Dilley edges Nixon-Smiley 21–14 in close district matchup

DILLEY — Despite a strong rushing performance from junior running back Garet Gonzales, the Nixon-Smiley Mustangs came up short in a 21–14 loss to Dilley on Friday night.

The Mustangs totaled 203 yards of offense across 57 plays, highlighted by Gonzales’ 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Quarterback Eric Rodriguez Jr. went 4-for-8 passing for 57 yards and one interception while adding 15 yards on the ground.

Senior Julian Amaya contributed 30 yards on 12 carries, and sophomore Joe White added six yards rushing. Through the air, Gonzales, Henry Benavidez, and Mystik Swenson combined for four receptions totaling 57 yards, with Gonzales recording the team’s longest catch of 24 yards.

Nixon-Smiley finished with 11 first downs and 146 rushing yards but was hampered by five penalties for 45 yards. Dilley posted 17 first downs and was flagged only once for five yards.

With the loss, the Mustangs fell to 2–3 in District 27-3A play and 3–5 overall, sitting just below Dilley in the standings. Nixon-Smiley will look to bounce back at home this Friday as they host Karnes City at 7 p.m. for Senior Night.