Lions & Warriors Clash at the Battle of 506

Updated: October 7, 2016

Lion defense gangs up on Warrior ball carrier. Photo: David Briones/LFISD

by Coach Jaime Acuna

The Lions entered the game confident versus the Santa Rosa Warriors despite dropping their previous game the week before to Port Isabel.

The annual Battle of 506 has always been an emotional game for both sides. Despite the hype and all the emotions the Lions knew how important this game was for both themselves and for the community.

The Lions chase down the Warrior ball carrier. Photos: David Briones/LFISD

The Warriors came out of the gates firing on all cylinders as they gave the Lion offense fits early in the game by forcing two early turnovers in the first half. The Warriors then went on to score two quick touchdowns to give them the lead 13 – 0 in the second quarter. The Lion offense then responded with a touchdown of their own when Darius Hernandez ran it in for a score just before halftime to cut the Warrior lead to 13 – 7 going into halftime.

Lion offensive line ready to protect their quarterback.

The second half was a completely different story for the Lions. With some simple adjustments from both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, the Lions were determined to dominate the rest of the game.

Jonathan Leija hands the ball off to Darius Hernandez.

The Lions regained the lead early in the third quarter when Jonathan Leija found Julian Trevino for a 17 yard touchdown to tie the game up. Alexis Rubio would then add the extra point to give the Lions their first lead of the game 14 – 13.

The Mighty Lion Band performing at halftime.

The Lion’s defense would then have a great goaline stance to hold the Warriors to a field goal to make the score 14 – 16 in favor of the Warriors. That was all the Lion defense would give up for the rest of the game as the offense began its dominance to pull away by adding two more touchdowns.

Lion cheerleaders ready to start the game.

Julian Trevino looks for some running room.

Leija and Trevino capped off the game with rushing touchdowns to pull the Lions ahead of the Warriors giving them a 28 – 16 victory. Bobby Fraga led the Lion’s with 16 tackles for the game, while Michael Vento chipped in with 12 tackles of his own.

All in all, it was a great Lion effort and a great team win. The victory improves the Lion’s record to 4 – 1 for the season. With district games fast approaching, the Lions have their eyes set on another District Championship.