Lyford aims for 10-0 in Cotton Bowl against Raymondville

RAYMONDVILLE — For the first time in 18 seasons, the Lyford Bulldogs have a chance to finish a regular season undefeated.

Yes, the 1991 Bulldogs stormed to the third round thanks to Art Vela and head coach Joe Solis a host of other stars.

But all of the fanfare is absent from the 2009 Bulldogs’ locker room. They’re focused on the future and just how far they can go with their District 32-3A trophy in tow.

And Lyford head coach Jaime Infante likes it that way.

“To be honest, the kids haven’t mentioned it a whole lot,” Infante said of a possible 10-0 season. “And that says a lot about the psyche of this team. They’re focused on the this game and then the playoffs.”

But the Raymondville Bearkats, their Willacy County rivals, are focused on spoiling the party tonight in the 67th edition of the Willacy County Cotton Bowl at Burnett Stadium.

It’s the best the Kats (4-5, 2-4) can hope for as they’re out of the playoff race.

“We’re expecting Raymondville to play its best game of the season,” Infante said. “When they’re on, they’re tough as nails. And if any coach is gonna have his team ready, it’s Alex Leal and I have the utmost respect for him.”

The Kats hold a 47-18-1 lead in the series that dates back to 1930.

But the Bulldogs (9-0, 6-0) have been in control since Day One.

Lyford has fielded 32-3A’s top offense and top defense for most of the season.

And quarterback Johnny Esparza, wideout Jacob Carranco and linebacker Bobo Quiroga have become household names.

But the emphasis on staying grounded and working for more is what drives this team, Infante said.

“Sure, it would be nice to finish undefeated and I know our community has been talking about it,” he said. “But we know what we’re expecting from Raymondville and the kids are truly focused and ready to play.”

Two bright spots for the Kats are running back B.J. Flores (1,102 yards) and Skylore Janes (734 total yards, 12 total TDs). Each of the Kats’ weapons will return next year for their senior seasons.

District 32-2A

San Diego at Santa Rosa

The Warriors are in a tough spot.

But they still have a chance to get out of it.

With the third spot in 32-2A up for grabs, Santa Rosa (4-5, 2-2 district) must win by more than 9 points or more tonight against the San Diego Vaqueros (7-2, 3-1).

A win by less would not be enough for the Warriors to overtake the Vaqueros in a positive points tiebreaker.

District 32-A

Benavides at La Villa

La Villa’s situation is a bit easier: Win and they’re in.

They can also afford to drop the game to Benavides (3-5, 2-3), but it must be by five points or less. A six-point loss to the Eagles enables them to take the third and final spot in 32-A.

Having the game at home will help matters for La Villa (4-5, 3-2).

OTHER GAMES: Port Isabel at Progreso, Zapata at Hidalgo.

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