EDINBURG — The Harlingen Cardinals came back from a two-set deficit to beat the Edinburg North Cougars 22-25, 17-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-5 Thursday in the Bi-District round of the Class 6A volleyball playoffs at Edinburg North

Following a slow start in the first set, North’s senior libero Evana Ramos sparked her team with key save after key save. It was another standout performance for Ramos, who played her final game as a Cougar.

The Cougars took a commanding 2-0 lead over the Cardinals as Ramos, who will sign to play for UTRGV on Saturday, led her team both offensively and defensively.

Going into a third set facing elimination, Cardinals head coach Joslynn Torres reminded her team of last year’s preseason matchup against the Cougars.

“Last year, we came and played Edinburg North in a preseason game and it was the same exact thing where we went down two and we came back and won the next three,” Torres said. “Obviously, I have returners, so I said, ‘Hey, we’ve been in this situation before and we’ve done it on their home court. Let’s do it now when it counts the most. When it matters the most, in the playoffs, to go to the next round.’”

Following a point scored by Edinburg North for an 8-7 lead in the fourth, it looked as if the Cougars were ready to take control of the match. But Harlingen didn’t roll over.

The Cardinals took the lead behind sophomore Juli Bryant’s offensive and defensive efforts and never looked back, winning the fourth set 25-23.

On the verge of the completing comeback, the Cardinals didn’t let off the gas, winning the fifth set in decisive fashion, 15-5. Once again it was Bryant coming up huge for the Cardinals with key blocks and the game-ending kill.

“She’s a sophomore, so she’s only 15 years old,” Torres said. “She has a lot of work, mentally, to grow up. But, obviously things like this are what’s going to push her to get that maturity. The mental part of the game. But huge improvement for her today from what I’ve seen all season. I’m just so proud of her.”

Edinburg North finishes its season with an 11-4 record. Head coach Raul McCallum declined to comment following the team’s loss.

As for Harlingen, it will play the winner of Laredo United-Taft on Monday with match details to be announced.

“This year, everyone has always underestimated us,” Torres said. “We’ve just always tried to prove ourselves. And here we are. We chipped away one point at a time and one set at a time. Just thank God we got the win.”

McALLEN — The McAllen Memorial Mustangs escaped with a 35-28 victory over the La Joya Palmview Lobos in an overtime thriller Saturday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Mustangs defense turned up the intensity in overtime, stuffing the Lobos on three consecutive plays setting up a crucial fourth down and 15. That’s when junior defensive tackle Marcos De Ochoa broke through the line coming up with a huge sack, giving the ball back to his team.

Following the turnover, the Mustangs turned to running back Michael Lewis, giving him the ball four times on the final possession. Looking at a second-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Lewis took a pitch to the left and turned the corner, walking in for the game-winning touchdown.

“I think a little bit of tradition came out,” McAllen Memorial head coach Bill Littleton said. “Our kids did what they needed to do to win the ball game. We hadn’t played very good all night long, but they put together some pretty good defense in overtime and offense did good enough to get in the end zone and win the ball game.”

Following an offensive outburst by the Mustangs in the third, the Lobos faced a 28-14 deficit going into the fourth.

Lobos running back Carlos Peña put the team on his back carrying the ball 12 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns in the final period, including a game-tying 7-yard run with 1:01 left. Peña finished the game with 25 carries for 218 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s one special kid,” Lobos head coach Margarito Requeñez said. “Any time he touches the ball he can take it to the house. It’s kind of sad that we haven’t had the conditioning that we should, and he gasses out a little bit too early. He plays tough. He tried bringing it home tonight, but we just fell short again.”

The Mustangs jumped out to an early 7-0 lead as they meticulously drove down the field behind their 4-man running back rotation, which combined for 350 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Lewis led all Mustangs running backs, finishing with 16 carries for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

“Those kids are all four good kids,” Littleton said. “We try to get them all some playing time.”

