By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD
Lopez, Pace gets defensive
In Week 11, Lopez (8-2, 5-2 District 32-5A) and Pace (5-5, 4-3) didn’t play for much more than pride after both had wrapped up postseason berths in Week 10. In a playoff tune-up, Lopez outlasted Pace 14-7 in a game that showed how good both defenses can be. The Lobos and Vikings were scoreless through three quarters before Lopez scored first in the fourth. The Lobos added another touchdown after a Pace turnover about five minutes later. The Vikings found the end zone with over a minute to play, but couldn’t get the ball back after an onside kick. The tilt was good for each team heading into the playoffs as each waited patiently for an opportunity to score while the defenses did their part. In the postseason, points sometimes come at a premium. For both teams, Thursday showed that if the offense isn’t clicking, the defense has the ability to survive in a tight game. In the Class 5A playoffs, Lopez faces an explosive offense in Mission Veterans Memorial and Pace battles a Sharyland High team that also lights up the scoreboard. Both the Lobos and Vikings will have their hands full, but defense could determine the outcome if they play well this week.
St. Joseph Academy captures district title
St. Joseph Academy (6-4, 2-0 TAPPS Division I, District 2) did something in Week 11 that it hasn’t done in nearly four decades when it won a district title. The Bloodhounds earned the crown with a 55-30 road win over Antonian Prep (San Antonio). After a tough 1-3 start to the season, St. Joseph finished its campaign 5-1, including a district win over Central Catholic (San Antonio), a team that had the Bloodhounds’ number for the past three years. St. Joseph persevered over the second half of the season as the offense continued to flourish and the defense improved as well. For the second straight year, St. Joseph earned a home playoff game and faces John Paul II (Plano) on Saturday at Canales Field. The Bloodhounds hope to continue their momentum and advance to the second round like they did a season ago.
Chargers go unblemished through District 32-5A
Brownsville Veterans Memorial (9-1, 7-0 District 32-5A) also earned a district title, rolling past Donna High, 27-0, to finish 32-5A unscathed. But it wasn’t the only milestone the Chargers earned in Week 11. With the shutout win, Brownsville Veterans finished the season with three straight shutouts, which according to head coach David Cantu, is a school record. The Chargers outscored their opponents 146-0 over that span, an average of nearly 49 points per game. It also marked the 50th career win for Cantu, who had plenty to celebrate as his team finished with the program’s first outright district title. Brownsville Veterans won a share of the district championship last year, splitting it with Mercedes. With a consistently good offense and a defense that has made significant strides, both units seem to be firing on all cylinders. With the postseason starting this week, one couldn’t ask for anything more. The Chargers are rolling but still have more boxes to check off, the first of which comes against a tough Laredo Nixon ballclub Saturday in Alice.
The Falcons’ defense steps up
Los Fresnos (7-3, 5-2 District 32-6A) had already earned a playoff berth heading into Week 11, but the Falcons used their game against Weslaco High as a tune-up and looked ready for the playoffs with a 29-2 win. The offense was quite balanced as 167 of its 347 yards of offense were gained on the ground while the other 180 came through the air. The Falcons four touchdowns were also split evenly between rushing and passing. The defense showed it was playing at the top of its game, as well. The unit — which has allowed less than 15 points per game this season — didn’t allow a point (Weslaco High earned a safety with a tackle of a Los Fresnos running back in the end zone), and forced six turnovers, two fumbles and four interceptions. All four picks came from senior defensive back JJ Sanchez. Both units for the Falcons are showing a confidence that has been evident in three straight wins to finish the season. The team hopes to better its 2016 postseason run (three rounds deep) and starts its journey Thursday when it faces Edinburg High in a bi-district playoff game on the road.
Hanna shows offensive prowess, now it needs to get defensive
In Week 11, Hanna (7-3, 4-3 District 32-6A) showed how much its offense has improved down the stretch, putting 35 points on the board against Weslaco East. Unfortunately, the Wildcats used a fourth-quarter rally to upend the Golden Eagles, 42-35. Hanna scored 94 points during its final three games (31 per game). While the offense has shown it can put up the points, it may be facing a potential shootout against Edinburg Vela (48-point average) in a Class 6A bi-district playoff game Friday. The Eagles’ defense will get its toughest test of the season in trying to slow down the Sabercats. Hanna allows 21 points per game, but will need to play its best game of the season against Edinburg Vela. The Eagles have 11 interceptions 10 forced fumbles this season and will need to win the turnover battle to give their team a better chance against the Sabercats.
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.