STAFF REPORTS
Lopez running back Ivan Olivo scored on a 52-yard run just seconds into the fourth quarter as the Lobos came back to defeat Edinburg High 20-15 on Thursday night at Cat Memorial Stadium in Edinburg.
Lopez got its running game going and the defense did the rest against the Bobcats.
“Great defense. Taking care of the football on offense, establishing the run,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “We took the next step forward. I think we’re just scratching the surface what we could be. I think we found a good balance (Thursday) on offense. I’m very pleased with of our offensive line. I really proud of coach Perez and coach Barba what they’ve done with that group, they’re our youngest and most inexperienced group. They performed at a high level. “
Behind that offensive line, the Lobos led 13-9 after the first quarter after back-to-back rushing touchdowns by Jose Echavarria and Hugo Salas.
But the Lopez offense slowed down and the Bobcats would take the lead 15-13 in the second quarter and stay that way at the break.
In the second half, the difference was the Lobos’ defense. The unit, which has eight returning starters, made the plays when they needed to. Lopez had multiple stops in the red zone and shut out Edinburg High after halftime to preserve the win.
“Our defense really stepped up,” Starkey said. “I was really proud of our new DC Hugo Ramirez getting his first W, I think the transformation that he and that defensive staff has made in a short time has been nothing short of amazing. I’m really proud of the way we’re playing defensive football.
“The commitment and the effort is something to be proud of right now.”