PHARR — PSJA North took control of the Tri-City Classic early and stayed in front the rest of the way Friday night.
The Raiders defeated PSJA High 38-14 at PSJA Stadium, improving to 7-2 overall and 3-1 in District 32-6A.
Antwon Estrada gave North the lead on its opening possession with a short rushing touchdown. A few minutes later, he made another impact on defense.
With PSJA quarterback Dylan Rodriguez under pressure, Estrada intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Raiders a 14-0 lead with 5:16 remaining in the first quarter.
Junior quarterback Drayden Espinoza said the defensive score made things easier for the offense.
“They helped us tremendously,” Espinoza said. “We had the momentum high — touchdown off the bat, and then a pick-six. That helped us a lot in this game.”
Estrada was later slowed by an injury, but his early work had already helped put North in control.
“Shout out to him,” Espinoza said. “He balled out today. I know he got hurt in the first half, but he probably would’ve put more numbers up if he was still good.”
PSJA High’s defense gave the Bears opportunities to stay close, including an interception by Max Gamboa in the second quarter, but the offense could not turn those chances into points.
North extended the lead late in the half when Espinoza broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run.
The score sent the Raiders into halftime ahead 21-0.
North opened the third quarter with another touchdown drive. Espinoza connected with Ryan Diaz for a 34-yard gain, and Rey Reyes finished the possession with a rushing touchdown to make it 28-0.
A short field goal later pushed the lead to 31-0.
PSJA High finally got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter when Rodriguez connected with Isaiah Garza for a 58-yard touchdown.
Espinoza said North’s response was about moving on quickly from the play.
“We always have to have short-term memory,” Espinoza said. “Our safety was mad, but at the end of the day, he picked himself up like he always does because he’s a great team leader, great player.”
North answered in the fourth quarter.
Espinoza first found Diaz for a 39-yard completion that moved the Raiders inside the PSJA 15. A penalty moved North back to the 11, but Espinoza went back to the air and found T.J. McAlpine in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
“He said, ‘I’m going to be open,’” Espinoza said. “So I looked at him, and he broke the corner. Good throw, good catch.”
The score made it 38-7.
PSJA added a final touchdown in the closing minute on a one-yard run by Rodriguez, bringing the final to 38-14.
For North, the win added another rivalry victory and kept the Raiders in position for the postseason with one regular-season game remaining.
“We’re going to keep balling,” Espinoza said. “And I know in the playoffs it’s going to be special.”
