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Dublin Lion Ayden Vargas sweeps left around Comanche defense while teammates block during the Oct. 20 home game. Paul Gaudette | Citizen staff photo
The Lions were already battling hard when they scored the first points in the Friday, Oct. 20 home game against the Comanche Indians.
The visitors had already scored 33 points in the second quarter when the Lions were able to advance it to the endzone through a series of downs. Quarterback Kaden Gaitan was joined by the rest of his team as the pushed through defense and still fell inches short of getting it over the goal line.
The home team got up, dusted themselves off and tried again with Gaitan succeeding the 1 yard rush followed by a successful kick by Aidan Hernandez.
Comanche continued to drive up the score but the Lions stayed in the game, completing the final touchdown in the fourth quarter as Kevin Patton completed a 36 yard pass followed by a successful twopoint conversion with Francisco Garcia completing a pass from Gaitan.
“The kids battled hard,” said athletic director/head football coach Greg Hardcastle. “ We got some bright spots and big plays. [Comanche is] a very good team. They had lost four games going into the game, but some of the teams they played were Albany and Tolar, who are expected to make long [playoff] runs.”
Gaitan managed 169 yards in passing and 41 yards in rushing.
Rushing for the Lions was led by Cameron Patton who scored 60 yards.
The Lions also benefitted from some able receiving by Kevin Patton (36 yards) Cameron Patton (35), Aiden Salyer (33), Aidan Hernandez (30) and Kyson Gilman (29).
The Lions are returning home on Friday, Oct. 27 as they face the 2-6 Eastland Mavericks.
Friday is also senior night with a reception of the field at 6:30 p.m. honoring the seniors in football, cheer, drill team and band. Kick off will follow at 7 p.m.