Since the start of the 2018 playoffs, Sharyland Pioneer’s last two games have been losses decided by one point each. A failed two-point conversion in the final minutes of a 56-55 first-round playoff loss to Port La Vaca Calhoun prevented the Diamondbacks from advancing to the area round. And to open the 2019 season last week, the Diamondbacks found themselves in another shootout against Harlingen High, but again, a late two-point conversion attempt by Pioneer fell short, handing them a 42-41 loss.
The decision to go for the win by Pioneer’s Tom Lee may have been a risk, but the reward would have been grand. Keeping his offense on the field shows the confidence the second-year head coach has in his group.
Junior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger went off for 301 passing yards on 20-of-30 throwing, picked up another 131 yards rushing and connected with four different receivers for six touchdown passes. Wideouts Lavar Lindo and Allen Davila each hauled in two scores apiece as the Pioneer offense showed why it’s one of the top units in the Rio Grande Valley.
Starting the 2019 season with a loss isn’t ideal, but going down swinging 42-41 against No. 6- ranked Harlingen High, according to the RGVSports.com Top 10 poll, is a positive sign of things to come. Just last year, Pioneer got mollywhopped by the Cardinals 64-17. This time around, they nearly stole a win, and they’ll continue to take chances when the game’s on the line.
BOWEN BRINGS IT IN DEBUT
Junior Avery Bowen made his first start at quarterback for Donna High in its opener against rival Donna North. While he didn’t carve up the Donna North defense with his arm, he sliced through it with his legs on the way to 187 yards rushing and three touchdowns, leading Donna High to a 21-3 win in Week 1. Bowen got busy right away as he scored twice in the opening quarter, first on a 20-yard keeper to the right, and second on a 34-yard burst around the left side of the Donna North defense. Bowen also exploded for a 42-yard run up the gut for the game’s longest play. Despite going 2 for 4 passing for 15 yards and two interceptions, Bowen was able to hurt the defense with his legs, something teams will have to account for as Donna High is set to begin District 16-5A DI play at 7 p.m. Thursday against PSJA Southwest.
HOGS RUN WILD
The PSJA Southwest Javelinas have never made the postseason, but they were off-and-running in Week 1 against Edinburg Economedes as they manhandled the Jaguars defense for 329 yards on the ground for a 21-14 win. Senior Chris Sanchez picked up 121 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown with a long-run of 50 yards. Fellow senior Art Villa was right behind him with 120 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown, while quarterback Ramiro Ramirez also got into the end zone on the ground. The Hogs’ offensive line was solid against the 6A team, which allowed PSJA Southwest to win its first opener in three years. The Southwest defense also came up big with three interceptions for the Javelinas, who are now looking at a Thursday night home matchup with Donna High as they start District 16-5A DI competition.