Center Point’s football team launched their 2025 season with a hard-fought 21-13 victory against the visiting Pettus Eagles, playing before an enthusiastic home crowd that had gathered to honor local first responders for their heroic work during July’s devastating floods.
The Pirates demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the contest, bouncing back from an early scoring deficit and weathering a Pettus comeback before shutting out their opponents in the final two quarters. Their ground game proved decisive, grinding out crucial drives that controlled the tempo and ultimately secured the win.
“We’ve faced some challenges and still have areas to improve, but our team showed great composure in defeating a quality Pettus squad,” reflected head coach Mario Laque after the victory.
Quarterback Change Sparks Team Unity
One of Center Point’s biggest challenges came before the season even began, when projected starting quarterback Clayton Forster suffered a season-ending knee injury during a preseason scrimmage. Senior Din Arreola seamlessly stepped into the leadership role, delivering an impressive two-way performance in his debut as the team’s signal caller.
Arreola contributed 60 rushing yards to the Pirates’ 248-yard ground attack while finding the end zone both as a runner and passer. His defensive efforts were equally notable, as he joined six teammates in recording tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
The game’s opening score belonged to Pettus, as quarterback Ramon Reyna connected with Felix Flores on a 21-yard scoring strike with 6:42 remaining in the first quarter. Center Point’s response showcased their offensive patience and precision, methodically driving 12 plays downfield before Connor Holt punched in a 10-yard touchdown run with just 24 seconds left in the opening frame. A failed two-point conversion left the Pirates trailing 7-6.
Special Teams Creates Momentum
The deficit proved short-lived thanks to Center Point’s aggressive special teams approach. JP Peralta executed a perfect onside kick following Holt’s touchdown, which Holt himself recovered at the Pirates’ 48-yard line. The favorable field position led to quick points, as Arreola found Jaydin Segura for a spectacular 37-yard touchdown pass just six plays later. Peralta’s extra point gave Center Point a 13-7 advantage at the 10:07 mark of the second quarter.
Segura emerged as the game’s most versatile offensive weapon, leading all rushers with 74 yards on 11 carries while hauling in both of Arreola’s completions for 39 yards. His 113 total yards of offense proved crucial in the Pirates’ balanced attack.
“We had to make some tough choices tonight. Din has really stepped up at quarterback, and we’re all supporting each other because we understand what an honor it is to represent our community,” Segura explained. “There’s no selfishness on this team. We’re all pushing each other to get better.”
Defensive Plays Decide Outcome
Pettus managed to knot the score at 13-13 after capitalizing on an Arreola interception near their own 16-yard line. The Eagles converted that turnover into points with an 84-yard, 11-play scoring drive capped by Flores’ one-yard plunge, though they failed on their subsequent two-point attempt.
The game’s decisive sequence began in the third quarter when Center Point defensive back Armando Valadez hauled in an interception at his own 23-yard line with 4:29 remaining in the period. The Pirates methodically marched 77 yards over 13 plays, with the drive spilling into the fourth quarter. Arreola capped the possession with a five-yard touchdown run, and Pace Davis added the two-point conversion to give Center Point a 21-13 lead with 11:53 left to play.
Center Point nearly put the game away when Cavan Davis recovered a muffed punt snap at the Pettus 10-yard line, but the Pirates immediately returned the favor with a fumble of their own on the very next play.
Pettus made one final push, advancing to the Center Point 35-yard line before Pace Davis broke up Reyna’s fourth-down pass attempt, preserving the victory for the home team.
“That last turnover stung because we could have sealed the game, but overall this was an excellent way to start our season,” Coach Laque noted.
Balanced Attack Powers Pirates
Center Point’s offensive success stemmed from their commitment to spreading carries among multiple backs. Beyond Segura’s team-leading 74 yards and Holt’s 61 yards on eight carries, Peralta contributed 42 yards while Pace Davis added 11 more.
The defensive effort was equally distributed, with Johnny Martinez deflecting two passes and Pace Davis knocking down another. Aiden Alexander, Johnny Castaneda, and Pascual Valadez all registered tackles for loss, while Holt’s special teams prowess continued with recoveries of two Peralta onside kicks.
The victory provides Center Point with positive momentum as they continue their 2025 campaign, having demonstrated the depth, resilience, and team chemistry necessary for a successful season.
