Sandies bounce back with dominant win over Caprock

After letting a 21-point lead slip away in a heartbreaking loss to Abilene High last week, the Amarillo High Sandies had a point to prove Thursday night at Dick Bivins Stadium. They made sure there would be no repeat performance, maintaining control from start to finish in a convincing 45-14 victory over the Caprock Longhorns in a District 2-5A Division I clash.

The win improved Amarillo High to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in district play, restoring confidence after the stumble in Abilene. Head coach Chad Dunnam said the team’s focus this week was simple — move forward.

While the stat sheet didn’t reflect an offensive explosion — the Sandies finished with 293 total yards — Amarillo High dominated in every phase that mattered. The Sandies took advantage of Caprock’s miscues, including seven penalties that resulted in first downs, and turned solid special teams play into points.

The tone was set early. After a short field on the opening kickoff and a key pass interference call, quarterback Jett Lopez connected with Jude Dunavin for a two-yard touchdown to put the Sandies up 7-0. Caprock briefly answered with a 40-yard field goal by Noah Gloria, but that would be the Longhorns’ only score until late in the game.

Dunavin, who turned in a workhorse performance with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, made it 14-3 midway through the second quarter. From there, Amarillo High began to find its rhythm, using a no-huddle approach to keep Caprock’s defense off balance.

Momentum swung completely to Amarillo High just before halftime when Creed Cavalier, in his first game returning punts, delivered the play of the night — a dazzling 61-yard return for a touchdown.

Cavalier wasn’t done. Early in the third quarter, he returned another punt 43 yards to set up a Lopez touchdown strike to A.J. Randle, stretching the lead to 28-3 and effectively putting the game out of reach.

From there, the Sandies poured it on. Dunavin capped the scoring flurry with a 14-yard touchdown run, sealing a 21-point third quarter that turned the game into a rout.

Caprock’s offense never recovered, finishing with just 135 total yards and negative rushing yardage in the second half. Their lone touchdown came on a 63-yard pass from Juan De La Cruz to Aiden Suarez well after the outcome was decided.

For Amarillo High, it was a complete response — a team showing poise, balance, and maturity after a tough loss.

The Sandies will now enjoy a bye week before returning to district play against Lubbock Coronado. With their confidence restored, Amarillo High looks ready to keep its eyes on the bigger prize.