SPUR YEARBOOK STAFF
On Friday, September 6, 2024, the Spur Bulldogs traveled to Ira for their second game this season. Knowing it was Ira’s homecoming game gave the Spur squad more fuel for the fire for the battle of the Bulldogs.
But it was also a battle for the underdogs, as Spur hasn’t beaten their Ira counterparts in at least fifteen years. The Spur visitors pulled off an upset, 30-26, to bring that streak to a halt.
The Spur Bulldogs began the game kicking the ball to Ira. Spur’s #30 Adrian Garza-West kicked a 15-yard onside kick to Ira. Ira would score first, making the score 8-0.
Ira’s defense then came out strong, forcing #10 Margarito Pesina to punt the ball. Spur’s nerves finally calmed, and they started to implement their defensive coverage. Spur would hold the Ira Bulldogs on the fourth down, with #21 JD Hamilton tackling on the 3-yard line and taking possession of the ball. The battle of the Bulldogs wrapped up the first quarter with Ira ahead 8-0.
It was Spur’s ball to start the second quarter. On the third play of the quarter, #7 Haden Howell passed the ball to #6 Ace Walker for a 69-yard run from the reception and a Spur Bulldog touchdown. The attempt for the extra point was no good.
Ira would score the next series of plays, but the Spur Bulldogs responded and scored after four more. Walker rushed 35 yards, and #1 Brody Dempsey kicked the extra point to tie the game 14-14.
Following an Ira touchdown, the home Bulldogs missed the extra point attempt. Spur responded with #3 Joshua Ortiz rushing 35 yards for their own touchdown. Dempsey tacked on the extra point to put the Spur Bulldogs on top 20-22 with 1:40 left of the first half.
Ira would score once more before ending the half, 26-22.
The Spur Bulldogs would start the second half receiving the ball. After a series of first downs, Walker rushed 30 yards to score a Spur touchdown, with Dempsey’s kick good, and the Spur Bulldogs pulled ahead 26-30. With 3 minutes and 41 seconds left in the third quarter, Spur held Ira on the 17yard line to turn over on downs. Spur would try to score, but time ran out for the third quarter with no change in score.
Spur began the fourth quarter on defense. With 7 minutes and 41 seconds remaining, the Spur Bulldogs stopped Ira on the 15-yard line for a turnover on downs.
The battle of the Bulldogs was in full force the fourth quarter. Spur held Ira; Ira held Spur. The teams were back and forth on the field. Hamilton recovered a fumble on Ira’s 25-yard line to give Spur the ball, and Ortiz and Pesina covered long passes, making the last possession Spur’s.
With a series of timeouts and running the clock, Spur Bulldogs would win this battle with a final score of 26-30. What a game!
Coach Hamilton said, “I was very proud of the boys going into a hostile environment and doing what was necessary to get a big win.”
Spur will play Aspermont at Spur’s Jones Stadium this Friday, September 13. Pack your lawn chairs or stadium seats and come support the Spur Bulldogs. The team will certainly give you something to cheer about.
