STAFF REPORT
Brownsville Lopez-PSJA Memorial had more of a basketball feel than a Thursday night football game at PSJA Stadium in Pharr.
The Wolverines jumped out to a 14-0 advantage in the first half, but the Lobos scored 21 unanswered points to take their first lead in the third quarter. PSJA Memorial responded with 17 consecutive points that helped it keep Brownsville Lopez (2-7, 1-7) at bay in a 31-28 victory.
Junior wide receiver Michael Muñoz caught both first half touchdowns to pace the Wolverines.
“His contributions to this team are incredible,” PSJA Memorial coach Michael Uribe said. “Not only is he catching those touchdown passes, but he’s out there making blocks for us and playing safety on defense. He recovered an onside kick tonight, as well. He doesn’t step off the field. He’s delivered for us like a lot of other kids are.”
Brownsville Lopez charged back into the game but didn’t catch Uribe and his team off guard. Coming into Thursday’s game, three of the Lobos’ six district losses were by five points or less.
“We knew they had a lot of potential because they’re fighting for the same reasons we’re fighting for,” Uribe said. “I’m glad our kids’ will never gave up tonight. They didn’t fold and they kept on playing hard. We’ve been preaching that since I started working with these kids. We are never going to lay down and quit, no matter what the circumstances are.”
PSJA Memorial (3-6, 3-5) has a chance to be a playoff spoiler when it travels to Bennie LaPrade Stadium to face Donna High next week. Donna (5-3, 4-3) is a game behind La Joya Palmview (5-3, 5-2) in the district standings for the fourth and final playoff spot.
“We have the utmost respect for Donna High and their coaching staff,” Uribe said. “We’re going to focus on what we need to do to finish our season with a win. We understand that Donna’s playing for something, but we went to send our seniors, who have played hard for us the last four years, off right.”
KINGSVILLE KING 41, GRULLA 27: At Rio Grande City, Grulla (3-6, 1-2) led 20-7 over King (4-5, 1-2) at half, but the Brahmas stormed back to get the win in the second half.