(Northeast Los Angeles)—The Wilson Mighty Mules treated their student body, player families, alumni, and community supporters to an explosive, fast, furious, and historic record-setting performance on “Homecoming” night against their Northern League neighbor and rival, the Lincoln Tigers. Believe it or not, the final score was Wilson 91, Lincoln 62.
Note From The Editor: It’s not very often that a sports production team covering an event finds itself in what results in a potential record-breaking event. But right after the final bell or buzzer of that event takes place, it’s time to start the formal statistical review. During our post-game editing process, our video technical editor discovered a scoring error in Wilson’s final point tabulation. Our review showed that the final score should have been recorded as (91-62), and not (93-62), as initially reported. (See our stat line of individual and team scoring at the end of this write-up).
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It was an important league match-up for both schools, as they played for a good seed in the upcoming L.A. City Section Divisional playoffs. The Mules came in with an overall record of (6-2) and a (3-1) record in League play, while their opponents came in with an overall record of (3-5) an (0-3) in League. The game was one for the record books because of the 153 total points scored. It will certainly be a most memorable night for the players, coaches, and fans who were in attendance due to the offensive and defensive fireworks that were displayed throughout the 3 hour and 30 minute contest.
Game Recap:
1st Qtr—The Tigers scored on their first possession at the (10:27) mark, when WR/QB #12 Andrew Perez scored on a dive from the 2 yd. line. On the ensuing kick-off, Wilson mounted their first scoring drive via their dangerous “Air Attack” mixed in with their running game. At the (8:30) mark, they scored on a 45 yd. pass play when an uncovered #1/WR/SR/Jacob Holguin hauled it in for six. #5/WR/(C)/SR/Isaiah Abdullah then scored his first of a game high nine 2 point conversions. The period ended in an (8-7) score.
2nd Qtr—Here’s where the Mules’ extra firepower began to show itself. They put up three consecutive touchdowns by #1 WR/SR/Jacob Holguin, the first coming on a 25 yd. pass from #19 QB/SO/Julian Hernandez, next came a 51 yd. run, and then an 85 yd. punt return. Breaking that string was another TD pass thrown to #13/WR/SO Deanthony Jackson. Holguin then added his fourth TD of the stanza just before halftime on a dazzling 40 yd. run.
HALFTIME SCORE: Wilson 48, Lincoln 14
3rdQtr—This quarter started the Tigers’ comeback as they scored on three consecutive possessions. The first came from #22 RB/Freshman/Andre Watkins, on a 35 yd. run. Next, a 35 yd. pass from #11 QB/SR/Geo Suarez to #12/SR/WR/Andrew Perez. Then with (4:55) left in the period, Watkins followed his blockers and swept in from 50 yds. out for the Tigers third TD. Their fourth score came several minutes on a Suarez, 20 yd. blind bootleg scamper over left end. Their last score came on a 13 yd. pass at the (1:46) mark, from Suarez to #7 WR/SR Kevin Moreno, pushing their score quickly upward to 48. The Tigers made 4 out of 5 PATS in the period.
On the Wilson side of the quarter, reserve #16 QB/SO Matthew Moreno went deep to #17 WR/JR/Richard Haro for a 55 yd. quick-strike score to start things off. Jacob Holguin then electrified the Homecoming crowd with yet another big play, this time on a 92 yd. kick-off return. On their next possession, Holguin then ran a deep post route and was spotted ahead of his defenders by Hernandez near the Tigers 2 yd. line for the completion. He then walked in for the score, completing a 45 yd. TD bomb by Hernandez who had been re-inserted into the game. This ended the period’s scoring for the Mules. The score at this point was Wilson, 61 Lincoln 48.
Of Significance …Unfortunately, Jacob Holguin would be forced to leave the field due to a shoulder injury he sustained while being tackled after a catch. He did not return to the game.
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4thQtr—The Tigers scored first on a 20 yd. pass from Suarez to #24/WR/SR/Arturo Villaneda, moving the score to (67-55). But at the 6:00 minute mark, the Mules answered right back with a 50 yd. air-strike to #5 Abdullah from #19 Hernandez. Then, on the kick-off, the Tigers’ #7 WR/Kevin Moreno took the kick at his 15 yd. line and returned it for a TD. The PAT was good. The score was now, (75-62). And all of a sudden, the tide appeared to be turning in the Tigers’ favor. However, with 3:03 left in the game, #13 Deanthony Jackson caught a 25 yd. TD pass from Julian Hernandez giving them some more breathing room. And to top off the scoring, with just (2:24) remaining in the game, and the Tigers in possession, they fumbled deep in their own territory, and once again #13 DE/Jackson was right there in perfect position to pick up the loose ball on a bounce and then promptly rumbled into the end zone.
FINAL SCORE: Wilson 91, Lincoln 62
Individual/Team Scoring Totals: Touchdowns: 12=72 points; Holguin (7 ); Jackson (3) Abdullah (1); Haro (1 ); 2 Pt. Conversions; Abdullah 9=18 points; PAT: 1=1 point #22 PK/JR/Anahi Garcia
Media Credits: Frankli Robles, Director of Videography/Lead Cameraman, East L.A. Sports Scene/Intern & Director, Lee Pictures; Keneth Robles, Digital Photography, East L.A. Sports Scene/Intern.
