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 seven 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 three 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 oneyard 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 sixplay 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 one-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.
Green finished the game passing eight-of-17 for 86 yards and two interceptions, and added 15 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Mason Jones finished with 28 carries for 112 yards and one touchdown.
In the receiving game, Jeremiah Trevino caught two passes for 64 yards, while Javen Jimenez tallied four catches for 20 yards and Ian Mendez added one catch for six yards.
Defensively, McNeese led the way with three interceptions to go along with seven total tackles, including six solo tackles and one tackle for loss. Jimenez and Trevino each tallied 13 total tackles, while Tyrell Norman added 12 total tackles and Adrian Garcia and Salazar each finished with eight total tackles.
The Wildcats will be at Denver City next Friday to take on the Mustangs.
Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m.