Del Valle Rallies Late to Beat Franklin 40-30

Del Valle’s early-season momentum kept rolling Friday night as the Conquistadors pulled out a 40-30 win over Franklin in a wild game filled with six lead changes.

Quarterback Jake Fette once again proved why he’s one of the state’s most dangerous players. The senior passed for 349 yards and added 100 yards on the ground, including touchdown runs of 1 and 77 yards in the fourth quarter. His long score with just over three minutes left finally sealed the victory for Del Valle, moving them to 2-0.

Franklin’s Ernie Powers put on a show of his own, rushing for 342 yards and four touchdowns. He broke loose for a 59-yard run and kept Franklin in front late in the third quarter. But the Conquistadors’ defense stiffened in the second half, limiting big plays down the stretch.

Del Valle led 13-10 at halftime after Dylan Gonzalez scored on a 12-yard reverse in the first quarter. The defenses then dug in during the second, with Franklin’s goal-line stop keeping it close before the break.

The back-and-forth battle turned into a track meet late, but Fette and the Del Valle defense had the final word.

The Conquistadors now head west to face El Paso High on Sept. 12. Franklin, sitting at 1-1, will look to bounce back at home against Lubbock Monterey.