RGVSPORTS.COM
HIDALGO — During a game that loomed large for both team’s playoff chances, Grulla quarterback Fabian Anzaldua found Leo Martinez on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 7 minutes to push the Gators past Hidalgo, 7-6.
After Hidalgo scored early in the third quarter, but missed the extra point, Grulla responded, and junior Alfredo Gonzalez didn’t miss his extra point attempt after Martinez’s score.
“Both teams played hard. The score says it,” Grulla coach Abel Gonzalez III said. “Our defense played outstanding. We held them to six points and had a huge goal-line stand there in the last seconds of the game. Our kids just fought and they never gave up.”
The game was scoreless at halftime. Both offenses moved the ball well between the 20’s all night, but neither was able to turn that into points until late.
Grulla improved to 3-4 overall, 1-1 in District 16-4A, DI. Hidalgo dropped to 2-6, 0-3.
This game last season, also won by Grulla, ended up deciding the fourth and final playoff participant in the five-team 16-4A, DI. It looks likely that that will be the case again this season.
“I’m proud of our kids,” Gonzalez said. “We were able to rally and we just stuck with it. I just like the way our kids responded after going down and both teams were really fighting for their playoff lives. We’re glad we were able to get this.”
PORT ISABEL 44, WEST OSO 18: At Port Isabel, the Tarpons got off to a quick start taking a double-digit lead in the first half on their way to defeating West Oso.
Omar Silva led the way with three touchdowns on the ground and threw another one to Jesus Salazar.
The Tarpons stuck to their ground game as they played in sloppy conditions due to the rain. Port Isabel also got rushing touchdowns from Travis Camacho, Ivan Gonzalez, and Jorge Escobar in the District 16-4A DII victory.
The Tarpons’ defense did the rest, limiting the Bears and giving the offensive unit good field position all evening.
CLASS 6A
LOS FRESNOS 46, BROWNSVILLE RIVERA 6: At Los Fresnos, the Falcons jumped to an early first quarter lead and easily defeated the Raiders.
Los Fresnos used a mix of passes and runs in rainy conditions to take an early advantage and had the game in-hand by halftime.
“The boys came out and executed really well,” Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said. “We played a good game and jumped on them quick and that was key to our victory. You can’t let those guys hang around, they play hard and they can give you some trouble.
“They jumped on us last year and we just wanted to make sure we took care of business this year.”
WESLACO HIGH 54, PSJA MEMORIAL 14: At Weslaco, the Panthers won their fourth straight in convincing fashion to remain undefeated in District 31-6A.
EDINBURG ECONOMEDES 40, EDINBURG HIGH 7: At Edinburg, the Jaguars ran past the Bobcats and improved to 2-2 in District 31-6A to keep their playoff hopes alive.
CLASS 5A
DONNA HIGH 42, BROWNSVILLE PORTER 7: At Donna, the Redskins won their sixth game in a row in pulling away from the Cowboys during the second half.
“They were tough,” Donna coach Ramiro Leal said of Porter. “Their offensive line is huge and we got off to a slow start. Our possessions were limited. But what helped us out is they went for it on every fourth down and didn’t capitalize on any. The defense stepped up for us.”
Amonte Bowen, Edward Dougherty, Paul Guerra and Jonathan Sandoval all scored for the Redskins (6-2, 5-0 32-5A). Sophomore EJ Alvarado had a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Next week the Redskins face inner-city rival Donna North, which plays Brownsville Pace today. A win gives Donna at least a share of the district title.
Donna High has not won a district title since 2007.
MERCEDES 35, PSJA HIGH 6: At Mercedes, the Tigers stayed alive in the District 32-5A title race with a rout of the Bears.
Fabian Ledesma and Isaac Vela scored two touchdowns each, and Zach Gomez added another as Mercedes was able to control the game with its running attack.
“The boys continued rolling and that’s what we want to see,” Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. said. “We went out there and we’re just getting better every week.”
Mercedes improved to 5-3 overall, 4-1 in district. PSJA High remained winless, dropping to 0-8.
MISSION VETERANS MEMORIAL 45, VALLEY VIEW 24: At Mission, the Patriots scored 31 unanswered points to pull ahead and record their third consecutive victory.
Mission Veterans (6-2 overall, 1-3 in district) turned a 14-7 deficit to a 38-14 lead with freshman quarterback Landry Gilpin leading the way. Gilpin threw four touchdown passes (two to Roman De Leon, two to Bobby Tovar) before having two of his scores called back. Gilpin also scored once on the ground.
It was the second game Gilpin started since junior Diego Hernandez was lost for the year due to injury.
“Valley View’s done good things defensively all year. So for us to put up 45 points, and have two touchdowns called back, I was very pleased with our offensive bunch,” Mission Veterans coach David Gilpin said.
CLASS 3A
FREER 48, MONTE ALTO 20: At Freer, the Blue Devils lost their second consecutive game.
Monte Alto lost the head-to-head matchup last year, as well, 32-24.
CLASS 2A
RIVIERA KAUFER 46, LA VILLA 36: At Riviera, the Cardinals had their two-game win streak snapped.
