COLLEGE STATION — PSJA North showed up and showed out at the Texas 7-on-7 state tournament this weekend at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station.
The Raiders made it three rounds deep in the champions bracket, two wins shy of a spot in the championship game, on Saturday. The Raiders went 4-2 on the weekend overall.
PSJA North’s run ended at the hands of Round Rock in the third round after beating Arlington Lamar 25-14 and then Eaton 32-26.
“They came out here and took care of business,” said Mark Rendon, PSJA North’s volunteer 7-on-7 head coach. “Last year, we made it out here and people did not think we could make it far because we are not considered a throwing team, we are considered a heavy run team.”
“Last year we made it to the championship bracket, but we were one and done. This year we made it to the elite eight, and words cannot express how proud I am of them.”
Rendon, the father of receiver Markus Rendon, has been coaching the Raiders’ 7-on-7 team for the past three seasons, but has coached numerous players on the team since they were 4 years old, he said. Mark Rendon thanked PSJA North coaches Marcus Kaufmann and Albert Esparza for the opportunity.
“All the kids are coachable and smart. It made my job a whole lot easier,” Mark Rendon said.
Markus Rendon was one of the standouts in the loss to Round Rock. The receiver was catching everything quarterback Ale Aparicio was throwing to him.
PSJA North’s Leroy Palacios was catching everything his way, especially against Eaton.
“I could always do more,” Palacios said. “But as long as I can do my part to get the team the win, that is all that matters to me. I care about these guys and I will do anything to get a win.”
Julius Arredondo also hauled in numerous catches and touchdowns Saturday. Arredondo made some big plays against Arlington Lamar. Corner Bryan Guerrero also made some nice plays against Arlington Lamar, including a game-sealing interception.
PSJA High was the only team out of a Valley trio with Weslaco High and McAllen Rowe to pick up a win in the consolation bracket. The Bears beat Timber Creek 27-21 to meet Crandall in the second round. PSJA High lost 34-28 in overtime.