The Cuero Gobblers faced off against the LaFeria Lions in a Bi-District matchup at Gobbler Stadium on Friday, Nov. 14, gearing up for an exciting series of Texas high school football.
With both teams eager to make a long run in the playoffs, fans were treated to a home game that produced a 42-14 victory for the Gobblers.
The contest started slowly for the Gobblers, as their first series resulted in a turnover on downs. LaFeria quickly capitalized on this opportunity when Noah Lafleur powered through the Cuero defense for a touchdown, putting the Lions up 0-7 with 7.5 minutes left in the first quarter. However, the Gobblers, ignited by their quarterback Jayce Guajardo, answered back. Guajardo handed off to Jordan Jones, leading to a quick score and leveling the game at 7-7.
The second quarter saw a shift in momen- tum. After a punt from the Lions, Guajardo connected with D’Zayvion Bonner on a long pass that put the Gobblers deep into Lion territory. Although Bonner was tackled just shy of the end zone, Walker Dietze capitalized on the opportunity by driving the ball in from the one-yard line with 8:25 remaining in the half. With the Gobblers leading 14-7, the Lions attempted to regain control; however, Jaden Martinez, LaFeria’s quarterback, faced quick pressure, and a long pass was intercepted by Jones, stifling the Lions’ momentum.
Cuero’s offense struggled to turn the interception into points, ultimately having to punt the ball once again. LaFeria, launched a long pass toward the Gobblers’ end zone, connecting with their wide receiver Jose Garza, who maneuvered down to the one-yard line. With significant intensity building, the Lions found the end zone and tied the game at 14-14 with just 4:30 left in the half.
Following a failed onside kick by LaFeria, the Gobblers took over at the 49-yard line, and their offense responded. Jones tallied another touchdown, giving Cuero a 21-14 lead. The Gobblers then shocked the Lions with an onside kick that was mishandled by a LaFeria player. Cuero’s Carmelo Perez took advantage of the moment and dashed into the end zone with 53 seconds remaining in the half. As if that wasn’t enough, Cuero attempted another onside kick, recovering the ball yet again after a fumble by the Lions. In a display of action under pressure, Guajardo connected for a 20-yard touchdown pass to Aiden Stafford, bringing the score to a staggering 35-14 to end the half.
As the second half began, the excitement continued in Gobbler Stadium. Both teams were eager to adjust their strategies and capitalize on the opportunities that lay ahead. With Cuero holding a crucial lead, it would be a race against time for LaFeria to mount a comeback, making for an engaging second half. LaFeria started the half with the ball, but Martinez threw his second interception of the night when Cuero’s Stran Gaitan caught the ball on the 35 yard line. Guajardo connected with Stafford again to move the ball to the 17. Jones took the ball in for his third touchdown of the night, making the score 42-14.
As the game continued, the Lions couldn’t gain the momentum, throwing a third interception and unable to stop the Gobbler defense. Both teams would not score in the fourth quarter, sending the Gobblers off as victorious and headed to the Area round against Gonzales, a 28-14 winner over Bandera. Jones finished the night with 7 rushes for 75 yards, Perez was 15 for 70, and Pierce Denson was 12 for 57. Guajardo finished the night 12 of 22 for 140 yards passing.
The Area matchup will take place Friday, November 21 at Yoakum Bulldog Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:00.
