Sandies stay unbeaten with win over Midland High

Through the first three games of the season, the Amarillo High Sandies have sent a clear message: the number next to the “A” in their classification doesn’t matter. On Friday night, they traveled south to face the Midland High Bulldogs, a solid District 2-6A team, and once again came away with a victory, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit to win 31-24. That win not only improved Amarillo High’s record to 3-0 but also solidified the Sandies’ early-season reputation as giant killers.

Amarillo High opened the season with decisive wins over Odessa High and San Angelo Central, both 2-6A programs. But Friday’s win over Midland might be the most satisfying yet. The Bulldogs came in with a strong record and a physical style of play, and the Sandies were tested in ways they hadn’t been in their previous two contests. While Amarillo High’s high-powered offense functioned as expected, it was their timely defensive stops that ultimately secured the win.

The Sandies’ offense piled up 439 yards, with quarterback Jett Lopez continuing his hot start. Lopez completed 19-of-27 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, all to Austin Sluder, giving him his third straight 300-yard passing game. Sluder made every reception count, totaling 137 yards and three scores, including a 62-yard touchdown on the very first play from scrimmage. The connection between Lopez and Sluder has quickly become the centerpiece of Amarillo High’s attack, and opposing defenses are learning that limiting Sluder is easier said than done.

Midland looked poised to pull off the upset when they stopped the Sandies on a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 9:38 remaining. But Amarillo High’s defense answered immediately. Less than a minute later, the Bulldogs were tackled in the end zone for a safety, cutting their lead to 21-19 and swinging momentum squarely back to Amarillo High. Capitalizing on the free kick, Lopez found Sluder again for a 54-yard touchdown pass, giving the Sandies a 25-21 lead with 8:27 to play. Amarillo High never trailed again.

The Sandies’ defense added an exclamation point to the victory when Deuce Patterson scooped up a fumble and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown, providing a 31-21 cushion. On the ground, running back Jude Dunavin delivered another all-around performance, rushing for 83 yards on 14 carries while also catching nine passes for 119 yards. His versatility keeps defenses guessing and adds another dangerous element to Amarillo High’s offense.

What stands out about Amarillo High’s early-season run is their resilience. Even when their high-octane offense stalls, the team finds a way to make plays on defense and special teams to turn games in their favor. The Sandies are proving that talent, teamwork, and execution matter more than classification numbers. If they continue playing this way, Amarillo High might not just make a statement in District 1-5A—they could emerge as a genuine playoff contender in 2025.

With three wins over 2-6A teams already under their belt, Amarillo High is sending a warning: underestimate them at your own peril.