# 23 ANDREW DELGADO running, jumping and avoiding tackles all night long against the Sinton Pirates. (Photos By Eric Aguirre) Last Friday night at sold-out Bulldog Stadium in Lyford, the Sinton Pirates 31-3A champions, bounced our Bulldogs out of the playoffs 48-14.

It had been 39 years since the last time the 2008, Willacy Co. champs had hosted a playoff game. Lyford had made the playoffs many times since but had not played at home.

Early in the game the Lyford Bulldogs played ball control. They had just exercised demons of the past in beating the Bearkats the week before 14-10.

Ball control was going to be a vital part of the offense in order to compete with powerhouse Sinton. The Infante led Bulldogs did just that. Lyford won the toss. The Bulldogs embarked on an impressive 15 play drive that had the Lyford fans going wild. The Bulldogs picked up two 1st downs on 4th down plays. However, the drive stalled deep in Pirate territory. The Bulldogs found out that they could compete.

At the 4:47 mark of the first quarter, the Pirates scored on just three plays. Sinton led 7-0. Note: Sinton has the largest offensive line I have ever seen in highschool football.

BULLDOGS FANS showing their support towards there 'Dogs. Lyford again took off on yet another long drive. The Dogs set camp on their 15 yard. 12 plays later RB Gudino scored on a one yard dive. Score was 7-7. Bulldogs scored with 10 seconds left in the first quarter.

Sinton answered back. Roy Perez scored for Sinton. 14-7. The score at half-time was Sinton 14- Bulldogs 7. This was a victory in itself for the Bulldogs Bunch.

Early in the second half, the Pirates struck again on 3 plays. 21-7 was the score.

On the ensuing drive, #23, the excuse me fast Andrew Delgado gathered in a 54 yard bomb from #7 J. Esparza. W.R. Delgado capped a 85 yard 4 play drive and the TD made the score 21-14 Sinton. Lyford kicked off and Ryan Cantu ran the ball all the way for Sinton. 28-14 Sinton. At this point Sinton picked up a head of steam. Game over.

The Bulldogs played a highly inspired game but the Sinton Pirates were just to much. There would not be any fireworks after the game on this night. Sinton went on to win 48-14.

# 35 STEVE TREVINO catching a pass from # 7 Johnny Ezparza; running up field. After the game, I asked Pirate Coach Tom Allen to comment on the Bulldogs. Allen answered, "They scored the living crud out of us. They do a great job on offense. Their receivers do a great job of getting open. We are very scared when people start going everywhere."

Coach Infante added, "I'm proud of our guys.They overcame a lot of stuff this year. These guys never lost faith in themselves. I have to take my hat off not only to the opposition but to our kids too."

Willacy Co. salutes Coach Infante and his staff for a great year. Bulldogs were great.

# 7 JOHNNY ESPARZA throwing the ball against Sinton. DEFENSIVE LINE showed a lot of pride.