COLORADO CITY, Texas — Colorado City’s rushing attack has been the engine behind its early-season success, but it was the passing game that delivered the biggest punch in the Wolves’ district opener against Ozona.
Colorado City entered the matchup still searching for its first district win, leaning on a ground game led by sophomore Joel Hernandez, who is averaging a score and 90 yards rushing per game.
Quarterback Ace Mejia has also been a major factor as a runner, with nine rushing touchdowns and nearly as many rushing yards as passing yards coming into the game.
RELATED | Stamford blanks Hamlin 48-0 after 35-0 halftime lead
Jason Borrego breaks through for a large Lions gain. (KTXS/Russell Taber)
The Wolves came in 3-2, having already tripled last year’s win total. It marked the first time Colorado City reached three wins in a season since a 2018 run when the team went 10-2.
Ozona entered district play 1-4, but with the understanding that a strong district run could still put either team in the playoff picture.
Ozona won the toss and elected to receive.
RELATED | Early Longhorns vs. Bowie Jackrabbits
Brandon Lee breaks free for 95-yard touchdown reception. (KTXS/Russell Taber)
A pitch to Jason Borrego helped set up the Lions with a run that ended at the Colorado City 20-yard line, but the drive stalled when Ozona was stopped on fourth down.
Colorado City took over at its own 5 and struck immediately. Mejia launched a deep pass to Brandon Lee, who took it 95 yards for a touchdown to put the Wolves on the board first.
On Ozona’s next possession, Jay Borrego ripped off a big gain on a handoff, but the Lions’ drive ended on an interception by Noah Atkinson.
RELATED | Football Friday Night Presented By First Financial Bank: Oct. 2, 2026
Jay Borrego breaks midfield for Ozona. (KTXS/Russell Taber)
Colorado City came up empty on the ensuing possession.
In the second quarter, the Wolves extended the lead when Mejia found Davin Lara over the middle for a touchdown, making it 14-0.
Ozona then tried a jet sweep look that turned into a pass, but sophomore Major Emerson intercepted it in his first varsity game.
RELATED | Cooper looks to build on district-opening win vs. Palo Duro
Davin Lara gets his second receiving touchdown in the game. (KTXS/Russell Taber)
Colorado City capitalized again, with Mejia connecting with Lara for their second touchdown of the game. It was Mejia’s third passing touchdown.
Ozona responded late in the half after Colorado City jumped offsides to give the Lions a free play. Quarterback Boston Pitts hit Isaac Romero for a 50-yard touchdown pass, and Ozona added a 2-point conversion.
Colorado City led 21-8 at halftime.
RELATED | Stamford coach says film study shows Hamlin plays hard, calls road game a big test
Isaac Romero catches a deep ball for a touchdown. (KTXS/Russell Taber)
The Lions led an impressive comeback campaign in the second half. With just under two minutes in the fourth quarter, Ozona was down 27-20 and had the ball in Wolves territory.
Lions score and eagerly go for a two-point conversion. Pitts runs it in, but a hold call sends the Lions back, they go for it again. Pitts’ pass is tipped by a receiver but lands in the hands of Isaac Romero for the score. 28-27.
The Wolves make an impressive two-minute drive to get the ball at the Ozona 12-yard line. Colorado City goes for the field goal for the win, but it falls short.
Ozona gets an impressive comeback win against Colorado City.
