Game story: Stratford 31, Alief Taylor 24

By IGNACIO SALAZAR
The Athlete's Connection

Stratford overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Alief Taylor, 31-24 in the District 18-5A opener for both teams Saturday night at Tully Stadium.

Spartans (2-0, 1-0) running back Rodney Anderson was the star of the game, leading the second-half charge with three touchdown runs.

"I just had my eyes open," Anderson said. "The o-line did a great job up front and I just ran hard, seen the crease and just hit it."

Anderson's two-yard run with 5:19 left ended up being the clincher as the Spartans defense stopped the Lions on four downs to end the game.

The scoring started on the opening drive as Spartans kicker Jose Loa put his team ahead 3-0 on a 27-yard field goal.

The Lions (2-1, 0-1) responded right back on a seven-play, 79-yard drive as quarterback Rodney Owens scrambled in for a touchdown and a 7-3 lead.

In the second quarter, Spartans quarterback Mark Benninger connected with twin brother Brett for a 16-yard touchdown pass on a nine-play, 78 yard drive and a 10-7 Spartans lead.

After recovering a Lions fumble, the Spartans gave it right back as defensive lineman Emerson Evans recovered the loose ball that put the Lions offense in the red zone. Owens needed just three plays to connect with tight end Cedric Brown for a 20-yard touchdown pass and 14-10.

The Lions made a defensive stop and finished the first half on a seven-play, 68-yard drive as Rodrigo Rivas gave the Lions a 17-10 lead on a 22-yard field goal.

Stratford scored the third quarter's only points when Anderson punched in a five-yard touchdown run on a 15-play, 85 yard drive to even the game at 17.

The Lions got back on the board in the fourth as the Spartans mishandled a punt which put the ball on the 10-yard line after a penalty. Owens needed only four plays as he rushed in from a yard out to give this team a 24-17 lead with 11:06 left to play.

On the first play after the return, Anderson took over as he jetted 66 yards to tie the game at 24 and again ignite the Spartans crowd.

Owens led the Lions offense with 18 rushes for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

Lions wide receiver Byron Johnson had three catches for 57 yards.