Football Recap: Fabens Comes Up Short Despite Rigo Laija's Big Defensive Game

Fabens lost against Irvin back in November of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Wildcats took a 35-20 bruising from the Rockets.

Jesus Martinez

Passer Rating

09/12/25 vs Bowie	145.8
09/19/25 @ San Elizario	141.4
10/31/25 vs Irvin	111.6
10/24/25 @ Clint	109.1
10/03/25 @ Austin	91.3
+ 3 more games

When it comes to explaining why Fabens lost, don't look at Jesus Martinez. Despite the final result, he threw for 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and also rushed for 43 yards and one TD. Martinez's passing game has become a key predictor of the Wildcats' success: the team is 3-1 when his passer rating is 100 or higher, but only 2-3 otherwise.

Even if they lost, Fabens' defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. Rigo Laija was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two himself.

A big part of Irvin's win came down to the chemistry between Dallas Medina and his top target Michael Salazar. Medina threw for 234 yards and three TDs while Salazar picked up 112 receiving yards and a pair of scores. Salazar also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, making two total tackles and defending three passes.

Fabens has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-4 record this season. As for Irvin, their record now sits at 4-5.

We've got plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Fabens is set to face off against their familiar foe Riverside at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. That matchup will pit two of the most dominant signal callers against one another: Martinez and Carlos Rojas III. Meanwhile, Irvin will challenge rival Clint at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. That game will pit two of the most dominant signal callers against one another: Medina and Brandon Quezada.