By DEREK LOPEZ
The Littlefield Wildcats’ varsity football team opened the season in the win column on Friday night, as they handled the Muleshoe Mules, 28-7, behind six turnovers forced by their defense.
With the win, the Wildcats improve to 1-0 to begin the season.
Sophomore, Major McNeese led the defense with three interceptions, while senior, Daniel Garcia, also pulled down an interception. Ian Mendez recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter, as one of two of the Wildcats fumble recoveries for the game.
The Wildcats first offensive score came in the second quarter, after forcing a Muleshoe turnover on downs with 7:12 to play in the first half. Littlefield started at their own 24-yard line and capped off the seven-play drive with a one yard touchdown run up the middle by senior tailback, Mason Jones with 5:02 left to play in the half. The PAT by Angel Salazar, making the score, 14-0.
The Mules, though, would answer on their next offensive possession, as they capped off a six-play drive with a four-yard touchdown run by quarterback, Sebastian Kirven to cut the lead to, 14-7, with 2:35 remaining in the half.
The score would stand going into halftime.
Out of the break, Muleshoe was set to receive the kick-off, but the kick was muffed by Yahir Quezada and recovered by Littlefield at the Mules’ 25-yard line. The Wildcats did not waste the opportunity, as they capped off the short drive with a two-yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback, Chip Green, with 10:43 left to play in the third quarter. The PAT by Salazar was good, making the score, 21-7.
Littlefield would add one more touchdown late in the fourth quarter, when Green got behind the left side of the offensive line for a 21-yard touchdown run to put the nail in the coffin, as the Wildcats took the contest, 28-7.
The Wildcats will be at Denver City next Friday to take on the Mustangs.
Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m.