Monterey Plainsmen Claim the Silver Spurs

The Lubbock High Westerners came out strong, quickly putting points on the board as junior quarterback Zach Reyna launched a 50-yard pass to senior receiver Derek Torrez on the first play. After a failed rushing attempt, running back Braiden Dunkerson powered the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. With just 56 seconds off the initial game clock, the Westerners took a 7-0 lead.

As the Westerners held their heads high after scoring first, they had no idea how the night would unfold. In a quick response, the Plainsmen’s senior quarterback, Luke Arrington, completed a deep pass that put Monterey in a strong scoring position. Senior running back Dez Williams rushed the ball into the end zone, tying the game at 7-7.

After a loss of downs for the Westerners, the Plainsmen were fired up. Before the first quarter ended, Arrington connected with Jarron Gomez for a touchdown and then threw another one to Landon Heibert, putting the Plainsmen ahead 21-7.

The second quarter continued in a similar fashion, with the Plainsmen keeping their foot on the gas. Dez Williams celebrated in the end zone after scoring an 18-yard touchdown, bringing their lead to 28-7. As the Westerners struggled to find their rhythm, the Plainsmen capitalized on their four-and-outs with more touchdowns. A stiff arm and a goal-line shove allowed Darron Moore to score, extending the lead to 35-7.

The Westerners found their rhythm just before halftime, putting together a solid drive down the field. Unfortunately for Lubbock High, a tipped pass was ruled a fumble, and Plainsmen defensive end Willie Weatherspoon scooped up the ball and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 49-7 at the half.

The Westerners needed to bounce back as the second half kicked off, but the Plainsmen's defense dominated every one of their drives. Adding to the momentum, Arrington connected with Dez Lewis for a 43-yard touchdown reception. The Westerners looked defeated as they trailed 56-7, with only a minute and a half gone in the second half.

As the clock ticked down, the Plainsmen moved back into scoring position. Sophomore receiver Noah Alexander made a great catch in the front right corner of the end zone, adding another 7 points to the board. When the fourth quarter started, the Plainsmen had more energy to give; Dallas Trevino found the end zone, with almost every eligible offensive player getting in on the action. Both teams focused on running the ball to wind down the clock, and the game ended with a final score of 70-7.

The head coach of the Monterey Plainsmen, Judd Thrash, spoke about how this win was significant for the program, emphasizing the pursuit of a district championship and a shot at the Texas High School playoffs. Watch that interview here:

Juan Rodriguez, head coach of the Lubbock High Westerners, congratulated the Plainsmen on their victory and the need to iron out mistakes and move forward. Watch that interview here:

The Monterey Plainsmen head to Amarillo next week on October 18 to take on the Tascosa Rebels in their fourth district matchup at Dick Bivins Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the Lubbock High Westerners will remain in Lubbock, facing off against the third district opponent, the Abilene Eagles, at Lowry Field on Thursday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m.