By Jim Otts Gainesville Daily Register

March 10, 2010

WICHITA FALLS — Wichita Falls High School's Coyotes scored three goals in the first 15 minutes of Tuesday's game, then cruised to a 6-1 District 9-4A victory over the Gainesville Leopards.

“The first goal was just a miscommunication,” Coach Pedro Encarnacion said. “(Israel Sustaita) just came off his line a little too soon and they chipped it over him.”

The highly regarded Coyotes added a couple more goals to that for a comfortable lead before Leopard midfielder Justin Espinosa hammered in a free kick to cut the hosts' lead to 3-1.

“Espy buried that free kick and it picked up our spirits and gave us a little momentum for the second half.” Encarnacion said.

The Spotted Cat squad played with intensity, but a well-placed through ball helped the Coyotes make it 4-1 and a penalty quick moved it to 5-1.

“It was one of those phantom penalty kicks,” Encarnacion said. “I thought the boy fell over the ball but the referee saw a foul.”

The hosts chipped in their last one about 20 minutes before game's end.

The Leopards close out the regular season at home Friday against the Wichita Falls Hirschi Huskies.

It will be senior night and those playing their final home game as Leopards will be honored.

Friday will also be Family Night at the game. Parents and students from Edison Elementary will be given a special family price to gain admission into Leeper Stadium.

Hirschi does not have a junior varsity so the varsity match will begin at 5:30 p.m.