Dorados notch much-needed win

HIDALGO -- Almost lost in all the excitement surrounding the Rio Grande Valley Dorados' last-second victory over the Corpus Christi Sharks on Saturday at Dodge Arena was that RGV was on a three-game losing streak.

As much as the Dorados wanted to beat the Sharks after the team's coach, Michael Trigg, said the team was allowed to be disrespectful, they admitted they just needed a victory.

"It feels great for something good to happen," Dorados coach Marty Hammond said after the game. "We needed something good to happen for our mental state. We just needed a win."

Dorados quarterback Travis Cole was pleased with the team's play. It was arguably the best game the Dorados have played since their Week 1 win over Texas.

"We've had some good practices, we just needed to come out and play four quarters," Cole said after the game. "We hadn't played four quarters.

"I think we came out and almost played four quarters. I don't think we played a full four quarters, but close enough. I think we have to get better defensively, offensively, special teams and coaching. We need to get better in all four areas."

It was a much-needed win considering the Dorados play 6-0 Tulsa this week.

Defensive Stand
Before the Sharks went on a roll in the fourth quarter Saturday, they were having trouble mustering offense. The Sharks' offense scored only 27 points the week before against Arkansas, and the Dorados ‘D' was not making it easy for the Sharks.

The Dorados notched a safety in the second quarter. Linebacker Keenan Washington and defensive lineman Quinton Staton were in on the sack that produced two points for RGV.

Later in the second quarter, Dorados defensive linemen Tony McClain recovered a fumble by Sharks quarterback Brian Villanueva as Corpus Christi was threatening inside the 10-yard line.

Leaving Texas
For the first time this season, the Dorados will play outside of Texas when they travel to Tulsa for a 7 p.m. game Saturday.
It is only one of two games the Dorados play out of the sate. Next week, RGV travels to Central Valley in California.

Remember Me
Former Dorados QB Josh Kellet returned to the field for the first time since last August and threw a game-winning touchdown for the Tri-Cities Fever.

The five-year veteran was called up last Monday by the Fever, which had been struggling offensively. Kellet was 20-for-37 with seven TDs.

Carter lands in the AFL
Quincy Carter, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, signed with the Arena Football League's Kansas City Brigade.
Earlier this year, the troubled athlete showed interest in possibly playing for the Dorados.

Peter Rasmussen covers the Rio Grande Valley Dorados for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.