By MARK MOLINA | The Brownsville Herald
After falling to Edinburg Vela 35-20 in Week 2, the 1-1 Hanna Golden Eagles are looking to get back in the win column.
In order for them to do that, they’ll have to get past a Weslaco East Wildcat team that is still in search of its first win in the 2018 season.
Despite a 0-2 mark, Hanna head coach Mark Guess said his team is in for a battle against their former district foes.
“We know over the last couple of years that any time you are getting ready to line up against Weslaco East, you’re getting ready for a battle,” Guess said. “They’re physical upfront, their defense is physical, they fly to the ball really well and they’re patient. It’s always going to be a dog fight with those guys. One of the reasons we scheduled this game is because we know it’s a very good opponent.
“They may be 0-2 on their record, but if you watch film, you can see that they could have easily won both those games.”
Weslaco East has had a stout schedule through its first two weeks, falling to Manor (26-21) and Laredo Alexander (24-6).
Wildcats head coach Mike Burget said he doesn’t make too much out of either loss, especially during non-district play where the goal is to get ready for district.
“It hasn’t been a couple of hard weeks for us like everyone says,” Burget said. “I think we’ve always played tough opponents against Weslaco East. I can definitely schedule teams that I know we can beat. That’s not the purpose of being the head coach; it’s to prepare you to get them ready for the district and for the playoffs if it’s meant to be.”
Hanna’s offense hopes to rebound after turning the ball over four times last week in the form of three lost fumbles and an interception.
Still, the Golden Eagles managed 346 yards of total offense and managed to cut a 14-0 halftime deficit to two points late in the third quarter before the Sabercats outscored them 21-8 the rest of the way.
Guess said it’s about making better choices this week.
“We definitely have had to work on ball security and make sure we’re making the right decisions on the field, on special teams and after the plays,” he said. “I think we came out flat the first half and that really did us in. We still had a chance to take the lead, but football is a funny game. It’s a game of momentum. We just have to work on being mentally tough and on getting momentum and trying to keep that momentum throughout the game.”
Hanna was held to 155 yards rushing against Vela, led by Roman Garay (six carries, 80 yards) and Cesar Mancias (18 carries, 69 yards, TD). Junior quarterback Victor Campos was 10 for 25 passing for 191 yards, a touchdown and one interception.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eagle defense gave up 398 yards of offense to Vela and forced a fumble in the process that was recovered by free safety Andres Sustaeta.
Hanna’s offense will have its hands full against a Weslaco East defense that held Laredo Alexander to 210 yards of total offense, including just 45 yards rushing, and have forced three turnovers in two games.
Weslaco East’s offense turned the ball over three times last, including a pair of fumble returns for scores.
Burget said those mistakes were costly ones, but his defense is playing well and he’s pleased with where his team is at heading into Friday.
“That’s the way it is; football is football,” he said. “I’m very happy for our kids and we’re going to continue to move forward. We’re going to continue to get our teams ready for district.”