WESLACO — One play is all it took for Weslaco High to establish its dominance Friday.
After a forced three-and-out by its defense, the Panthers took over at their own 42-yard line early in the first quarter.
The Panthers were in the end zone just one play and 58-yards later, with senior Seth Moya breaking loose and sprinting to the end zone to spark a 43-3 blowout win over the Falcons on Friday at Bobby Lacky Stadium in Weslaco.
“We came in thinking we had this in the bag,” Moya said. “Our freshman year we lost to them. We’ve been holding that grudge until now. The fact that we had a chance to play against them really set us to the edge.”
Moya’s opening carry touchdowns was the first of two long runs by the senior, breaking free for a 61-yard touchdown score during the second quarter to put the Panthers up 15-3 at the break.
Los Fresnos’ lone points of the game came on a 32-yard field goal by Ethan Martinez, with the Falcons totaling just 153 total yards and five first downs through the first two quarters.
“Man, I love this defense so much,” Moya said. “Since our freshman year, I knew our defense was going to be amazing our senior year. Playing with my brothers, it has been a blessing. It’s just amazing.”
The second half proved to be all Weslaco High once again, with the Panthers adding four more touchdowns to the scoreboard, while keeping Los Fresnos to no more points to secure the 43-3 win.
Four different players found the end zone during the second half for the Panthers, with Saul Ramirez getting the scoring started on a 53-yard touchdown reception.
Senior quarterback Lupe Granados added a 43-yard touchdown scamper, with junior Malachi Rodriguez chipping in a four-yard touchdown run during the third.
Sophomore Christian Zamora put the final touches on the Panthers’ win, rushing for a 41-yard touchdown during the final minutes of regulation to secure the 43-3 victory at home.
The defense, meanwhile, held the Falcons to just 32 total yards and one first down during the second half.
“I thought all three phases played really well tonight,” Weslaco High head coach Roy Stroman said. “We challenged the kids. We had a great week of practice. This goes out to the coaching staff and the kids. It’s them, not me. It’s those guys that did a tremendous job with the game plan and the kids executing tonight.”
The Falcons end their season at 6-5 overall, including a 3-2 mark during district play for third place in 32-6A.
The Panthers improve to 8-3 overall with the win, advancing to the Class 6A DI area round to take on San Antonio Brennan at 7 p.m. Friday at the Dub Farris Athletic Complex in San Antonio.
“Just best of luck to both teams,” Moya said. “We both have great teams. They’re going to do a lot of scouting and we’re going to do a lot of scouting. Just let the best team win.”
