The Levelland held their season opener against the Plainview Bulldogs at home, where the Lobos suffered their first loss of the season 45-18.
The Lobos came into the game flat-footed and made some mental mistakes on special teams allowing 14 points due to kick-off returns.
Although they were facing adversity, the team came into the game as strong and motivated as they could, they just had a few minor mistakes that dampened their mood for the rest of the night.
Coach Leong was a little disappointed in their season opener as well.
“It wasn’t good, we didn’t help ourselves giving up 14 points and we probably gave up more than that, but we gave up more points on special teams than we scored so we have to make some changes, get some things fixed,” said Coach Leong. “That’s all around the board, it’s not all on just the kids it’s on us coaches so we’re going to fix it on both sides for us and get it right before the Snyder Tigers.”
The Bulldogs scored first on a 38-yard punt return. The Lobos would score on the next drive. Back-up quarterback Boston Winfield would enter the game in the middle of the first quarter and provide some offensive stability with the help of Ricky Rodriguez.
Rodriguez would score on a eight-yard touchdown run. Plainview would block the PAT and it would be returned by the bulldogs.
At the end of the first quarter, Plainview would lead 9-6, over the Lobos.
Plainview would start the second quarter finishing a nine play drive with a touchdown run. Wrapping up the first half, the Lobos trailed 16-6.
Plainview returned the opening kickoff to start the second half on an 87-yard to push the Bulldog lead, 24-6. The Bulldogs would then score after a Lobo fumble on a four-yard run.
With a bulk of the third quarter remaining Winfield would connect with receiver Kaden Brogden for a 35-yard touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs regrouped and scored on a 10-yard touchdown run. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs led 38-12.
Putting together a long offensive drive, Winfield connected with Noah Tienda in the endzone to push the score to 38-18.
Plainview managed another scoring drive late in the fourth quarter with the Bulldogs making the score 45-18.
Levelland would finish with 108 yards on the ground and 201 yards through the air for a total of 309 yards. The Lobos totaled roughly 80 yards in penalties.
Plainview finished with 212 yards on the ground and 209 yards through the air for a total of 421 yards. The Bulldogs racked up roughly 55 yards in penalties.
Coming out of the game, the Lobos did have an upside as they saw potential in their backup quarterback Winfield.
“He did great, I was super proud of Boston. I have nothing but good to say about him and he’s going to continue to get better and were going to improve around him to make it easier on him,” said Coach Leong.
The run game was looking good as they had gotten the ball moving well with their running backs and the run scheme. Offensive line questions revolved around depth, but the five starters for Levelland found themselves working efficiently.
Defensively, the Lobos continued to show their strength, but the lack of point production on the opposite side of the ball continued to drain the defensive morale.
The Levelland Lobos have the Snyder Tigers next as they are on the road with a 7 p.m. kick off time.
The Tigers will be heading into this game 1-0 as they beat the Slaton Tigers, 42-0.