Hampton, Jaguars close strong with win at PSJA Memorial

PHARR — Edinburg Economedes junior receiver Nelson Hampton showed every bit of versatility coach Oscar Salinas says he has on Thursday night as he caught, rushed and passed for touchdowns to lead the Jaguars to a 42-21 victory.

Hampton rushed 10 times for 103 yards, caught six passes for 72 yards and threw for a 57-yard score. In addition he had two big returns that set up two touchdowns.

“That’s how we’ve been using him,” Salinas said. “We put him in different personnel groups, and we found a group that (PSJA Memorial) had trouble adjusting to and we exploited it.”

About the only thing Hampton, who also plays defensive back, did wrong was drop what would have been a sure 100-plus yard interception return midway through the fourth quarter with the Jaguars.

“I had it,” Hampton said. “Next time, I’ll get it.”

The Jaguars close the season at 4-6 and 2-5 in District 31-5A. The Wolverines finish at 3-7 and 1-6.

“This was about finishing strong,” Salinas said. “We had a great group of seniors who stayed with us and never quit.”

PSJA Memorial led 21-14 at halftime thanks to a pair of touchdown grabs for 43 and 70 yards. The 70-yarder came with less than a minute left in the second quarter and seemingly gave the Wolverines some momentum.

But, the Jaguars came out by scoring touchdowns on the first three drives of the third quarter to take control.

Hampton had a big say in that. He scored on a 40-yard reverse on the half’s second play to tie the score at 21. He caught a 23-yard pass in double coverage that set up Rudy Villarreal’s 1-yard sneak to give the Jaguars a 28-21 lead midway though the third quarter. Hampton completed his 57-yard pass by taking a reverse and finding Casey Martinez wide open for a score.

In the first half, Hampton did his damage in the return game. His 43-yard kickoff return led to a five-yard scoring reception that put the Jaguars on the board as they trailed 14-7 in the second quarter.

Hampton had a 27-yard punt return, coupled with a personal foul penalty on the play, put the Jaguars on the Wolverines’ 11. Andrew Fox snagged a 6-yard pass from Edgar Cuevas to tie the score at 14 with 4:07 remaining in the second quarter.

David Hinojosa covers sports for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4442.