The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks opened District 16-5A DII play with a win, taking down the PSJA Memorial Wolverines 27-15 on Friday at PSJA Stadium in Pharr.
The Diamondbacks jumped out to an early advantage, holding a 20-3 lead at the end of the first half. The Wolverines continued to battle back, outscoring the Diamondbacks 12-7 during the second half.
Despite a second-half charge, the Diamondbacks held strong, hanging on for the victory.
“We sputtered a little bit,” Diamondbacks head coach Eddie Galindo said. “We got some young guys. We’re a young team. But they were resilient tonight. They kept fighting and grinding. We found a way to put it together and get enough to win.”
Up next, the Diamondbacks (2-1, 1-0) host the Valley View Tigers (0-4, 0-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Richard Thompson Stadium in Mission.
MISSION VETERANS 48, ROMA 3: At Roma, defensive back Felipe Olvera returned an interception for a touchdown for the Patriots’ first score of the night, rolling past the Gladiators for their second straight victory.
The Patriots stifled the Gladiators’ No. 2 district-ranked offense, forcing six turnovers while holding them to a season-low three points.
Up next, the Patriots (2-2, 2-0) host the Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets (1-3, 1-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday at Richard Thompson Stadium.
MERCEDES 69, VALLEY VIEW 0: At Mercedes, the Tigers’ offense continued rolling, scoring 10 offensive touchdowns en route to their fourth straight victory.
The Tigers’ defense pitched its first shutout of the year, improving to 3-0 in district play.
Next for the Tigers is a home contest against the Roma Gladiators at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium.
DISTRICT 16-5A DI
McALLEN MEMORIAL 41, BROWNSVILLE LOPEZ 14: At Brownsville, Mustangs backup quarterback JP Cortez stepped into the starting role, leading the Mustangs to a 3-0 start in district play.
Cortez connected with his brother, Sebastian Cortez, for a 40-yard touchdown with 44 seconds left in the opening period, giving the Mustangs a 34-7 advantage at the break.
The Mustangs (3-1, 3-0) turn their attention to a marquee matchup against the McAllen Rowe Warriors (3-1, 3-0) at 7 p.m. Friday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
DISTRICT 31-6A
EDINBURG HIGH 49, EDINBURG ECONOMEDES 9: At Edinburg, the Bobcats cruised past the Jaguars to improve to 2-0 in District 31-6A action and 2-2 overall.
Next for Edinburg High is a matchup between 2-0 teams in 31-6A as the Bobcats host Mission High at 7 p.m. Thursday at Richard R. Flores Stadium in Edinburg.
Edinburg Economedes is also set for 7 p.m. start Thursday against PSJA High at PSJA Stadium in Pharr.