Economedes smothers Harlingen South
EDINBURG — A lightning delay that postponed the kickoff just over 45 minutes did nothing to quell the electricity of the Edinburg Economedes offense Friday night at Cats Stadium as the Jaguars thundered to a 20-0 win over Harlingen South.
The Hawks seemed desperate, trying a fake punt early in the first quarter to no avail — telling of the kind of night the team had.
“Another learning game I guess you could say,” Hawks coach Gilbert Leal said. “Before we are able to compete against our opponents we have to take care of some things in our program, too. We’re going to go back to work, find out who’s healthy and get them ready for (PSJA North).”
The Jaguars (3-2, 1-1 District 31-5A) wasted no time in striking down Harlingen South (0-5, 0-2), dominating through the air. Quarterback Rudy Villarreal was exceptional in the first part of the game, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half.
Villarreal hooked up with Andrew Fox twice for two long scores — one a 47-yard bomb, the other a 23-yard strike. He added another when he caught sight of Nelson Hampton streaking up the middle of the field, and put it right on the numbers for a 40-yard score with just under one minute to go in the half.
Two blocked extra points and one two-point conversion put the score at 20-0 going into the locker rooms.
In addition to the three scores, Villarreal finished 6-of-9 passing for 121 yards and added 25 rushing yards for good measure.
The second half was lackluster as the Jaguars tried to run out the clock and play sound defense. The home team was stingy against the Hawks’ punchless offense, allowing only 93 yards, which included only 27 yards passing.
Harlingen South quarterback Steven Remmenga was sacked five times for minus-26 yards and threw one interception. He completed only two of his four attempts.
The Hawks’ rushing attack as a whole was stifled as well, gaining only 66 yards. South’s leading rusher was Vicente De Hoyos, who averaged a modest 2.75 yards a carry in a 55-yard performance.
