KEVIN LU | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
The Weslaco High Panthers smothered the Edinburg North Cougars in a 62-10 win Friday at Bobby Lackey Stadium.
Weslaco’s defense set the tone in a feisty game between league rivals. The Panthers (3-5 overall, 2-1 District 31-6A) forced a takeaway on Edinburg North’s first three possessions and all three led to Weslaco scores.
Kris Marroquin’s interception led to a 25-yard touchdown pass from Desi Rodriguez to Brian Guerra on Weslaco’s first series. Ricky Garcia’s interception led to an Aaron Sanchez touchdown run. Then Panthers defensive end Rene Perez picked up a fumble and ran it 32 yards for a 21-0 Weslaco lead after the first quarter.
“We hit it all cylinders,” Weslaco coach Tony Villareal said of his team’s win. “I think (the defense) set the tone on that interception, and the strip where we scored. I think that set the tempo for tonight.”
Edinburg North (4-4, 2-2) scored after the fumble return when Matt Whitesides punched it in from two yards out. The senior had a team-high 69 yards rushing.
On the first play of the ensuing possession, Weslaco’s Eric Gonzalez took a toss and wiggled and side-stepped his way for a 79-yard touchdown run. It gave the Panthers a 27-7 lead, and they never looked back.
The next Weslaco possession ended with a Jonathan Martinez 25-yard touchdown catch from Rodriguez for a 34-7 Panthers lead.
Gonzalez had a game-high 132 yards rushing and added a second touchdown early in the third quarter. He bested backfield-mate Martinez, who had 131 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown to go with his receiving score.
The game was chippy throughout, as both teams combined for 211 yards in penalties. There were dozens of personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct flags that were offset by one another or declined.
“It’s a lot of intensity, it’s a district game,” Villareal said. “They were in first place, so they’re fighting. We’re fighting.”
Guerra also had a rushing touchdown in the third quarter along with his receiving touchdown earlier in the game. Trey Caballero had a 49-yard touchdown run to cap the Panthers scoring. Weslaco forced four takeaways on the night.