The Student Voice of El Dorado High School

Aztec Gold Online News

Aztec Gold Online News

Aztec Gold Online News

Eldo vs midland

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Aztecs Lose Touchdown Rally Against Midland 73-52

By Alex Thompson, Sports Editor

 

Excitement filled the arena at the Socorro Student Activities Complex Thursday night for round one of the region one playoffs. El Dorado faced a tough opponent, as Midland High School had top notch senior quarterback Jackson Anuszkiewicz and senior running back Ricky Hubert dealing the offensive damage. El Dorado stayed with Midland for two quarters, but fell short with 73-52 as the final verdict.

 

The Aztecs started off fast out the blocks with the best they had this whole season. They limited the Bulldogs to a three and out on their first drive and used the momentum to drop a three-point field goal down the line. The Aztecs were driven back with penalties and good defensive plays on Midland’s behalf, however El Dorado proved to be a worthy opponent.

 

Midland scored twice in the first, but El Dorado stole the quarter with a trick play by junior Cedarious Barfield to senior Jorge Hernandez that had the defense stunned. Senior Tyquez Hampton also brought back a scoring run on the kickoff, going into the next quarter up 17-14.

 

The second quarter was just as action packed. Midland striked quickly on both sides of the ball. They scored once off their own drive and forced a turnover on downs on the Aztecs own six-yard line. The fourth down was a huge mistake, as Midland scored off that opportunity. Barfield had one more rushing touchdown, but his efforts were matched by one more Midland touchdown and kick. The score was El Dorado down 24-37 at the half.

 

The third quarter was another stale mate attempt to try and chip at the lead. Midland scored at the beginning and ends of the quarters with poor defense from El Dorado to prevent a growing lead. Hampton caught another touchdown pass and Barfield ran in an extensive 80-yard run that was undermined from the scoreboard. The end of the third quarter was 51-38.

 

The fourth quarter branched off, with Midland answering the scoring attempts by the Aztecs. Midland scored three times late in the game, while El Dorado only could get a reception touchdown from junior Cameron Hill and another run by Barfield to engrave the game’s score at 73-52.

 

Despite the frustrating efforts of both teams’ defenses (mostly the defensive backs), offensively the game was sound with impressive players on both sides of the ball. Barfield put his name on the ballot for next year, after scoring multiple times against a big state team.

 

“We played good both sides of the ball, just some hiccups like leaving open runs and fumbles that contributed to the loss, but a great game as a unit,” Hampton said.

 

Hampton also had a good performance after stepping on the field in El Paso for the last time as he gets ready for college ball at Utah University.

 

“I’m going to grind in the offseason and condition to be ready for the next level, get my route running together, and be a kid there already trying to earn a starting spot,” Hampton said about moving on and his plans for the next level of competition.

 

Overall, this was one of the best seasons El Dorado has ever seen, especially with a new unit of coaches. Next year they will continue with stars like Barfield and Hill to lead the team into Aztec Conquest.

 

 

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