BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
SAN ANTONIO — Weslaco High was well aware of the challenge set before them in Austin Lake Travis.
Lake Travis fell in last season’s Class 6A Division I state championship game to Allen by two points and are on a mission to get back to AT&T Stadium for another shot at a title.
The Cavaliers functioned as a well-oiled offensive machine in the first half. Quarterback Hudson Card threw seven touchdown passes to three different receivers in Austin Lake Travis’ 56-14 win over Weslaco High in a Class 6A Division I regional semifinal game Saturday at the Alamodome. Austin Lake Travis will face Converse Judson next week.
“I wish we had started a little faster, but we didn’t,” Weslaco High coach Michael Salinas said. “Our guys continued to battle and I’m extremely proud of our kids and our coaches for helping us get to this point.”
Weslaco High (11-2) recovered a fumble by Card at Austin Lake Travis’ 45-yard line, but it punted a few plays later.
Card, a Texas commit, found his favorite target in wide receiver Garrett Wilson five times in Saturday’s game. Wilson, an Ohio State commit, caught three touchdown passes. Wilson’s first two touchdown grabs put the Cavaliers (12-1) up 14-0 after the first quarter.
“They’re tough in all three phrases,” Salinas said. “They’re very explosive with their quarterback (Card) and their wide receiver (Wilson), but they’ve got multiple weapons on offense. They play disciplined football.”
Weslaco High quarterback Jacob Cavazos went through a rough first quarter, throwing his third interception of the season and suffering an injury following a 3-yard carry. Cavazos was diagnosed with a minor concussion by the Weslaco High training staff. Salinas decided to keep Cavazos out for the rest of the game.
“He was in good spirits and aware of everything going on,” Salinas said. “It was more preventative than anything.”
“It’s hard to go down because you want to be there with your team,” Cavazos said. “Overall, we came together and felt strong. Experience is great because it opens you up to a lot of new things. I don’t think any of us had any experience playing a playoff game and we worked to get into the third round. We have a lot to look forward to next year.”
Salinas alternated between Devin Hanks and Rodney Garza at quarterback in the second half. Garza led two touchdown drives against the Cavaliers. The first came on a play when Garza pump faked and then found a wide open Devin Dena for a 59-yard score on Weslaco High’s second possession of the third quarter. Garza then connected with wide receiver Dante Castillo from five yards out late in the fourth.
“Rodney (Garza) stepped in and made some plays with Devin (Hanks),” Salinas said. “They did well when they were given the opportunity. They gained some valuable experience tonight.”