LUBBOCK, TX — The Lubbock Estacado Matadors (2-4) open up district play on Thursday, October 10, against the Levelland Lobos (4-2). In what is being coined as "the Red Raider Bowl," Former Texas Tech Red Raiders and now head coaches of the respective teams in tonight's matchup look to start district with a victory.
The Matadors come off an impressive win on the road against Andrews last Friday. After a close first half, the Matadors made several plays on defense and special teams, including a blocked punt, that let Estacado pull far ahead in the final two quarters. Estacado won that matchup 42-22.
Now, the Matadors open District 2-4A at home against the Lobos. Levelland comes into this matchup 4-2 overall on the season, with all the Lobos' wins coming from teams with losing records. Levelland's two losses this year came from Idalou and Dalhart, who have a combined 9-3 record.
Head Coach Eric Ward spoke on the Matadors' prospective victory on Thursday at the Lubbock ISD Coaches Media Luncheon at Plains Captial Park. Watch that interview below:
Levelland Head Coach Lyle Leong wrapped up his career with the Red Raiders 2nd all-time in receiving touchdowns (32), while Coach Eric Ward went down in Texas Tech history in the no. 2 spot in catches (255), just behind Wes Welker and one touchdown catch behind Leong. Their College days may be behind these two outstanding receivers, but one thing is for certain: both know no offense.
Leong likes to put the ball in the air, reminiscent of his days at Tech, while Ward runs a more conventional offense with an emphasis on keeping the ball on the ground. This will truly be a game of opposites. Which defense can stop the other? Can Estacado keep the Lobos offense on the sideline? If the Matadors want to win, they'll have to do just that. Estacado has the athletes on defense to stop Levelland, but it will take disciplined teamwork to pull it off.
Lubbock Estacado in action against Canyon Randall
(South Plains LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
Estacado has run into problems this season when penalties are not kept in check. Ward touched on this fact when speaking on the Matadors' growth this season. He says player leadership is key. In his opinion, "a player-led" team is even better than a coach-led team. If the Matadors take care of the football and do not commit unnecessary penalties, they should win this ball game.
Kickoff between these two teams is scheduled for Thursday night, October 10, at Plains Capital Park. in Lubbock, at 7 p.m.
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