9th Mules vs. Levelland Lobos 2014-8-28

9^th Mules vs. Levelland Lobos (8-28-2014)

The freshmen Mules spotted the Levelland Lobos a 30-8 lead in the first half and were not able to make up all the difference in the second half. The Mules fell to the Lobos 30-22 in the opening game of the season.

Levelland took the opening kick and marched 57 yards in four plays. A 38-yard run up the middle put the lobos ahead. 8-0 with 8:53 left in the first period.

Neither team could sustain a drive until the first quarter ended. Levelland scored a second time on a two yard run to take a 16-0 lead with 8:49 left in the first half.

The Mules covered the Lobo kickoff on the Mule 35. The Mules were forced to punt but a roughing the kicker penalty on Levelland moved the Mules to the Levelland 47. Issac Mendoza went wide left, set up a block and raced down the sideline for the Mules first score.

Mendoza tossed to Arnulfo Hernandez with an inside screen for the two point conversion. The Mules trailed 16-8 with 5:50 left in the first half.

The Lobos answered with an 88-yard drive for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was good for a 24-8 lead with just under three minutes remaining in the first half. Levelland intercepted a Mule pass and returned it for the final touchdown of the first half with just a minute and half left in the half. The Lobos led 30-8.

Cesar Olvera and Joe Waggoner chased down the Lobo quarterback and force a Levelland punt. The Mules returned to the Lobo 46. Hernandez broke up the middle for 21 yards. A holding penalty cost the Mules 10 yards.

Mendoza went wide right and a personal foul cost the Lobos big yardage to the Levelland 11. Hernandez went up the middle for a TD with 2:08 left in the third period. The Mules trailed the Lobos 30-14.

Parker forced his way into the Lobo backfield for a one-yard loss. Waggoner was in the backfield for a two-yard loss on the next play and an incomplete pass forced the Lobos to punt.

The Mules were facing fourth down and 15 yards needed for a first down at the mid field. Mendoza connected with Jeremiah Smith with a screen pass. The Mule blockers mowed down the Lobos and Smith raced 49 yards for the final TD of the night. Mendoza hit Jacob Kettner for the two-point conversion with six seconds left in the game.

The Mules will make the long bus ride to Sweetwater to play the Mustangs Thursday.