PSJA North Dominates Victoria East 42-7, Advances to Region IV-5A DI Semifinals

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - In a victory that left no questions, the PSJA North Raiders asserted their dominance over Victoria East with a resounding 42-7 victory in the Region IV-5A DI area-round playoff game at Phil Danaher Stadium in Corpus Christi. Opting to defer and unleash their formidable defense, the Raiders set the tone early, securing their ticket to the regional semifinals for the third consecutive season.

With a stellar defensive performance that left Victoria East struggling to gain ground, PSJA North imposed their will, limiting the Titans to just two first downs in the first half. The Raiders forced turnovers on downs, executed a three-and-out, and recovered a fumble. Safety Leroy Palacios added to the defensive showcase with an interception, while PSJA North's reserves held Victoria East to a late fourth-quarter touchdown.

In the absence of leading rusher Jason Montez, sophomore running back Ethan Guerra stepped up with a remarkable four-touchdown performance, capitalizing on the opportunities created by the offensive line. Senior quarterback Ale Aparicio contributed a 3-yard rushing touchdown and a 44-yard touchdown pass to Markus Rendon, securing a commanding 28-0 lead at halftime.

Looking ahead, PSJA North sets its sights on a third-round rematch against Brownsville Veterans, a team they faced in the regional semifinal last season. Despite their previous victory, Coach Marcus Kaufmann recognizes the improved stature of Brownsville Veterans, emphasizing the Raiders' commitment to maintaining their high standards and relentless energy.