In a commanding performance that bodes well for the regular season, the Lobos improved their preseason slate with a 22-0 victory over the Kings at Sun Bowl Stadium on August 22. Head Coach Ivory Roberts' squad displayed a blend of defensive toughness and offensive skill that kept the Kings scoreless while steadily building momentum through the game's four quarters.

From the outset, the Lobos' defense set the tone. Early in the first quarter, Ricky Hunley intercepted Kings quarterback Curtis Guy, thwarting an early threat near midfield. This defensive strength soon turned into points—a 27-yard field goal by Bradford Pettus at the 9:30 mark gave the Lobos an initial lead. Though the Kings attempted a response with a 41-yard field goal attempt from Alan Smith, the kick veered wide, leaving the Kings struggling to get on the scoreboard.

A pivotal moment came shortly after when the Kings were pinned deep; a safety by Hunley after a running play gone awry for the Kings increased the Lobos' lead to 5-0. The pressure was mounting on Gregg Scott's team, and it never let up.

Offensively, the Lobos demonstrated the deep receiving threats they've been cultivating all offseason. Quarterback Josef Smith passed for an impressive 403 yards, completing 28 of 41 attempts and throwing two touchdown passes. Notably, a 51-yard strike to Mark Morey, who dazzled with slick footwork en route to a touchdown early in the second quarter, ignited the Lobos' offense and put the game out of reach. Long Pete also made his presence known, rushing for 19 yards and a touchdown while amassing 147 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility and dynamic playmaking ability.

The Lobos’ special teams also contributed by consistently flipping field position. Punter Sylvester Brown’s booming punts often pinned the Kings inside their own territory, including several well-placed kicks in the second and third quarters.

Defensively, the Lobos were relentless, recording five sacks and forcing three key interceptions. Although the offense threw three interceptions of their own, the defense ensured these miscues didn’t lead to Kings’ points. The Kings' offense, hampered by turnovers and an inability to sustain drives, finished with just 165 passing yards and 35 yards rushing, managing no points throughout the night.

Coach Roberts’ approach of emphasizing continuity and building a disciplined team showed clear results. The Lobos maintained composure under pressure and executed their game plan with precision. While some offensive hiccups like Smith’s interceptions will be smoothed out with more practice, the overwhelming positive was the team's ability to dominate time of possession and keep the opposition off balance.

This win is more than just another preseason victory; it’s a signal that the Lobos are building chemistry and confidence as they prepare to pursue a strong 1998 regular season. With key contributors stepping up and the defense playing like a cohesive unit, El Paso fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.

As Coach Roberts reflected postgame, "Tonight’s shutout is a testament to our team's hard work on both sides of the ball. Our defense set the foundation early, and our offense capitalized when it counted. This momentum is exactly what we need moving forward in the season."