The Levelland Lobos lost a close fight against the Dalhart Wolves, 33-24, Friday in the panhandle.
What felt like an uphill battle for the Lobos, Levelland Athletic Director and Head Coach Lyle Leong continued to encourage his team to compete. Trailing 27-17 in the fourth quarter, Levelland’s offense took the ball with five minutes remaining within the game.
At their own 25-yard line, Lobo quarterback Konner Alexander connected with wideout Jayden Flores on a comeback route down the sideline for a first down. Offensively, the Lobos have struggled this season with the pass game, but the second half against the Wolves proved to be a turnaround for the Levelland passing attack and offensive coordinator Marlon Winn.
A false start pushed the Lobos back five yards before Alexander could take the next step. Alexander, a senior has not utilized his legs this season which caught the Dalhart defense by surprise after he tucked the ball and sprinted down the field after the pocket collapsed. Working his way into Dalhart territory, the Lobos gained a new set of downs and the offense picked up their pace with momentum on their side.
After a two-yard gain by senior Marco Guillen, Konner dropped back on a third and eight and hit Flores in his numbers on a 15-yard inside slant for a touchdown.
Guillen’s kick was good, and the Lobos got within three-points of Dalhart, 27-24.
Battling a strong Dalhart offense that prioritized the run grew increasingly difficult as their size and toughness wore down the Lobo defense.
Injuries in the first half forced Coach Leong and his staff to shuffle players as starting linebacker and second-string running back Ladarian Jordan suffered an ankle injury resulting Guillen to pull double duty in the second half filling the middle linebacker role.
With their backs against the wall, the Lobos were forced to battle the Wolves and the clock as Dalhart focused on letting time dwindle between each snap.
Marching the ball down the field, the Wolves pounded the ball inside with power runs. The defensive line managed to hold their ground allowing Coach Leong to burn his first timeout with two minutes remaining in the game.
The Wolves responded with another run down the middle, but the Dalhart running back found open field after shedding arm tackles in the second level.
Levelland’s Noah Tienda tracked the runner down and brought him down before allowing a touchdown. Dalhart crossed into Levelland territory with the ball spotted at the 16-yard line.
Defensive leader and linebacker Rusty Johnson came down from the second level and stuffed the Dalhart quarterback on a designed run play. This allowed Coach Leong to burn his second timeout in hopes of getting the ball back in his offense’s hands with time on the clock.
Levelland came out of the timeout and worked quickly in defending the Wolves next run play forcing a third and five. Coach Leong called his third and final timeout.
In their power formation, Dalhart attempted another run play down the middle and was unsuccessful.
Only a gain of three yards, the Lobos forced a fourth and two situation. Dalhart’s offense remained on the field to attempt the conversion. Having issues with lining up, Dalhart called a timeout with 54 seconds remaining.
Fans in both stands were on their feet cheering as each school’s band played. Both teams hugged the line of scrimmage, knowing that a downhill play was coming.
On the snap of the ball, the Lobos defensive line won the battle at the line of scrimmage while the linebacking core came in and cleaned up the play.
A turnover on down’s, Levelland had the ball back in their hands with time to get down the field, trailing 27-24.
Working at their 15-yard line, the Lobo offense began their drive with a drop back by Alexander. The pass intended for an inside slant was picked and returned for a touchdown. Missing the kick, the Lobos trailed, 33-24, with 44 seconds remaining.
Going with a squib kick, the Levelland offense took the field with 37 second left on the clock.
Alexander started the drive with a 25-yard pass to Flores down at the Dalhart 45-yard line.
Hurrying to the line, the clock continued to run. Alexander took the next snap under center to spike the ball and stop the clock. The clock did not stop.
With a double digits remaining on the clock, the Lobo offense looked to the sideline for the next play. The clock hit zeros as Coach Leong was asking the crew why the clock was not stopped.
A handful of seconds were added to the clock allowing Levelland two get off one more play.
Alexander took the snap but was flushed out of the pocket due to pressure. Scrambling to the sideline he was brought down to end the game.
Clock management was an issue throughout the game as the Lobos closed out the first half with an offensive drive. Moving down the field, the Lobos found themselves in field goal territory with seconds remaining.
An incomplete pass by Alexander hit the ground with 4 seconds remaining in the quarter which should have resulted in one more play.
Within the 30-yard line in Dalhart territory, Guillen has shown to have the range.
The clock continued to roll, and the refereeing crew called the first half.
Coach Leong voiced his displeasure with the no call as well as the fans sitting in the visitor seats.
After the game, the Lobos huddled on a knee and listened to Coach Leong as he spoke about the team’s effort.
Coach Leong apologized to his team and coaches for the different decisions that were made by him during the game.
He added that their goal of a district championship was still within reach as the non-district games they have played has allowed the group to grow and become a better.
“I feel that the kids did an amazing job,” said Leong. “I didn’t do a great job of coaching tonight and this one is on me. I needed to make better adjustments in-game.”
Injuries in the first half proved to be an issue for the Lobos throughout the season, but Coach Leong has faith in his leaders.
“We had a handful of injuries throughout the game, but our leaders continued to be vocal and stepped up,” explained Coach Leong. “I think that allowed the rest of the kids to stay focused and keep fighting.”
Wrapping up non-district play, the Lobos will be looking forward to hosting the Perryton Rangers Friday night at 7 p.m.
Heading into district play, Coach Leong believes his team will put their stamp on the district as a result of a competitive nondistrict schedule.
In order to achieve that, the Lobos will have to capitalize on all opportunities to put points on the board and limit selfish penalties.
“We had some miscommunication and opportunities that we did not take advantage of, but that didn’t stop us from competing,” said Coach Leong. “To solve those problems, we must continue to grow, and I believe that is what we have been doing since week one. We will be prepared heading into Friday’s match up with Perryton.”