Inspired Rowe almost completes improbable comeback against South

MCALLEN—McAllen Rowe came up short on a two-point conversion with 20 seconds remaining in the game and Harlingen South held on to a 16-14 victory during the team’s mutual season opener Thursday at McAllen Veteran Memorial Stadium.

The fact that Rowe was even in position to tie the game was a testament to the Warriors as they continue to deal with the death of teammate/classmate and friend Adan De La Cruz just a little less than two weeks ago.

There was a moment of silence prior to the game in honor of De La Cruz, considered one of the  best defenders on the Rowe team.

As would be expected, the Warriors stumbled and bumbled from the get-go, trailing 7-0 midway through the first quarter and 14-0 with 11:16 remaining in the first half. South could’ve put more distance on the Warriors but had two touchdowns called back and missed a field goal with less than a minute remaining in the game. The Hawks pushed the lead to 16-0 after Marcus Garza blocked a punt that went out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Rowe finally got on the scoreboard to cut the lead to 16-8 with less than five minutes left on a 64-yard touchdown reception and run by Draven Niaves and Rowe two-point conversion from quarterback Adrian Botello. 

Rowe held South to a 3-and-out on the Hawks ensuing possession and the Warriors started moving downfield, highlighted by a Castillo 24-yard punt return.

Just a few plays later, South’s Olek Lerma cut in front of a Rowe receiver for an interception that seemed to have ended all Rowe comeback hopes.

However, Rotsbel Ramos recovered a South fumble with 44 seconds left and Rowe had one more chance

The Warriors took advantage of it and scored on a Mateo Castillo 14-yard reception, but Botello was stopped short of the end-zone and the two-point conversion to seal the South win. After a slow start, Botello finished 11-for-19 with 143 passing yards and a pair of touchdown passes. He was 10-for-13 for 138 yards and both scoring passes in the second half alone.

Rowe outgained South 287 to 259 in total yards.