Editor’s Note: Coach Nick Salas contributed to this report.
Bandera’s undefeated season came to a halt Friday night as the Bulldogs were handed their first loss of the year, a 24–14 defeat to Gonzales in the Bi-District Championship at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.
Bandera struck quickly in the opening quarter, needing only five plays to find the end zone. Quarterback Dalton Parks connected with Breydan Gherman on a 46-yard touchdown pass that set the early tone. The Bulldogs’ defense— dominant throughout their 10-0 regular season—kept the Apaches scoreless through the entire first half.
Riding that momentum, Bandera opted to stay aggressive late in the first quarter. Facing a fourthand-four, quarterback Jake Cesta delivered a deep ball to Jeffry Thomas, who pulled down a 31-yard touchdown grab to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to 14–0. Bandera carried that advantage into halftime.
The second half, however, unfolded differently. Head coach Fontenot- Amedee said the game shifted sharply after the break.
“Friday was a tale of two halves,” he said. “In the first half, our team performed at their highest level of the season. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough to beat a very good football team. We were inches short in the second half. Hats off to Gonzales.”
Though the loss ended their postseason hopes, Fontenot-Amedee said the team’s identity was defined by its growth and maturity, not just its record.
He described the improvement he saw “from a character and accountability standpoint” as among the most significant of any team he has coached. “I had the pleasure of coaching some really good football players who are going to be great members of our community and society,” he said. “I am so proud of these guys. I can’t put it into words.”
Bandera’s senior class leaves behind a formidable legacy, including five consecutive playoff appearances and three straight district titles. Their consistency, Fontenot-Amedee said, established a new benchmark for the program.
“These seniors have set the bar extremely high for the groups to come,” he said. “As important as any win, our guys play the game the right way. They played the game with integrity and class. We never lowered our standard, and the expectations and standards will remain high because this group of seniors gave us the blueprint.”
The coach also thanked the Bandera community, crediting the program’s success to the support surrounding it.
“I’m so grateful for all of the people who supported us this year,” he said. “A singular football win doesn’t happen without a community of support around it, much less 100. Thank you to everyone who packed the stadium last Friday for the game. It was a special season. Thank you.”
Despite the disappointing finish, the Bulldogs expressed appreciation for their seniors, families and fans, saying the impact of this year’s squad will be felt long after the final score.
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