NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
PHARR — The Weslaco High Panthers doubled as debt collectors in their 45-27 win against PSJA North Thursday night in Pharr. That’s because the Panthers knew how to make the Raiders pay with 21 points off of three North turnovers or miscues in the first half.
A host of Panthers tackled Raiders would-be punter Jose Alvarez the first time he lined up to boot the ball. Due to a botched snap, the Panthers took over at the Raiders 25-yard line, and Peyton Knaub needed only one play to get the Weslaco offensive machine started and gassed up.
Panthers senior Seth Sanchez jumped on a fumble in the first quarter, setting his offense up inside the 5-yard line for the second Panthers touchdown.
“The turnovers were at the beginning of the game. It just set the tone, because our offense got the ball close to the end zone in the red zone,” Sanchez said. “We just pushed, and we scored. Right now, coach (defensive coordinator Ernie) Alonzo, coach (Michael) Salinas have been preaching, ‘Get one percent better every day.’”
Knaub scored his first two rushing touchdowns of the season in the opening two quarters. His second scamper was from 5 yards out. He said the Panthers defense dominating is nothing new.
“Every game, they’re a big factor,” Knaub said. “They make our job a lot easier, and they take off a lot of pressure.”
The junior had 89 yards, ranking second on the team in rushing behind quarterback Jacob Cavazos, who had 111.
“Anything to help out the team,” Knaub said. “Everyone’s putting in work. I’m just happy I can do my part. I think a lot of it has to do with the coaching. A year with coach Salinas and his staff. We trust them a little bit more. Anything to help them out.”
Marco Noriega recovered a fumble and Axel Camarena picked off a pass late to contribute to the takeaway spree.
Panthers quarterback Cavazos turned in another stellar performance. He needed only 82 passing yards to complete three touchdown passes. Devin Dena, Diego Martinez and Jay Granados were the beneficiaries of his passing scores.
He reminded the defense that he can run the ball, too, with a 49-yard sprint to the end zone for a score.
The Panthers even got contributions from their placekicker George Martinez, who hit a 47-yard field goal after sinking a 35-yard attempt against Edcouch-Elsa a week ago.
When PSJA North’s offense avoided a poor snap or fumble, the Raiders showed some positive signs, but most of those moments came when they were down big.
Freshman Isaac Gonzalez showed he can move the ball with 89 yards rushing and 15 more receiving. Senior Arturo Beltran is still dangerous, as well, scoring on two short rushes and adding a 56-yard reception for a touchdown.
Raiders quarterback Iziaah Rangel was 18-for-31 passing with 303 yards, including one interception and the passing score to Beltran. He also ran in a QB sneak from a yard out.
Coach Marcus Kaufmann did the math himself. Had his team not given up the ball three times for easy Weslaco scores, the game would have been about even.
“You can’t win ball games against bad teams with four turnovers, much less against really good football teams like that,” Kaufmann said. “They were kicking our butt on field position. We had multiple possessions inside our 10, and they were always on our side of the field when they got the ball. We really are a good football team. You may not see it on the scoreboard right now. We’re pretty dynamic on offense, and we just have to cut out the little things.”
Coach Salinas on the Weslaco side wasn’t completely happy with his team’s performance, either. The Panthers were outgained 420-299, and 27 points is more than the 14 points the Panthers allowed in their first two games combined.
“We’ve got to learn to focus a little better, and we have to be able to finish,” Salinas said. “We got out to a great start that was ignited by our defense, and we just didn’t finish tonight.”