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(Photo: RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES)

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A year ago, the Pebble Hills football team was learning the ropes of varsity football in its first year of competition on that level.

This year, the Spartans are wiser, undefeated and in the hunt for a District 1-6A football title as they enters the final stretch of the season.

A big reason for the team's success has been its defense. Pebble Hills (7-0 overall, 4-0 in District 1-6A) held Irvin to seven points, Andress to 13 points, Americas to nine points and Chapin to 14. Only two late touchdowns by Franklin kept the Cougars from scoring in the teens.

On Thursday, they held Socorro to 14 points in a 42-14 win at the Socorro Student Activities Complex in a game that was delayed due to lightning.

"It's really been a team effort," said senior linebacker Kevin Esquivel, who leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss. "We stay humble, we stay focused. We lean on each other for support and everyone is contributing. Last year, we learned so much about ourselves, about the district and about to expect on a daily basis. The work for this season started right after last year. Plus every day in practice, we get to face a great offense and that help us a great deal."

Gavril Bone (Photo: Felix F. Chavez)

Senior Gavril Bone, who has been a force up front with several sacks and several more quarterback hurries, said a big reason for the team's success on defense has been preparation.

"We have a great coaching staff that helps us get ready and as a whole, we go into every game ready to play," Bone said. "All year long, the team has found ways to get it done. We have come up with a big turnover or a big stop. Different guys are always stepping up."

Entering Thursday's game vs. Socorro, the Spartans had scored a defensive touchdown in five of its first six games.

Jacob Hernandez (Photo: Felix F. Chavez)

"It's been a great year for us all the way around but we know we can't look ahead," senior defensive back Jacob Hernandez said. "The next game is always the most important. Our defense plays hard all the time. We don't give up. It's been a special year without a question. We want to help create a legacy here for future teams."

Felix F. Chávez may be reached at 546-6167; ; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter.