BROWNSVILLE — The Weslaco East Wildcats rushing attack proved to be too much for the Brownville Porter Cowboys as they came away with a 42-3 victory on Thursday night at Sams Memorial Stadium.
The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead 6-0 when running back Giovanni Guerra powered down the middle for a 2-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter.
Following an interception by cornerback Jesse James Garcia, Guerra showcased his speed as he turned the corner for a 67-yard touchdown run, giving the Wildcats a 14-0 lead with 11 minutes left in the half.
Guerra’s huge night continued when he broke off a 49-yard touchdown run with 2:40 remaining DURING the first half. Guerra capped off his night with a 7-yard touchdown run as the half ended, giving the Wildcats a 28-0 lead going into halftime.
“Gio had almost 800 yards last year, and he was never healthy,” Weslaco East Head Coach Mike Burget said. “Today he had almost 200 yards at the half and four touchdowns. He has a little injury that was bugging him, so we decided to hold him out. Nothing major. He probably could have ran for a few more yards in the second half.”
With Guerra out, it was Wildcats athlete Avery Bowen who stole the show during the second half.
Coming in after a first-half suspension following an ejection during last week’s game against Brownsville Pace, Bowen wasted no time making his presence felt, breaking free for a 59-yard touchdown run to open the third quarter. Bowen tacked on another touchdown on a QB sneak with 8:10 left in regulation, giving the Wildcats a 42-0 lead.
“I’m pretty pleased with Bowen.” Burget said. “Bowen comes over from Donna, and he fits in really good. He just wants to be a part of a team that wins football games. I’m happy to have him.”
The Cowboys avoided a shutout by drilling a 27-yard field goal with 2:33 left in regulation.
Burget said his players understanding the significance of their District 16-5A Division I contest.
“I really don’t have to tell them nothing after 14 years,” he said. “I got a great coaching staff. They get these kids to play real physical football. Porter is a good football team. They just happened to catch us on a night when we were on and they were off.”
Still, Burget believes his team has yet to reach its potential.
“I feel like we got some weapons,” Burget continued. “This is our second game, and we’re still trying to click. We made a lot of mistakes that need correcting.”
Up next for the Cowboys (3-1, 2-1) is a matchup against Brownsville Pace on Nov. 20. The Weslaco East Wildcats (2-0, 2-0) look to build off the victory as they host the Brownville Veterans Chargers on Nov. 20.