Decatur wins homecoming

Photo by Mike Eckels Decatur High School homecoming king Hector Aguilar pins a cape on queen Sarah Harris during the coronation ceremony prior to the game Oct. 3. Both Harris and Aguilar are seniors.
Photo by Mike Eckels Decatur High School homecoming king Hector Aguilar pins a cape on queen Sarah Harris during the coronation ceremony prior to the game Oct. 3. Both Harris and Aguilar are seniors.

DECATUR -- Bulldog fans began to fill the stadium at 6 p.m. in preparation for the 2014 homecoming game against conference rival the JC Westside Rebels Oct. 3.

By game time, every bleacher on the home side was full of Bulldog fans. The fence from the left side of the bleachers all the way to the end was lined with fans. And still they came. Very few times in recent Bulldog football history has there been a greater outpouring of support than on this night. And still they came!

The first order of business was to crown the 2014 Decatur homecoming king and queen. Eight lovely ladies dressed in beautiful evening ware escorted by a family member, and eight of the elite football team walked down the 50 yard line to be presented to the assembled masses. The question on everybody's mind: "Who will be the homecoming king and queen this year?"

"The 2014 homecoming king is Hector Aquilar," the announcer said. "The 2014 homecoming queen is (short pause) Sarah Harris."

With the sounds of camera shutters clicking away and the applause from the spectators, Aguilar first tied the ceremonial cape around Harris' neck. Then came the crown and finally a bed of long-stem roses. Finally, Aguilar was presented with a football signed by the entire Bulldog team. The queen was escorted to her awaiting throne on the east end of the stadium.

But the surprises were not over yet.

Just before the coin toss, the Decatur Marching Band, led by Kristin Wages, entered the east side of the stadium. As the band marched to center field, it became apparent the band had grown by 20 members. Who were these newcomers? As it turned out, the 20 musicians were part of the University of Arkansas Marching Razorbacks, here to add a little spirit to the evening. Never did the Star Spangled Banner sounded so beautiful in Bulldog Stadium than played by the combined. Their contribution throughout the game kept the Bulldog spirit high and could have played a part in the outcome of the contest.

As the Decatur offense took the field, there was one noticeable absence. Victor Urquidi, senior captain, was not dressed out. He was still plagued with the ankle injury that he sustained in the Sept. 12 game against Hartford. Shane Holland, head football coach, decided to hold Urquidi in reserve.

"I wanted Victor to be healthy for the next conference game in two weeks," Holland said. "He is an important part of the team this year and I want him to take us to the playoffs."

Urquidi was not content to sit idly by. Throughout the game, he shouted encouragement to his fellow players, at times looking more like Coach Urquidi than captain.

"Watch the ball!" he shouted. "Watch the ball!"

JC Westside, which was 0-4 in 2A 4West conference play, made two touchdowns by midway through the second quarter. It began to look like the mistakes that plagued the Bulldogs all season would continue. But suddenly a series of penalties by the Rebels played in Decatur's favor and the Bulldogs were finally able to score late in the first half. By halftime, the Bulldog were behind by only a touchdown, 12 to 7.

In the second half, the Rebels took advantage of several Decatur penalties in the first four minutes of the third quarter and widened their lead, 20 to 7.

Then the momentum shifted in the Bulldogs' favor as Terry Kell, returning from an injury suffered in the last game of the Gentry Summer Basketball league game, forced three turnovers. Decatur capitalized on these mistakes and an interception by Joey Barnes to drive the Bulldogs into the end zone.

By the time the final buzzer sounded at the end of the game, Decatur had put three more touchdowns on the scoreboard to take the game, 28 to 20.

"We definately played a much better game than we have the last two," Holland said. "Allan had a great night, rushing for 93 yards."

"Leng has done well as backup quarterback for us this season," Holland said. "The fact that he has the chance to play a few games as quarterback means he will be more experienced when he takes over that position next season."

With this win, the Bulldogs improve to 2 and 2 in conference play and 2 and 3 overall. Their next conference game will be on Oct. 17 when they play the Western Yale County Wolverines (1 and 2 in conference) at Bulldog Stadium. Game time will be 7 p.m.

Bulldog Stats

Passing: Leng Lee - 5 completions, 14 attempts for 74 yards

Rushing: Leng Lee - 15 carries for 29 yards, Allan Castaneda - 19 carries for 93 yard, Total- 34 carries for 123 yards

Receiving: Brody Funk - 2 carries for 46 yards, Tony Mendoza - 1 carry for 8 yards, Tyler Riddle - 1 carry for 17 yards, Ryan Shaffer - 1 carry for 3 yards, total - 5 carries for 74 yards

Tackles: Allan Castaneda - 14, Brody Funk - 12, Jaffett Puga - 9, Terry Kell - 7, team total 75

Sacks: Terry Kell - 3, Kyle Shaffer 1

Interceptions: Joey Barnes, Allan Castaneda, Brody Funk each with 1

Fumble Recovery: Joey Barnes and Brody Funk each with 1

Points: Leng Lee, Joey Barnes, Allan Castaneda, Brody Funk each with 6, Tony Mendoza with 4 points after

Sports on 10/08/2014