Texico thrashes Carlsbad JV

Texico freshman Seth Bailey breaks the tackle of a Carlsbad junior varsity defender in the second quarter en route to his second punt return for a touchdown in Thursday’s game at Texico. (CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks)

TEXICO — Freshman Seth Bailey return two punts for touchdowns in the first half as the Texico Wolverines hammered the Carlsbad junior varsity 39-0 on Thursday night at the Field of Hopes and Dreams.

Bailey set the tone for the game by racing 47 yards after Carlsbad was forced to punt less than two minutes into the contest.

Bailey’s second punt return, which went 48 yards, came with 3:56 left before intermission and gave the Wolverines (3-2) a 26-0 advantage. Bailey shook off five would-be tackles by the Cavemen (1-4) to reach paydirt.

“It was a great experience, but I couldn’t have done it without my blocks — they set up a great wall,” Bailey said.

After the game, Texico coach Mike Prokop said it was difficult to evaluate just how good the Carlsbad JV contingent was.

“We had some coaches go scout them, but you really don’t know how to judge it because you don’t know whether they were going to prepare for their varsity game or try to load up on our game,” Prokop said. “I don’t know what kind of caliber of kids they have.”

After Bailey’s first touchdown put the Wolverines up 6-0, Texico forced another punt and started its first offensive possession at the Caveman 38. Justin Garrison’s 9-yard run on fourth down kept the drive alive, and quarterback Casey Crist eventually finished it off with a 1-yard sneak with 3:22 left in the first period.

As the Wolverines gradually pulled away, penalties became the theme of the night. Both teams racked up 100 yards in infractions.

“We’re still making silly mistakes and we’re not taking care of business,” Prokop said. “We’ve still got some kids who aren’t doing what they’re assigned to do and that’s got to change. But they did work hard and we’re getting there.”