Spartans rout Bulldogs in season opener
EL CENTRO — The Central Union Spartans dominated the Calexico High School Bulldogs in their long-awaited football season opener, winning 45-0 behind its defense and the rushing of running back Zarien Robinson.
The Spartans’ defense prevented the Bulldogs from getting one first down in the entire game except for the one that occurred on a penalty.
On the third play of the game, Spartans’ cornerback Daymien Nelson stepped in front of a pass from Bulldogs’ quarterback David Esquer, turning the ball over to the Central’s offense at its own 46-yard line,
It did not take long for Central to take advantage, completing a fiveplay drive with a 6-yard TD run by Robinson, giving the Spartans a 7-0 lead.
After a quick threeand-out, where Calexico lost 8 yards, the Bulldogs punted the ball back to the Spartans.
The Spartans relied on the arm of quarterback Jordan Reed on its second drive before connecting on a 5-yard touchdown pass to receiver Gavin Marini, pushing the lead to 13-0.
After another threeand-out by the Bulldogs, Central drove 55 yards before scoring its third touchdown of the first quarter to push the lead to 19-0.
After Calexico punted on its next possession, Robinson sprinted 63 yards down the left sideline to increase the lead to 25-0.
On the Bulldogs’ next possession, they got a first down on a 15-yard facemask penalty, but punted three plays later.
Receiver Fernando Morales continued the onslaught by springing loose on a 65-yard scamper to push the lead to 32-0 in the second quarter. In addition to his rushing score, Morales gobbled up 150 yards in catches, including two TD grabs.
After the Bulldogs forced Central to punt
for the first and only time in the game, the ball was touched by a Calexico player before being recovered by Central.
Because the Spartans led 38-0 at halftime, the second half was played on a running clock.
The scoring was completed in their third quarter on a four-play drive totaling 19 yards, all by the running of Robinson, giving the Spartans a 45-0 lead.
The lone bright spot for the Bulldogs occurred in the third quarter when the snap sailed over Reed’s head before being recovered at the
Spartans’ 39-yard line by Calexico defensive end Nicholas Flores.
However, after three plays the Bulldogs punted.
Though Central dominated, place kicker Mylas Rodriguez missed four extra points.
The game was marred by the stoppage of play several times by injuries, though all the players walked off on their own power.
The Spartans will host Vincent Memorial High School Friday night, while the Bulldogs will host Southwest High School, also on Friday.