Sierra Linda varsity football took on district rival La Joya on Friday October 23^rd losing in a close fight 25-23 in front of a large Homecoming crowd.

The two teams faced off for the first time on the varsity level and battled for the traveling dog bowl and bone trophies.

Head coach Ross Crow said, “It was a good opportunity for us to come out in front of a big crowd celebrate Senior Night, celebrate Homecoming, but just came up short.”

The Bulldogs started off the game tough. They fought hard defensively only allowing the Lobos one score in the first quarter. Offensively they struggled to move the ball and failed to put points on the board.

They would end the quarter with a score of 6-0 Lobos.

The offense picked it up in the second quarter. Senior wide receiver Toshaun Thomas caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Dominic Ruelas with 1:38 left in the half. They would also kick a field goal with senior kicker Roberto Duran.

Senior running back Adam Gutierrez said, “The main thing that led to the outcome were just big mistakes on both sides of the ball. Turnovers and missed tackles played a key part.”

The Bulldogs would go into halftime down 12-10.

In the third quarter the Bulldogs came out struggling. They again failed to score and couldn’t move the ball on offense. The defense also struggled allowing La Joya to score two more touchdowns in the quarter.

They would end the quarter trailing 25-10.

The Bulldogs picked it up in the fourth. The defense shut out the Lobos in the quarter. The offense started a comeback of their own as well behind backup quarterback Thomas who went in after starter Ruelas was ruled out with a concussion. Thomas ran in the ball from 20 yards out with 9:36 left in the game.

Later in the quarter senior running back Gutierrez scored a touchdown from one yard out with 38 seconds left. In front of a loud and supportive crowd the Bulldogs attempted to go for a two point conversion and send the game into overtime. Senior wide receiver Joshua Chavez was targeted in the corner of the end zone but failed to keep a foot inbounds ending the chance for victory.

“I feel like this game was a very winnable game but a few key turnovers and penalties killed us. “Chavez said.

The Bulldogs next game is Friday October 30^th away against Buckeye (6-3) at 7 p.m.

For more information on Bulldog football visit their website at www.sierralindafootball.com.

School principals Tim Madrid (SLHS) and Brandi Haskins (LJHS) standing with the Battle of Lower Buckeye winner’s trophies.

Senior Toshaun Thomas rolling out to find a receiver on the last desperate play to try and send the game into overtime.

Senior Adam Gutierrez fighting for the touchdown with 38 seconds left in the game.

Senior Joshua Chavez making the tackle to prevent a Lobos first down

Bulldog defense working together to bring down the ball carrier.

Senior Toshaun Thomas stripping the ball from La Joya’s running back.