BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
Though coach Mike Uribe is in his first year at the helm of the PSJA Memorial Wolverines, he hasn’t given himself, or his players, the benefit of a honeymoon. The plan was apparent from the get-go — playoffs or bust.
So after the Wolverines dropped last week’s district opener against Edinburg Economedes 32-24, the team is looking to right the ship tonight against the Weslaco East Wildcats, a team Uribe sees as a stepping stone for his program, at 7 p.m. at PSJA ISD Stadium in Pharr.
“For us, we’re trying to get to where we want to be,” Uribe said. “And we look at teams like Weslaco High and Weslaco East, and we know we have to win or compete consistently with them in order to become a better ball club and make the playoffs.”
Though Memorial (2-2, 0-1) lost to the Jaguars by 8 points, they trailed by as many as 22 before a fourth-quarter rally closed the gap. The Wolverines struggled to stop Econ’s running game, allowing 286 yards on the ground. With a similar offensive team in East (3-1, 1-0), Memorial has spent the week doubling down on its run defense.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results,” Uribe said. “We’ve made an effort this week to correct the things that need to be corrected. We’ve got to do a better job of playing with energy, on both sides of the ball, from the first quarter. I thought we came out a little slow last week.”
The catalyst for the Wolverine offense is senior quarterback Mike Gonzalez, who leads District 31-6A in passing yards with 790, in addition to seven touchdowns. Gonzalez’s favorite target has been Jay Bocanegra, who has 500 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 35 catches.
Memorial’s running game, however, has lagged behind its aerial attack. Through four games, the Wolverines have amassed a district-low 355 yards with a rotating crew of backs. East’s run defense has been solid this year, allowing 187 yards per game, third-best in 31-6A.
“They’re a senior ballclub that’s well-coached,” Weslaco East coach Mike Burget said. “They’re big and fast. It’s going to take everything we’ve got to get a win (tonight).”
The Wildcats are coming off a 38-34 win against Edinburg North, wherein a late interception from Jesus Infante handed East the win. Though Memorial employs a passing game similar to Edinburg North’s, Burget says his Wildcats are up for another challenge.
“That’s something we’re always working on,” he said. “Doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We’re always trying to get better at every position.”
East’s offense is spurred by senior running back Emilio Tamez, who leads the district in rushing yards (634) and touchdowns (10).
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