GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
WESLACO — After Undrae Gallindo came down with an interception on the game’s final snap, the celebration began for Weslaco High. Gallindo leapt to his feet and was joined by two teammates in the end zone. The rest of the Wildcats stormed off the sideline to meet them at midfield.
Weslaco High’s redemption story came to the most satisfying end possible Friday night, as the Panthers defeated rival Weslaco East 28-21 to claim the District 31-6A title outright.
“We’re on top of the world right now,” running back Brian Guerra said. “It means we have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. It just feels great.”
Weslaco High (6-4, 5-1) hardly looked like a contender early in the year, starting the season just 1-4.
Coach Tony Villarreal said those growing pains were what got the team ready for Friday, and for whatever District 32-6A opponent they draw next week.
“We came out slow, and in the second half we knew we had to pick it up,” defensive end Rene Perez said. “We just fought to the end.”
Both Perez and Guerra said winning the title against East made the feeling that much sweeter. With the win, Weslaco High takes a 2-1 lead in the all-time series.
Tensions were obviously running high after the game. Weslaco High appeared to line up for the handshake line after a brief period of celebration, but Weslaco East instead broke into their postgame team huddle.
“We were lined up, ready to go,” Villarreal said. “That’s the coach’s discretion. Maybe they thought there was going to be a situation where he decided not to. But in my case, if there’s a young man or two that’s kind of acting up, I’ll pull him off to the side and we’ll still shake hands. Especially if you’re a sister school.”
Weslaco East coach Mike Burget declined to comment on the specifics of the situation.
“We’re able to do the right things at Weslaco East and shake hands and represent WISD in a positive way,” Burget said.
Panthers Guerra and Perez were both confused by the situation.
“I honestly have no clue,” Perez said. “We respect them, and I hope that they respect us. They played a great game. There’s no reason to be like that.”
PANTHERS OFFENSE
Weslaco High found success the same way it has all season: running the football. The Panthers carried 37 times for 349 yards.
The slot-T attack has produced four potent options, and Friday was Brian Guerra’s night. He carried 10 times for 160 yards, including second-half touchdowns of 73 and 57 yards.
“We kind of thought that was our X factor,” Villarreal said. “We faked a lot of stuff to (leading rusher) Eric (Gonzalez), and Brian Guerra did his magic.”
Jonathan Martinez carried 13 times for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in a 15-yard touchdown on Weslaco’s only pass attempt.
Gonzalez had 11 carries for 63 yards.
SLOWING EAST
East running back Lupe Moron, the district’s leading rusher, ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the first half before picking up just 26 yards in the second. He did reach the end zone during the third quarter, but he was slowed by an ankle injury suffered during the opening period.
Quarterback Darren Rivas was also slowed by an ankle injury that forced him to sit out much of the game’s final drive. He finished with 20 carries for 92 yards.
“That sort of hurt us a bit,” Burget said, “but I don’t make any excuses.”