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At Roma, the Mission Veterans Patriots jumped on the Roma Gladiators early and often in a 40-10 rout on Friday night.
“We treated this like a business trip — coming over to Roma,” Mission Veterans coach David Gilpin said. “We had mind set on what we were going to do, and that was to establish ourselves early.”
Patriots quarterback Landry Gilpin ran for three touchdowns in the first half, pushing his district-high total to eight through four games. Mission Veterans (4-0, 2-0) took a 28-3 lead into the locker room. In the second half, Gilpin threw for three more touchdowns, two to sophomore Mikey Garcia and the other to junior John Aguilar.
But it was Mission Veterans’ defense that turned in another stout performance after experiencing major struggles a season ago. Through the first four games in 2016, the Patriots allowed 30 points or more twice. The most points they’ve allowed in a game this season is 24, including the 10 points they gave up to Roma (0-4, 0-2).
“Our secondary’s been playing on another level,” Gilpin said. “That was a big question mark heading into spring, but they’ve been playing outstanding football. Our defensive line has been solid as a rock up front, and our linebackers have made plays behind them. I continue to be thrilled with our defense and our defensive staff with the job that they’re doing.”
MISSION HIGH 21, EAGLE PASS WINN 14: At Mission, Mission coach Koy Detmer is feeling pretty good about his team’s performance in its non-district finale.
“We mixed run and pass,” Detmer said. “The thing was Steven De Leon got back involved running the ball some. He had some carries that were big runs.”
De Leon scored 2 TDs and Horacio Moronta scored the other TD, also on the ground. QB Damian Gomez followed up his 300-yard passing performance a week ago by adding more running plays, further varying the attack.
Mission starts district play against La Joya High next week. The Mission home game will be played at Valley View ISD Stadium in Hidalgo while Tom Landry Stadium continues renovation.
LA JOYA PALMVIEW 27, BROWNSVILLE 14: At La Joya, the Lobos got back on the winning path at home tonight.
It wasn’t a perfect game according to coach Mage Requenez.
“It was a bit of a slow start. We turned the ball over three times in the first half,” Requenez said. “The kids stayed calm, and we regrouped at the half. It was a good win.”
The Lobos had lost their previous two outings after winning their opener, leaving their record at 2-2. They’ll be tested in a big way when they welcome McAllen Memorial in their 30-6A opener.
Requenez said it will take “a total team effort” to stop Memorial’s run game.
VICTORIA EAST 34, McALLEN HIGH 31, OT: At McAllen, Gunnar Henderson returned the opening kickoff for a score. He also scored a rushing TD.
Roy Gutierrez and J.R. Cortez reached the end zone with their legs, but it wasn’t enough for the Bulldogs to overcome Victoria East in an OT thriller.
The Bulldogs missed a field goal attempt in overtime, and Victoria East’s kick went off the upright and in for the game-winner.
McHi will need to pick itself up off the mat from the heartbreak and disappointing 1-3 start. The Bulldogs will have an open week before starting district play against La Joya High.
GRULLA 34, LYFORD 21: At Grulla, down 21-13 at halftime, Grulla coach Abel Gonzalez III made adjustments, and his team rallied back in the second half, holding Lyford scoreless for the final two quarters.
“We made a quick defensive front adjustment at the half,” Gonzalez said. “That helped us get our linebackers in the running lanes. The guys just started playing better. We got two interceptions in the second half. … Our guys were resilient. They battled back, and they won the second half, which won us the game.”
Junior quarterback Dillen Salinas ran for a touchdown to put the Gators within 2 at 21-19. He then passed the ball to senior wide receiver Miguel Flores for a score to put the Gators up 27-21.
Junior quarterback Ebenezer Cantu iced the game with a score with about three minutes left to put the Gators up for good, 34-21.
“Our non-district schedule is very tough,” Gonzalez said. “For our guys to bounce back in the second half and get the job done is a huge lesson for our kids. These are the different type of situation that you want your kids to face in non-district so that you can see how they react.”
Grulla started strong with a 50-plus yard touchdown run from Salinas on the opening drive.
But Lyford responded with a scoring drive. On the ensuing kickoff, Grulla muffed the ball and gave Lyford good field position. Lyford converted the turnover into points and held the lead for the rest of the half.
“Lyford is a good football team,” Gonzalez said. “I give them a lot of credit. They played really tough, and we had to battle tonight.”
HEBBRONVILLE 50, PROGRESO 6: At Hebbronville, Progreso fell to 0-2, while Hebbronville jumped to 3-1.
C.C. JOHN PAUL II 58, MONTE ALTO 13: At Corpus Christi, with the loss, Monte Alto now sits at 1-3. John Paul II, meanwhile, is 3-1 on the year.
BISHOP 49, LA VILLA 6: At La Villa, the Cardinals dropped to 0-4, and the Bishop Badgers stayed undefeated at 4-0 with the win.