Weslaco East powers past Hidalgo to spoil Kirk's debut

HIDALGO — Armando Cuellar had a smile on his face, but at the same time, the veteran coach will not think too far ahead in what’s expected to be a fine season for Weslaco East.

At least for one game, the Wildcats looked like they do have the weapons to be an elite District 32-4A squad after picking up their 55-13 victory over the rebuilding Hidalgo Pirates on Friday at Bill Plate Stadium.

Behind the strong offensive line, the Wildcats (1-0) rushed for 317 yards and had 505 yards overall while the defense, led by defensive end Frank Ramirez, gave multiple looks to Pirates quarterback Kevin Treviño and the result was five interceptions.

Alfonso Salinas and Alan Garcia each had two picks while Dustin Peña got the other. Part of the reason was Hidalgo (0-1) couldn’t hang onto the ball and the East safeties were right there waiting to capitalize. For one game, the Wildcats showed no Andrew Alvarado hangover as the trio of Addison Einhorn (21 carries, 132 yards, two touchdowns), Bobby Gonzalez (12-120, two TDs) and Bryan Guzman (6-38, two TDs) attacked the holes opened by the veteran offensive line led by Cat Salazar and Abraham Trejo. Quarterback Alonso Salinas was solid managing the game as he threw for 188 yards and one score.

“When we go out, we expect to do our best and whatever gets the job done,” said Cuellar when asked if he hopes to see that kind of score in every game.

The Pirates got no closer than 21-7 in the third quarter to ruin Robin Kirk’s debut as coach. Kirk is replacing Jorge Peña at Hidalgo this season. Despite a rough night with turnovers, Treviño (9-of-28, 128 yards) did throw a touchdown pass to Alfredo Chavez for Hidalgo’s first score during the third.

Running back John Peña was solid on the ground with 114 yards and one touchdown for the Pirates.