The Dublin Lions opened district play at Merkel Friday night, falling 51-25 in a fierce bout with the Badgers.
The Lions kept fighting until the final moments of the game despite facing several setbacks in injuries and penalties throughout the game.
Lions kept pace through the first half, tying at 8-8 for a while. Markel was slightly up 15-11 when they scored right before halftime, making it 22-11 at the half.
Dublin Athletic Director/ head football coach Greg Hardcastle said the Badgers were consistent in running the ball in the second half.
“We had a couple of good drives,” Hardcastle said, but the visitors got held.
“The kids kept battling,” he said in praise of his players.
Aidan Hernandez led in scoring for Dublin as he completed two PAT (Point after Touchdown) kicks and a field goal as well as carrying a two-point conversion and a touchdown over the goal line. He led in receiving with 45 yards and had 22 yards in kickoff return.
Cameron Patton led in rushing with 126 yards.
Quarterback Kaden Gaitan brought in a touchdown and had 85 yards of passing through the night.
Dalan Rasberry completed the other TD.
Jacen Hines led the team in tackles with 7 while Cooper Pickett had six tackles and a sack. Collin Clendenin put in five tackles, and Gaitan, Raspberry and Lucas Azua each had four.
Dublin returns home to face the Millsap Bulldogs.
Hardcastle reports Millsap has predominantly turned to a running game this year, so stopping ballrunners will be key to Dublin’s success.
Hardcastle said several players will be returning from the injured list so the Lions ranks will be bolstered for battle.
Kickoff will be 7:30 p.m. on the Bob and Norma Cervetto Field.