Homecoming king rules over Quitman

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 10/22/20

Grand Saline’s Eric Jimenez was named homecoming king for Grand Saline last Friday night prior to kick-off. The speedy and strong Jimenez took control of his gridiron kingdom and promptly made his presence known, running for over 300 rushing yards and leading the Indians to a 44-0 win over the Quitman Bulldogs. He also had two TD runs of over 80 yards called back for holding by the Indians.

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Homecoming king rules over Quitman

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Grand Saline’s Eric Jimenez was named homecoming king for Grand Saline last Friday night prior to kick-off. The speedy and strong Jimenez took control of his gridiron kingdom and promptly made his presence known, running for over 300 rushing yards and leading the Indians to a 44-0 win over the Quitman Bulldogs. He also had two TD runs of over 80 yards called back for holding by the Indians.

The Indians successfully executed an opening onside kick, and Jimenez took the pigskin to the end zone on the first offensive play, racing 39 yards for a score giving Grand Saline a 7-0 lead with 11:53 to go in the first quarter. 

Grand Saline attempted another onside kick, but this time the Bulldogs made sure they secured the football. Behind the tough running of Wyatt Hightower the Bulldogs drove to the Indian two-yard line, but the home team’s defense made a stand and took over at the one. Backed up in their own end of the field, Jiminez took a handoff and darted 99 yards for a score, and with 9:19 remaining in the first quarter the score was already 14-0.

The Bulldogs hurt their own cause with fumbles and penalties, but they never quit fighting back. Grand Saline scored two more times to take a 28-0 lead after one period. Grand Saline added another TD on a pass play and a 38-yard field goal to take a 38-0 lead at intermission.

The Indians added one more score on a 26-yard run by Jimenez with 1:58 left in the third quarter to make it a 44-0 game. 

The Bulldog defense allowed the one score in the second half and played with spirit and desire. The Bulldogs drove the ball into Grand Saline territory on several occasions but just could not get across the goal line.

Hightower had 80 yards on 15 carries and Gavin Oakes added 78 rushing yards on 13 carries for Quitman. 

Down to 22 players suited out for the game, including JV players, the Bulldogs have a much-needed week off this Friday to get healthy and have all hands on deck for the final two games. 

The last two games are tough ones with district leaders Troup and West Rusk waiting in the wings. Troup will come to Quitman for the Bulldogs’ final home game of the year Oct. 30. The final district game finds the Bulldogs traveling to New London to take on the West Rusk Raiders on Nov. 6.