The matchup between two historic communities took place late into the night in a lightning delayed game between the Socorro Bulldogs and the visiting Ysleta Indians. The Bulldogs we’re looking to snap a years long on field losing streak on their homecoming night.
The first quarter saw the Bulldogs struggle to get going and found themselves down 14-0. Ysleta scored first with a 23yd screen pass from Damian Contreras to RB Javier De La Rosa at the 5:18 mark. A few minutes later Contreras connected with WR Gavin Espino for 16yd pass to put the Indians up 14-0.
Things got interesting from there on and the Bulldogs showed they came to play. Socorro ended a three minute drive with a 3yd run by RB Omar Flores. A missed attempted field goal turned out positive for Socorro as they managed to pull off a two point conversion. As the momentum shifted to Socorros side, they scored again on an impressive run by RB Isaiah Edgerton to finish the first half tied up with the Indians.
Ysleta was looking to reestablish themselves in control of the game with a 3yd run by Contreras to put them back on top. Socorro quickly answered on a 6 play 74yd drive that was finished off with a 24yd touchdown run by QB Isaí Aguilar. Socorro missed on a two point conversion attempt.
The Indians scored one more time before the quarter came to an end when Contreras completed a 46yd touchdown pass to WR Andres Martinez to put them up 27-20. Ysleta attempted a two point conversion of their own that came up short.
With most teams across the city done for the evening, both of these teams were battling it out late into the night with one quarter left to play. Socorro held up the Ysleta offense after a 12 play, 63yd drive and followed up with a 58yd drive of their own. Aguilar ran in for a 15yd td run. The ensuing two point attempt was no good.
Ysleta water no time in and extended their lead with another deep pass from Contreras to Martinez on a 50yd td pass. Ysleta converted on a two point conversion by Espino after a bad snap on an attempted field goal. That proved to be a crucial salvage by the Indians.
Socorro would score once more in the closing seconds of the game to bring them within a point of Ysleta. An attempted onside kick was covered by the Indians to seal the win for the visiting team.
Both teams showed a vast improvement from last year and shouldn’t be taken lightly by future opponents. Socorro visita El Paso next Friday while Ysleta hosts Riverside for homecoming.
Henry Reyna and Tony Grijalva Reporting