The Lobos secured a decisive 34-3 win over the Notes in the 1999 Wild Card playoff opener, demonstrating a superior tactical execution on both sides of the ball. Head Coach Ivory Roberts orchestrated a comprehensive game plan that effectively neutralized Notes’ offensive threats while maximizing Lobos’ offensive versatility and special teams efficiency.

Early on, the Notes struck first with a 21-yard field goal by Richard Pressley at 10:17 in the first quarter, capitalizing on the Lobos’ initial offensive stall. However, the Lobos’ defense immediately shifted momentum, as safety Jamie Gilbert intercepted Lawrence Allen’s pass near the goal line and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown just over three minutes later. This pivotal defensive score was a testament to Roberts’ emphasis on aggressive ball-hawking schemes and coverage discipline, catching the Notes off-guard and swinging the momentum emphatically in El Paso’s favor.

Quarterback Josef Smith was instrumental, completing 25 of 41 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, reflecting Roberts' balanced offensive philosophy. El Paso’s offense effectively exploited mismatches, particularly leveraging the tight end Marlon Smith, who hauled in 74 receiving yards and contributed to the Lobos’ multi-faceted attack. Notably, running backs Xavier Gayle and James King complemented the aerial attack, with Gayle rushing for 87 yards and King contributing 45 yards on the ground plus a touchdown reception, showcasing the Lobos’ commitment to versatile, dual-threat backfield sets.

Roberts’ special teams unit also provided critical field position advantages, with punter Sylvester Brown consistently flipping field position with multiple punts exceeding 40 yards, forcing the Notes to start deep in their territory repeatedly. This strategic field control limited the Notes’ offensive options and effectively quarantined their playmaking on offense.

Defensively, the Lobos maintained tight coverage and pressure without relying heavily on sacks—they recorded only one sack but forced a key fumble recovery and no interceptions for Notes offense. The consistent pressure forced Notes’ quarterback Lawrence Allen into two crucial interceptions, both by Jamie Gilbert, highlighting the Lobos' well-executed zone disguises and tight man-to-man matchups.

The offense's clock management and third-down execution, while recorded as 0/0, indicate controlled drives capitalizing on early down efficiency and minimizing mistakes—critical in playoff environments. The Lobos avoided penalties more effectively than the Notes, with 7 penalties for 39 yards compared to 8 for 54 yards for the visitors, underscoring disciplined execution under pressure.

Coach Roberts’ decision-making in key moments, such as the gamble on aggressive punt positioning and trusting Smith to execute downfield, paid dividends. The two touchdown passes, including a critical 37-yard completion to Joshua Jett and a short red zone strike to Robert Peery, combined with a perfect performance from kicker Bradford Pettus (2-for-2 FG), sealed the fate of the Notes' offense.

This comprehensive approach allowed the Lobos to control the game's tempo, reflecting precise scheme implementation at all levels of play. Roberts’ game plan ensured the Lobos dominated not only the scoreboard but also the battlefield of field position, turnovers, and execution.

With this victory, the Lobos advance beyond the Wild Card stage, highlighting Ivory Roberts’ capacity for effective postseason game planning and in-game adjustments that outclassed the Notes. This win sets a strong precedent for El Paso’s march forward in the playoffs, built on a foundation of solid coaching, tactical discipline, and team execution.