The Bandera Bulldogs delivered a statement victory Friday night, routing the Memorial Minutemen 55-7 to move to a perfect 9-0 on the season and 3-0 in district play.
The win marks the Bulldogs’ best start since 1984 and solidifies their dominance on both sides of the ball under head coach Joel Fontenot-Amedee.
The evening featured a memorable pregame moment as Super Bowl champion coach Wade Phillips tossed the coin, thrilling the Bandera community and players.
The Bulldogs set the tone immediately. On Memorial’s opening drive, linebacker Caleb Tippit forced a fumble that gave Bandera prime field position.
Running back Juan Cabrera capitalized on the very first play, rushing eight yards for a touchdown to open the scoring.
Bandera’s offense was unstoppable, recording its fourth straight game with over 400 yards of total offense. Cabrera led the ground attack with 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Dalton Parks added 136 yards passing and 65 yards rushing, accounting for four touchdowns. Parks threw two touchdown passes to Jeffry Thomas and another to Jake Cesta.
Coach Fontenot- Amedee credited the offensive line for the success.
“Execution on the offensive line has been the key to us being so successful over the last month,” he said.
The Bulldogs’ defense complemented the high-powered offense, allowing only seven points and just 28 over the last four games.
The unit forced a key fourth-down stop early in the game, setting up a three-play touchdown drive.
Coach Fonte-not Amedee praised the defense’s effort and technique.
“We gang tackle as a unit. It’s the 9-5-90 mentality that we preach to get hats to the football. Our defense plays with relentless effort, which is a testament to the players and coaches who push each play for perfect effort,” he said.
The lopsided score also allowed other players to shine. Sophomore Carter Hanks scored his first varsity touchdown on a fiveyard run, while William Vidmer intercepted a trickplay pass and returned it 25 yards to seal the victory.
Reflecting on the team’s 9-0 start, Coach Fontenot- Amedee noted the progress since the program went 0-9 in 2020.
“To be 9-0 is a phenomenal feat and I’m so proud of everyone involved, especially the players who have been dreaming of this season their whole lives,” he said. “The coaches, the players, the community and administrative support are all to credit for this amazing start. We have one more game left to finish off our ‘second season’ and that is our focus this week! We can’t wait to see all the Bulldogs down in Carrizo for a true district championship game! We Are One!”
The Bulldogs will look to cap their historic season Friday when they travel to Carrizo Springs to face the Wildcats at 7 p.m., aiming to claim the District 4A-D2 Region IV championship.
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