The Levelland Lobos’ defense forced six turnovers in a 37-6 victory over Fort Stockton, despite two lightning delays.
The Lobos were able to jump out to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter, which ended up being a 24-0 lead going into halftime.
After adding their final 13 points during the third quarter, the Panthers were able to find the end zone with about 1:30 left in the quarter.
Neither team was able to add to their total in the fourth quarter, as the Lobos held the Panthers scoreless for the final 12 minutes to secure the victory.
Bentley Sepulbeda, sophomore wide receiver/ defensive back, made his presence felt on both sides of the ball after catching a touchdown in the first quarter and intercepting the Fort Stockton quarterback twice.
“I do whatever I can to make sure my team wins, because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day,” Sepulbeda said.
Levelland got things started with a touchdown pass from Ethan Salazar to Bryson Golightly, giving the Lobos a 7-0 lead with 7:16 remaining in the first quarter.
The defense quickly caused a fumble, which was recovered by Tristan Waters, senior offensive/defensive lineman. This set up the Levelland offense inside Fort Stockton’s 20-yard line, which allowed Salazar to find Sepulbeda on an out route. Sepulbeda danced along the sideline and into the end zone for a touchdown.
Fort Stockton was threatening to cut into the lead in the second quarter before Sepulbeda intercepted a pass in the end zone. Jake Potter would soon break free for a big run, setting up a 37-yard field goal, which gave the Lobos a 17-0 lead with 6:14 remaining in the half.
The Panthers would again look to make a drive down the field, only for their drive to be cut short by a big quarterback hit from Noah Martin on fourth down.
With 1:57 remaining in the half, a lengthy lightning delay would pause play for about an hour.
After the delay, there seemed to be no rust in Martin’s legs as he broke off a 30-yard touchdown, not even 20 seconds back from the break. Levelland would grow their lead to 24-0 with 1:42 remaining.
Another lightning delay would shortly follow, pausing play from 9:10 to 9:45 p.m.
Once play resumed, Potter would force and recover a fumble, which allowed Levelland to take the game into halftime up 24-0.
Fort Stockton came out of half with a big kick return, which was followed by some solid runs; however, another fumble would end their drive. Eric Paredez, junior receiver/defensive back, would come up with the fumble recovery, putting the Lobos on their own 35-yard line with 9:51 remaining in the third quarter. Martin would find the end zone a second time later in the quarter, breaking off a 25-yard touchdown run to extend their lead to 31-0 with 4:45 remaining in the quarter.
Fort Stockton would go on to fumble on the kickoff, which would set up Graham Gibbs, senior running back/ linebacker, with a rushing touchdown to make
it 37-0. With Fort Stockton looking to avoid being shut out at home, they would complete a deep pass followed by a big quarterback run, setting them up to punch in a short rushing touchdown. The extra point try was unsuccessful, making the score 37-6 with 1:28 remaining in the third quarter.
Sepulbeda would end another promising Fort Stockton drive with his second interception of the night. The Lobos put in their backups and were able to run the ball out until time expired.
The win puts the Levelland Lobos at 2-0 on the season. They will travel to Taylor/Reddell Field to play the Idalou Wildcats Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.