By MARK OCHS

News Gram Sportswriter

          With ice water running through his veins, Eagles star guard Cesar Hernandez calmly sank two crucial free throws with just seven seconds left in the game, handing the Eagle Pass Eagles a narrow, hard- fought,51-48 victory over their arch-enemies, the C.C. Winn High School

Mavericks, on Tuesday night, Feb. 4, in the Student Activities Center. With his team up 49-48, Hernandez stole the ball, got fouled, made his first free throw with a swish, and then -- with a deft shooter's touch -- got a bounce-bounce-bounce free throw to roll in, ending the night's scoring.

           The score was tied at 13 at the end of the first quarter. The Mavs led at halftime, 25-23, and by 40-39 as the third quarter ended. But the Eagles outscored the Mavs

12-8 in the all-too-crucial fourth quarter. Cesar Hernandez came through in the clutch. He scored eight points in the game for the Eagles, who got 10 points from Raffa Bernandez, eight from Miguel Sanchez, seven from Luis Ramos, six from Michael Rodriguez, four from Luis Padilla, two from Rudy Musquiz. and one from Javier Reza.

           Miguel Rodriguez, with 12 points, led the way for the Mavericks, who got eight points from Michael

Vargas, four from Albert Nandin, and two apiece from Epy Ruiz and Brandon Castillo. Victorious Eagle Pass coach Ernesto Reyes said after the nail-biter ended: "There was great competition on both ends of the floor.But this game was all about heart and pride."

          It was the most exciting game of the year for both teams. The thrilling final seconds had the crowd on its feet, yelling and cheer- ing as the host Eagles barely outlasted the Mavericks.