The Levelland Lobos got their season started with a decisive 49-34 victory over the visiting Plainview Bulldogs.
After trailing 7-6 at the end of the first quarter, the Lobos exploded for 29 second-quarter points, which had them up 35-21 at halftime. From that point forward, the Lobos were able to maintain a healthy lead over the Bulldogs.
The rushing attack was on full display for the Lobos. Jake Potter, senior running back and linebacker, finished the game with 15 carries for 130 yards and one touchdown. Backfield partner Noah Martin, junior running back and linebacker, finished the game with 95 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, a two-point conversion, and an interception.
Levelland head coach Lyle Leong said he feels good about the Lobos’ start to their new season. “It feels great to start the season off with a win; the kids have been working hard, and the coaches did well tonight.”
Both offenses were struggling to find their footing at first, but Martin turned defense into offense with his interception, setting up senior quarterback Ethan Salazar for the short touchdown run with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. A bad snap on the PAT would leave them with six points.
Plainview would go on to answer shortly after with a touchdown and extra point conversion of their own, which gave them a 7-6 lead going into the second quarter.
The Lobos were able to get a stop on fourth down, which led to Martin getting his first touchdown of the day, followed by a two-point conversion with 8:20 remaining in the half.
After a three-and-out for Plainview, Salazar was able to hit sophomore wide receiver Bentley Sepulbeda for a touchdown, growing the lead to 21-7. The second quarter fireworks continued, as it was a 28-21 lead for Levelland with 19 seconds left in the half. Following the Plainview touchdown, Sepulbeda blazed down the field for an 85-yard kick return touchdown with four seconds remaining in the half, making it 3521 going into halftime. Plainview started the second half with the football, although they did not possess it for too long. Rayden Garcia, junior offensive and defensive lineman, was able to come away with a strip sack recovery before Martin capitalized on it with another rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 42-21 with 9:06 remaining in the third quarter. The Bulldogs would go on to score around four minutes to go in the third. However, Levelland blocked the PAT, making it 42-27.
Not even a minute into the fourth quarter, Levelland added to its lead with a big passing touchdown from Salazar, making the score 49-27. Plainview added one more score to the total with 3:20 remaining, but Levelland was able to kneel out the game after that.
The Levelland Lobos will return to action Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. against the Fort Stockton Panthers at Panther Stadium.