With the Mustangs offense, knocking on the door looking to take a 14-point lead, it was senior athlete Bobby Cantu who came up big for the Lobos as he picked off McAllen Memorial quarterback JP Cortez in the end zone.

The interception sparked the Lobos as running back Peña broke off an 83-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7 early in the second.

On the following drive, Lewis powered through the Lobos’ defense on a 56-yard run setting up the Mustangs on the 11-yard line. Sophomore running back Max Alaniz capped off the drive with a 7-yard rushing touchdown to put the Mustangs up 14-7 with 8:45 left in the half.

With 2:30 remaining in the half and needing a big play, the Lobos turned to Cantu again as quarterback Eddie Valdez found him streaking down the sideline for a 41-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14 at halftime.

“It’s a big one, but we didn’t play very well tonight,” Littleton said. “We weren’t very focused tonight. We gotta be a lot better focused and we gotta be ready to play if we’re going to try to contend for this zone.”

Up next for the Mustangs (3-1, 2-0) is a matchup against the McAllen Rowe Warriors on Nov. 20 when they will look to extend their three-game winning streak. The Lobos (0-3, 0-3) will look to snap their three-game skid when they play the same Warriors on Nov. 25 following a bye week.

EDINBURG — The Harlingen High Cardinals came into the season ranked No. 20 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association 6A State rankings. Friday night, they proved why by rolling past the Edinburg High Bobcats 52-40.

Coming off a 78-9 victory over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln on Monday, the Cardinals got off to a slow start as the Bobcats jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead early in the first.

That’s when Harlingen High head coach Ashley Moncivaiz changed the defensive scheme to a full-court press, putting the pressure on the Bobcats. Led by junior point guard Avery Hinojosa, the Lady Cardinals ended the first quarter on a 10-2 run giving them an 10-8 lead going into the second quarter.

Moncivaiz credited the press and the energy from her rotation for the turnaround during the first quarter.

“Our press and I think our energy from the players (made the difference),” she said. “We had some people coming in and subbing in. We had 13 people go in and out and just go in there and (were) contributing to that (the win) with their effort.”

Edinburg, however, stayed close and led 29-27 at halftime.

Moncivaiz’s squad turned up the intensity during the third quarter, outscoring the Lady Bobcats 16-6. Led by junior Emery Scoggins and her timely 3-pointers, the Cardinals took a 43-35 lead into the fourth and never looked back.

“She’s (Scoggins) doing really well this year,” Moncivaiz said. “She’s turned it around from her freshman year to now as a junior. She contributes in different ways. She’s that type of player that’s fearless and goes out there and competes. Even though you see her so small, she’s out there shooting lights out.”

The Bobcats cut the lead to five early during the fourth behind a 3-pointer by senior A’nnika Saenz, but the Cardinals responded quickly going on a 7-0 run to put the game out of reach. Hinojosa and Scoggins led all scorers for the Cardinals with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Moncivaiz made the decision to put her team to the test early in the season to prepare for district play and her team has answered the call.

“Like we said, every night is going to be a tough night but that helps us out,” she said. “Whether it’s us or Edinburg, it just makes us better for our district play in a month.”

With her team now 2-1 after losing an overtime thriller to Laredo Alexander in the season opener, Moncivaiz said she felt fortunate to have her team playing this season, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“It feels great for us to be able to play ‘cause that’s one of the things that we didn’t know if we were,” she said. “And so for these kids to be out here doing something, that’s a good thing for them. It’s better than them being at home. They get to be out here and do something they love to do.”

Daysha Tijerina led Edinburg in its season opener, scoring 19 points.

Harlingen (2-1, 0-0) travels to La Joya High today, while Edinburg (0-1, 0-0) hosts McAllen High on Monday.

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.

BY IVAN PALACIOS | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR

EDINBURG — The Edinburg High Bobcats bounced back from a Week 1 loss with a dominating 38-14 victory over the Edinburg Economedes Jaguars on Friday night at Richard F. Flores Stadium.

