The Lobos not only had a winning campaign, but also had two district wins in a season for the first time. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
by WES FERGUSON
The Lehman Lobos have relied on a nucleus of seniors to carry them through a tumultuous season, but in the end it was a group of sophomores who helped ensure the 2011 team would be one for the record books.
Sophomore cornerback Conner Baird grabbed a pair of interceptions in a breakout second half on Friday as the Lehman Lobos ran past district rival Lockhart 31-7. With the victory, the Lobos secured their first-ever winning season and for the first time also claimed two district victories in one year.
“We’re trying to get everything on the right path, and I’m really proud of these guys,” head coach Steve Davis said after his players celebrated the win by dousing him with ice water. “I’m really proud that they never gave up, and they kept playing.”
Lehman High has faced adversity for much of the season, and Friday was no exception. The team was forced to play without three key seniors – including quarterback Matt Anguiano – who were ruled academically ineligible to suit up for the final game.
In Anguiano’s place, the Lobos promoted sophomore Trace Gonzales from the junior varsity squad. Lehman’s steady running game, paced by Levi Medley’s 95 yards, allowed Gonzales to focus on protecting the ball in his first night on the roster.
“If you’re going to have a good program, you have to have guys that are able to step up when it’s their time to play,” Davis said. “Trace hadn’t played a down in varsity football, so he really showed a lot of composure stepping up and being able to lead us tonight.”
The Lobos jumped out to a 10-7 lead by halftime on a 5-yard touchdown run by Medley and a 17-yard field goal by Adolfo Gonzalez. Momentum seemed to be shifting at the start of the third quarter with Lockhart driving toward the end zone, but Baird picked off Lions quarterback C.J. McKinney on the Lobos’ 3-yard line.
The Lobos failed to capitalize on the turnover. But after a three-and-out series, Lehman got a lucky break when its punt bounced off a Lions blocker and was recovered by Christian Melendrez.
Working from 17 yards away, the Lobos marched to within 2 yards of the end zone, but the Lions bottled up Gonzales on a quarterback keeper for a loss on third down. A face mask penalty by the Lions gave the Lobos a fresh set of downs from their own 1 yard line, however, and on the next play Gonzales pitched to Medley for the easy score.
The Lions, now feeling the urgency of a 17-7 deficit, tried to go for a first down on fourth-and-five from their own 35 yard line. But McKinney’s pass bounced off the fingers of junior Trent Till, giving the ball back to the Lobos.
On the very next play, Medley faked as though he was sweeping left, then looked up and found sophomore wide receiver Brandon Hamilton streaking down the sideline. Hamilton hauled in Medley’s floating spiral for the easy 35-yard touchdown for the final play of the third quarter.
After the game, Hamilton, who gained 62 yards on the Lobos’ only two receptions, said he was happy that his senior teammates were able to end their careers on a winning note.
“I’m glad I got to help a little bit,” Hamilton said. “Even though we lost one of our key players at quarterback, we still had guys step in from our class and really do the work for us.”
The final score of the game came after Baird nabbed his second interception on a bobbled ball, returning it 41 yards to the 14-yard line. Medley ran the Lobos down to the 2, and Gonzales ran in the quarterback keeper for his first touchdown as a Lobo.
Lehman finishes the year 6-4 and 2-4 in district, while Lockhart ends at 2-8 and 0-6.
Davis said he will miss his 23 seniors.
“It’s a special group,” he said. “Their picture will stay in the trophy case in honor of our first winning record at Lehman. They set the tone for the future and are part of Lobo history.”
