The Skidmore-Tynan Bobcat seventh- and eighth-grade football teams traveled to Three Rivers last Thursday to open up the 2009 season and came away with a sweep of the two games.

In the opening contest, the seventh-grade Bobcats received the opening kickoff and on the first play from scrimmage Andrew Casarez went 54 yards to pay dirt. Casarez added the two-point conversion for a quick 8-0 Bobcat lead.

Later in the quarter, Casarez scored from 30 yards out to make it 14-0. The conversion attempt failed.

The big holes for the running backs were provided by the fine play of the offensive line. Alex Acosta, Ryan Jimenez, Michael Huerta, Joe Vega, T.J. Amador and John Cirone kept the TR defenders away from the S-T runners.

The score remained 14-0 until the third quarter when Casarez returned a punt for 75 yards for another score and a 20-0 lead. Casarez scored again in the third period on a 52-yard scamper to put the Bobcats in front 26-0.

Randy Ybarra added the two-point conversion for the ‘Cats to make the final a 28-0 win for the Bobcats.

The coaches agreed that the S-T defense also played well in shutting out the Bulldogs.

In the eighth-grade game, the visiting Bobcats received the opening kickoff and duplicated the seventh-grade opening drive. Fullback Jon Echavarria raced 75 yards for a touchdown and converted the two-point attempt for an early 8-0 lead.

The Bulldogs tied the score with a drive of their own, scoring from two yards out and making good on the conversion to tie the game at 8-8.

The ‘Cats got back on top with a second quarter drive that was capped off by a 15-yard run for a score by Donovan Encinia to regain the lead at 14-8. Encinia also converted the PAT for a 16-8 advantage. That score held up through the rest of the first half.

After a scoreless third period, the Bobcats opened the fourth quarter with another long drive. Encinia crossed the goal line from 19 yards out to end the drive and Echavarria made good on the conversion to give the S-T boys a 24-8 lead.

TR added a late score in the fourth but the Bobcats then ran out the clock to preserve the 24-16 victory.

The offensive line drew praise from the coaches as Anthony Villarreal, Damien Toelkin, Matt Martinez, Seth Phillips, Gilbert Palomo, Caleb Davis and Aaron Hughes kept the running lanes open all night for the Bobcats.

The Bobcat defense was up to the task and made the big stops when needed. Toelkin had an interception to lead the Bobcats on the defense.