PHARR — PSJA North linebacker Mikey Gonzales helped shut down McAllen Rowe’s first two drives Friday with a third-down sack and a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown.
It was smooth sailing for the Raiders from that point as PSJA North powered through McAllen Rowe 63-14 at PSJA Stadium.
“There was a lot of talk in the media over the week that, ‘Oh, these guys can hang with us.’ We had to go out and prove a point, make a statement early and play ‘Blackshirt Defense,’” Gonzales said.
The Raiders, the top-ranked team in the RGVSports.com Class 5A-6A poll, improved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in District 15-5A DI. The loss is the Warriors’ first since the season opener, dropping their record to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in district.
The Raiders’ offense was rolling early as its three-headed backfield displayed its big-play ability. Ethan Guerra broke multiple tackles on a 40-yard touchdown run off left tackle. Jason Montes handled four carries on a six-play drive that ended with a bruising 6-yard touchdown run up the middle. Jaden Fuentes showed his receiving skills with a 28-yard touchdown reception on a dart from quarterback Ale Aparicio.
Aparicio threw two first-half touchdowns — the 28-yarder to Guerra and a 3-yarder to Diego Aparicio on a play-action pass with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter.
“We came out pretty focused on the task at hand, and it kind of got out of control there for a little while. The kids played good and did a good job,” PSJA North head coach Marcus Kaufmann said. “We had a lot of people step up in situations, so it was a lot of fun watching the young guys kind of blossom tonight.”
Rowe entered the game without starting quarterback Lance Salinas due to injury, then lost Friday night starter Isaac Sotuyo midway through the first half. The Warriors were unable to find their footing until late in the game on a 58-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Mata and a touchdown pass by Carlos Hernandez to Andres Espinosa as time expired.
Guerra finished with three touchdowns and 129 yards from scrimmage. Fuentes posted 110 total yards and two touchdowns, and Montes ran for 147 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Ale Aparicio tossed three touchdowns, with Isaac Willingham bringing another in during the third quarter. Julius Arredondo threw one pass, a 53-yard touchdown to Guerra.
Next for PSJA North is McAllen Memorial (2-5, 1-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium in McAllen.
McAlen Rowe will look to bounce back as it plays host to Rio Grande City (3-4, 1-3) at 7 p.m. Thursday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium in McAllen.