By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
The La Feria Lions ran into a buzzsaw during the area round of the University Interscholastic League playoffs, with their undefeated season coming to an end at the hands of the Liberty Hill Panthers 66-7 on Friday night at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio.
“We just got beat by a better team tonight,” La Feria coach Oscar Salinas said. “They did a good job running their offense. … When they got up early, it was tough to come back.”
The District 16-4A Division I champion Lions (11-1, 4-0 16-4A DI) had not lost since last year’s third-round playoff game against La Vernia on Dec. 1, 2018.
“We had a good year, and the kids fought hard. It was tough,” Salinas said. “I was still hoping that we’d be playing into next month.”
The Panthers (7-5, 2-3 14-4A DI) will play El Campo in the third round.
Liberty Hill got out to a fast start behind running back Trey Seward (four rushing touchdowns) and led 45-0 at halftime. The Lions were shut out until the fourth quarter, when the Lions’ defense recovered a fumble that led to their first points of the night when senior quarterback Dorian Hernandez threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Caleb Flores.
“The seniors went out as district champions, and they’ve had great leadership,” Salinas said. “That’s the Lion pride that they have. I’m proud of the kids for the effort they gave me. It’s sad to see this great class of seniors go, but hopefully next year with the younger kids we’ll be back and we’ll be in an even better position (at this time next year).”