Bandera pulls away in fourth to top Cowboys 28-14

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | September 6, 2023

COTULLA COWBOYS FOOTBALL

BULLDOGS RALLY IN FOURTH TO TOP INJURY-PLAGUED COTULLA

Beset by injuries early in the year, Cotulla took things to Bandera in the early going but the Bulldogs scored twice in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 28-14 win over the Cowboys last Friday at Bulldog Stadium.
Playing without their starting quarterback, Cotulla was forced to make adjustments during the week and started senior Isaac Cerda at the spot. Cerda had not taken snaps at quarterback since his sophomore season.
“We played a hard fought game against Bandera,” CHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Esteban Rodriguez said. “Unfortunately, we had a few injuries that forced us to make a few changes during the week. However, we made no excuses, we had multiple players step up when their numbers were called.
“Isaac, who hasn’t played quarterback since his sophomore year, did a tremendous job taking command of the offense, and managing the game for us.”
Rodriguez also credited his defense for their efforts.
“Our defense came out playing hard nose football,” he said. “The defense was anchored by senior defensive lineman Robert Sanchez and junior linebacker Eric Aldaco.
“Sanchez finished the day with 11 total tackles, a sack, two quarterback hurries, and a tackle for a loss. Aldaco finished with 11 total tackles, a tackle for a loss, an interception, and a forced fumble.”
Junior running back Jose Gonzalez returned the game’s opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown as the contest could not have started any better for the Cowboys.
Bandera answered Cotulla’s score with their own scoring drive on a short passing touchdown to tie the game 7-7.
Cerda guided the offense back down the field and put the Cowboys up once again following his three-yard touchdown run. Cotulla looked to carry the momentum into the half but a missed false start penalty allowed Bandera to get off a final play and the Bulldogs took advantage, completing a long pass for a score as time expired in the second quarter.
“The defense forced a couple of punts in the first half, and also caused two turnovers throughout the game,” Coach Rodriguez said. “Unfortunately, with two seconds to go in the second quarter, the referees missed a major false start by the entire offensive line, which resulted in a last second Hail Mary touchdown by Bandera.”
The game was tight throughout as the score remained 14-14 following a scoreless third quarter.
Bandera took command midway through the fourth on a busted play as their quarterback fumbled the snap from center but managed to elude the Cotulla defense and scrambled away for a 30-yard touchdown.
Bandera sealed the win with about three minutes to play with a second passing touchdown to make it 28-14.
“We didn’t hang our heads,” the coach said of his team in the second half. “They continued fighting throughout the third quarter. Although the score may not be telling, we played a very disciplined, physical football game from start to finish.
“I am truly proud of the way the boys came out and competed against a great Bandera team. Although we were short handed in certain areas, these boys made no excuse, leaving it all on the field.”
Cotulla will look to regroup this week as they take on annual rival Dilley in the IH-35 clash between the two schools. The Cowboys took a 34-20 win last season at Dilley’s Gosch Field. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Myers Memorial Stadium.