AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rockdale showed off its 3A state ranking early and often on Friday night against Taylor — and made a case that they should be ranked higher than No. 6 in the state.

Rockdale rolled to a 55-21 win over Taylor behind six straight touchdowns in the first half. Rockdale running back Cam’Ron Valdez, who is receiving offers from several “Power 5” schools, carried the Tigers all the way, bouncing off several breakaway touchdowns to give the Tigers the massive lead.

In the second half, Taylor showed life scoring three straight touchdowns, getting to within 41-21 at the midway point of the third quarter. Rockdale receiver KeSean Raven stopped all momentum with his speed, scoring another Rockdale touchdown to put away any hopes of a comeback.

Rockdale is coming off a convincing 40-14 win at La Grange in the season opener. The Tigers were hosting Taylor in the first home game of the year. Taylor lost to Robinson 26-21 last week and was looking for its first win of the season

KBVO-TV provided another week of live high school football on-air and online for fans in Central Texas.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Interscholastic League is allowing Friday regular season football games to be televised live for the first time. This one-year only decision is an effort to allow family and friends to watch games at home safe and socially distanced during the pandemic.

Texas high schools in Class 4A-1A started the season last week with UIL recommendations for face coverings, social distancing and limited capacity at most stadiums. Class 5A and 6A programs in Texas are allowed to start the season the week of Sept. 24.

In the season opener, KBVO-TV aired Wimberley’s 24-22 come-from-behind win over Canyon Lake. The Texans made a fourth down stand at the goal line to preserve their first win in the closing seconds.