Loboes Suffer Homecoming Loss Despite Second-half Hustle
    by Jessica Ray, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News, September 18, 2007

It was homecoming night following a great pep rally, a great parade and a great turnout. The weather was just right for Friday night football, and the Loboes were about to play the first Varsity game on the new turf at Estes Memorial Stadium.

After defeating the fifth-ranked Snyder Tigers two weeks prior, Monahans was likely expecting a sure victory over the then-winless Midland Christian Mustangs. But when the Mustangs took a 21-0 lead in the first half, the old "don't count your chickens" quote nagged in many minds.

In the first quarter, Monahans was forced to punt, but fumble at the snap. Midland Christian recovered the fumble in the end zone for the game's first touchdown. The extra point put the Mustangs in a 7-0 lead going into the second quarter.

Two touchdowns later, the Loboes were on the losing end of a 21-0 beating. Though it appeared the Loboes would turn up scoreless in the first half, Julian Hernandez (86) caught a pass QB Steven Valles (7) just 36 second before half-time. The Valles kick brought the Loboes closer, but still behind 7-21.

The Loboes were able to fend off the Mustangs for the remainder of the game allowing no additional touchdowns.

Matthew Montoya (5) caught a 22-yard pass in the end zone from Valles in the fourth quarter, bringing the Loboes to a 13-point total. When the two-point conversion failed, it left the Green eight points behind.

Valles made a pass to Stephen Neel with 1:19 remaining in the game, who scored the game's final touchdown. Because of the missed conversion after the previous touchdown, the Loboes were forced to attempt another two-point conversion for a tie and overtime.

Unfortunately, the two-point attempt came to a halt when Adam Steen was stopped just short of the end zone, leaving Monahans behind by a painful two points, 19-21.

Hope was still alive when the Mustangs were forced to punt with only seconds remaining in the game. Monahans attempted to game was nearing its end. Hope died when Valles' pass was intercepted by Midland Christian.

After counting down the few 18 seconds, the Mustangs celebrated their first victory  of the season while the Loboes mourned their first loss, 19-21. Monahans is now 1-1.

This week, the Loboes will go against another herd of Mustangs, this time from Andrews. Andrews is undefeated, having beaten Pecos 14-0 (called at halftime due to weather), Midland Christian 36-6 and Fort Stockton 27-13.

Monahans will face Andrews in their homecoming game on Friday. The Mustangs, who have been at home for all games this season, will face Monahans in Andrews' fourth and final home game until district in late October.

On Thursday, the freshmen will take the home field at 5pm, followed by the JV match-up at 6:30 pm, also at home. The Jr. high teams will face Andrews there at 4:30 and 6 pm on Thursday.

The Varsity Loboes will play in Andrews on Friday at 7:30 pm.

keyed by Laura Hinojos , Junior 07'