BROWNSVILLE — It was probably a blessing in disguise for the McAllen Rowe Warriors not to see the score run up on them against the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers.
The clock went out during the first drive of Thursday’s bi-district playoff meeting between the Warriors and Chargers in the first playoff game at Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s game field.
If the defunct scoreboard worked, it would have shown a final of 45-3 for Brownsville Veterans.
“Proud of the way the kids responded to adversity,” Chargers head coach Kelley Lee said. “In the playoffs, you are playing a good opponent. Even though we controlled the game, there were things that did not go our way and every time we responded well. That is a sign of a good football team.”
Chargers fullback Bryan Chavez scored his fifth touchdown from 1 yard in the fourth quarter to end the scoring.
“Oh, it feels great,” Chavez said. “Especially, because it was a home game and the first-ever playoff game here on our field. It feels amazing.”
McAllen Rowe quarterback Lance Salinas was composed in the pocket and delivered some good passes, but Salinas missed open receivers down the field when he was forced from the pocket.
The few incursions in Chargers territory finally yielded a field goal by Mauricio Andree early in the fourth quarter. Salinas came up with a clutch throw on fourth-and-long to set up the field position for the field goal attempt.
Brownsville Veterans continued where it left off in the first half with an opening-drive rushing touchdown by Chavez, his fourth of the night.
Brownsville Veterans’ triple-option offense sliced through the McAllen Rowe defense with ease during the first half. Chavez wore down the defense between the tackles, creating room for the tailbacks on the outside.
Chavez had three rushing touchdowns in the first half.
Chargers quarterback Reece Sampayo pulled the strings and threw strikes when needed, including a late touchdown in the half. Kicker Tyler Achleitner nailed a 28-yard field goal before the half to put the Chargers up 32-0.
“We have never lost here, ever, as a varsity football program,” Lee said. “We are now 11-0 in this stadium. That is why we love playing here … we love it, we love the atmosphere, and our fans get involved.”
Brownsville Veterans Memorial (9-2, 5-1) faces the winner of San Antonio Southwest and Victoria West in the area round.