The Eldorado Success newspaper

The Eldorado Varsity  and JV Eagles finished their pre-season schedule last week in Miles versus the Bulldogs. The JV team tallied five first downs to Miles’s one.  The defense was lead by Luis Sanchez and Dylan Ramos each recording interceptions.  Justin Estrada had a pass knock down and Bailey Espinosa recorded a pass break up.  Brian Shriver made several tackles on the defensive stand.

The offensive effort for the JV Eagles saw Bailey Espinosa connect with Michael Bilbrey on a pass.  Justin Estrada, Luis Sanchez, Will Barker, and Brian Shriver all gained positive yards rushing the ball.  Eldorado  pushed the ball into the Miles’ red zone and appear to score on a 10 yard pass.  The pass would be called back due to an offensive pass interference call.

Both JV teams would get one more opportunity to score but neither team prevailed but the Eagles JV showed improvement over the past weeks performance.

The Varsity Eagles  started on defense and Varsity Bulldogs senior quarterback, Garrett Brandon  raced around the left side of the defense for a 35 yard gain on the first play.  Miles,  now in Eldorado territory, had their hopes dashed by Nathan Jimenez when he intercepted a pass that was caused by a pass rush up front, forcing an early throw.

Miles retained possession of the ball under the scrimmage format and two plays later Garrett Brandon would step up against the rushing defense and connect on a 45 yard pass that would bring the ball to Eldorado’s 10 yard line.  Brandon subsequently scored on a quarterback keeper to the left side.

Eldorado gained possession of the ball and saw Rico Martinez, Ruben Vasquez, Miles Mikeska, and Rudy Sanchez carry the ball.  Eldorado was methodically marching down the field and was ready to score but a holding penalty negated that chance from 10 yards out.

Two plays later the Eagles fumbled, squandering any attempts to reach the end zone.

The second offensive possession for the Bulldogs  would see J.R. Martinez knock down a pass attempt. The Bulldogs were unable to move the ball effectively and Eldorado went back on offense.

Offensively Eldorado saw back to back runs by Rudy Sanchez that set up a 55 yard touchdown run by Ruben Vasquez.

Both teams  played a live quarter with Miles taking first possession.  The Eldorado defense held for three plays to force a punt.  Eldorado took over with just over 10:00 minutes to play.

The Eagles marched the ball down the field and was poised for a last play attempt to score for the 5 yard line.  Eldorado was unable to score but they showed their size and experience behind the offensive line as they moved over and thrown the Miles defense.

Eldorado’s offensive line is anchored by Johnathan Espinosa, J.R. Martinez, Ben Wipff, Briley Ledbetter, and Eric Estrada.  Subbing in for the line are Domingo Torres and Hector Reyes.  
The Eagles defense will be lead by Miles Mikeska and Josh Jurecek at the linebacker positions.  Each averaged over 11 tackles a game last season and there are high hopes for this year as the season begins with both being seniors to lead and experienced defensive team as well.

Offensively the Eagles will see Jaymie O’Harrow under center with Rudy Sanchez at tailback and Miles Mikeska at fullback.  Nathan Jimenez will be the wing back and Rico Martinez, Ruben Vasquez, Dylan Ramos, and Roman Medrano will be playing utility rolls.

Blaine Mitchell and Allen Espinosa will be back ups to O’Harrow at quarterback.  Mitchell and Espinosa will also play on defense as well at times.

Eldorado has high hopes this season after finishing last year at 5-5 and missing the playoffs by one game.

The Eagles will open their 2010 season Friday night in Gorman. The Panthers, under head coach Charlie Bunch are coming off of a 3 – 7 season. They are fielding a young team that features four returning offensive and defensive line starters in Randy Woodall, Jose Huerta, Matt Keith, and Cameron Clark representing district 9.

The Panthers will be led by junior quarterback, Matt Fox and sophomore running back B.J. Ramirez who averaged over 85 yard a game rushing.  Sophomores, Josh Ryon and Nathan Gee will be in the slots at the receiver position.  Gorman will feature a wishbone style offense that will try to just grind the ball down the field and take time off the clock.

The pep rally at Eldorado’s Eagle Gymnasium will take place at 1pm to accommodate the travel time to Gorman.  If you are unable to attend the contest you can tune in to KLDE 104.9 as Mason Vaughn and Kerry Joy will bring the action live to you.

The pregame show is slated for 7 p.m. with the kickoff scheduled for 7:30.

Entering week number one of the 2010 football season Eldorado’s district features defending state champion Goldthwaite ranked #1, Mason #13, Winters #55, Reagan County #59, and Eldorado #65 via the Harris Ratings.

Best of luck to the Eagles and the coaching staff and remember to come early to the game, wear green and be loud.  GO EAGLES GO!!!!!!!!

The 2010 Eldorado Eagles, under the direction of head coach Danny Wilhelm debuted on Saturday, August 14th, in a scrimmage with Menard.

The  Yellowjackets. a former district opponent, dropped into the small school 1A classification and with Eldorado being in the larger school 1A bracket the two teams saved on time and distance by squaring off in a scrimmage to start the season.

Menard took first possession and the Eagles defense was flying to the ball from all areas and causing major disruption to the Yellowjacket offense. The defense proved to be stifling and allowed only one score during the scrimmage when  Menard’s Gray Waggoner raced around the left side of the Eldorado defense and scored on a 55 yard run from scrimmage. Otherwise, Menard was unable to move or pass the ball effectively in the contest.

The Eagles defense now features a 3-3 stack that will allow for more gaps rushing by the front line and the linebackers. The secondary provided coverage that allowed the front line and linebackers to record two sacks.

Defensively the Eagles also caused two pass break ups and an interception by Jaymie O’Harrow.

Offensively the Eagles are lead by an experienced line featuring Briley Ledbetter, Eric Estrada, Ben Wipff, JR Martinez, and Johnathan Espinosa. Jaymie O’Harrow had ample time to throw the ball and hand off the pigskin thanks to the blocking of the five up front.

The offense saw Nathan Jimenez, Anthony Mata, Miles Mikeska, Rudy Sanchez, Dylan Ramos, and Ruben Vasquez score respectively.

The JV squad scored a touchdown when Bailey Espinosa connected with Ruben Vasquez from 20 yards out.

Eldorado just physically wore Menard down and the Eagles were able to run, almost at will.

Eldorado’s next action will be today at 6pm in Miles where they will face off against the Bulldogs. The Eagles have started off well so come out early, wear your green, and be loud!  

Connie (Chavez) Dockendorf, 34, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was born and raised in Eldorado and lived on the Paul Page Ranch from where she says she rode the school bus each day to attend school in Eldorado.
She tells THE SUCCESS that each day the bus would drop her and her siblings off at the cattle guard and the older children would walk a mile to their home. She said she had to run to keep up with them and has been running ever since.

Connie reached the finish line of the Badwater 2010 - 135 mile ultra marathon on July 14, 2010 at 2:53AM with a total finishing time of 44 hours, 53 minutes, and 39 seconds. The finish insured her the Badwater Finishers Medal and because she completed the race in under 48 hours, she was also recognized with the coveted Badwater Finisher’s Belt Buckle.