Texas-sized effort: Bijan Robinson runs wild as Salpointe Catholic stays perfect

The “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan was changed Friday night to “Don’t Mess with Bijan Robinson.”

The junior running back tied the Salpointe Catholic record for most touchdowns in a game with five and led the Lancers to a 42-27 win over visiting El Paso Del Valle.

Robinson ran for 276 yards on 23 carries.

“He worked really hard all week just physically, but mentally, he felt horrible after last week,” Salpointe coach Dennis Bene said. “So, I was very proud of the way he rebounded.”

Friday night’s game was the first time Salpointe (3-0) faced off against a Texas team and is the first game in a home-and-home series with the Conquistadores.

While the reputation of Texas football initially worried the Lancers, Salpointe was able to score first against its I-10 opponent and take control of the game.

“We just talked about playing four quarters and I know that’s cliché, but they were outstanding,” Bene said. “Coach (Jesse) Perales does a great job.

“Their quarterback is outstanding. They were very physical, very well-coached and it was a good challenge for our kids. I thought our kids played exceptional tonight.”

Robinson said playing an out-of-state opponent, especially a team from Texas, helped the Lancers learn from a physical team.

“We just learned of their speed and how smart they are,” Robinson said.

The Lancers scored on the opening drive on a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Robinson. Del Valle quarterback Raymond Montez moved the ball on the Conquistadores’ first drive and scored on a keeper to tie the game in the first quarter.

But Salpointe pulled away in the second quarter thanks to three more touchdowns by Robinson, while the defense only allowed Del Valle to score once — on a rushing play by Karch Gardiner.

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The Lancers scored one touchdown each in the third and fourth due to a touchdown reception by Lathan Ransom and another rushing score by Robinson.

Del Valle had a late-game surge and scored twice in the fourth — the latter on a last-second keeper by Montez to end the game.

But it wasn’t enough to recover from a poor first half.

The Lancers suffered a loss early in the game when two-way player Mario Padilla was sidelined due to a groin injury. But Salpointe rebounded thanks to junior Dae han Chan, who filled in.

“I didn’t think we got him the ball last week, so it was important to get him the ball this week because he’s pretty good with the ball in his hands,” Bene said.

Jackson Bolin, who took over the snaps in the second half, also earned some playing time. The junior went 2 for 5 for 46 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass to Ransom.

“They stepped into a tough environment, and Jackson just let it rip when he got in,” Bene said. I was really, really happy for him.”

“We have a lot of chemistry … I’ve been with them since freshman year,” Robinson said of his offensive line.

“Whatever they think, I think with them. When we get with each other, we always pursuit and get the win.”

For Del Valle, Montez went 25 for 40 for 245 yards and rushed 65 yards.

The Lancers next play in Glendale against Cactus at 7 p.m. Friday.