LA JOYA — The sting of a big loss is a test in many ways. For the PSJA North Raiders, their patience was tested as they endured a bye week after their first district loss. It tested their resolve as they looked to rectify all that went wrong and shore up any shortcomings.

Their patience and resolved was rewarded with a 63-0 win Friday over La Joya at La Joya Stadium.

The Raiders used their bye week to bring up sophomores Julius Arredondo at quarterback and Augustin Renteria at center. Head coach Marcus Kaufmann looked to the pair to step up in a big spot in their first varsity starts.

“We were nervous about last week because we lost our quarterback and center, so we worried about snaps. We went back to the basics and got stuff done,” Kaufmann said. “They did a great job tonight.”

Arredondo’s steady hand quelled Kaufmann’s nerves but he admitted he was anxious and thinking about the game all day.

“It was pretty exciting throughout the day just waiting to get to come back on the field and play some football. I was pretty excited to get my opportunity,” Arredondo said.

Arredondo’s own anxiety was lessened with his childhood connection to his center Renteria.

“Me and AJ, we basically grew up together,” he said.

Kaufmann’s game plan was clear as he protected his young quarterback. Arredondo handed the ball off six times in a seven-play, 79-yard drive to open the game. A combination of Isaac Gonzalez and Jayden Fuentes led the charge on the first possession. Fuentes capped the drive with a seven-yard plunge.

Kaufmann spoke about using the bye week to sharpen the little things. That time was well spent as the Raiders dribbled the ensuing kickoff passed the Coyotes’ receiving front line. Christian Ramirez sprinted and recovered the ball past unsuspecting defenders.

Gonzalez dominated the second possession with six straight carries. His final scamper was a 15-yard touchdown run highlighted by a spin move and a final stretch to the end zone. Gonzalez added three more touchdowns and praised his offense lineman for their effort.

“They’re looking really good. Everyone is taking care of their business and pancaking people,” Gonzalez said. “Every week we’re getting stronger and stronger,” Gonzalez said.

For the Coyotes, they just could not get things rolling. Turnovers and miscues plagued them all night and the Raiders’ defense did not relent. District 31-6A projections calculate that a 5-3 record can very well take the fourth and final playoff spot. The Coyotes sit at 0-3 with losses to Edinburg Vela, Mission High, and PSJA North and realize their situation. Head coach Reuben Farias processed the loss with understanding and faith for the Coyotes next step.

“Everybody in our district is tough, it’s going to be a battle … no cakewalks,” Farias said. “We got to play. We got some guys who didn’t play that need a little more experience, but we got to fix ourselves. Every night we get an opportunity to win, but we got to avoid making mistakes. I like our kids’ effort and we have to continue.”

The Coyotes will use their next week’s bye to prepare for Edinburg North, while the Raiders will face them next week.