In a showdown under the Friday night lights, the Chaparral Cowboys hosted Eldorado’s Sundevils for the homecoming cleat game. The anticipation was in the air as the Cowboys only had one goal on their mind, to secure and return the cleat. The game unfolded with a series of events leaving fans on the edge of their seat. The Cowboys got off to a slow start, fumbling on their opening drive allowing Eldorado to recover the ball, making the Cowboys seriously frustrated. However, Chaparral’s defense stepped up to the plate to respond with a crucial interception by Daniel Cabrera #2, swiftly returning the ball to their offense and regaining momentum. The gained momentum led to the Cowboys marching down the field, capping off their drive with a touchdown, taking an early 7-0 lead.
Eldorado’s next possession didn’t gain them much, Chaparral’s defense suffocated the Sundevil’s offense leading to a punt by Eldorado. Chaparral continued to dominate, with another impressive drive, extending their lead to 15-0 by scoring again and successfully completing a two-point conversion. Eldorado struggled to find their rhythm, failing to score on their third drive.
As the game progressed, Chaparral’s #5, Dishon Lewis, made an electrifying run down the field, coming very close to scoring a huge touchdown, but got tackled around the goal line and fumbled the football. Eldorado recovered the ball after the fumble, but didn’t capitalize off of this huge opportunity and were forced to punt. Chaparral regained possession and secured a field goal to end their first half with an 18-0 lead. The second half began with Chaparral continuing their run, and score another touchdown to start the half bringing the score to 24-0. Unfortunately, on the play, one of Eldorado’s own suffered a serious injury, resulting in a lengthy delay as medical attention was provided.
Once the game resumed, the Cowboys kick their PAT extending the lead to 25-0. Both teams went on a scouring drought, with several back-to-back turnovers, neither team could capitalize leaving the score unchanged. The Cowboys finally end the turnover spree and get down field and get another touchdown making it 32-0. After this, Eldorado finally broke their own scoring drought making it 32-6, they try and go for a two point PAT but are unsuccessful, the score remained the same.
With time running out, Eldorado was desperate in an attempt to make a comeback, they onside kick but are unsuccessful as Chaparral recovers the ball. However, Chaparral does turn the ball over and Eldorado swiftly capitalizes, scoring another touchdown making it 32-12. Unfortunately for Eldorado, a holding penalty nullified their two-point conversion, and their second attempt was unsuccessful.
In a last attempt effort, Eldorado executed another onside kick, but Chaparral managed to secure the ball. With less than a minute remaining, the Cowboys took a knee, officially ending the game, with a final score of 32-12, The Cowboys emerged victory, rushing to claim the cleat and celebrating their hard fought win. The cleat trophy has been returned to it’s rightful home, marking a memorable night of high school football due to the showcased resilience and determination showed by the Chaparral Cowboys.
Head Coach Don Willis after this huge win said, “This win doesn’t happen without #88 Jabari Jackson. He don’t get the ball a lot but he does his job. He’s a leader and does what we need done in order for us to win, I love that kid.”
