Graduation hit several Class 6A schools across the Valley heavy during the offseason, with several teams losing their starting quarterback to graduation.
Teams received their first look at their new guy behind center during Week 1, with several first-year starters leading their teams to victory in the opening weekend.
At La Joya, Brownsville Rivera sophomore quarterback Roan Chavez found Edgar Rocha in the flats for the game-winning touchdown, snapping an eight-game losing streak for the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Los Fresnos freshman Robert Pineda shone in his debut, going 7-of-8 for 64 yards and one touchdown, also tallying 94 yards on 17 carries to lead the Falcons to a 28-7 victory over Weslaco East.
His touchdown pass, which put the Falcons up by two scores, was among some of his most impressive plays during the game, Los Fresnos head coach David Cantu said.
“It was a designed play where we were trying to sneak the running back out, but Weslaco East had it covered perfectly,” Cantu said. “Not only did he realize that and not throw it up for grabs, but he also avoided the sack by one of their top athletes and then proceeded to throw it on a rope for the touchdown pass. That play was big because it put us up 14-0. It showed the kind of savvy he has and feel he has out there.”
Harlingen High’s Randy Morales and Edinburg High’s Jae Santa Maria were among 6A’s biggest performers, each accounting for more than 150 yards of total offense Friday.
Morales went 9-of-13 for 117 yards and one touchdown through the air, adding seven carries for 62 yards and a score on the ground. Santa Maria finished 8-of-12 for 89 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries.
“I was very pleased with his (Santa Maria) performance, especially how he kept his composure after throwing two picks on the night,” Edinburg High head coach Rene Guzman said. “He didn’t let it affect him and kept steering our offense in the right direction. That was great to see. I was also pleased with how he ran the ball, especially in crucial situations. He didn’t play like a sophomore. We are looking forward to what this young man will bring to Bobcat football.”
Mission High sophomore Diego Salinas delivered a solid performance during his first career start, ranking No. 2 in the Valley in passing yards through Week 1. Salinas completed 15 of 28 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns, nearly leading a comeback over crosstown rival Mission Veterans during the season opener.
GROUND AND POUND
With several new faces under center in Class 6A, running games took center stage during Week 1, with seven individuals eclipsing the 100-yard mark during Week 1.
Weslaco High’s Jeremy Perez was 6A’s leading rusher, carrying the ball 20 times for 177 yards and one touchdown during the Panthers’ 25-0 victory over Mercedes. Meanwhile, San Benito junior Fabian Garcia grinded out 170 yards and two scores to lead the Greyhounds to a 17-3 victory against Brownsville Veterans.
“We controlled the ball and were able to run the football,” Weslaco High head coach Roy Stroman said. “(Jeremy) was banged up last year. This senior class is special. They came in here this offseason and made a commitment to our program. Jeremy was one of them. He’s one of our leaders, and that’s why he’s our captain.”
Edinburg High fielded a pair of 100-yard rushers, with Noel Serna (138 yards) and Jacob Gonzales (127 yards) combining for 265 yards on the ground during the Bobcats’ 21-13 victory over McAllen High.
Brownsville Hanna’s Kriz Pena (18 carries, 142 yards, two touchdowns), Brownsville Rivera’s Luis Reyes (19 carries, 115 yards) and Edinburg Economedes Miguel Saucedo (17 carries, 112 yards) each surpassed 100 yards as well.
ROUGH START
District 31-6A got off to a tough start to the season, going 1-5 during opening weekend. Edinburg High was the district’s lone team to come out on top, defeating McAllen High 21-13.
The district’s teams were outscored 61-177, with only two games ending within one possession, including a pair of shutouts.
Meanwhile, District 32-6A opened with wins in five of its six contests, outscoring its opponents 142-52. Harlingen High, Los Fresnos, San Benito and Weslaco High each picked up double-digit wins over their opponents, and Brownsville Rivera snuck past District 31-6A’s La Joya High 7-0.
