In a game that had everything from kickoff returns to clutch fourth-down conversions, the Don Lugo Conquistadors stormed back from a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat the Carter Lions, 36–32, on Friday night.

The victory marked the first career win for new Don Lugo head coach Daniel Robles, and it came in dramatic fashion as the Conquistadors scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to seal the comeback.

First Half: Carter Takes Control

The night opened with fireworks. Don Lugo struck first when sophomore quarterback Brandon Piñon connected with senior wide receiver Blake Laporte on a 21-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter. But Carter answered right back as Karon Wells took the ensuing kickoff 85 yards down the sideline for a score, cutting the deficit to 7–6 after a missed PAT.

Lugo responded by capitalizing on a Carter fumble deep in Lions territory. Senior running back Teo Tucay punched it in from 10 yards out to make it 14–6 Conquistadors.

From there, Carter took over. Running back Drelon Allen was nearly unstoppable, scoring three first-half touchdowns — a two-yard run, a 17-yard burst, and a six-yard sweep — giving the Lions a 26–14 lead at halftime.

Second Half: Lugo Storms Back

Carter extended its lead to 32–14 late in the third quarter after another turnover set up a short touchdown run. But the Conquistadors refused to fold.

Piñon found Brandon Elias for a touchdown to make it 32–21, then connected with Laporte again on a critical fourth-and-four pass in the fourth quarter. Lugo converted the two-point try, pulling within three at 32–29.

With just over three minutes to play, Piñon launched a deep strike to Elias, who hauled it in despite tight coverage for the go-ahead touchdown. The Lugo defense closed it out moments later with a late interception, securing the 36–32 victory.

Game Photos

Photos taken by Rico’s Sports Pix