By MARK MOLINA, KEVIN NARRO AND STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writers
After Week 3, both the Rivera Raiders and the Pace Vikings had a lot to smile about.
The Raiders snapped a 21-game losing streak with a 32-0 win over Valley View, making it their first win since they defeated Porter 35-14 to open the 2017 season.
Rivera (1-2) was led by its offensive trio of quarterback Chito Perez (16-14-1, 85 yards, TD), running back Ramiro Vega (16-73, TD) and receiver Elian Hernandez (1-21, TD).
Vega has now run for 361 yards and four scores in two weeks, which is good for second in the district.
Meanwhile, what was thought of as a young Pace Vikings squad is 2-0 in district after defeating Donna High 22-14 on the road.
It was the second time in two weeks that Pace (2-1, 2-0) squeezed out a one-possession win, defeating Porter 17-14 in Week 2.
Vikings senior running back Dylan Barron had his best game of the season against the Redskins, rushing for 141 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 30 carries. He rushed just 22 times for 92 yards during the team’s first two games.
GREYHOUNDS ROLL
San Benito showed off its speed and physical play last Thursday against PSJA High. The Greyhounds’ offense got big plays from senior quarterback Smiley Silva. Despite the slow start the big plays were timely from Silva.
On the first offensive snap, Silva hit Juan Constante for a 68-yard score, and on the first play of the second half, Silva out ran the defense for a 58-yard score.
All evening, the Greyhounds’ defense applied pressure by Aaron Reyes, John Daniel Gonzales and Mauricio Padilla. This week San Benito will have a change of pace not only on the schedule but on the field. The ’Hounds will take on Laredo United on Saturday at the Performing Arts Center in Laredo.
The Longhorns’ offense will be San Benito’s toughest test to date. The ’Horns are 2-1 like San Benito. United is averaging 37 points on offense and has won two straight.
BOUNCING BACK
Harlingen High will look to rebound after a road loss Friday at Converse Judson in San Antonio. The Cardinals will face former district rival Weslaco East on Friday at Bobby Lackey Stadium.
Last year, the Wildcats won a wild one 7-0. The Cardinals’ Joe Reyna returned a punt in what looked to be the tying score, but lost possession of the ball prior to the goal line, ending in a touchback. Weslaco East took possession and ran out the clock.
The Wildcats also are looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Hanna on Saturday. The Wildcats missed the potential game-winning field goal to fall to 1-2 on the year.
Harlingen South seeks its second straight win Friday night when it plays host to Weslaco High. The Hawks and Panthers met last year, and the Panthers beat the Hawks 21-7.
FLYING FISH
Port Isabel running back Brayan Medina rushed for 133 yards on 25 carries in a 21-13 non-district loss last Friday at Hidalgo.
He led the way for the Tarpons (1-2) in defeat, and was also the game’s leader in all-purpose yardage. Medina has racked up 434 rushing yards in two games this season, and is averaging 7 yards per carry.
Quarterback Joey Kreighbaum completed eight of his 17 pass attempts against the Pirates (2-1), for a total of 65 yards. He averaged eight yards per completion and threw two touchdown passes and one interception.
Angel Nino had two touchdown catches and 19 receiving yards for Port Isabel in the loss.
Tito Zamarron, the Tarpons’ leading receiver with seven catches for 78 yards on the year, had two catches for 21 yards against Hidalgo.
Sophomore Gilbert Medina recorded two kickoff returns of 30 yards for Port Isabel.
The Pirates are coached by former longtime Port Isabel coach Monty Stumbaugh.
