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Quarterbacks Fabian Pedraza, Nate Garcia and running back Sam Valenzuela scored two touchdowns apiece on the ground as Edinburg Vela beat PSJA Memorial 55-14 on Thursday at Cats Stadium in Edinburg.
Pedraza, the starter under center, also delivered a scoring strike to Elijah Reyna as the SaberCats improved to 4-0.
“Tonight it was a great overall team effort,” Vela coach Michael Salinas said. “Our defense went out and started fast and got good field position. Special teams played well for us. Punt return set up good field position for us, as well.”
The SaberCats forced four fumbles, atoning for the two fumbles it gave up itself. Salinas said the SaberCats didn’t play “as clean we would’ve liked, but I was proud of our defensive effort.”
Vela also started last year 4-0 going into district play. Thursday’s game marked the final non-district test before opening 31-5A play next week against Sharyland High.
“Minus stalling on a couple drives on offense, we were pleased with the overall effort,” Salinas said. “I thought the kids played with a little bit of passion, and that’s what we stressed all week. We have to continue to get physically and mentally tougher.”
CLASS 6A
WESLACO EAST 52, LA JOYA HIGH 0: At Weslaco, sophomore quarterback Richard LaFevre completed 10-of-15 passing attempts for 265 yards and three touchdowns as the Wildcats blanked the Coyotes at Bobby Lackey Stadium.
“(La Joya High) was just loading the box, and I guess we picked a good night to pass the ball,” Weslaco East coach Mike Burget said. “I think they’re a playoff team with an outstanding coach. So beating them says something, I think, about where we are as a team right now.”
Prior to Thursday, East (2-1) had thrown for just 81 yards compared to 505 yards gained on the ground. Ciro Rojas and JC Vargas were among those to hall in a touchdown pass. That’s not to say Burget abandoned the ground game. Senior back Emilio Tamez rushed for three touchdowns, bringing his season total to seven.
As productive as the Wildcats offense was, so too was their defense. Ryan Rodriguez nabbed two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Thursday marked the first time East played in two weeks. Their Sept. 11 game at Harlingen South was canceled due to severe weather. The Wildcats begin District 31-6A competition Sept. 25 against Edinburg North (1-3) at Bobby Lackey Stadium.
La Joya High slips to 1-3 will kickoff their District 30-6A schedule Sept. 25 against McAllen Memorial (4-0) at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
CLASS 3A
CORPUS CHRISTI VETERANS MEMORIAL 48, MONTE ALTO 7: At Corpus Christi, the Blue Devils lost on the road to drop to 1-3 on the season.
Monte Alto was playing in its first game since beating Agua Dulce 36-12 last week.