By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
The Los Fresnos Falcons made their season debut in the RGVSports.com poll tied at No. 10 following their double overtime 36-28 victory at No. 8 Harlingen High.
Senior quarterback Matthew Padilla scored four total touchdowns — two on the ground in a 101-yard rushing performance, and two in the air as he passed for 115 yards. Edsson Picazo hauled in both scores and had six receptions for 91 yards. Defensively, the Falcons (5-2, 4-1 in District 32-6A) were aggressive and recorded three turnovers, three sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Rio Hondo and Santa Rosa snapped losing skids to pick up their first district victories Friday.
The Bobcats (3-5, 1-4 in District 16-4A Division II) battled for a 27-24 win over Raymondville, ending a five-game losing streak. They were led by freshman quarterback Ruben Atkinson, who went 12-for-19 with 269 passing yards and two total touchdowns. Senior running back Ethan Jerediah added one touchdown and 80 yards on the ground.
Santa Rosa (2-6, 1-3) earned its first District 16-3A Division II victory of the season with a 47-6 rout of Monte Alto. Sophomore running back Diego Cruz ran well and played hard, scoring one rushing touchdown and notching one interception. Senior Jonathan Terrazas added a pair of interceptions as the Warriors’ defense shut down Monte Alto.
The No. 6 San Benito Greyhounds (6-2, 3-2) got back into the win column after dropping back-to-back games with a 56-0 rout of Donna North. Fabian Garcia and Aaron Garza both surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in the contest.
Garza led the team with 12 carries and 168 yards, adding one touchdown. Garza had 104 yards on nine carries with two scores. Jermaine Corbin had 100 total yards of offense, and scored one rushing and one receiving touchdown.
Also in 32-6A, No. 2 Harlingen South (8-0, 5-0) stayed unbeaten with a 38-3 win over Brownsville Rivera. Senior Marcos Gonzales led a solid run game with 154 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Senior quarterback Xander Casarez had another efficient performance, going 11-for-16 with 165 passing yards.
Caleb Anaya, Carlos Mossboss and Ethan Garza were strong to help the dangerous South defense force three turnovers. The Hawks are outscoring opponents 296-80. Coach Israel Gonzalez was named the Texas High School Coaches Association coach of the week.
La Feria (6-1, 3-0) beat Kingsville King 43-14 and is one win from an undefeated District 16-4A Division I championship.
Senior quarterback Aaron Trevino has been spectacular and had another big game to lead the victory. Trevino threw four passing touchdowns, completing 15-of-23 passes for 248 yards. He added one rushing score and 112 yards on the ground. The Lions notched three interceptions, two from senior Elijah Vela.
The Lyford Bulldogs (6-3, 3-2) defeated Bishop 38-20 to secure a playoff berth in District 16-3A Division I. Quarterback Osmar Martinez was 7-for-12 with 124 passing yards and two touchdowns, and he had 186 rushing yards with two scores on the ground. Alex Rosas accumulated 131 rushing yards on 12 carries. Senior athlete Diego Guerra added a pick-six to aid the victory.