Look: Laredo Alexander ekes out 20-13 win over United South in pivotal 30-6A duel

The Laredo Alexander Bulldogs earned a scrappy and hard-fought 20-13 victory over Laredo United South in a pivotal District 30-6A duel Friday

LAREDO, Texas — When Edwin Garcia arrived at Laredo Alexander after serving as Laredo United South’s offensive coordinator, he let his team know the No. 1 goal was to return to the playoffs after a four-year hiatus. 

On Friday night, the Bulldogs got one step closer to realizing that postseason goal after taking down defending District 30-6A champions Laredo United South 20-13 in a defensive duel at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex. 

“I am really proud of our defense. I asked the guys at halftime and before the game to do three things for our Bulldog Nation," Garcia said. 

"That was to have fun tonight. These nights are coming to an end sooner, than later. To have faith in our program, in our philosophy and to be fearless. They are here and meant to be here, and we need to play like it.”

The Bulldogs' defense under the leadership of defensive coordinator Fernando Lemus put together its best outing of the season, as the defense recovered a fumble and hauled in an interception that directly led to 14 of Alexander's 20 points.

“These guys have been doing a great job all year,” Lemus said. “They had circled this game since last year. These guys got up for it and had a good week of preparation, they played their butts off.”  

Laredo Alexander got on the board during the opening quarter with a drive that ended with junior running back Gael Rodriguez scrambling his way into the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown run. After Bailey Medina booted in the extra point, the Bulldogs took a 7-0 lead at the 2:26 mark. 

On the ensuing Laredo United South drive, the Bulldogs' defense came up with a huge fumble recovery that led to Laredo Alexander’s next touchdown. 

Bulldogs' defensive back Marco Rodriguez pounced on a ball that was knocked loose by the offensive line. Laredo Alexander opened the second quarter already threatening to score again. 

Junior quarterback Javier Jimenez connected with sophomore wide receiver Ivan Pina for a 9-yard touchdown reception. Medina booted in his second extra-point of the night, as Laredo Alexander took a 14-0 edge. 

Laredo United South was able gain some momentum and move the ball on its next drive, but the Panthers' drive stalled after a sack by Bulldogs' junior defensive end Jorge Alvarez. 

The Panthers continued to battle and move the ball upfield within the final minute of the first half and pushed it inside the 10-yard line. Cisneros called his own number and ran it in for an 8-yard rushing touchdown to make it a 14-6 Alexander lead after the extra point was missed. 

 Laredo United South opened the second half with an interception by Eduardo Salazar, who picked off Jimenez on a deep pass. The defenses for both teams held each other in check, with as neither team getting into the end zone during the third quarter. 

Alvarez, who closed the first half with a huge sack on Cisneros, was hardly slowed down by the short halftime break and continued terrorizing the Panthers' offense. He opened the fourth quarter with an interception and returned it all the way back to the United South 12-yard line with 8:57 left to play.

Three plays later, Gael Rodriguez scored his second touchdown of the night with a 5-yard run up the middle of the field, as Laredo Alexander took a 20-6 edge.  

Laredo United South kept fighting to get back into the game and drove the ball into Alexander's red zone and down to the 18-yard line. 

The Panthers caught a big break after a pass interference flag was thrown in the end zone. The 15-yard penalty put the ball on the Bulldogs' 3-yard line. 

On the next play, senior running back Brandon Benavidez ran the ball up the middle of the field for a 3-yard touchdown run to make it a 20-13 ball game with 5:31 left in the game. 

Laredo United South made an impressive defensive stand with time winding down and its chances of a comeback slipping away.

The Panthers held defensively to bring up a fourth-and-one scenario for Alexander, Rodriguez was able to pick up the first down and run out the clock for the Bulldogs' victory.  

Laredo Alexander (4-4, 2-1) will look to move one step closer toward locking up one of District 30-6A's four playoff berths when the Bulldogs return to action against the Del Rio Rams (1-6, 1-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center in Laredo.

Laredo United South (2-6, 1-2), meanwhile, will aim to rebound and stay in the 30-6A playoff hunt when the Panthers face off against the Eagle Pass Eagles (8-0, 3-0) at the same time Thursday, Oct. 27, at Cozel Foster Veterans Memorial Stadium in Eagle Pass.

Check out SBLive's exclusive photo gallery from the game:

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PHOTO GALLERY — LAREDO ALEXANDER 20, LAREDO UNITED SOUTH 13

All photos by Clara Sandoval