Diamondbacks Show Grit in Win Over Cougars
MISSION — The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks leaned on grit, versatility, and a few breakout performances to take down the Edinburg North Cougars on Friday night at Richard Thompson Stadium.
Head coach Eddie Galindo’s team, still navigating a wave of injuries, showed resilience in a game that demanded constant adjustments. “You just got to get these guys to accept the challenge and be selfless — to do what’s best for the team and not themselves,” Galindo said. “It’s about stepping up, being resilient, and finding a way to get it done.”
Quarterback Will Goodloe, now in his third season as a varsity starter, once again proved to be the anchor. The senior shifted seamlessly between quarterback, receiver, and running back, carrying a battered Pioneer offense. “I’ll do whatever these coaches ask me to do — quarterback, receiver, running back, even defense if they need it,” Goodloe said. “It kind of just happens play by play. I just empty out my emotions and try to do my best.”
Goodloe also credited the bond Pioneer’s roster has built over years of growing up together. “That’s my family over there,” Goodloe said. “We’ve grown up together, and I’m proud of how so many guys have stepped into roles they’d never played before.”
One of those players was sophomore running back Cole Scurlock. With key backs sidelined, Scurlock stepped in and delivered, scoring and providing energy every time he touched the ball. “When I hit that hole, it’s so fun,” Scurlock said. “I knew I had to take this chance and score. It was an amazing feeling.” The young back praised his offensive line and the defense that backed him up. “The line blocked excellent,” Scurlock said. “Defense was great. They hit hard and stopped the ball right where it was.”
For Goodloe, the Diamondbacks’ mindset is summed up by a phrase from his head coach. “Like Coach Galindo says, we’re like stray dogs,” he said. “Whenever we’re down and beat up, we just keep scratching and clawing through everything to earn our respect.”
For Galindo, that approach starts with adaptability. “Sometimes you just have to move the pieces around,” he said. “We’ve had Will at quarterback, receiver, even running back, and Malakai bouncing between spots. We’ve got guys who can do multiple things, and we’ve got to utilize their talents.”
On the other side of the ball, Pioneer’s defense delivered timely stops. Galindo praised defensive coordinator Jaime Peña’s adjustments. “It’s one of those bend-don’t-break defenses,” Galindo said. “They rose to the occasion against a very physical ballclub.”
Pioneer now turns its attention to Brownsville Hanna next week, a 6A opponent expected to test their toughness. “They’re going to be physical,” Galindo said. “But we need that physicality to get us ready for district. We need to face tough challenges now so we’re prepared later.”
For Goodloe and the Diamondbacks, the formula remains simple — fight, adapt, and earn respect.
