PHARR — Trailing the Weslaco East Wildcats by one score late in the fourth, the PSJA High Bears took possession with 2:50 left, eyeing the go-ahead score.
The Wildcats’ defense had different plans. Facing a fourth-and-6, the Weslaco East defense buckled down, with defensive back Jesse James Garcia stopping PSJA High’s Alek Flores 2 yards short of the first, and the Wildcats defeated the Bears 20-14 on Thursday at PSJA Stadium.
Weslaco East allowed the Bears just 257 yards of offense, forcing them to punt seven times and holding them to 3-of-17 on third down.
Defensive lineman Joe Lugo terrorized the Bears’ backfield, coming up with two of the Wildcats’ four sacks.
Offensively, the Wildcats leaned on their run, handing the ball off 44 times and passing just eight. Jay Vasquez spearheaded the rushing attack, carrying the ball 17 times for 135 yards and a touchdown.
His 43-yard touchdown burst with 5:09 left gave the Wildcats a two-possession lead late in the game. Quarterback Alex Martinez added a pair of rushing touchdowns on the night.
The Bears struggled to get going through the first three quarters, scoring just twice on a pair of field goals from Jorge Rios. PSJA High showed signs of life late in the fourth, with junior quarterback Jaime Lopez connecting with Caleb Salas for a 44-yard touchdown pass to the cut the deficit to six.
After a forced punt, the PSJA High offense received his shot at the comeback attempt, but it went no further, turning the ball over on downs after four plays.
Lopez ended the night 18-of-39 for 181 yards and a score, adding 55 yards on the ground. Salas led all receivers with four catches for 74 yards and a score.
During the first half, the PSJA High defense stuffed the Wildcats’ offense, limiting them to just 83 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
PSJA High defensive back Johnny Martinez came away with a pair of interceptions to lead the defense, and Rios, who also serves as the team’s kicker, added a sack.
The second half was a different story, with the Wildcats erupting for 150 yards on the ground en route to the victory.
The Wildcats (1-1, 0-0) turn their attention to No. 1 Edinburg Vela, hosting the SaberCats at 7 p.m. next Thursday at Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco. The Bears (0-2, 0-0) prepare for their third straight contest at home, taking on Los Fresnos at 7 p.m. next Thursday at PSJA Stadium.
