The Raton Tigers hosted the Capitan Tigers on Friday night October 18 in the Jungle and the Raton version racked up 27 quick points in just a little over a quarter of play and then with 9:52 left in the second period, officials suspended play due to lightning.
The suspension took place at 7:42 pm and then at 9:10 the decision was made that play could not resume safely and Raton was declared the winner of the District 2AA contest to even Raton’s record to 4-4 and 2-1 in district.
Lightning struck before the suspension as the game began with a pooch kick recovery off the foot of Raton kicker Logan Elliott and set up the Raton team at the Capitan 33 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage Raton’s QB Cannon Walton took the snap and weaved through the defense untouched for a 33 yard scoring run and Raton had the lead with only 8 seconds off the clock.
After another pooch kick, Capitan took over on their 38 and then their first offensive play turned into an 18 yard gain for Colton Wales into Raton territory. But the drive stalled and they were forced to punt.
Raton began their second drive from their own 20 and after a long run from Joseph Saenz and then Cannon connected with Wyatt Berry for a 45 yard completion. Then on the fifth play of the drive Shane Ashley took a tunnel screen 16 yards for Raton’s second score and with 6:13 left in the half, Raton’s’ lead was 13 – 0.
Raton’s defense forced another punt from Capitan and after a 30 yard punt return from Cannon Walton, Raton had another one-play lightning strike when Cannon Walton threw a rainbow ball which Cael Walton caught in stride and with 1:42 left in the first Raton had a 20 – 0 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff Logan Elliott hit another 9 iron shot that Capitan muffed and Raton had another recovery at the 43. Raton methodically marched down the field with the big play a 27 yard screen completion to Wyatt Berry to end the first quarter.
Then on the first play of the second quarter, Joseph “Speedwagon” Saenz shed a tackle in the backfield and then sped his way to an 11 yard TD and after the Elliott PAT, Raton lead 27 – 0 with 11:53 left in the first half.
The Raton defense stymied the Capitan offense again and turned it over on downs at the Capitan 40, then after a 10 yard run to the 50 yard line by Cannon Walton play was suspended by lightning.
Friday was senior night in the Jungle as it was the final home game of the regular season for nine Raton seniors; Jose Plazola, Cannon Walton, Chase Middlebrook, Camron Edmundson, Wyatt Berry, Joseph Saenz, Brooklyn Ulibarri-Marquez, Miguel Olvera and Russell Simmons.
Raton next will travel to Santa Rosa on Friday, October 25 for a District 2AA clash.
