4A Team of the Week: Bandera Bulldogs
Bandera had lost its last five playoff games heading into its bi-district matchup against Jarrell last Friday. Coming off its winningest regular season since 1994, the Bulldogs were hoping to bring that streak to an end.
Bandera quarterback Jesse Cardenas personally assured it would. Acting as the Bulldogs’ bell cow on the night, he rushed 30 times for 219 yards and four touchdowns as Bandera held off Jarrell 32-27. It was the Bulldogs’ first playoff victory since 2007.
In Bandera’s first playoff win since 2007, Jesse had 261 total yards (30 carries for 219 yards and four rushing touchdowns, 26 passing yards, 16 receiving yards), a 49 yard punt return for a touchdown, an interception, three tackles, a blocked extra point and a pass break-up. pic.twitter.com/WyFWPkkJzr
— Brady Keane (@CoachKeane_) November 13, 2023
When it wasn’t Cardenas carrying the ball, sophomore Juan Cabrera also pitched in with 46 yards on 15 carries. The defense also came up big late with two forced turnovers in the fourth quarter.
Looking forward to the area round, Bandera will likely need another big effort from Cardenas as the Bulldogs take on fellow 10-1 side Ingleside. That game will kick off on Friday at 7:00 in Pleasanton.
*Stats from MaxPreps
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Wharton
Week Two: Houston Scarborough
Week Three: Stephenville
Week Four: Beeville Jones
Week Five: Kaufman
Week Six: Iowa Colony
Week Seven: Waco Connally
Week Eight: Lindale
Week Nine: Farmersville
Week Ten: San Elizario
Week Eleven: Krum
