WESLACO — Gilbert Garza humbly recalled his tie-breaking field goal against the Manor Mustangs before practice Tuesday.
“I picture myself kicking a game winner even before I step into warm-ups,” Garza said. “I just figured what would it feel like to hit a game winner and it just so happened in this game.”
Garza easily kicked two 30-yard field goals in a row in overtime during a Saturday game in Corpus Christi to lead Weslaco East to a 32-29 victory.
The game was tied 29-29.
Garza’s first kick didn’t count.
Head coach Mike Burgett called timeout at the last second, before the play clock burned out, but at the same time Garza kicked the ball and converted.
It was a fourth-and-8 and Burgett sent out his field goal unit again and left it in their hands.
“He’s a soccer player and he’s used to kicking it from the 50-yard line,” Burgett said, noting his confidence in Garza’s ability.
Garza said he was happy to step up and it didn’t matter he had to kick it over again.
“I just thank my teammates for a good snap and holding the ball right,” Garza said.
Like clockwork, Garza lined up on the 30-yard line again, signaled for the kick and watched it sail through the uprights.
All Garza had to do was wait for the defense to make a stop. He didn’t have to wait long.
The defense made the stop they needed to end the game.
Cornerback Raven Figueroa read the quarterback looking to pass to one of his receivers downfield. As it sailed toward the goal line Figueroa snatched the ball in mid-air and raced down field until he was stopped near the 50-yard line.
Running back Russell Garza rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Ramsey Vasquez scored a touchdown and ran for 110 yards.
Last year, Manor defeated Wesalco East, 26-21.
DONNA NORTH — Working to make a turnaround
The rain was falling as the Donna North players practiced for their game against the Mission High Eagles.
Starting linebacker Christian Cortinas worked with head coach Joe Marichalar on his defensive schemes at midfield.
Cortinas was practicing light as he nursed his broken right hand, an injury he sustained during a practice scrimmage against McAllen Rowe.
He said his hand was smashed between two helmets during one of his tackles that turned into a pile up.
He’s waiting for the green light from his doctor to allow him to play Friday against Mission High.
Against their hometown rival Donna High, Cortinas and the Donna North defense looked stronger.
Cortinas played wearing a cast against Donna High. In that game, he had 11 tackles and helped hold the Donna High pass attack to 10 yards.