By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
LYFORD — The Lyford Bulldogs might have lost a wealth of talent to graduation last season, but with one week left before the playoffs begin, the Bulldogs aren’t exactly playing like it.
Quarterback Cayleb Klostermann rushed for three touchdowns and Joaquin Gonzales added another two as Lyford flexed its muscles in a 35-3 victory over the Bishop Badgers on a cold and soggy Friday evening at Bulldog Stadium.
“We knew that seeding was involved whether we won and lost,” Lyford coach Israel Gonzalez said. “The kids knew what was at stake and were focused all week, and they just came out here and took care of business in the first half.
“We were 7-3 last year with a great senior heavy ballclub and we’re 7-3 again, and we are finishing with the exact same record and some momentum heading into the playoffs and we’re hoping that we can keep that going.”
With Jourdanton picking up a 21-8 victory over San Antonio Cole, that means Lyford will take on Cole in the bi-district round (venue to be determined this morning).
The win was the third consecutive victory for the Bulldogs, but for second-year coach Gonzalez, it also meant it was the second consecutive time leading Lyford into the postseason.
“It says that I’m surrounded by great coaches and great kids,” Gonzalez said. “All glory goes to God and these kids, because none of this happens without them and none of this happens without the coaching staff and without being surrounded by a great community.”
From the get-go, the Bulldogs started with their foot on the gas pedal as Klostermann broke loose on a 43-yard touchdown run that put the Bulldogs up 6-0.
Eight minutes later, Gonzales lit up the scoreboard again as the speedy senior found a hole and went the distance on a 35-yard touchdown run that extended Lyford’s lead to 12-0.
Despite the advantage on the scoreboard, Lyford continued to overpower the Badgers as Gonzales scored his second of the night from 5 yards out to push the lead to 20-0 in the first quarter.
Klostermann scored another touchdown from 23 yards out during the second quarter and threw a 48-yard TD strike to Alfonso Garcia during the first half.
With the offense putting on a show for the home crowd, the defense made sure that Bishop didn’t get on a scoring run of its own.
“The defense has been lights out all year long,” Gonzalez said. “The defensive coaches have done a great job, and they have been our strength all year long. Nothing is possible without Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, but these kids go both ways. Our defensive guys are our offensive guys, and this unit has just really come together and has played very hard.”