Rowe Rolls Past Rio Grande City 49–21, Extends Win Streak to Three

McALLEN — The Nikki Rowe Warriors kept their momentum rolling Friday night, scoring touchdowns in all four quarters and overpowering the Rio Grande City Rattlers 49–21 at DQ Fan Field inside McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Senior quarterback Eli Garza threw three touchdown passes and accounted for 117 yards through the air, guiding a Warriors offense that showcased both balance and depth. Rowe’s rushing attack piled up more than 150 yards, with Jose Jimenez, Alexander Lopez Negrete, Iban Ramirez, and Anthony Hernandez each contributing key carries throughout the night.

The Rattlers opened with an early scoring drive but were held scoreless for nearly two quarters as Rowe’s defense adjusted and dominated. Linebackers Dante Rodriguez and Rosel Ramos, along with defensive lineman Alex Guzman, anchored a front seven that pressured Rio’s quarterback into hurried throws and multiple three-and-outs.

By halftime, Rowe led 28–6 after a flurry of second-quarter touchdowns. Garza found Hernandez, Ronaldo Gonzalez, and Luis Perez for scores through the air, while Lopez Negrete broke loose for a 20-yard rushing touchdown. The Warriors’ special teams also contributed, with Hernandez setting up short fields on multiple returns.

The second half brought more of the same. Jose Jimenez ripped off a 32-yard burst that set up his own 1-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 35–6. After Rio Grande City answered with a 44-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Rico, Rowe responded with another sustained drive capped by Lopez’s second rushing touchdown of the night to make it 42–14.

In the closing minutes, Jimenez — who had two earlier scores called back by penalties — powered in for a 1-yard touchdown to seal the win. It marked Rowe’s seventh and final touchdown of the game, with Garza’s three passing scores and four on the ground coming from three different backs.

Rowe’s defense stayed sharp to the end, forcing a fumble deep in Rio territory and holding the Rattlers to minimal production on the ground.

With the win, Nikki Rowe improves to 4–2 overall and 3–0 in district play, setting up a first-place showdown next week against Edinburg Vela (5–1, 3–0).
Rio Grande City (0–6) will look to regroup when it faces Mission High next Friday at Tom Landry Stadium.