In San Angelo Lake View’s red zone on fourth and two, the Levelland Lobos’ quarterback Ethan Salazar received the snap in shotgun formation, juggling the ball initially, trying to grasp it fully.
Maintaining control, Salazar tucks the ball into his chest and veers right behind his offensive line, gaining more than enough yards to keep the chains moving for the Lobos’ offense in overtime.
Salazar’s conversion sets up running back Noah Martin for a short-yardage touchdown run, tying the score 34-34 in overtime. Converting the extra point, the Lobos defeat Lake View, 35-34.
“I really hate losing; that’s my mindset,” Salazar said. “Soon as I caught that ball in my hands, it was either get the first down or die trying.”
Trailing 21-7 in the second quarter, the Lobos spent most of the game digging themselves out of a hole after multiple first-half penalties and an interception, stalling the offense.
In the second half, the Lobos played much cleaner football on offense after Offensive Coordinator Marlon Winn and the staff adjusted to calls the players were more comfortable with and could execute.
“Coach Winn just went back to the drawing board, back to what we’re good at and what we know,” Levelland Lobos’ Head Coach Lyle Leong said. “The Players bought in and believed.”
While Coach Winn took initiative on the sideline, Salazar was able to ignite the offense with four combined touchdowns, two passing and two rushing, and catapult his team to the win over Lake View.
“Certified baller, that kid is a winner,” Leong said about Salazar’s performance in helping his team when trailing. The Lobos have come out on top versus Lake View in back-to-back years, also defeating the Chiefs 40-33 on Sept. 26, 2025. The Lobos next opponent will be District 3-4A opponent, Perryton, but first the Lobos will have a bye week to rest and prepare for their district foe on Oct. 16.