LUBBOCK, TX — The Lubbock Estacado Matadors traveled to Canyon on Thursday for a tough matchup against a talented Canyon Randall football team. The Randall Raiders came as advertised as the Matadors fell behind in the first half. Despite an impressive showing in the final two quarters, the Matadors fell 50-26.
The Matadors started slow, not gaining much momentum early on offense. However, Randall had no issues with execution as the Raiders managed to score on their first three possessions. Estacado finally put up some resistance in the early minutes of the 2nd quarter. James Bozeman punched the ball into the end zone for Estacado’s first score. A blocked extra point left the score 20-6.
After Randall responded with another touchdown drive, Estacado ran into trouble near midfield. Behind the sticks and faced with a 4th down and long, Head Coach Eric Ward decided to go for it. Quarterback Nate Johnson dropped back to pass and heaved up a prayer. Wide receiver Xavier Lucio ran under the perfectly thrown deep ball for a 47-yard score. A successful 2-point conversion had Estacado back in the game.
Lubbock Estacado Matadors in action against Canyon Randall
(South Plains LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
Randall managed one more score before the half and led 36-14 headed to the locker rooms.
Even though the Matadors trailed by a large margin, Estacado never gave up the fight. The Matadors went blow for blow with Randall in the final two quarters, with each team scoring two touchdowns each. Z’Ryan Robinson and Bobby Ross scored the Matadors' final two touchdowns before the end of the game.
The Matadors fought until the end but fell 50-26.
Despite the loss, Coach Ward remained positive, almost excited with his team’s performance. Watch that interview below:
“I believe our team battled tonight,” Coach Ward said. “That’s the whole emphasis in playing team ball. That’s what I preach day in and day out. From what I saw tonight, I am very happy for what’s to come.”
Estacado’s losses in previous weeks could be described as self-inflicted at times. Penalties and mental mistakes held the Matadors back in two of the three previous losses. On Thursday night, neither one of those issues was a factor. Make no mistake, Canyon Randall is a talented football team, but Estacado gave them everything they had.
The Matadors had a turnover but did not self-destruct afterward. No extracurricular penalties were called against Estacado, either. Coach Ward thought how Estacado played together as a team was a major step forward. It was a team that displayed mental toughness and leadership even in a loss.
“In my humble opinion, we played as a team, and it’s coming,” Coach Ward concluded. “It’s coming together like we want it to.”
Estacado can take much from this loss. While defensive lapses still allowed explosive plays to slip through, the Matadors were resilient in short-yardage situations. Of course, Estacado will have to clean up all around before the start of district play, as they cannot allow their opponent to score 50 points and hope to win, but Ward thinks his team is coming together.
Lubbock Estacado returns to action with another road game next Friday, October 4, when the Matadors travel to Andrews to play the Mustangs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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