JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
PHARR — PSJA Southwest accomplished a season-first Thursday against Donna North. They won a game in convincing fashion.
Where the team’s previous wins have come in close contests decided by 10 points or less, the Javelinas dominated the Chiefs from start to finish, scoring touchdowns on three of their first four possessions en route to a 52-8 win.
Southwest (5-2, 3-1, District 32-5A) came into the contest sporting the District’s third best offense, but the defensive unit also made their presence known. The defensive line routinely frustrated opposing quarterback Manny Ramirez, sacking him four times and forcing four interceptions.
“We challenged everyone on both sides of the ball to play better,” Javelinas head coach Jesus Reyes said. “And we did.”
The offensive unit was every bit as impressive as the defense. The squad amassed 394 total yards compared to Donna’s 161, and did so by employing a balanced approach. Jesus Acosta, the District’s leading rusher, had a comparatively quite night with 72 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Instead, the team played a revolving door of running backs: including Jorge Cantu (71 yards and a score on seven carries) and Rogelio Salinas (who found his way to the end zone)
For Reyes, the decision was made with thoughts of the post-season in mind.
“This time of the year there are a lot of aches and pains, and we want to stay healthy,” Reyes said. “We’re making a playoff run. We have to stay healthy and get more kids involved.”
Though Javelinas quarterback Carlos Portales attempted just 10 passing attempts, he was impactful and efficient, throwing for 122 yards on five completions and two touchdowns.
“We studied their game plan and were able to execute,” wideout Homero Alanis said. “We got it going.”
Alanis caught two touchdown passes on three receptions for 59 yards.
For all the positives PSJA Southwest can find in their victory, the team committed 10 penalties equaling 97 yards. Coach Reyes was also disappointed with another item, he wanted a shutout.
“I told the guys before the game, ‘Let’s get a goose egg’” Reyes said. “Some guys asked me what a goose egg was.”
CHIEFS STRUGGLES CONTINUE
For Donna North (0-7, 0-3, District 32-5A), the loss means a continued goose egg in the win column.
“At this point, we’re out to play spoilers,” Chiefs head coach Tommy Sauceda said.
The team’s offensive performance was the antithesis of the Javelinas’: sputtering and inconsistent. Coming into the game, Donna North averaged just 12.2 points on 153 yards per game.
Sophomore running back Dominic Ochoa, a budding talent for the Chiefs, sat out the entire second half with what Sauceda says is a “foot injury,” Ochoa finished the night with 47 yards on 10 carries. Mark Ochoa led the team on the ground with 51 yards, holding the ball eight times.
With a big deficit to overcome early, Southwest’s defensive backs dared Donna to throw the ball. Ramirez, a sophomore, couldn’t shake the Javelina’s stingy defense. Ramirez finished with 35 yards, completing 5-of-17 attempts.
WHAT’S NEXT
PSJA Southwest will play district opponent Edoch Elsa (4-2, 3-0) next Friday, and look to continue shaping up for the postseason. The Yellowjackets sport the best offense in District 32-5A, averaging 340 yards per game.
Donna North will look for their first win against Brownsville Pace (2-5, 1-3).