RGVSPORTS.COM
The PSJA North Raiders began their season with a show of force, scoring on every possession en route to a 78-26 win over the cross-town rival PSJA High Bears on Friday night at PSJA ISD Stadium.
The Raiders never committed a turnover and never punted on the night, wracking up close to 700 yards of offense.
“Everyone was really focused tonight,” Raiders coach Jorge Pena said. “I took my first unit out about three minutes into the second half. Why risk anything?”
Though the Raiders were led in part by quarterback Geroge Olivarez, it was the O-Line which helped set up PSJA North’s production.
“Those guys didn’t miss a block all night,” Pena said. “We were able to do so much because the line knew what they were doing, and were executing perfectly. Even the backups. They were focused and ready tonight.”
PSJA MEMORIAL 14, LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN 7: At La Joya ISD Stadium, PSJA Memorial rallied form a 7-0 halftime deficit to beat La Joya Juarez Lincoln, 14-7. The Wolverines tied the game late in the third when senior quarterback Mike Gonzalez connected John Anthony Saenz from roughly 30 yards out. Gonzalez would help seal the deal with five minutes left in the game, lobbing a pass to senior receiver Jay Bocanegra, who made the game-winning catch.
SAN BENITO 45, EDINBURG HIGH 0: At Cats Memorial Stadium, the Bobcats began their season on a dour note, getting blanked against San Benito at home.
CLASS 5A
ROMA 16, LA JOYA 7: At Roma, Ramon Espinoza ran for 172 yards and one touchdown before the game was called off at halftime due to a power outage.
Omar Peña also contributed for the Gladiators, scoring on a 2-yard TD and Jorge Garcia buried a 21-yard field goal.
“I thought we did some good things on defense,” Roma coach Max Habecker Jr. said, “but we definitely have some work to do.”
SHARYLAND PIONEER 24, HIDALGO 6: At Mission, Sal Gonzales scored two touchdowns and quarterback Alejandro Ramirez ran for another as the Diamondbacks won.
Gonzales scored on runs of 12 and 4 yards, and Ramirez snuck into the end zone to fuel a 22-0 second-quarter, capped by Leo Rios’ 37-yard field goal.
“It’s always big to get that first win, no matter who you’re playing or where you’re at,” Pioneer coach Jason Wheeler said. “The first game is huge. We just got to learn from the video and get better for next week.”
PSJA SOUTHWEST 11, VALLEY VIEW 6: At Pharr, the Javelinas, looking for their first playoff berth in their program’s history, got started in the right direction. The game was 0-0 at halftime.
“I liked that we faced adversity and pulled through,” Southwest coach Jesus Reyes said. “Our kids made plays in tough situations. Our adjustments was nothing with X’s and O’s. It was about staying sharp and tough.”
Darren Estrada scored for Southwest on a QB keeper. Jesus Acosta added a field goal for the Javelinas.
PSJA SOUTHWEST 11, VALLEY VIEW 6: At Pharr, Carlos Batiz scored on a 1-yard run but the Tigers dropped their opener at home.
Despite the loss, first-year coach Carlos Saenz said he was pleased with how his team performed against a bigger line and deeper bench.
“In my opinion, they’re a playoff-contending team,” Saenz said. “So for our defense to do what they did against those guys, I think, speaks volumes about us. There were some guys that dropped catches that, if we catch it, we blow them out.
“But I believe we’re on the right track.”
RIO GRANDE CITY 13, INGLESIDE 0: At Rio Grande City, Casimiro Olivarez scored twice to propel the Rattlers at home.
Olivarez scored on short runs both times in the opening half. And kicker/punter Kevin Garcia ignited the special teams, particularly as it recovered three fumbles following punts.
“Defense played lights-out all night. They really played well,” RGC coach Carlos Longoria said. “Offensively, we had some good spurts here and there. But we have to clean up some things.”
CALALLEN 35, MERCEDES 6: At Corpus Christi, the Tigers took a 6-0 lead and trailed just 14-6 at halftime before the Wildcats pulled away in the second half.
BROWNSVILLE PORTER 35, PROGRESO 6: At Progreso High School, the Red Ants were blown out at home.
SUB 5A TEAMS
LA FERIA 34, DONNA NORTH 23: At Donna, the Chiefs remained winless in their varsity football history. La Feria led 31-3 at halftime.
La Feria improved to 1-0 while Donna North fell to 0-1.
CC LONDON 54, MONTE ALTO 0: At Monte Alto, for the second year in a row, the Blue Devils dropped their opener against London.
Last season, Monte Alto lost 26-6.
LYFORD 29, LA VILLA 6: At Lyford, the Cardinals gave up three touchdowns, including one off a pick-6, to lose their opener.
La Villa committed three fumbles and 4-5 crucial penalties, coach Shawn Alvarez said, to fall behind in the early going. In the second half, both teams scored just once.
“We were able to move the ball well,” Alvarez said. “It’s just 5-6 plays that really got us.”