Thorndale marked its fifteenth win against Milano in their twenty-first match-up during their homecoming at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs improved to 3-1 in District 13-2A DI and 5-1 overall, while Milano dropped to 1-2 and 2-4, after Friday’s 35-14 victory.
“The boys did a great job of executing their offense last Friday,” said Scott Hawkins, Thorndale High School athletic director and head football coach. “They were able to perform in the mud and rain as if it was an ordinary night.”
The Bulldog’s backfield rushed for 357 yards in their victory. Running backs Luke Leschber and Jagger Rubio broke triple digits with 139 yards apiece. Despite the defeat, Milano’s backfield also racked up a lot of yards with 243 on the night. Eagle’s quarterback Kathen Funburg led all individuals with 143 yards on 26 carries.
The Bulldogs scored in the first minute of the game on a Leschber fifty-yard run and Michael Herzog made the point after kick (PAT) to put the Bulldogs up 7-0. Five minutes later Herzog ran for a 23-yard touchdown and the Bulldog kicker also made another point to give Thorn-dale a 14-0 first quarter lead.
The Eagles made up ground in the second quarter, when Christian Thurman scored a seven-yard touchdown run and kicker Kevin Garcia made the PAT to place Milano within one touchdown of the Bulldogs.
Thirteen seconds later, Thorndale running back Rubio helped his team regain its two-touchdown lead with a 70-yard run. Herzog made his third PAT of the night to make the score 21-7.
Thurman answered with his second touchdown of the game on a 29-yard run. Garcia made the PAT and the score was 21-14 at half time.
“We had success moving the ball,” said Chad Lagrone, Milano High School head football coach. “But we turned it over.”
In the second half, the Bulldog defense shut their Milam County neighbors down, when they added two more touchdowns to secure a homecoming win.
“Milano has a tremendous team and were difficult to contain. Coach (Lance) Betak and the defensive staff did a great job of planning. We forced four fumbles and had two interceptions on the night,” Hawkins said.
Rubio got his second touchdown of the night on a 15-yard run to the end zone in the middle of the third quarter. Herzog made the PAT to increase their lead 28-14.
The Bulldogs got past the goal line again in the middle of the fourth quarter. Scott Guzman scored on an 18-yard run, and Herzog made his fifth of five PAT’s to add to their lead one last time.
“The weather conditions were perfect for the type of offense that they run,” Lagrone said. “But for us we weren’t able to because we have to use our speed with our passing game.”
THORNDALE-The Bulldogs head to Hearne to take on the other Eagles in the district. Hearne is coming off an open week after a come-from-behind 27-21 win over Milano the week before.
“Hearne is a very good ball club,” Hawkins said. “They are big, strong, and athletic, and we will have to eliminate as many mistakes as possible.
Kickoff is 7:30 p.m., Friday in Hearne.
MILANO- The Eagles return to Pruett Field 7:30 p.m., Friday to take on the Marlin Bulldogs.
Marlin has an 0-3 district record and are picked to finish sixth by Texas Football Magazine. The Bulldogs moved down from 3A DII and are led by junior running back Sir Charleston Lee.
“We are getting ready for Marlin by working on us.” Lagrone said.
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