The Levelland Lobos helped increase their playoff chances with a 14-7 win on the road against the Borger Bulldogs Friday.
Falling to an 0-2 record after narrow losses against district foes Estacado and Perryton, the Lobos were able to muster enough grit to overcome several self-inflicted mistakes against the Bulldogs.
Offensively, the Lobos would produce all 14 points on two scoring drives within the first half. On their first possession of the game, Ethan Salazar would take the snaps and lead the offense on a five-play scoring drive. The Lobos would overpower the Borger defense and score from the one-yard line by quarterback sneak.
Eli Randol would put the ball through the up-rights for the PAT.
Both offenses would spend the remainder of the first and beginning of the second quarter exchanging stalled offensive drives.
Eventually the Lobos would put together a quality offensive drive that burned roughly five minutes of the clock. The Lobos efforts would be cashed in after Noah Martin would take the handoff from the 10-yard line into the endzone to cap off a seven play drive.
Randol would once again convert the PAT to make the score 14-0.
Coming out of the second half, Borger would take the first possession but would fail to push the ball down field. On the ensuing punt, a bobbled ball would recovered by the Borger punt team setting them in Lobo territory.
A four play scoring drive would bring back energy for the Borger sideline and crowd.
Leading 14-7, the Lobos defense would bend, but not break for the remainder of the second half. Multiple personal foul penalties in various drives would put the Borger offense in position to capitalize, but could not follow through.
The Borger defense would hold the Lobo passing attack to 90 yards in the entire game. Levelland wrapped up their ground game with 180 yards and a total of 270 yards of offense.
Penalty wise, the Lobos had 70 yards compared to the 90 yards of penalties Borger finished with.
“I didn’t think we played great,” said Lobo Head Coach Lyle Leong. “It is a good thing to secure the win in a must-win situation, but looking back our defense kept us in the game but we have to help them offensively.”
Looking back at the miscue on special teams, Coach Leong felt that could have been a positive turning point for the Lobos if they could handle the put and open the flood gates offensively if they scored on that drive.
“At this point, if we want to move forward with another win Friday and beyond into the post season we have to find a way to put it all together,” explained Coach Leong. “At times our offense is firing when our defense is not or it is the opposite. Collectively, we have to be competitive on both sides of the ball if want to win games.”
Coach Leong acknowledged that despite the errors, his squad finally finished a game with the win in their favor. Coming off of two losses that could have easily gone the way of the Lobos, Levelland keeps their playoff chances alive with the win over Borger.
Estacado has earned the district champion spot outright with a 4-0 record while Levelland, Perryton, Borger and Liberty are all 1-2 in district play.
Perryton and Borger will be facing off Friday in Perryton while Levelland will be hosting Liberty on senior night Friday.
Looking ahead to Liberty, Coach Leong highlighted the teams discipline in their responsibilities.
“They have some size in the trenches and they play sound football,” said Coach Leong. “While they haven’t had the success they are looking for in the win column they are young and are still getting better as the season moves along.”
Winner between the Lobos and Liberty earn themselves a playoff spot outright. There is a scenario for the Lobos to make the playoffs if they cannot secure the win. However, Coach Leong and his team are looking to control their playoff fate with a win.
“There is going to be a lot excitement on both sides,” said Coach Leong. “It all comes down to this week and we have to play our best game collectively.”