“We made some changes,” Bobcats head coach, J.J. Leija said. “We played a tough team last week. We have a lot of youth out there. We have some inexperienced (players) out there. They were out there like deer in headlights. But they grew up tonight.”

Led by senior workhorse running back Shandon Woodard, the Bobcats jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. Woodard broke the game open with a 45-yard touchdown run down the sideline on the first offensive play of the game.

Following a quick forced punt by the Edinburg defense, Woodard picked up right where he left off, breaking free for a 23-yard touchdown run down the middle to put the Bobcats up 14-0 with 9:09 minutes left in the first quarter.

The defenses took over for the remainder of the first quarter as the teams exchanged punts over the following four possessions.

Taking over with 1:34 left in the first, Woodard once again showcased his powerful running style, breaking multiple tackles and carrying defenders down the sideline for a 33-yard gain putting the Bobcats in scoring position.

Facing a third-and-goal, Bobcats quarterback Rolando Abrego rolled out to his right and connected with do-it-all player Emmanuel Duron for a 6-yard touchdown pass for a 21-0 lead with 10:04 left in the half.

On the ensuing possession, the Jaguars looked to claw their way back into the game as wide receiver Victor Salinas made a juggling 60-yard catch down the sideline setting up his team with a first-and-goal on the 1-yard line.

Economedes running back Fermin Hernandez capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run making the score 21-7 with 7:53 remaining in the second.

Duron added to the Bobcats lead, kicking a 32-yard field goal giving Edinburg a 24-7 lead going into the half.

Following an offensive showcase in the first half, it was the defenses that stole the show in the third quarter as neither team could get the ball moving.

With 2:46 left in the third, the Bobcats defense put their mark on the game as cornerback Ben Gonzalez hauled in an interception. The Edinburg offense capitalized off the turnover as Woodard took a middle screen 35 yards setting the Bobcats up in Jaguars territory.

Abrego finished the drive with a 17-yard keeper giving the Bobcats a 31-7 lead. The Bobcats added one last touchdown late in the fourth when Duron punched it in for a 2-yard touchdown with 4:33 left in the game.

Duron finished with two total touchdowns, five extra points and a 32-yard field goal. Woodard added two touchdowns and more than 100 yards rushing.

Jaguars wide receiver Cody Salas added a touchdown at the end of regulation for the final tally.

EDINBURG — The Edinburg North Cougars held off a late comeback attempt by the PSJA Bears on Friday night, stopping wide receiver Andrew Castillo 9 yards short of the end zone at the end of regulation. It was a fitting ending for the Cougars as their defense led the way, forcing six Bear turnovers in their 29-22 District 31-6A-opening win.

The Cougar defense came out ready to play, forcing PSJA to fourth-and-19 on the opening drive following a sack by junior defensive tackle Trebor Acuna. On the ensuing play, a bad snap by the Bears flew out of the back of the end zone, giving the Cougars an early 2-0 lead.

Both teams showed first-game rust as the offenses struggled early. It wasn’t until late in the first quarter that the Cougars’ offense came to life behind the powerful running of junior running back Jean Carlo Reyes. Reyes scored his first of two touchdowns on the night with 1:48 left in the first, putting the Cougars up 8-0 to start the second quarter.

The Bears wasted no time answering, taking the ball down the field on the following drive behind the legs of freshman starting quarterback Jaime Lopez. Lopez caped the drive going untouched down the middle on a 1-yard quarterback sneak making the score 8-6 midway through the second.

The Cougars opened the second half with a bang as quarterback Michael Rodriguez exploded around the edge for a 66-yard touchdown just 46 seconds into the half to lead 15-6. The Cougars’ defense stepped up and picked off Lopez on the first play of the ensuing drive, giving the Cougars the ball back on their 25-yard line.

The Cougars offense was unable to capitalize as a missed 37-yard field goal gave the ball back to the Bears, who gave the ball right back after a three-and-out.

Late in the third, the Bears fumbled at the 6 on a punt return, setting up the Cougars with first-and-goal on the 6-yard line. The Cougars took advantage of the turnover this time as Reyes rumbled in for his second touchdown, giving them a 22-6 advantage with 4:38 left in the third.

