(McAllen, Texas)-McAllen HS DB Kolten Ottmers recovered the ensuing kickoff fumble by his McAllen receiving team and then, returned an interception for touchdown to give the Bulldogs (5-1, 4-1) a much needed win over the defending Co-Champs, Weslaco East (3-2, 3-2) 21-14 on Thursday night at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Weslaco East Wildcats scored on their third possession in the first half to take a 7-0 lead after a controlled 80-yard drive which netted seven first downs with 2:11 left to play. McAllen would answer right back with senior Quarterback Hunter Curl leading his Bulldogs on a quick, one minute touchdown drive to tie the game at 7-7 with 1:03. The Wildcats opted to take a knee to end the half.
In the second half, the Weslaco East Wildcats threw an interception and was picked off by Ottmers for a 30-yard touchdown return to put the Bulldogs up 14-7. Wildcats DT Rigo Puente answered right back with 7:51 left to play by blocking a punt by Ottmers in Bulldog territory. The Wildcats, led by quarterback Javi Garza, he would score from five-yards out to tie the game after the extra point to make it 14-14 with 5:28 left to play.
With plenty of time still left to play, the Bulldogs offense took over on 90-yard drive with RB Weston Guzman plunging in to win the game. With the win, the Bulldogs moves into a second place tie with Brownsville Veterans and McAllen Nikki Rowe. “It was a tough loss,” says Weslaco East head football Michael Burget.
Curl led the McAllen Bulldogs with 102-yards rushing and one touchdown and Guzman added another 65-yards on the ground with one score. East was held to 187 total yards on offense. (Pictured is AJ Gonzalez of the McAllen Bulldogs./HSSMIMages)