Quarterback Jacob Rodriguez and the Wichita Falls (TX) Rider Raiders are headed to the Class 5A, Division II, Region 1 championship after defeating Randall, 28-7.
The 6’1”, 200-pound Rodriguez, who plans to enroll at the University of Virginia in the Spring Semester 2021, is a dual-threat signal caller. Aided by what Times Record News reporter Jonathan Hull described as a “blistering wind,” Randall contained the Raiders’ passing attack, limiting Rodriguez to 2-of-11 passing for 42 yards. However, the future Hoo churned out 126 yards rushing on 11 carries. Sixty-four of those yards came on the game’s first touchdown. Rodriguez then added a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to boost the Raiders to a 21-7 advantage.
Jacob Rodriguez rushes in the 7yard TD for @raiderfball. They lead Randall 21-7 with 7:25 left in the 3rd quarter. #txhsfbplayoffs #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/FKStZWehSx
— Lauren A Roberts (@LaurenAlisabeth) December 24, 2020
Awaiting Rider (10-2) in the regional title contest is Cooper (11-1), a school out of Lubbock (TX). The two teams faced off during the regular season with Cooper overcoming a 24-7 fourth quarter deficit to defeat Rider, 25-24. The winner advances to the state semifinals.
Rodriguez won’t be the only Virginia signee playing in the postseason this week. On Wednesday (Dec. 30), linebacker West Weeks looks to lead Oconee County (Watkinsville, GA) to the 3A state championship crown when the undefeated Warriors take on Pierce County (12-1).
Then a member of Class 4A, Oconee County reached the state championship in 2019. The Warriors lost to Blessed Trinity, 17-14.
