Week 5 for High School football continued this week at Salpointe Catholic High School where the Lancers (4-0) took on the Pueblo Warriors (3-1). Salpointe would come into this game ready to rake up enough points to remain undefeated. Pueblo, fresh off a 32-point loss to Walden Grove, would enter the Lancer’s home in hopes of redemption. With less of a crowd than last week, the Salpointe fans proved to be just as hyped as before ready for another win. With a pumped up team, a pepped band, cheering fans, and high hopes for another victory- Salpointe rushed the field after a string of fireworks filled the air.
With the 1st quarter underway, both teams put on a defensive performance that looked to be like it would be a low-scoring game. Both Salpointe and Pueblo would stop each other on each of their first possessions. Though 5 minutes in, and 37 yards later, the first points of the game would come from Salpointe star running back Bijan Robinson (#5). Possession back to the Warriors, Ruben Rivera (#7) would put his team at the 15 yard line, but unfortunately 2 plays later, the Lancers’ Zander Alvarado (#84) would force and recover a fumble for another possession. Bijan Robinson (#5) would be there for quarterback Rodrigo Nieto (#13) and would carry the ball 15 yards for his 2nd touchdown of the evening.
Anxious and hopeful to make it passed the 50 yard line, Pueblo would take a timeout and try to regroup themselves. With 3:48 left, the Warriors passed and carried the ball as far as they could, but would not be successful in what would only be there 3rd possession of the game. Salpointe would regain possession over Pueblo for the 4th time of the 1st quarter with a little over 3 minutes left. Possession would come from an interception that would then be spotted at the 12 yard line, putting the Lancers in good position to score yet again. Salpointe wide-receiver Langston Hampton (#16) would indeed take advantage of the opportunity by running the ball passed a wall of 4 Warriors for a touchdown.
Ending the 1st quarter with the score of 21-0, the stadium seemed to be split with emotion. Chants and band music seemed to be pouring out of one side of the field. While on the other side, cheerleaders did their best to keep the crowd involved and hopeful for their team. Five seemed to be the magic number here at the home of the Lancers as they turned themselves around for the first 5 minutes of the 2nd quarter. Quarterback Rodrigo Nieto (#13) would be nearly sacked and fumble the ball (but would recover it himself) receiving a 2 yard loss. The very next play, Salpointe would be flagged for a delay of game.
Though, Nieto grew tired of his team’s setback and decided to take charge. With the help of teammate Andrew Jacobs (#11), Nieto would launch the ball to find him for a 48 yard completion putting their team on the 18 yard line. Just 2 plays later, Bijan Robinson (#5) would carry the ball in for his 3rd touchdown of the night. Pueblo pushed and regrouped and pushed and regrouped, but could not seem to get the job done. The commanding lead from the Lancers seemed to be taking a heavy toll not only on the players, but on the fans as well. Though, the Warrior cheerleaders did their best to keep everyone in high spirits and hope. Finishing off the first half, Salpointe would put another 7 points on the board (making it 35-0) courtesy of a 44 yard pass completion [for a touchdown] to Lathan Ransom.
Second half underway, Pueblo came out refreshed and hopeful for a better half. They started off the 3rd quarter seemingly better- they intercepted the ball and got passed half field for the 1st time all game. The Warriors’ defense would prove to be significantly better in the 3rd quarter as they would blank the Lancers for the quarter (though they would not score all quarter either). Salpointe would put one more touchdown on the board in the final minutes of the 4th quarter to seal their win at 42-0. Pueblo’s record would fall to 3-2, but after being on the road for 2 games they will stay at home next week hosting Rio Rico for Thursday night football. Salpointe remains undefeated at 5-0, but will leave the comfort of their home on Thursday and travel to Vail, AZ to take on the also undefeated Cienega Bobcats!
