Look: Big plays fuel Alexander's 35-7 win over Laredo LBJ
LAREDO, Texas — Laredo Alexander utilized a big first quarter and two key defensive plays to beat Laredo LBJ 35-7 on Friday night at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex.
“I am really proud of the guys, the commitment that they have made the entire season,” Laredo Alexander head coach Edwin Garcia said.
“I told them that it was process. We are starting to stall more and more of our offense. They are understanding more of what we are trying to do. I am really proud of the defense and the way that they came out and really our seniors are taking control of the team.”
The Bulldogs scored 21 points during the opening quarter on two offensive plays and a defensive touchdown. Junior running back Gael Rodrigues scored two rushing touchdowns to lead Laredo Alexander's offensive attack.
Junior quarterback Javier Jimenez opened the game with a 35-yard bomb to sophomore wide receiver Ivan Pina on the second play to move Laredo Alexander into scoring position.
On the fourth play of the drive, Jimenez found senior wide receiver Seb Dancause for a 39-yard touchdown reception to make it a 7-0 Bulldogs lead after senior kicker Bailey Medina booted in the extra point at the 10:22 mark of the first quarter.
Laredo Alexander’s next touchdown came on a smooth defensive play.
Laredo LBJ moved the ball down the field effectively on the legs of senior running back Rene Ramos. But when the Wolves decided to go to the air, they were met by Laredo Alexander’s stingy defense that has grown under rookie defensive coordinator Fernando Lemus.
“The kids played really well today. All credit to LBJ, they were well prepared, but our kids came out to play," Lemus said.
"I know last week we had a touch one but and they made it a point to get ready for this one. Our district is very touch and anyone can beat anyone on any given night. We just have to be ready to play every week. I am very happy the way that out kids played today. Our offense did their job and our defense did their job.”
LBJ sophomore quarterback Guillermo Trejo attempted to hit a receiver down the left side of the field, but Alexander sophomore defensive end Mateo Canamar stepped in just in time for a pick that he ran back to the end zone for a 50-yard interception return touchdown, as Bulldogs took a 14-0 edge 4 minutes into the game.
The final first-quarter touchdown for the Bulldogs that set the tone for the remainder of the game came with 2 minutes left during the opening quarter.
Laredo Alexander drove the ball all the way down into the red zone. Jimenez called his own number and attempted to go up the middle of the field, but was met by the Laredo LBJ defense.
He bounced to the outside and unscathed ran in for a 4-yard touchdown, as Laredo Alexander took a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
While the Bulldogs' offense was running on all cylinders, their defense did not give Laredo LBJ any breathing room as they were able to contain the run and turn away any passing game.
Laredo LBJ settled in during the second quarter and did not give up any points, effectively containing the Bulldogs offensively after getting bit several times by big plays earlier in the first half.
The Wolves were able to open the second half with one of their biggest offensive plays of the night, as Trejo took off for a 45-yard run.
Laredo LBJ was able to cap off the drive with a 19-yard touchdown run by Ramos who slipped away from the Laredo Alexander defense who had him in his grasp.
That proved to be the only Laredo LBJ points of the night, though, as the Bulldogs tightened up their defense. Laredo Alexander's defense grabbed its second interception of the night off a pick by junior linebacker Jesus Guerra during the third quarter.
Rodriguez scored his first touchdown of the night during the third quarter on a 4-yard run and then added his second score, a 15-yard touchdown, to make it 35-7 mid way through the fourth quarter.
Laredo Alexander (3-4, 1-1) will look to keep up in the District 30-6A championship race when the Bulldogs return to action for another big district game against the Laredo United South Panthers (2-5, 1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center in Laredo.
Laredo LBJ (4-3, 0-2), meanwhile, will have chance to rebound next week when the Wolves are set to take on the Eagle Pass Eagles (7-0, 2-0) at the same time Friday, Oct. 21, at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center in Laredo.
Check out SBLive's exclusive photo gallery from the game:
PHOTO GALLERY — LAREDO ALEXANDER 35, LAREDO LBJ 7
All photos by Clara Sandoval
