Academy Pride junior wide-receiver Joel Obregon catches a pass for a first down. The Bishop Badgers celebrated homecoming by hosting the Santa Gertrudis Kingsville Academy Pride this past Friday at Ed Gorny Stadium in Bishop, clawing out a 38-8 victory.

“We lit up the new scoreboard tonight,” Bishop Badger Head Coach Larry Vincent said.

The Badgers were able to score on their first offensive possession of the game, with senior running back Zack Lowman barreling into the end zone from nine yards out.

The extra-point attempt by senior kicker Tommy Cavazos split the uprights, Badgers take the early 7-0 lead with 7:17 remaining in the first quarter.

The Pride, using a two quarterback system, was able to get into Bishop territory on their second offensive drive, with a 34-yard pass completion from senior quarterback William Foster to sophomore quarterback Connor DeLaney.

Bishop Badger senior running-back Zack Lowman breaks free for a 45-yard touchdown run Friday night. Unfortunately, a fumble by the Pride ended the threat with the Badgers recovering at the Bishop 26.

The Badgers continued to pound the ball on the ground, eventually scoring on a 45- yard jaunt into the end zone by Lowman.

The extra-point sailed wide; Bishop extended the lead to 13-0 with 3:40 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Pride’s highlight of the game was the nine-play drive covering 53 yards ending with a 12-yard run for a touchdown by DeLaney early in the second quarter.

The extra-point attempt by sophomore kicker Lazaro Garcia was unsuccessful; Academy closed the gap 13-6 with 11:14 on the clock.

The Badger’s offensive ground attack proved potent, scoring two times in the second quarter.

Senior quarterback Jacob Ortegon picked up the two touchdowns on short runs into the end zone.

Academy was able to pick up two points with DeLaney blocking a Badger extrapoint attempt and junior defensive back Joel Obregon returning it back for the score.

With 2:24 remaining in the second quarter, the score was 25-6.

Bishop’s defense also contributed to the Badger score with junior linebacker David Perez returning a pass interception 37 yards for a touchdown.

The point after attempt sailed wide right; Badgers take a 31-8 lead into intermission.

The second half lacked the fireworks the first half supplied, as both defenses clamped down forcing turnovers.

The Badger highlight in the third quarter was senior linebacker Alex Guajardo picking off a DeLaney pass attempt at the Badger 40 yard line.

The score remained 31-8 at the end of three quarters.

With 5:44 left in the game, the Badgers scored a touchdown on a 14-yard run by freshman quarterback Alan Scott.

Cavazos successfully added the extra-point; Badgers widen the gap 38-8.

The Badger defense continued to pressure the Pride, forcing yet another turnover.

Sophomore safety Travis Charles picked up his own pass interception to halt the Pride’s final drive at the Bishop 22.

Bishop went to back-ups to close the game and protect against any unnecessary injuries to starters.

The Badgers kept the ball on the ground to run out the clock and collect the 38-8 homecoming victory.

“We took a big step toward district play with this win,” Vincent said.

Game statistics will be posted in the mid-week edition.

Bishop will host Monterrey Tech at 7:30 p.m., Thursday Sept. 24 at Ed Gorny Stadium in Bishop.