Garcia’s poise, Guerra’s power carry PSJA North past Corpus Christi Veterans, 24–13

CORPUS CHRISTI — Senior quarterback Daren Garcia set the tone and running back Ethan Guerra delivered the knockout blows, as PSJA North went on the road and defeated Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial 24–13 on Friday night at Buccaneer Stadium.

“You gotta love these games, we live for these,” Garcia said. “Our defense gave us stops, and we just kept the mindset at halftime that it was still a ballgame. For our senior group to finish like this, it’s amazing.”

The Raiders struck first late in the opening quarter when Garcia connected with Guerra on a 46-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles answered early in the second, with Anthony Winans finding Ryker Hinojosa from 38 yards out to send the game into halftime tied 7–7.

Garcia said the early success through the air helped open running lanes. “We were hitting our quick game while they tried to man up our receivers,” he said. “That kept their defense on their heels, and Ethan’s just a dog — he can hit a hole at any time.”

After the break, Guerra went to work. The senior broke free for a 20-yard touchdown on the Raiders’ first drive of the third quarter, then added a 10-yard score early in the fourth. In between, Veterans kicker Ryan Carmona nailed two short field goals to trim the deficit to one, but PSJA North’s defense stiffened down the stretch.

Freshman Albert Solis came up with a key fourth-quarter interception to halt an Eagle drive, and the Raiders added a 23-yard field goal late to close it out.

Even as PSJA North pulled away, Garcia emphasized composure. “Flags are killers at the end of the day, but we got the job done and we played great today,” he said.

PSJA North improves to 4–0 overall and 2–0 in district play. The Raiders now prepare to face Harlingen South next week.