Unbeaten teams boasting dominant defenses face off
The Express-news’ Game of the Week is a District 29-6A defensive battle between Sotomayor and Jay.
Sotomayor, the Expressnews’ seventh-ranked 6A team, is 4-0 for the first time in the school’s twoyear existence, thanks in large part to its standout defense.
Jay, the No. 6 team in 6A in the Express-news’ rankings, is coming off a hard-fought win against Stevens.
The details
Who: Sotomayor vs. Jay.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday.
Where: Gustafson Stadium.
Series: Jay leads 1-0.
E-N area rankings/ records: Class 6A No. 6 Jay (5-0, 3-0); Class 6A No. 7 Sotomayor (4-0, 2-0).
Coaches: Gary Gutierrez (42-62 in 10 seasons at Jay, 63-108 overall); Juan Morales (5-9 in two seasons at Sotomayor, 24-57 overall).
Last meeting: Jay won 40-17 in 2022.
Jay update
Setting the scene: The Mustangs are a tough running team that uses play-action to help set up its passing attack. Quarterback Jackson Gutierrez has thrown six touchdowns with zero interceptions while ranking second on the team with 367 rushing yards and six rushing scores. The Mustangs’ defense has seven interceptions this season.
Key to victory: Jay must score points early to put the vaunted Sotomayor defense in an unfamiliar situation. This will help set the tone for the game and force the Wildcats’ offense to score points. Also, the Mustangs must enforce their will at the line of scrimmage by running the ball well with Jack Mota.
Statistical leaders: Passing — Jackson Gutierrez, 37-for-61 for 527, 12 total touchdowns; rushing — Jack Mota, 61-523, eight touchdowns; receiving — Dylan Gordon, 21-269, four touchdowns.
Sotomayor update
Setting the scene: The Wildcats have allowed the fewest points (seven) in the San Antonio area this season. The tough defense has six interceptions, led by Nehemiah Lowery with two, and has shut out three teams. On the offensive side of the ball, the Wildcats are a run-first team that relies a lot on Jayden Gutierrez, who leads the team in rushing.
Key to victory: The Wildcats have outscored their foes 164-7 in their first four games. If they can continue forcing turnovers to keep the other team from scoring, they’ll continue winning games. The defense has also helped the Wildcats get short fields by causing a plethora of 3-and-outs. By continuing to do this, Sotomayor will win the battle for field position.
Statistical leaders: Passing — Logan Plake, 18-for-28 for 221, six total touchdowns; rushing — Jayden Gutierrez, 68-580, nine touchdowns; receiving — Roderick Mckinley, 11-203, two touchdowns.