LBJ Delays Alexander's District Title, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

LBJ sophomore Diego Castillo scores hat trick to lift Wolves to 3-1 win over Alexander

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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LBJ sophomore Diego Castillo scored a hat trick, including a goal with 15 seconds left, to lift the Wolves to a 3-1 District 30-6A victory over Alexander at Krueger Field. The win is massive for LBJ, which last beat Alexander in a district game on March 2, 2024. With the District 30-6A victory, the Wolves improve to 11-13 overall, including 4-6 against district opponents and are fighting for a playoff spot.

Why it matters

The win delays Alexander's celebration of their first district title since 2023. At 15-9-1, including 9-2 in District 30-6A play, the Bulldogs have a league-high 26 points. However, the loss keeps LBJ's playoff hopes alive as they battle United for the fourth and final playoff spot in the district.

The details

LBJ's aggressive play, led by captains Oscar Jimenez and Giovanni Garza, made it difficult for Alexander to work down the field. Castillo's three goals, including a long-range shot in the 5th minute and a free kick in the 17th minute, gave LBJ a 2-0 lead. Alexander was able to score in the 53rd minute, but LBJ's defense held strong and Castillo added a late goal to seal the 3-1 victory.

  • LBJ last beat Alexander in a district game on March 2, 2024.
  • LBJ faces United at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 at Krueger Field.
  • Alexander's only remaining game is against United on March 10.

The players

Diego Castillo

A sophomore at LBJ who scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal with 15 seconds left, to lift the Wolves to victory.

Oscar Jimenez

A captain for LBJ who led the team's aggressive play that made it difficult for Alexander to work down the field.

Giovanni Garza

A captain for LBJ who, along with Jimenez, led the team's aggressive play that made it difficult for Alexander to work down the field.

Ricardo De La Fuente

An Alexander player who scored the Bulldogs' lone goal in the 53rd minute.

Felix Medina

The LBJ goalkeeper who made a leaping save on a free kick in the 62nd minute to preserve the Wolves' lead.

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What they’re saying

“It was a big relief for us. Just pure happiness.”

— Diego Castillo (lmtonline.com)

“We prepared mentally. Alexander is always a tough rival. It's hard to score on them. It's a very well-balanced team. We really prepared for the game. It was more of a mental thing. It's not about tactics as much as it's about being focused the entire time. The boys did well and the result says it all.”

— Eduardo Silva, LBJ Coach (lmtonline.com)

“Oscar is a tough guy. He's very aggressive, even in practices. He likes that challenge. Every time we're doing drills, he's always talking. That competitiveness is in him.”

— Eduardo Silva, LBJ Coach (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

LBJ faces United at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 at Krueger Field. The winner all but clinches a playoff spot. LBJ still has to end the regular season against southside rival United South, while United still has to take on northside rival Alexander.

The takeaway

This win keeps LBJ's playoff hopes alive as they battle United for the fourth and final playoff spot in District 30-6A. The aggressive play of LBJ's captains, combined with Castillo's hat trick, proved too much for the previously dominant Alexander squad, delaying their celebration of the district title.