BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
The Edinburg High Bobcats didn’t celebrate last week’s 28-7 win over PSJA Memorial for too long. Coach Joaquin Escobar knows the work continues for a team that sits at 1-6. But still, the second-year coach can’t help but notice the mood his team has carried into practice this week.
“They came in a little more upbeat, with a little more confidence,” Escobar said. “I told them they had the ability to play like this in previous games, we just didn’t put it quite together. Whether it was just mental mistakes or nervousness, you can’t put your finger on it.”
The Bobcats pulled off the upset win by scoring in all phases, notching two rushing touchdowns, a pick-six and a special teams touchdown. Edinburg intercepted Memorial quarterback Michael Gonzalez — who leads District 31-6A in passing yards — on three occasions.
“Our defensive coaches did a good job of watching film and preparing our kids,” Escobar said. “They did a good job of executing our game plan. Our defensive coordinator knows their defensive coordinator really well. He’s coached against him for a while and new we’d have to give them different looks.”
While Edinburg’s defense has been scrappy despite being undermanned throughout the year, the offense has found a spark in receiver in Jerry Zea. During district play, Zea has caught six passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns, notable numbers for a team whose offense averages 169 yards per game.
“Jerry, when he first came to our program, he was just a sophomore,” Escobar said. “He told me he was just a track kid, and I guess we kind of convinced him otherwise that he’s a better football player. He’s fast, he’s quick, he works very hard and he does a good job of being here every day. His improvement on running and being able to catch has been tremendous.”
BALL CONTROL
At the beginning of the season, Edinburg Economedes coach Gabe Peña knew his team’s fortunes rested in part on ball control. The fifth-year coach said many of last year’s struggles were a result of too many turnovers.
So as the Jaguars (3-4, 1-2) enter Friday’s matchup against Edinburg High on a two-game losing streak, it’s no secret what the culprit to their ills is. During their prior two outings, the Jaguars have committed eight turnovers — including two fumbles in the redzone during a 31-15 loss to PSJA North in Week 7.
“We’re not really focusing on it or harping on any kind of drills,” Peña said. “The kids already know that stuff. We just have to get back to having fun. Sometimes we overthink too much and take the fun out of the game. If we just get back to playing with simplicity and fun, the turnovers will take care of themselves.”
IN CONTROL
The Edinburg North Cougars are off this week, and don’t see the field again until they play PSJA Memorial on Oct. 30 at PSJA Stadium. It’s been an up-and-down year for the Cougars (2-6, 1-3), but the team is still eligible for a fourth-straight postseason berth. Should Edinburg North win its remaining two games — it closes the season against Edinburg Economedes — they’ll punch their ticket to the postseason.