Lubbock High Rolls to Claim First Win

A defensive battle lasted throughout the 1st quarter, with neither team giving up much ground. Big Spring managed to get into field goal range thanks to a deep pass and then a pass interference call, but missed the kick.

Lubbock High finally kickstarted their offense in the 2nd quarter. Runningback Braiden Dunkerson put the Westerners’ offense on his back on several occasions as Lubbock pushed toward the end zone. Big Spring forced a field goal that the Westerners made, but a defensive penalty set Lubbock High up with a first down inside Big Spring’s 10-yard line. Three plays later, Dunkerson bullied his way into the end zone for the 1-yard score.

On the ensuing possession, Lubbock High’s defense forced a turnover. Big Spring threw a swing pass out to the left to a receiver behind the line. After it was caught, the defense popped the receiver, who then fumbled the football. Defensive back Marquel Wynne was there for the Westerners to recover the football.

Lubbock High scored quickly following the fumble. After a few short passes, the ball was inside the 20-yard line, and it was Dunkerson’s turn again. This time, he took a handoff to the outside and sprinted to the pylon for his second touchdown. Lubbock High led with 9:30 remaining in the 2nd quarter, 13-0.

After the defense forced another punt, Lubbock High went to work again, with time winding down in the half. Quarterback Zach Reyna put his arm in action when he found Derek Torrez in the end zone. Reyna threw a jump ball and just let Torrez go and get it. Torrez out-jumped his man for Lubbock High’s third touchdown of the half. After a successful 2-point conversion, the Westerners led at the break, 21-0.

In the 2nd half, Lubbock High’s offense picked up exactly where they left off on their first possession. Lubbock High continued to churn out yardage as the Westerners pushed across midfield into Big Spring territory. Then lightning struck again. Dunkerson took a 1st down carry at the Steers 41-yard line, made a few tackles miss, and sprinted to the house for a 41-yard touchdown.

Hear from Dunkerson after the game:

Big Spring’s offense finally came alive at the end of the 3rd quarter. The Steers scored three straight touchdowns on three straight drives, including a successful onside kick, to climb back into the game. Two touchdowns were deep passes behind the defense, and the third was an excellent double move that left a man wide-open. Despite the comeback, however, it was all just too little, too late. The offensive explosion came too late, and the Steers simply did not have enough time to overtake Lubbock High’s lead.

Wynne snagged his second takeaway of the night on Big Spring’s last gasp to secure the win. The Westerners hung on in the end and won their first game of the 2024 season in their home opener, 31-20.

After the game, Head Coach Juan Rodriguez gave his thoughts on his team’s performance. Watch that interview below:

The Lubbock High Westerners (1-1) return to action on the road next Friday, September 13, when they battle the Snyder Tigers. Kickoff in Snyder is scheduled for 7 p.m.