This Bandera Bulldog news is brought to you by:
|
|
|
Download & Print
Photos by Andrew Coloney
September 30, 2025
Toughest team wins, Bulldogs move to 5-0 in instant classic
By Nick Salas
Bandera ISD Athletics
In a clash of titans that lived up to its billing, the Bandera Bulldogs (5-0) secured a thrilling 26-25 victory over the rival Hondo Owls (4-1) on Friday night. Heading into the contest, the stakes were high, with both teams carrying perfect records and a top-10 city ranking—KSAT 12 had the undefeated Hondo Owls ranked #3 in their Sub-5A poll, while the Bulldogs checked in at #8. The game was an instant classic, with Bandera's defense delivering a game-sealing fourth-down stop in the final 2 minutes to ensure the dramatic, one-point win.
The Bulldogs’ ground attack was potent and balanced. Senior Juan Cabrera led the team, racking up 110 yards rushing and punching in a crucial rushing touchdown. Junior Breydan Gherman added an element of explosiveness, tallying 86 yards on the ground with two huge bursts and opening the game’s scoring with a receiving touchdown. Senior Benton Cloudt also found the end zone, pulling down an impressive bobbling catch for a receiving score.
However, the biggest non-offensive play came from the defense, where Ruffin Scartocci intercepted an Owls pass and returned it 52 yards for a pick-six, providing a momentum swing in the tight contest.
The win carries extra weight, marking a significant, hard-fought breakthrough in a long-standing series with the Owls. For Coach Fontenot-Amadee, the victory was an achievement, especially given the history between the two programs.
"There's a long history of games between Bandera and Hondo," Fontenot-Amadee said. "I heard pregame that we've played 43 times, and Bandera is behind a few in the overall matchup. Since 2019, we are 3-4 versus Hondo. This is the first time since 2009 that we have beaten them at Hondo."
He described the contest as a, physical struggle: "It’s always a very physical and well-played football game. With the exception of last year, we have had some great one-to-two score games with them over the last few years. Last night's game was a barn burner, and one of the best games I’ve been a part of as a head coach."
In an emotional, back-and-forth affair, the Bulldogs bent but refused to break, a testament to their defensive philosophy and collective mindset.
"Our philosophy on defense is to make good teams snap it again, and not to give up the big play," Fontenot-Amadee said. "Have as few missed tackles as possible, and we like to get off the field on 3rd down. Right now, I've been very impressed with how connected our guys are and the relentless effort in which we play."
Missed tackles were not a problem last night for the Bulldog Defense, Dane Barnett led the way with 11 solo tackles, followed by the Klein brothers who had 16 tackles combined. Solidifying their mindset defensively.
He added that the team is succeeding by focusing on internal growth: "We focus on us, our process, and trust that those processes of improvement will lead to success on Friday Nights. We try to play complimentary football as well."
The difference in such a tight contest often comes down to sheer grit, and Fontenot-Amadee praised his team’s toughness in going toe-to-toe with a quality opponent.
"First of all, hats off to a very physical and tough Hondo team. They were very well coached and are very good," he said. "We are like the story of that bulldog who just keeps getting up off the ground, scrapping and fighting. We have no quit and play extremely hard. Eventually, that old bulldog can wear some other dogs out through sheer toughness."
The 5-0 start is one of the best in program history, matching the 4-0 start of 2023 and chasing the 6-0 start of 2019. Now established as a true contender, the Bandera Bulldogs return home this week, Friday, Oct. 4, to host Comfort. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs’ ground attack was potent and balanced. Senior Juan Cabrera led the team, racking up 110 yards rushing and punching in a crucial rushing touchdown. Junior Breydan Gherman added an element of explosiveness, tallying 86 yards on the ground with two huge bursts and opening the game’s scoring with a receiving touchdown. Senior Benton Cloudt also found the end zone, pulling down an impressive bobbling catch for a receiving score.
However, the biggest non-offensive play came from the defense, where Ruffin Scartocci intercepted an Owls pass and returned it 52 yards for a pick-six, providing a momentum swing in the tight contest.
The win carries extra weight, marking a significant, hard-fought breakthrough in a long-standing series with the Owls. For Coach Fontenot-Amadee, the victory was an achievement, especially given the history between the two programs.
"There's a long history of games between Bandera and Hondo," Fontenot-Amadee said. "I heard pregame that we've played 43 times, and Bandera is behind a few in the overall matchup. Since 2019, we are 3-4 versus Hondo. This is the first time since 2009 that we have beaten them at Hondo."
He described the contest as a, physical struggle: "It’s always a very physical and well-played football game. With the exception of last year, we have had some great one-to-two score games with them over the last few years. Last night's game was a barn burner, and one of the best games I’ve been a part of as a head coach."
In an emotional, back-and-forth affair, the Bulldogs bent but refused to break, a testament to their defensive philosophy and collective mindset.
"Our philosophy on defense is to make good teams snap it again, and not to give up the big play," Fontenot-Amadee said. "Have as few missed tackles as possible, and we like to get off the field on 3rd down. Right now, I've been very impressed with how connected our guys are and the relentless effort in which we play."
Missed tackles were not a problem last night for the Bulldog Defense, Dane Barnett led the way with 11 solo tackles, followed by the Klein brothers who had 16 tackles combined. Solidifying their mindset defensively.
He added that the team is succeeding by focusing on internal growth: "We focus on us, our process, and trust that those processes of improvement will lead to success on Friday Nights. We try to play complimentary football as well."
The difference in such a tight contest often comes down to sheer grit, and Fontenot-Amadee praised his team’s toughness in going toe-to-toe with a quality opponent.
"First of all, hats off to a very physical and tough Hondo team. They were very well coached and are very good," he said. "We are like the story of that bulldog who just keeps getting up off the ground, scrapping and fighting. We have no quit and play extremely hard. Eventually, that old bulldog can wear some other dogs out through sheer toughness."
The 5-0 start is one of the best in program history, matching the 4-0 start of 2023 and chasing the 6-0 start of 2019. Now established as a true contender, the Bandera Bulldogs return home this week, Friday, Oct. 4, to host Comfort. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.