Yoemen begin season with win over Mexia

Cameron Yoe hit Mexia with bursts of thunder and lightning to claim a 34-21 victory in its opening game of the season at Yoe Field on Friday night.

The thunder was supplied by Nico Vargas and the lightning came from the fleet feet of James DeBose and Zakorien Spikes.

Vargas churned out 110 yards on the ground in 23 carries and scored on short touchdown runs of 1 and 5 yards.

DeBose exploded for 173 yards on six carries and burst through the Mexia defense for touchdown runs of 87 and 64 yards.

Spikes caught three passes for 91 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown

On defense, Iverson Braziel intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble.

The Yoemen, ranked No. 4 in the Class 3A Division I state poll according to “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football” magazine, broke away from a 14-14 halftime tie with two touchdowns within two and a half minutes of each other in the third quarter to take a 27-14 lead.

After forcing a Mexia punt, the Yoemen were backed up on their own 5-yard line on their first possession of the third quarter. But it took them just three plays to take the lead.

Vargas gained eight yards on two rushes. On third-and-two from the 13, DeBose bolted 87 yards for the go-ahead score with 7 minutes, 10 seconds left in the third quarter. Axel Martinez’ third of four extra points put Cameron ahead 21-14.

Yoe’s next touchdown was set up by one of Mexia’s three turnovers in the game.

Braziel laid out in the air and made a diving interception to give the Yoemen possession at Mexia’s 29-yard line with five and a half minutes left in the quarter.

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