The Dublin Lions came out strong in their final home game Friday, Oct. 31 against the Clifton Cubs but their strong movement and early stops didn’t translate into points for the Pride.
The Lions led the game with a series of downs driving the ball across the field and head football coach/athletic director Greg Hardcastle said the team was “maybe one block from making a touchdown” to start the game.
Dublin was stopped short but continued to fight making several first downs when they had possession but Clifton broke loose and gained control eventually garnering 56 points to Dublin’s 7. Those points came from a touchdown by Julian Caldera and a solid kick after by Christian Mendez.
Quarterback Alex Teten completed a number of throws with 249 yards in passing and handed the ball to a reliable Joe Salinas who moved the ball through Clifton offense for a combine 104 yards of rushing. (Salinas also made 9 tackles, a pancake block and had 63 yards in receiving.)
Ron Bahena narrowly edge out Salinas in receiving with 66 yards followed by Paxton Loper with 42 yards and Kyson Gilman with 40.
Edwin Nevarez and Hunter Splawn led in tackles with 11 each, followed by Kyler Gaitan and Caldera who each had 7 and Cayson Loving and Westin Rollins with 5 each. The Lions head to Early Friday, Nov. 7 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. To make the playoffs, Dublin needs to beat Early and Eastland has to beat Tolar. Despite the odds, Hardcastle and the team are still looking to build on recent growth on the field and fight the team which is looking a little different this year after some new starters moved in to Early.