Baeza has an amazing record-setting game against Eldorado

The Van Horn Eagles hosted the Eldorado Eagles for both teams’ first district action of the year.

The Eldorado Eagles toppled the home team by a score of 48-38.  Down by 14 points early, the Eagles scored just before halftime and then took the opening drive of the 3rd quarter into the end zone to tie the score 14-14.

The ensuing position for Eldorado proved to be a crucial and controversial drive as Van Horn held the visiting Eagles on a key third down forcing an Eldorado punt.  On the 4th down punt, a penalty was called on Van Horn, giving Eldorado a first down deep in Eagle territory.  The two teams exchanged touchdowns thereafter en route to an exciting finish to the game.

Despite some early key injuries and ultimately falling to the visiting Eagles, the Van Horn Eagles played with extreme heart and desire and  turned in some very impressive performances.  The starting offensive line of Joseph Vorheis, Kyle Seyffert, Nando Subia, Luis Gonzalez, Matthew Acosta was exceptional in pass blocking as they did not give up one sack in 60 pass attempts.

Senior Sammy Quintana led the Eagles with 13 tackles and contributed on offense with eight receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.  Ford Built Tough Player of the Week (playeroftheweek.com) nominee Fabian Baeza had a record-setting day throwing the ball 60 times completing 31 of them, five of those completions went for touchdowns.  In all, 453 total yards passing from the junior quarterback.

Jeremy Virdell, another Ford Built Tough Player of the Week nominee, was on the receiving end of nine of those passes for 192 yards, four touchdowns and one two-point conversion.  Rafael Rodriguez, yet another Ford Built Tough Player of the Week for the Eagles, caught 6 passes for 110 yards, had two impressive interceptions and contributed nine tackles from his safety spot.

The Urias brothers, Luis and Alex, contributed with three and two receptions respectively for a total of 68 yards.  Natan Arrazate played the entire game nursing an injured ankle and contributed five tackles and helped protect the quarterback the entire night.

Other notable performances included Jose Baeza with one reception, four tackles, and four kickoff returns for 84 yards.  Additionally, freshmen Angel Castro, Nathaniel Arrazate, JC Clark, Preston Guerrero, Jorge Seijas, Isaac Baeza, and Juan Ramirez all were able to experience varsity action and contribute to the team significantly.

The Eagles travel to Wink on Friday to play their second district game slated for a 7:30 pm kickoff.  Continue to support the Eagles on their journey.  GO EAGLES!