The Alvord Bulldogs appeared lifeless as they entered the fourth quarter of a frustrating area round tilt with the Price Carlisle Indians.
There was 8 minutes left. The Bulldogs were down 34-7. It was all but over.
But then, Alvord rattled off a 77-yard touchdown. Then they recovered an onside kick.
And then, in the blink of an eye, it was an 11 point game. Dalton George hit Zane Smith for 49-yard touchdown on the first play after that onside kick recovery.
There was 7:25 left on the clock, and the new-look Bulldogs under coach Matt Fanning had new life.
But just as the 2A area round contest began to show shades of the infamous John Tyler and Plano East game from 31 years ago, Alvord’s comeback dream was unceremoniously spoiled by one outstretched fist.
The Bulldogs failed to come up with the ensuing onside kick after that long touchdown pass and 2-point conversion. But the defense did force a three-and-out, and Carlisle’s punt bounced through the end zone for a touchback.
With about 5 minutes left, Alvord running back Zane Fuentes raced to the edge on an outside run, and cut toward a lane that was widening before his eyes — a runway that resembled the blocking from the 77-yard touchdown he ripped off moments before in the fourth.
But just as Fuentes cut upfield, a lunging Carlisle defender managed to connect his fist on the football, punching the ball from Fuentes’s grip for a game ending knock out that ended one of Alvord’s best seasons in years.
Carlisle quarterback Antonio Ibarra scored on a 1-yard keeper after the turnover, and the underdog Indians (7-5) held on to beat Alvord (9-3) 41-23 at Ennis High School Friday night.
Carlisle controlled the game early with field position and methodical scoring drives. Ibarra moved the chains for the Indians, completing 20 of 23 attempts for 234 yards and two touchdowns.
His efficient play gave the Indians 16 first downs, compared to Alvord’s seven in the contest. Elvis Hernandez led the Indians in rushing with 58 and a touchdown. Ibarra’s favorite target on the night was Ivan Garza, who finished with seven receptions and 104 yards.
Fuentes had two touchdowns in the game, rushing for 131 yards on 16 attempts. Dalton George completed eight of his 20 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. His leading receiver was Brayden Clark, who finished with three receptions and 57 yards.
The loss ends a massive turnaround for the Bulldogs under Fanning that brought Alvord its first district championship since 2014 and its first postseason victory since 2021.
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This story will be updated.
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