After a rough start to the season, the Caprock Longhorns finally found a way to celebrate, not just by putting points on the board, but by claiming their first victory of the year. Traveling to Pampa, Caprock overcame a 14-point first-quarter deficit and a stubborn 11-point hole in the third to take a hard-fought 24-21 win, snapping a two-week streak of frustration.
The season had been brutal for the Longhorns up to this point. Losses to Dumas and Palo Duro left Caprock scoreless in two games, being outscored by a combined 99-0. That streak continued early against Pampa, as the home team jumped out to a 14-0 lead by early in the second quarter, powered by two touchdown runs from Jarren Hill. At that point, it looked like more of the same for Caprock, whose scoreless streak had now stretched to nine quarters.
But Caprock refused to roll over. Xavier Vargas provided a spark, scoring on a 27-yard run to cut the deficit to 14-7 at halftime. Vargas finished the game with 101 yards on just 12 carries, proving to be a critical offensive weapon for the Longhorns. Momentum was shifting, and Caprock made sure to keep applying pressure.
In the third quarter, Noah Gloria’s 25-yard field goal narrowed the gap to 14-10. Pampa managed to push ahead 21-10 early in the fourth quarter, but the Longhorns weren’t finished. Quarterback Juan De La Cruz took control, scoring on runs of 2 and 5 yards to give Caprock the lead for the first time this season. That drive not only secured the lead but also ensured the Longhorns’ first win of the year.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Beyond ending the scoreless streak, the Longhorns demonstrated resilience and determination, qualities that will be crucial as they head into the rest of the season. Coming back from double-digit deficits on the road is never easy, and Caprock’s ability to rally late speaks volumes about their character and potential.
This win is more than just a stat in the record book—it’s a turning point. Caprock proved that even after tough losses and frustrating weeks, persistence pays off. If they can carry the same energy and execution forward, the Longhorns could turn this season around in ways few expected just a week ago.
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