Mineral Wells Area News

Gillen Saves the Day in Rams 42-41 Win

By Jerry Hamilton, Sports Editor

It came down to one play. The Sanger Indians needed a two-point conversion to spoil the Rams moving to 4-0 on the year. Senior Robbie Gillen made the play of the game intercepting a pass in the endzone with 18 seconds left on the clock. Gillen was all over the place stepping in front of the Sanger wide receiver to spoil the party for the Indians. The interception not only gave the Rams a 42-41 win, but moved the Rams to 4-0.

After Sanger took a 7-0 lead, Tristan Gray put the Rams on the board with a 38-yard run to tie the score at 7-7. The Rams once again fell behind but Jovan Ramirez went 25 yards to tie the score 14-14. Tristan Gray scampered 33 yards, followed by Ryan Carter’s extra point kick to put the Rams on top 21-14. Carter was seven for seven on extra points and played a big part in the win.

Sanger put two touchdowns on the board and raced past the Rams to a 27-21 lead. Then, Landon Russell, took a 6 yard pass for the score, and put the Rams on top 28-27. Gray, who had 305 yards on 35 carries and 4 touchdowns, took over in the fourth quarter scoring on a one-yard and 21-yard runs. Carter’s kick gave the Rams a 42-35 lead, but soon the real excitement began.

Sanger scored with only 18 seconds left to play and decided to go for two and pick up the win. Gillen made sure that didn’t happen with his end zone interception.

Rams Celebrate as Robbie Gillen’s Interception Ends the Game Photo by MWISD

The Rams had help from Evan Guzman who had 10 carries for 60 yards and Jovan Ramirez had 6 carries for 62 yards and one touchdown. QB Mason Facteau had another solid game completing four of six passes for 28 yards and one touchdown. Facteau has made numerous smart plays for the team and has kept the Rams focused on the task at hand.

The Rams got a great defensive performance from Braden Ethridge with nine tackles and Fabian Martinez who recorded eight tackles, six unassisted and two assisted. Blake Blue (6 tackles), Evan Silva (6 tackles) and Daniel Gonzalez(4 tackles) also provided a good defensive effort.

The Rams had 432 yards rushing on the night on 55 carries. The offensive line opened holes for the rushing game throughout the night. Center Heladio Gonzalez and Tackles Omar Galvin and Hunter Menchaca were the standouts on the offensive line. The Rams defense were led by Bryce Fellows, Clayton Ethridge, and Brandon Gray.

The Offensive MVP went to Tristan Gray while the Defensive MVP was Blake Blue. The Special Team MVP went to Micah Gray and coaches named Robbie Gillen as the Defensive Big Play for his interception in the end zone that sealed the Rams 42-41 victory.

The Rams will face Gainesville next Friday at 7pm at Ram stadium and are looking to go 5-0.