KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
LYFORD – The Lyford Bulldogs did not disappoint their homecoming crowd Friday night.
Sophomore quarterback Cayleb Klostermann ran for one score and threw for two touchdowns en route to a 41-3 win over Falfurrias, earning the Bulldogs their first district win of the 2018 season.
“These guys had to go on the road and play some tough games early on,” Lyford coach Israel Gonzalez said. “It feels good to be back home, and we were able to put up some points and do our thing defensively. On offense, we knew we had to come out and produce, we had a few rough weeks back to back, and tonight we had several players come out and make plays.”
The sophomore gunslinger threw for 151 yards and accounted for three scores, and showed growth and command of the huddle. The 41-point outburst is a season high for the Bulldogs’ offense.
“We feel good right now,” Klostermann said. “We had two losses and it hurt us, but tonight we put up some points and we made a statement. This is the most points we have scored all year, and it goes back to me being vocal and knowing the offense, and the chemistry I have with my guys.”
The Bulldogs took advantage of the opening kickoff by recovering the ball at the Jerseys’ 20-yard line. A few plays later, Klostermann put Lyford up 6-0 early in the first quarter.
Devon Mendoza had a night as well out of the backfield. Mendoza’s 30-yard run help set up a Klostermann touchdown pass to Joaquin Gonzales that put the Bulldogs up 12-3 during the second quarter.
Gonzales hauled in a team-high seven catches for 104 yards and two scores through the air.
The offense did not stop there. After the defense forcing its second turnover, Mendoza scored from 1 yard out and, on the next drive, Klostermann hit Andrew Reyna for a 10-yard score, putting the ’Dogs ahead 27-3 at the half.
Mendoza scored his second touchdown of the night on the first drive of the second half, putting Lyford in cruise control 35-3. Mendoza finished with 43 yards on nine carries and a pair of scores.
Lyford’s defense only yielded three points and put together one of its best performances of the year.
“Our defense did a great job, it is a senior group and they showed that tonight,” Gonzalez said.
The win snaps a two-game skid for Lyford, which will shift its focus to Aransas Pass in Week 7.