BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
EDINBURG — Edinburg North stumbled out of the gate this season.
The Cougars started with four straight losses. In that fourth loss to Edinburg Vela, however, North started to show signs of life. The things that went right continued.The Cougars opened District 31-6A with a win over PSJA Southwest and are in the postseason picture with a 2-2 record in district. The defense has been the key.
“In the last two games, we haven’t allowed a touchdown since the first drive of the game against PSJA North (two weeks ago),” coach Rene Saenz said.
Edinburg North’s defense is fourth in the district at 322.6 yards allowed per game. North primarily runs a 4-2-5 formation.
The linebackers have been a major part of the Cougars’ defense. Senior Javi de la Cruz leads the group. He is second on the team with 55 tackles behind safety Izaiah Valdez (64).
“I try to take the leadership role for the linebacker spot,” de la Cruz said. “I keep communicating with the D-line and the safeties. Every team that we have played, the offensive coaches have told us that we are one of the most physical defenses they have played against.”
Some of those younger linebackers are going to be forced to step up to finish out the year. Last week against Edinburg Economedes, senior linebacker Baldemar Hinojosa suffered a fractured leg and will be forced to miss the rest of the season.
The defense is particularly crucial because the offense has been up and down this year. They reeled off more than 300 yards against Vela and 300 rushing yards against PSJA Southwest, but in the two weeks since have only scored one offensive touchdown.
An emerging player for the offense has been senior receiver Justin Guerra. He has 20 receptions for 261 yards, and with depth issues in the backfield, he has also carried the ball quite a bit. He has 273 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.
“We have played well, both rushing and passing,” Guerra said. “It’s been fun, especially in my senior year. I’m just trying to enjoy it.”
Tonight Edinburg North faces Edinburg High at 7 at Richard Flores Stadium, a game with major playoff implications. Edinburg High is third in the district at 3-1. Economedes, which beat PSJA Southwest on Thursday, is in fourth place 3-2, a half-game better than North at 2-2.
“It’s going to be intense, obviously,” Saenz said. “Any time Edinburg and Edinburg North play — that rivalry goes back to 1991. The stands will be packed, the crowd will be fired up and both teams will be fired up. So we are just looking to go out and have some fun, relax and just do the things that we do best.”
“We feel like we our getting into a groove,” Guerra added. “We just have to go out there and get that win.”