Sub-4A Notebook: Key games await Lyford in 32-3A

Mostly everyone knows just how good the Lyford Bulldogs are right now.

They have the Valley’s leading passer in Johnny Esparza (2,104 yards, 23 TDs).

They have 14 different receivers that have caught passes, led by Jacob Carranco (35 catches, 500 yards), who leads 32-3A in each category. And they have a stingy defense that’s tops in 32-3A in yards and points allowed.

But the next two weeks can affirm just how good they are and can be. Lyford (8-0, 5-0 district) hosts Rio Hondo (4-4, 4-1) in a pivotal 32-3A matchup Friday night (more on the game from both sides later this week). But the Mean Green has certainly been on a roll and it’s been a while since they’ve been this hot.

How long you ask? Try 40 years.

It was in 1969 that the Bulldogs were last 8-0 in a season. That year, Lyford went on to win its first 11 games before falling in the second round of the playoffs. They also started out 11-0 twice in the 50s (1950, 53).

This year, they’ve already clinched a playoff spot and could clinch a share of the title (officially) with a win Friday.
Another quick note: the Bulldogs have caught the eye of AP state voters as they received two points in this week’s poll.

YOU’VE BEEN ZAPPED

Zapata did it again last week, beating Port Isabel in overtime last week and someone else stepped up their game.

Down 21-7 at the half, the Hawks persevered and also got a big performance from Andrew Magee.

Magee rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns and threw another, a 49-yarder to Ricky Martinez as the Hawks rallied to win. Zapata (4-4, 4-1) is aiming for a return to the playoffs in its second year in the Valley 3A league.

They host Progreso Friday.

PLAYOFF TALK

Lyford has already clinched a playoff spot no matter what happens. Rio Hondo and Zapata can officially clinch spots with victories this week or losses by Raymondville, Hidalgo or La Feria.

In 2A, Santa Rosa is in with a win at Bishop this week.

In Class A, La Villa is in with a win at Bruni or an Agua Dulce loss.

GRIDIRON GREATS

Here are the standouts from Week 8:

>> Raymondville’s B.J. Flores had his seventh straight 100-yard game (107) and a TD vs. Rio Hondo

>> Isaiah De la Cruz had 104 yards and two TDs for the Bobcats vs. Raymondville.

>> Joe Vega had 140 yards rushing for PI vs. Zapata

>> Hidalgo’s Kevin Trevino was 21-of-38 for 231 yards and 2 TDs vs. Lyford. In that game, Gino Quiroz caught six passes for 103 yards and both scores.

Armando Garza covers sub-4A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers.