RGVSports.com
The PSJA Memorial Wolverines picked up their first district win since Oct. 10, 2014, beating the PSJA North Raiders 17-7 on Thursday at PSJA Stadium in Pharr. Coincidentally, their last win also came against PSJA North.
The win was also the first win of any kind for the Wolverines since Sept. 4, 2015.
“I was so proud of our kids,” PSJA Memorial coach Michael Uribe said. “Our kids have persevered through a lot of hard times. They have continued to believe, to work hard and make the sacrifices. They never quit on each other. I was just so emotional for our kids, because their hard work has finally paid off.”
Memorial jumped ahead with a goal-line run for junior running back Joaquin Sanchez.
Midway through the second quarter, Memorial broke a 7-7 tie with a field goal.
Senior wide receiver Michael Walden got the ball on a running play and broke a run for more than 20 yards to give Memorial 17-7 lead that would hold for the rest of the game.
“I told the staff and I told the players, enjoy tonight and understand how this feels,” Uribe said. “Because now they understand how winning feels. They understand what it takes. The hard work and preparation we needed tonight, that has to continue because our district is tough.”
A major factor for Memorial was the sturdiness of the defense. The Wolverines held a potent Raiders rushing attack in check all game. Even late in the game, when North had a first-and-goal from the 1 yard line, Memorial held strong for four straight power runs to preserve the lead.
“Our kids did very well,” Uribe said. “They watched a lot of film. We focused on our defense. We were able to do the best we can to keep them out of the end zone.”
EDCOUCH-ELSA 41, DONNA NORTH 10: At Donna, Edcouch-Elsa scored early and often in their district-opening win against Donna North.
Earlier in the week, Edcouch-Elsa (3-1, 1-0) coach Joe Marichalar believed his team needed to overcome complacency and improve on building big leads. The Yellow Jackets did just that, scoring 31 first-half points, including four offensive touchdowns.
“I think the kids played exceptionally well,” Marichalar said. “Give credit to Donna North and their kids. I’m just thankful our coaching staff did a great job of putting together an offensive and defensive game plan and appreciative of our kids who went out there and executed that game plan.”
Two of the first half touchdowns came on passing plays. Junior quarterback Albert Trevino found senior tight end Mac Lara for two touchdowns to grow the Jackets lead.
“Albert is getting more and more comfortable, that’s for sure,” Marichalar said. “The offensive line did an outstanding job of creating a nice pocket for him. When you’re not under duress and you’re able to go through your progressions, your confidence grows and grows. That was good to see.”
Edcouch-Elsa scored 11 points on special teams against Donna North (0-4, 0-1) between senior kicker Ronaldo Mata and sophomore punter/kicker Angel Crispin.
RIO GRANDE CITY 17, ROMA 14: At Rio Grande City, the two 5A schools in Starr County wrestled for countywide supremacy until the very end. When the dust settled, the Rattlers (4-1, 3-0) emerged victorious over the Gladiators.
“We didn’t play very well but I have to give Roma credit,” Rio Grande City coach Aaron Garcia said. “I’ve been telling our kids all week. This is one (game) where the records go out the window. It’s an emotional game for both communities.”
Rio Grande City combined for 115 points over the past two weeks, but the Roma (0-5, 0-3) defense kept the Rattlers offense out of the end zone in the first half and hung on to a 7-3 lead. The Gladiators scored another touchdown in the third quarter to stretch the advantage to 14-3.
Later in the third, Roma coughed up the football and Rio Grande City senior linebacker Jeremy Gorena pounced on it, starting the Rattlers rally in Gladiators territory.
RGC found the end zone for the first time early in the fourth, when quarterback Jason Perez connected with wideout Demencio Venecia for his fourth touchdown reception of the season to cut the Roma lead to 14-10.
The Rattlers stopped the Gladiators offense again to regain possession. Then, junior Elias Cobos took a handoff from Perez, ran right and reached pay dirt to put RGC up for good.
“These kids just found something in them,” Garcia said. “They found a way to will us to win. And I’m very proud of that.”