McALLEN — The McAllen High Bulldogs made the drop from Class 6A to 5A last season, joining the Brownsville Veterans Chargers in District 16-5A DI. Before the two teams could face off for the first time, the district was split into two zones to accommodate the shortened season.
The stage is set for the two teams to meet, as the Bulldogs (2-1, 1-1) host the Chargers (2-1, 2-0) at 7 tonight at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium in The Monitor’s Game of the Week.
“Those kids are fired up over there,” McHi head coach Patrick Shelby said. “The coaching staff has done a really good job with them to make sure they’re prepared to play every single week. For us, we just got to make sure we’re focused and locked in. We got to make sure we start fast and execute at a high level.”
The Bulldogs got off to a slow start last week, trailing the Donna High Redskins 14-7 at the half before scoring 19 consecutive points to secure a 26-14 comeback victory.
McHi was led to victory by senior running back Weston Guzman’s breakout performance of 187 yards on 17 carries, including a 76-yard touchdown run to spark the Bulldogs comeback.
While Guzman delivered a standout performance, sophomore quarterback Nathan Rocha quietly made a statement during the Bulldogs’ win, splitting snaps with third-year signal caller Hunter Curl.
Rocha completed four of seven passes for 31 yards and one touchdown, while serving as the team’s second- leading rusher with 59 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries.
“We put Nathan Rocha out there because we felt like we really had to establish a run game,” Shelby said. “So, we had the opportunity to led Hunter rest his legs a little bit. Some people might think it’s crazy, but Rocha went in their and did a great job for us and did everything we asked him to do.
“He (Rocha) went in there and operated like clockwork and took care of the game. He controlled it at a young age and we’re extremely proud of him for that.”
Brownsville Veterans head coach Kelley Lee took notice of McAllen High’s quarterback duo, preparing his defense to see both Curl and Rocha on the field.
“Their mindset is different with their two quarterbacks,” Lee said. “I think depending on who’s playing, and I expect to see them both, you have to make them one-dimensional. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but I think that’s the key.”
The Chargers are riding a two-game win streak, opening district play with victories over Brownsville Porter and Weslaco East.
Junior quarterback Mauricio Sampayo leads the Chargers’ offense, ranking No. 3 in District 16-5A DI.
Sampayo has been efficient when asked to throw during the Chargers’ two victories, going nine for 12 for 263 yards and four touchdowns, bringing his season total to 289 yards and five touchdowns.
Still, it’s his execution of the Chargers’ option offense that has been key to their success, Kelly said, with the Chargers fielding the district’s second-best rushing attack, racking up 738 yards on the ground, including 73 by Sampayo.
“He’s running our option game well,” Lee said. “He’s making the right reads. Very seldom does he make the wrong read on whether to keep it or pull it. He’s pitching the ball well. We’re just really pleased with his production and how much he’s grown over the first three games.”
The Bulldogs prepared for the Chargers’ high-powered offense all week, focusing on remaining locked-in for four quarters defensively.
“It’s a very tough offense to stop,” Shelby said. “Most importantly for us is defense. Our kids just got to make sure it starts with mindset.
“From their eyes to their angles in pursuit, they have to be extremely disciplined with the offense Brownsville Veterans runs. One mistake can cost you pretty big with what they do offensively, whether it’s the run game or passing game.”