Lopez dumped off a quick screen pass for a 53-yard score cutting into the Cougars lead. The Bears converted on a 2-point conversion making the score 22-14 with 4:23 left in the third.

Following another fumble by the Bears, the Cougars took over on the 27 and marched down the field behind the running of Reyes and Rodriguez. Rodriguez ended the drive with a 4-yard touchdown off a draw giving the Cougars a 29-14 lead with 9:38 left in regulation.

Lopez drove his team down the field for another touchdown pass with 2:24 left on the clock. Following a forced punt by the Bears defense, the offense got one last chance to tie the game.

Led by the arm and legs of Lopez, the Bears marched 54 yards down the field only to be stopped short of the end zone by the stingy Cougar defense.

Up next for the Cougars (1-1, 1-0) is a road game against Edinburg Vela at 7:30 p.m. next Friday. The Bears (0-1, 0-1) will host Mission High at 7 p.m. Thursday.

McALLEN — The Mercedes Tigers rolled to their second straight victory Thursday night, a 27-14 defeat over the McAllen High Bulldogs at McAllen Memorial Stadium. The Tiger defense led the charge, ending the game with three interceptions of Bulldogs junior quarterback Hunter Curl.

McHi opened the first quarter with a promising drive fueled by the running of Curl. Facing a third-and-2, Curl forced a pass down the middle that was picked off by Mercedes linebacker Jonathan Alvarado.

Following the interception, the Bulldogs defense held forcing a turnover on downs with 7:14 left in the first. The Tigers’ defense answered on the ensuing drive forcing its own turnover on downs with 4:27 remaining in the quarter.

Taking over on their own 45-yard line, the Tigers looked poised to strike first led by the running of wide receiver Josiah Cantu and running back Miguel Jimenez. The drive came to an end following a fumble by Jimenez that was recovered by McHi defensive end Aiden Thalman.

The Bulldogs quickly capitalized on the turnover as Curl hit wide receiver Felipe Magana in stride for a 74-yard touchdown pass on the following play. The touchdown put the Bulldogs up 7-0 for their first and only lead of the game.

Mercedes wasted no time answering as it took the ensuing drive 56 yards down the field behind the running of Cantu and Jimenez. The Tigers finished the drive with an 8-yard quarterback keeper by Michael Cisneros tying the game at 7 with 7:59 in the half.

Following the touchdown drives, both defenses clamped down as the next four drives ended with the offenses coming off the field with no points. With 1:16 left in the half, the Tiger offense got the ball back looking to take the lead before the break.

Sparked by a 27-yard completion from Cisneros to Cantu on the first play of the drive, the Tigers drove down the field ending it with a 33-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead into the half.

Mercedes’ offense opened the second half with a 69-yard touchdown drive led by the running of Cisneros. Jimenez would finish the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run putting the Tigers up 17-7 with 7:40 seconds left in the third.

On the ensuing drive, the Tiger defense forced a quick three-and-out giving the ball right back to their offense. Facing third and seven, wide receiver Tyrell Treviño put his mark on the game taking a pass from Cisneros 26-yards for a touchdown putting Mercedes up 24-4 with 4:10 left in the third.

Following their second interception of Curl, the Tigers added another field goal with 9:31 left in the game giving them a 27-7 lead.

Curl led the team 65 yards down the field, finishing the drive with a 25-yard touchdown run cutting the deficit to 27-14 with 6:11 remaining.

After forcing a punt, McHi’s comeback attempt continued moving the ball all the way down to the Tigers 15-yard line. Looking at fourth and 13, Curl threw his third interception to safety Issac Gonzalez, ending any hope of a comeback.

Up next for the Tigers (2-0) is a road game against the PSJA Memorial Wolverines next Friday to open District 16-5A DII. The Bulldogs (0-1) face the McAllen Memorial Mustangs next Friday as well, kicking off district play in 16-5A DI.