Lions Fans could feel the energy grow through Cervetto Field Friday, Oct. 25 as the home team fought to a 35-28 defeat of the Eastland Mavericks, securing the first win of the season.
Eastland scored first in the first quarter but Dublin quickly fired back and although Eastland got another TD by the end of the first quarter, the Lions held strong and led 20-13 at the half.
The game was tied up 28-28 in the fourth when the Lions took ultimate control.
“We a big fourth down stop in the fourth quarter,” said head football coach/ athletic director Greg Hardcastle. “From that, we were able to get back down the field and score the winning touchdown.”
Eastland was able to get back down the field in the final moments but the Lions were able to stop the throw and maintain the game.
“Defensively, I thought they played really hard,” said Hardcastle in a statement that is echoed by the stats. Alonso Moreno led Lions in tackles with 17 while Kaden Gaitan, Caige Balvantin and Jovani Cervantes each had 10. Alex Teten and Jake Southall brought down 7 tackles each and Rey Chacon and Edwin Nevarez (who also had a sack) had six. Ron Bahena also got five tackles.
Hardcastle also called out the special teams who he said were much improved and able to shake Eastland a couple of times in the game such as a blocked punt in the first quarter that kept the Lions closer to the endzone on a turnover.
“The kids showed great resilience,” Hardcastle said. “It was so great after the game to see the emotion in the kids’ faces. You could see the hard work had paid off and we’re continuing to get better.”
Gaitan had 239 yards in passing. In receiving, Ferguson had 90 yards, Teten had 56 yards and Francisco Garcia had 48.
Ferguson and Garcia scored two touchdowns each while Gaitan brought the other one over the goal line. Rey Chacon went 5 for 5 in his PAT kicks.
The coach said Dublin is facing another challenge Friday, Nov. 1 as they travel to Clifton to face the Cubs.
“They’re a team that playshard,”saidHardcastle. “Theydon’tbeatthemselves. They’re pretty solid and steady.”
Hardcastle said the team will be preparing hard as they know what’s at stake. A win opens the door for a third place finish in district and a spot in the playoffs.