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Wow. Wow. Wow.
What a game!
The Hayden football team took the field at Valley Union, ready to play after the long drive up to Elfrida. The Lobos were so eager to start their 2022 season that the first play started with Fabian Elvira connecting a 75-yard touchdown pass to Barndon Garner. The Lobos showed their strength on both sides of the ball, dominating from the start with a 16-0 first quarter. By halftime, the boys were up 50-0, scoring 34 points in the second quarter. The second half of the game saw Hayden’s JV players getting some time on the field, and that didn’t stop the momentum. The game ended with the Lobos devastating Valley Union 62-0.
Hayden’s offense had 141 yards passing and 226 yards rushing for a total of 367 yards. Fabian Elvira was 4-6 with 141 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. His receivers Brandon Garner had 2 receptions for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns, Issac Castillo had 1 reception for 22 yards and Moraes Cruz had 1 reception for 15 yards. Hayden’s rushing attack was led by Cruz who had 4 rushes for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns. Deondre Collier had 6 rushes for 57 yards and 1 touchdown, Jando Lorona had 1 rush for 18 yards and 1 touchdown, Jordan Rodriguez had 5 rushes for 22 yards with 1 touchdown, Kino Lorona had 4 rushes for 48 yards with 1 touchdown and Tyler Garner had 1 rush for 5 yards.
Defense was strong all game, keeping Valley Union off the scoreboard. It was led by Dominic Alvarado who had 1 tackle, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 blocked punt. Rene Ochoa had 3 tackles and 1 sack; Andrew Waddell had 1 tackle, 2 assists, and 2 sacks; JJ Aguirre had 1 tackle; Julian Cruz had 2 tackles and 1 assist; Keiston Pool had 1 tackle; Mark Acevedo had 1 tackle, 1 assist, and 1 sack; Angel Moreno had 1 tackle, and 2 assists; Moraes Cruz had 1 tackle; Deondre Collier had 3 tackles; Brandon Garner had 1 forced fumble; Jando Lorona had 1 tackle, and 1 fumble recovery for a 50-yard touchdown; Mathew Armenta had 2 tackles; Izzy Gallego had 1 tackle; Paul Gaither had 1 interception; and Manny Aguirre had 1 sack.
The Lobos have their first home game Friday, Aug. 26, hosting Joseph City with a kickoff time of 7 p.m.
With this start to the season, we can’t wait to see where the Lobos go!
By Nathaniel A. Lopez
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