JV Mules vs. Levelland Lobos 2014-8-28

JV Mules vs. Levelland Lobos 2014-8-28

The JV Mules got off to a tough start Thursday in Levelland against the Lobos. The Mules received the opening kickoff but lost a fumble on their second offensive play of the game.

It took the Lobos just three plays to score and take a 6-0 lead. Brandon Chavez got in the Lobo backfield to stop the conversion attempt.

The Lobos booted the ball to the Mule 25 where Jesse Easiley grabbed the ball and flew down the field for a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to tie the game. Jose Angel Mendoza put the Mules ahead to stay with 8:06 left in the first period.

The Mules won the night with a 39-20 score.

The Mules raced toward the ball in a group and rather than stopping and reforming into the normal kickoff formation they kicked the ball forward. A scramble for the ball ensued and the Mules claimed it.

The Mules second drive started on the Lobo 46. A middle screen from Mendoza to Easiley was good for nine yards. The Mules were forced to turn the ball over on downs at the Lobo 41.

Blake Parker put pressure on the Lobo quarterback and forced the pass down field. Mendoza stepped in front of the ball for the interception and raced to the Lobo 42 before being bumped out of bounds.

Mendoza scampered around the right end for a 42-yard touchdown with 5:29 left in the first period. The kick was good and the Mules led 15-6.

The two teams exchanged punts before the Mules stopped a Lobo screen pass five yards behind the line of scrimmage on fourth down. The Mules took over on downs at the Mule 35.

Mendoza pitched to Javy Perez for a nine-yard gain. A penalty sent the Mules back to the 35 as the first quarter ended. Mendoza connected with Bryce Mauricio at the Levelland 40 and raced to the Lobo 19 for a 49-yard gain.

Mendoza tossed to Tre Villa on the sideline. Villa juked the defender out of his shoes and raced to the end zone for a touchdown with 9:08 left in the first half. The kick was no good and the Mules led 21-6.

The two teams exchanged punts. Levelland was knocking on the Mule’s door with a first and goal at the Mule 12. The ball popped out of the hands of the Lobo running back. Dominik Hasley grabbed the loose ball and took off down field.

The Mules blocked down any Lobo close to Hasley as he scooted down field for an 88-yard touchdown. The kick was off the mark but the Mules led 27-6.

The Lobos scored with 25 second remaining in the first half to trail the Mules 27-12.

Levelland returned the second half kick off to the Mule 49. The Mules recovered a Lobo fumble on the Mule 40. Villa took over at quarterback and connected with Mauricio for 20 yards.

Villa kept for 11 yards. Levelland was called for roughing the passer and moved the ball to the Lobo 14. Evan Paez carried for six yards and a pass interference penalty was called against the Lobos and gave the Mules a first and goal at the Lobo four.

Villa scampered wide right for the touchdown to give the Mules a 33-12 lead with 5:50 remaining in the third period.

The Mules ran an onside kick and Mario Flores recovered on the Lobo 49. The Mules fumbled and the Lobos recovered near mid field. The Mule defense held and forced a Lobo punt that rolled dead on the Mule 14.

An 87-yard TD run by Villa was called back on a penalty on the last play of the third quarter. Villa connected with Mauricio at the Lobo 40 and then out ran the defense to the end zone. The pass and run cover 85 yards to give the Mules a 39-12 lead with 9:43 remaining in the game.

The Mule defense held the Lobos and forced a punt. The Mules fumbled the punt and Levelland recovered on the Mule 20. It took the Lobos only one play to score the final touchdown of the game.

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