors hosted the Raton Tigers for Friday night AAA football on September 6th and the Warriors offense struck for long-distance lightning, including TD runs of 99, 82, 76, 46 and 40 yards as the Raton offense was committing multiple turnovers and penalties resulting in a 55-7 Warrior win.
The game began well for Raton as Freshman runner Cayden Walton picked his holes behind the experienced offensive line and when it seemed the drive had stalled, Raton QB Dylan Quartieri found Matt Quartieri for an 11 yard completion on 4th down and 6. The flags were flying the whole evening against the Raton offense as they suffered two holding penalties on the drive, one negating a 31 yard wildcat formation gain for Walton. Raton commited it’s first fumble during the drive and the Warriors didn’t take long to take advantage as Michael McDaniel raced 40 yards for the TD on the first play from scrimmage. The PAT was blocked by Ahsan Maso and Socorro led 6 – 0 with 6:46 left in the first.
Raton’s next possession had Quartieri flipping a middle screen to Walton who had a big gain deep into Warrior territory, but on the next play a fumble by Raton gave Socorro the ball on the Socorro 27 yard line. Socorro returned the favor, though on the very next play, fumbling it back to Raton on their 36 yard line. Raton overcame 3 more holding penalties before getting a first and goal on the one. Two straight fumbles by Raton, and a false start penalty had Raton with a fourth and goal on the two. The Tigers were stopped inside the one by Socorro and on the very next play, McDaniel went as far as you can go on a football field, 99 yards with 6:51 left in the first.
On the kickoff, Raton fumbles and Socorro takes over on the Raton 19. Raton defense commits a face mask and personal foul and Payson Hicks carries two yards for the 20-0 lead with 4:22 left in the first.
On Raton’s next possession, an interception by Socorro, set the Warriors up on the Raton 46. The very next play Nathaniel Fresquez toted the loaf 46 yards for the score and a 27-0 lead with 2:53 left in the first.
Raton’s score came on a drive late in the first half with Walton doing the ground work and Jesus Alvarado hauling in a 31 yard Quartieri pass to get deep in Warrior territory. Quartieri faked a handoff to Walton at the two and scored himself with :43 left in the first half. Raton again had a holding call and a personal foul flag during it’s 11 play drive and looked to have some momentum going into halftime, but their #11 nightmare Michael McDaniel, had an 82 yard kickoff return for a 34-7 halftime lead.
The second half didn’t fare better for the visitors as Socorro took the opening kickoff deep into Raton territory, and aided by a Raton pass interference penalty, scored with 5:08 left in the third and after the extra point and a 42-7 lead, the running clock kicked in.
Raton will travel another long distance road game next Friday, September 13 as the Tucumcari Rattlers will host Raton. KRTN will broadcast the game with the help of the Tiger Roar Sports Club.
