Rio Grande Valley kept the contest close throughout the entire 60 minutes, but were unable to convert a two-point conversion and on-side kick attempt with under one minute remaining in the game, which would have tied it.
Getting off to a quick start in today's game were the Dorados who scored on heir first possession of the game, with the Wranglers answering right back. New starting quarterback Andy Hall found Mel Long in the end zone to tie up the game early.
Dorados quarterback Travis Cole got it done on the ground, taking the team in for scores of 14 and 13 yards, leading the Wranglers 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Wranglers quickly got the crowd back in the game, when Austin defensive lineman Kika Kaululaau blocked a Dorados field goal attempt, which was recovered by defensive lineman Estus Hood. This turnover prompted Austin to drive down the field for a score, from Hall to newly added wide receiver LeJuan Edwards for a 13-yard score, to tie the game.
Austin's defense continued to hang tough with the Rio Grande Valley offense, stopping Cole and the Dorados on fourth down, to get the ball back for the Wranglers. Unable to convert on fourth down, Austin turned the ball over to Rio Grande Valley with less than one minute remaining in the half. Attempting a couple of long passes, the Dorados weren't able to score as time expired, keeping the scored knotted at 14-14.
Going ahead early in the third quarter were the Wranglers, when Hall found Long for his second score of the game. Austin got the ball back again, but Hall threw an interception to Rio Grande Valley jack linebacker, Travis McAlpine, to end the drive.
To begin the fourth quarter the Wranglers and Dorados traded fumbles in their opposing red zones, but both came up short. Rio Grande Valley scored the first points of the quarter on a 26-yard connection from Cole to wide receiver Jermaine Carpenter. The Dorados kicker Dustin Bell was not able to convert the extra point thanks to Hood's block.
Austin was able to answer back, moving the ball the length of the field, with Hall finding Long again, for their third score of the game. International kicker for the Wranglers Keita Iizuka nailed the extra point, giving the Wranglers a 28-17 lead.
The Dorados were getting desperate as they were driving down the field, but hometown favorite, defensive lineman Barrett Dallmeyer recovered a fumble, to give the Wranglers the ball back.
This led to a quarterback sneak to go ahead in the game, as Hall took the ball one yard for the touchdown. Iizuka made the extra point, scoring the Wranglers final points of the contest.
On one final push, Rio Grande Valley's Cole found wide receiver Eddie Jackson for a 23-yard touchdown, but the offense was unable to convert the two-point conversion, ending the Dorados hopes.
The Austin Wranglers move to 1-4 on the season while the Rio Grande Valley Dorados fall to 1-2. Austin travels to Oklahoma City next Sunday to face the Yard Dawgz at 3 p.m.
Other Notes: The Manglers made their first appearance of the 2008 season, dancing to "Jump-On-It" during the fourth quarter.
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