Lubbock Makes History Against Lake View with Homecoming Victory

For most of the first quarter, the Westerners and the Chiefs struggled to find their offensive rhythm. A series of penalties stalled drives and disrupted momentum, with the Westerners particularly affected by several false starts. However, with just over two minutes remaining, Lake View Chiefs sophomore quarterback Chris Alvizo connected with senior Francisco Ramirez in the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. After a successful extra point, the Chiefs took a 7-0 lead.

Looking to bounce back before the opening period concluded, the Westerners searched for a way down the field. Unfortunately for Lubbock High, an errant pass from Lubbock High’s junior quarterback Zach Reyna found Lake View's Isaac Montrel for an interception. The pick handed the Chiefs a golden opportunity in the red zone with the lead.

The Westerners had to make a stand to stay in the game early. Lubbock High's defense stepped up, halting the Chiefs' momentum and forced them to attempt a field goal. However, the 16-yard kick at early in the 2nd quarter missed the mark. Lubbock High gained a chance to regroup and make another push down the field.

Lubbock High's offense finally found traction on the ensuing drive. A series of quick passes and a healthy dose of the run game from Braiden Dunkerson pushed the Westerners deep into Lake View territory. Faced with a 4th and goal inside the 10-yard line, Dunkerson answered the high-pressure situation with a touchdown. The Westerners and Chiefs were all tied up 7-7 with less than five minutes to play in the first half.

However, the Westerners weren't finished yet. Following a touchback, the Chiefs started at their 30-yard line. Alvizo dropped back and threw an interception to Lubbock High's junior linebacker Malik Conwright, who ran it back for a pick-six. With the successful extra point, the Westerners took the lead for the first time that night, 14-7.

With the ball back in the Chiefs' territory, Lake View attempted to put up points before halftime. However, the relentless Westerners' defense rose to the occasion once again. Lubbock High forced a fumble that set the Westerners up on Lake View's side of the 50. As time wound down and only 10 seconds remained, senior kicker Yael Ontiveros stepped up and delivered a massive 48-yard field goal, giving the Westerners a comfortable two-score lead at halftime. They went into the break ahead, 17-7.

The second half turned into a defensive showdown, contrasting with the high-octane action of the first half. Midway through the third quarter, the Westerners kept their momentum going, steadily advancing down the field. A pass to senior Derek Torrez moved Lubbock High inside the 10-yardline to the six. From the 6-yard line, Dunkerson powered through to find the end zone again, marking his second touchdown of the night. Lubbock High extended their lead to 24-7.

The momentum continued to build as the Westerners executed another impressive play. Torrez caught a deep pass down the field for a 54-yard touchdown. Following a successful extra point, the Westerners extended their lead to 31-7, solidifying their dominance in the contest.

In a strong push during the fourth quarter, the Chiefs finally looked to score after their touchdown in the 1st quarter. Lake View managed to string together several first downs, steadily chipping away at the Westerners' defense. Quarterback Christopher Alvizo threw a high pass that found junior receiver Daniel Munoz in the end zone for the second score of the night. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, their two-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving the Westerners in the lead at 31-13.

As the clock wound down, the Westerners on the sideline and in the stands began chanting as the final drive of the night ended with a respectful kneel from the quarterback. Lubbock High made some history on Thursday night. For the first time in 49 years, the Westerners won three straight games, with a 31-13 victory over the Lake View Chiefs. The last time the Westerners were 3-1 was 2001, 23 years ago.

Lubbock High Westerners Head Coach Juan Rodriguez expressed his pride in the team and highlighted how effectively the defense controlled the game's momentum, even in the face of early penalties. Watch the interview here:

The Lubbock High Westerners enter district play next Thursday, October 3, when they host the Amarillo Tascosa Rebels at Lowrey Field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.