December 09, 2022
Illinois High School Football News
News

Omar Nunez pick perfect capper on a night of Plano big plays in Ponx's Reapers' debut

Gabe Rodriguez goes for two TDs in 34-7 win over Aurora Central Catholic

By PAUL LATOUR

The Chargers were driving for a touchdown with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation. But instead of a potential one-possession game, the Reapers were soon holding a comfortable 20-point lead in an eventual 34-7 victory in the season opener for both teams.  The Reapers have Omar Nunez to thank for the momentum-shifting turn of events. Nunez snatched a Bobby Scianna pass out of the air near the end zone, turned upfield and rumbled to midfield before being brought down.  “I saw my man so I just followed him and caught it somehow,” Nunez said. “Then I turned on the jets. I almost made it, but it was a good play.” (Gary E)

The Chargers were driving for a touchdown with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation. But instead of a potential one-possession game, the Reapers were soon holding a comfortable 20-point lead in an eventual 34-7 victory in the season opener for both teams.  The Reapers have Omar Nunez to thank for the momentum-shifting turn of events. Nunez snatched a Bobby Scianna pass out of the air near the end zone, turned upfield and rumbled to midfield before being brought down.  “I saw my man so I just followed him and caught it somehow,” Nunez said. “Then I turned on the jets. I almost made it, but it was a good play.” (Gary E)

A block-in-the-back penalty kept it from being an even longer return. But no matter, three plays later Tony Licea sprinted 55 yards to give the Reapers a comfortable 27-7 lead.  “We talked about that at halftime — who’s going to make the play? Somebody is going to make a play that changes the whole game. And Omar did it,” Ponx said. “This week was the best I’ve ever seen him practice. He was so focused from our Monday meeting all the way through the week, he knew exactly what was supposed to happen and he was in the right place at the right time.” But Nunez was hardly the only Reaper to make his coach happy with an impressive play. In the first half it was Gabe Rodriguez, who scored on a 30-yard run in the first quarter and made it 14-0 with a 50-yard punt return in the second. (Gary E)

“I’m just thankful for my teammates,” Rodriguez said. “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have made those big plays. They blocked for me and I knew I could get around the edge and score.”   Licea also got into the action, even before that 55-yarder. Late in the third quarter, Licea ducked into the end zone on a 3-yard run, one play after he burst 32 yards down the sideline. That scoring drive also started with an interception — this one by Xavier Padilla at the Reapers 16. (Gary E)

Licea finished with eight carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Uriel Rodriguez — Gabe’s twin brother — added 71 yards on 18 carries. Uriel Rodriguez capped the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run with 1:13 to play.  The Chargers appeared to tie the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter, but their 78-yard halfback toss touchdown was called back on a penalty. They were then forced to punt, which turned into Gabe Rodriguez’s touchdown return—another 14-point swing in the Reapers’ favor.  “The score doesn’t really reflect exactly how good of a game it was,” Chargers coach Luke Brauweiler said. “A couple plays either way on either end and the score is totally flipped.” (Gary E)

Plano Reapers head coach Rick Ponx on the sidelines during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

Aurora Central Catholic's Colby Metcalf comes down with a pass reception during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at the Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

The Reaper defense tackles Chargers Ty Hopp (7) during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at the Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

Reapers Uriel Rodriguez (29) fends off the Chargers defense during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

The Charger's Bobby Scianna passes during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at the Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

Reapers Alex Rodriguez (16) pitches to the running back during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at the Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

Reapers Gabriel Rodriguez (20) celebrates a touchdown run during the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

Pregame activities before the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at the Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)

Reapers Angel Peray (3) before the football game between Aurora Central Catholic at the Plano Aug 29. (Gary E)