Lyford High School's varsity football team slugged out a 24- 12 win in their District 32-3A against La Feria on Friday.

Johnny Esparza had a busy night as he completed 22 out of 55 pass attempts for 291 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.

Nick Cavazos got Lyford on the scoreboard with a 13-yard run, Jose Salinas booted the extra point and the Bulldogs led 7-0. Later on, Esparza would dive in from one yard for a touchdown. Salinas tacked on a 21-yard field goal. Esparza connected with Jorge Lerma on a 21-yard touchdown pass.

"I though overall we had a great defensive game and I am hoping we continue that trend of playing solid defense all year long," Head Coach Jaime Infante said. "I think our defense is playing good aggressive football right now and they did a great job of stopping La Feria, I know we held them to a minimum number of yards."

The Bulldogs host a formidable Zapata team this Friday.

They have a very aggressive come-right-at-you type of offense," Infante said. "Zapata also uses some good misdirection in what they do with their slot-offense which they have been running for a long time and have a good handle on what they do."

The Bulldogs will have their hands full in trying to stop one of the district's juggernauts.

"Their fullback is what I would consider the most aggressive running back in our district," Infante said. "He has good size and speed for a big boy and has kind of dominated every defense he has run against so he is probably their number one weapon."

Zapata's signal caller is also an offensive threat.

"Although they do not throw much, they are effective when they do," Infante said. "Their quarterback is an accurate passer and doing a good job of leading that offense. Defensively Zapata year in and out has good size and this year is no different."

Also in action: Lyford High School's junior varsity and freshman football teams do not have a game this week. Lyford Middle School's seventh and eighth grade football teams host St. Joe at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. this Thursday.

Lyford High School's varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams host Zapata at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs varsity, junior varsity and freshman volleyball teams host Rio Hondo at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Lyford Middle School's seventh grade volleyball team visits Port Isabel at 5 p.m. on Monday. LMS's eighth grade volleyball team hosts Port Isabel at 5 p.m. on Monday.

Lyford High School and Middle School's cross country team compete at the La Feria Invitational on Saturday.