Lyford remains perfect in 32-3A
HIDALGO — The No. 6 Lyford Bulldogs continued their perfect season in District 32-3A on Friday night as they comfortably defeated the Hidalgo Pirates at Bill Pate Stadium in Hidalgo.
The stingy Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0) defense came up big in the first half, forcing four fumbles that led to three unanswered touchdowns from the Pirates (3-6, 2-3). Bulldogs quarterback Johnny Esparza surpassed the 2,000-yard passing mark this season while throwing for 195 yards with three touchdowns. He also ran for a pair of scores.
“I was really impressed tonight with both teams. I knew it wasn’t going to be a cake walk. I think we did a great job being patient offensively,” Lyford coach Jaime Infante said. “We took what they gave us and executed when we needed to. I’m extremely proud of our defense. Their effort was fantastic. They moved the ball at us at times but we stopped them when we needed.”
Esparaza said his team’s hard work through the week is what secured Friday’s victory but admits the remaining three games will test what the Bulldogs are made of as they try to sweep the district.
“It feels great to get the win,” the senior QB said. “My teammates and everybody did a good job trying to keep the streak alive and securing first place. We have to maintain our hard work if we want to come out on top.”
The Pirates only score of the first half came on a safety after pinning the Bulldogs on their 2-yard line.
After that its was all Lyford as the Bulldogs controlled the game with their unheralded defense by forcing four fumbles. The Bulldogs capitalized with Esparza scoring rushing touchdowns and throwing for another.
A Pirates playoff birth seems a distant goal as they sink lower in the standings. Pirates quarterback Kevin Trevino threw for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
