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Bovina looks to get over the top

BOVINA — Just two seasons ago, New Deal found itself playing for a Class 2A Division I Texas state championship at “Jerry’s World,” home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Lions might not be quite as strong as that squad, but they should give Bovina all it wants in Friday’s 7 p.m. (CDT) matchup at Bovina.

The Mustangs (1-2) have played competitively well into the second half in each of their last two games, both losses. Now they’re looking for a way to get over the top as they await the return of senior quarterback Cole Emery, who missed both outings with a hamstring injury.

His dad, coach Coby Emery, sees light at the end of the tunnel after the setbacks to Farwell and Clarendon, both off to 3-0 starts.

“If we’ll be as aggressive on defense as we were last week, and find a way to get some offense, I think we’ll be fine,” he said. “I told the kids, ‘Clarendon was No. 8 (in Texas Class 2A Division II) and we were right there.’”

Bovina trailed at Farwell 14-7 well into the third quarter before eventually losing 42-7, then was within 16-14 last week before the Broncos scored twice in a span of less than two minutes midway through the final stanza to pull away.

“Statistically, it doesn’t look like we’ve played good on either side of the ball, but we’ve given ourselves a chance,” coach Emery said.

He’s hopeful his son may be able to return by next week’s final non-district clash at Vega; if not, the goal is to have him ready for the Class 2A-2 District 2 opener against Sudan on Oct. 9.

“He’s real close,” Emery said of his son. “The big thing is we have to be patient. We don’t want to rush him back.”

The Mustangs lost their top receiver, Fernando Martinez, for the season due to an injury sustained against Clarendon.

Among the top players for the Lions (1-1) are junior quarterback Harley Patterson, who has thrown for four touchdowns in the first two games; senior wide receiver Kyler Reed, with nine catches for 183 yards and two scores, and junior running back Leric Eaton, who has rushed for 191 yards and four tallies so far.

Muleshoe at Tulia — While the Hornets are off to a 3-0 state, they’ve won their games by a combined total of nine points. Meantime, the Mules (1-2) have been close in both of their setbacks, including last week’s 27-20 verdict against Friona.

First-year Muleshoe coach Jason Richards said the Hornets have plenty of talent, and are balanced between run and pass on offense.

“They’re scary on film,” he said. “They’ve got some athletes. They’re similar to Friona, except I think Friona’s offensive line may be better.”

Muleshoe was outgained 486-317 by the Chieftains, but pulled within a score with three minutes left and then forced a punt, only to be turned away.

Tulia won its opener at home over Floydada 28-26, and has since gone on the road to beat Brownfield 10-7 and Sanford-Fritch 18-14.

Farwell has an open date this week before hosting Sundown on Sept. 25.

 
 
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