The Levelland Lobos improve to 2-1 after a 23-13, homecoming win over the Lubbock High Westerners Friday night.
Three weeks into the 2023 season, the Lobos found themselves finally clicking on all three sides of the ball.
Defensively, the Lobos continue to make a name for themselves as the group forced five take-aways. Starting on the opening possession of the game, Levellands’ Noah Tienda would pick-off an errand Westerner throw on third down and give the Lobo offense an early opportunity for points.
Putting together a 10-play drive, Levelland quarterback Boston Winfield connected with receiver Gage Potter on a 13-yard toss for a touchdown. After a missed field goal, the Lobos took a 6-0 lead with roughly seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, a high pooch-kick from Austin Ellis resulted in a Westerner fumble allowing Tienda to recover the ball.
Trying to cash in on the extra possession, the Lobos stalled 23yards out of the red zone. Lobo Gage Potter and the field goal unit were able to score three points toward the end of the first quarter pushing the Levelland lead to 9-0.
Finding some offensive momentum in the waning minutes of the second quarter, Lubbock High would sting together a 10play drive for a touchdown on a one-yard run. With a successful field goal, the Lobo lead has been cut down to 9-7, heading into halftime.
An early third quarter interception would hinder the Lobo offense, but Tienda would secure his third turnover of the night jumping on a Westerner fumble.
The Lobos would work inside Westerner territory, but a stalled drive led to a second Lobo field goal attempt. This one would be blocked, and the Lobos went away empty handed. The Westerners would drive over nine plays and connect on a 32yard touchdown pass, but would have their PAT attempt blocked. Lubbock High took their first lead of the night, 13-9.
After possessions were traded, the Levelland offense would strike again.
Levelland covered 80-yards on a touchdown pass from Winfield to Tienda from 48-yards out. Rusty Johnson would run in the PAT putting Levelland back on top, 17-13.
Following the kickoff to the Westerners, Johnson would pickoff a Lubbock High pass and score on a 38-yard run to the end zone. Pushing the Lobo lead to 23-to-13 with under two minutes to play.
The Westerners drove down field at a good pace only to find the Lobo defense in the way yet again. Johnson would pick off a second pass, allowing Levelland to take a knee for the 23-13 win.
Levellands’ Potter had six carries for 39 yards while Kysen Niblett had seven carries for 16 yards. Johnson had five carries for 16 yards. Levelland rushed for 81 yards with six different running backs.
Winfield went 12-19 through the air for over 200 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Potter had five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown with Noah Tienda catching two passes for 55 yards a touchdown. Ben Alvarado had three catches for 53 yards with Kaden Brogden pulling three catches for 43 yards. Levelland totaled 326 yards of offense with three turnovers.
Lubbock High would rush for just 29 yards on the night while having 169 yards through the air. Lubbock High would give up five turnovers in the loss.
Levelland would give up nine penalties for 110 yards while Lubbock High gave up 11 flags for 74 yards.
Athletic Director and Head Coach Lyle Leong shared is excitement for his team and staff to secure their first win of the season against the Westerners.
“These kids work hard and put in the hours to get to this point and it is good to see them see the benefits from their hard work,” said Coach Leong. “This win feels great, but there is more work that needs to be done and I hope our kids take this as a stepping stone to achieving our goals of being a district champion and playoff team.”
While the Lobo defense carried the team to victory, Coach Leong was happy to see all three units put together a solid performance.
The Lobos travel to Plains Capital Park, Lowery Field Friday, to take on Lubbock Estacado at 7 p.m.