MIKE GONZALEZ | STAFF WRITER
WESLACO — Mike Burget walked out of Bobby Lackey Stadium in the pouring rain on Friday night after his team’s 30-0 win over Harlingen South to handshakes and fist bumps from Weslaco East fans.
The only cover the East coach had from the rain was his black cap. Still, Burget was all smiles. His team is 3-0 after a punishing ground game that produced 441 yards and a defense that recorded its first shutout of the season.
It was somewhat of a redemption game for the Wildcats defense. In a Class 5A bi-district game against South last season, the Wildcats allowed 42 points to the Hawks. On Friday, the latter was held to 159 total yards of offense.
“Our defensive coaches were pumped up,” Burget said.
Despite the roll his team is on to start the season, Burget says the Wildcats still have work to do.
“We don’t think about playoffs or district titles,” the coach said. “Right now, we’re thinking about going 4-0.”
Wildcats running back Lupe Moron didn’t start due to the “coach’s decision,” but still surpassed the 200-yard mark for the second time this season, finishing with 214 yards on 19 carries and scored on runs of 64 and 70 yards. Those two runs and a 25-yard made up most of his final total. South (1-2) was actually effective in slowing the senior down. However, Alexis Cervantes (12 carries, 82 yards, one touchdown) and quarterback Darren Rivas (9 rushes, 68 yards, one touchdown) was there to pick up the slack.
East took its first drive and marched 76 yards on 16 plays, converting two fourth downs and a 23-yard reception, it’s first of the season.
Rivas capped the drive with a 9-yard scamper to put the Wildcats up 7-0. East led 17-0 at halftime.
The Hawks did some good things in spurts, but couldn’t be consistent. Quarterback Jimmie Morton (5-of-16, 55 yards) made some fine throws, but also had a few that sailed over some of his receivers. At the same time, potential big plays were lost with many drop balls. South coach Lanny Wilson felt Weslaco East was comfortable on defense and was explosive on offense.
“We had good plays, but we gave up big plays,” Wilson said. “We had dropped balls and we couldn’t establish the run.”