WESLACO — The Weslaco East Wildcats seemed to have momentum on their side following an interception by defensive back Carlos Roman in the end zone.
Four plays later, the Wildcats’ offense made their way to midfield behind powerful runs from Javi Garza and Jonathan Valadez.
On first-and-10 from the 47-yard line, the Wildcats handed the ball to Valadez once again. This time, Valadez was met by Warriors defensive back Diego Pachecho, who jarred the ball loose, with defensive back Ayden Vela scooping it up and running it back 50 yards for the score.
The defensive score sparked the Warriors, as McAllen Rowe used it to down the Wildcats 21-7 on Friday at Bobby Lackey Stadium.
“I think the turning point was the big fumble recovery for a touchdown,” McAllen Rowe head coach Robert Flores said. “That swayed it. We came down but they got an interception. Then we got the ball and scored on a defensive turnover. Any time you score on defense, it’s a big boost for your team. I think that’s what got us going in the second half.”
With that, the Warriors move into fourth place in District 16-5A DI, eliminating the Wildcats from playoff contention, while putting themselves in position to move as high as No. 2 in the standings during the final week of the season.
The Warriors’ defense looked revitalized following the score, forcing a turnover on downs on the Wildcats’ ensuing possession. After a Rowe, the defense came up big again, forcing their second turnover of the third quarter, this time on an interception by senior Jason Neal.
Senior quarterback Mateo Llanas made sure to take advantage of the opportunity, connecting twice with wideout Jorge Melendez on a six-play, 82-yard drive, capping it off with a 23-yard bomb to Melendez, putting the Warriors up 21-7 with 5:50 left.
Llanas finished with 245 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Meanwhile, Melendez led all receivers, nabbing five receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, the Warriors shut down the Wildcats during the second half, holding them scoreless, while limiting them to 140 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
“Our defense prides itself each and every week,” Flores said. “Our defensive coordinator, Robert Bocanegra, has done a great job instilling in those boys to come out, prepare and get ready.
“Weslaco East is tough. We told our boys to just stay with it, and they did. They stayed physical. I’m proud of all our boys, but the defense came up with some big plays down the stretch, stopping Weslaco East’s drives and allowing us the opportunity to score.”
The Wildcats opened the contest with a methodical drive, marching down field on a 12-play, seven-minute drive, ending in a 30-yard touchdown pass from Garza to Alex Martinez.
The Warriors came right back, tying the game on a 30-yard jet sweep by Nelson Ramirez. McAllen Rowe nearly got on the board again as time expired during the first half, lining up for a 22-yard field goal attempt that sailed just outside the cross bar, sending the game into the break tied.
Still, the Warriors didn’t let their missed opportunity phase them, making big play after big play during the second half, helping the team improve to 6-2 in district play.
“I told our boys just to stay the course,” Flores said. “We knew it was going to be a tough battle. We were doing some good things, but we shot ourselves in the foot. We missed that field goal. But we were doing some good things, we just had to continue with that. Our coaches made some adjustments in the second half and the kids came out and executed.”
Up next, the Warriors (6-3, 6-2) prepare for a marquee matchup against intracity rival McAllen High (8-1, 7-1) on Friday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, the Wildcats (5-3, 5-3) attempt to play spoilers to McAllen Memorial’s perfect district season, taking on the Mustangs (8-1, 8-0) on Thursday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.