Chargers, Raiders Set to Face-Off in Round 3 Rematch

A RGV team is guaranteed a spot in the fourth round of the Texas high school football playoffs for a second straight year, with the Brownsville Veterans Chargers and PSJA North Raiders clashing in Round 3 with a spot in the Region IV-5A championship game on the line.

The meeting is a rematch from last year’s regional semifinal contest, which the Raiders won 35-15. Kickoff for Friday’s Region IV-5A semifinal contest is set for 4 p.m. at PSJA Stadium in Pharr.

The game features two of the hottest teams in the Valley, with the Chargers entering the game riding an eight-game winning streak, while the Raiders coming into the contest 12-0.

The Chargers kicked off their 2023 playoff run with a dominating 55-21 victory over McAllen High in the bi-district round, followed by an impressive 17-7 win over last year’s Region IV-5A champions, the Corpus Christi Veterans Eagles in the area round.

Meanwhile, the Raiders made easy work of their first two playoff opponents, outscoring Donna High and Victoria East by a combined 87-14. PSJA North defeated the Redskins 45-7 during the bi-district round, followed by a 42-7 beatdown of Victoria East in the area round.

Brownsville Veterans is led into Friday’s contest by a dominant rushing attack averaging 333.9 yards per game. Breakout junior Alvin Trevillion spearheads the Chargers ground game, rushing for 1,261 yards and 10 touchdowns through 12 games this year.

The offense has also found its groove in the passing game, with junior quarterback Storm Montoya throwing for 886 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. Montoya has also added 502 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

On the other side, the Raiders field an equally dominant offensive unit, which averaged 493.1 total yards and 46.7 points per game during the regular season.

The offense is led by a three-headed monster in the backfield in running backs/full backs Ethan Guerra, Jason Montez and Jaden Fuentes. The trio combined for 2,653 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns during the regular season.

Both teams also field dominant defenses able to change the game in the blink of an eye. The Chargers allowed just 263.6 total yards and 13.6 points per game against during the regular season, while the Raiders held opponents to just 124.1 total yards and 3.8 points per contest.

The winner of Friday’s contest advances to the Region IV-5A championship game to take on the winner between Corpus Christi Miller (12-0) and Victoria West (6-6) at a date, time and location to be determined.