Running back Matt Zamora runs the ball during the first half of the Lehman Lobos' home game against Smithson Valley.
By WES FERGUSON
The Lehman Lobos are heading into a bye week in their schedule, and the breather couldn’t come at a better time.
Last Friday night, the Lobos limped away from a 41-0 loss to powerful Smithson Valley, the fourth ranked team in the state in Class 4A, in a home game marred by injuries to key players.
Running back Levi Medley, who had been on pace to set Lobo rushing records this season, was already sitting out the game after suffering a concussion the week before. His substitute, Matt Zamora, went down with a knee injury early in the third quarter after gaining 45 yards on the ground, while senior captain and two-way standout Matt Riojas also was injured in the third frame.
Riojas finished the game on the sideline, his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder.
“I was taking on a lineman and it popped out,” he said. “It’ll heal quick.”
Lehman’s coaches also pulled fullback A.J. Armonta from action following an injury and a personal foul.
“We depleted our backfield and had to use some guys who didn’t have a lot of experience,” said head coach Steve Davis. “We don’t have a lot of depth, and when we lose players we have it tough.”
Davis said the off week would give his team a chance to recuperate. After losing the first three games in district play, the Lobos need to be at full strength if they hope to compete for a coveted spot in the playoffs.
To make the postseason, the Lobos, which fell to 4-3 overall and 0-3 in District 27-4A, will have to beat its final three opponents — Alamo Heights, Schertz Clemens and Lockhart.
“We need everybody to get healed up and at full speed, and then we can compete with those teams,” Davis said.
Friday’s game with the undefeated Rangers (6-0, 2-0) was never close, with Smithson Valley’s bruising runner, Lawrence Mattison, carrying his team to a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter. The 230-pound tailback finished with 133 yards on 18 carries.
Lehman quarterback Matt Anguiano completed 7 of 23 passes for 49 yards. In the fourth quarter, he threw three consecutive interceptions, the last one returned by Rangers back Dylan Crutcher 26 yards for the game’s final touchdown.
On the defensive side for the Lobos there were few bright spots, but Valentin Cantu and Charles Williams each had a quarterback sack.
“We knew what challenge we had against Smithson Valley,” Riojas said. “Our defense just got so tired, but we are a hard-fighting team and there’s not much you can say. We tried.”
After Lehman’s open week, the Lobos will be back in action at Alamo Heights on Oct. 21.
