EDINBURG — Roughly one week ago the Los Fresnos Falcons found themselves on the wrong side of a second-half onslaught, getting outscored 33-7 by PSJA High en route to their first loss of the season.
This week the Falcons were the ones pouring it on in the second half, scoring five touchdowns during the final two periods to take down the Edinburg High Bobcats 38-14 during a non-district game Thursday at Richard R. Flores Stadium in Edinburg.
“We had a big third quarter,” Los Fresnos head coach David Cantu said. “We came off a game last week in a game last week where PSJA outscored us 21-0 in that same quarter. That was big for us tonight. In the locker room, yes, we were down, but really everybody showed a lot of love for each other at the half. We had a good feeling we were going to come out and play great that third quarter.”
Trailing 7-3 to start the second half, Los Fresnos looked to its defense to turn the tide of the game. The Falcons unit stepped up to the task, with defensive end Zachary Segovia coming up with a third down sack to force the quick punt.
The Los Fresnos’ offense capitalized on its defense forced three-and-out, making quick work of a short field and turning it into a two-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Robert Piñeda for the Falcons first touchdown of the night.
Piñeda’s touchdown was the first of four scored by the dual-threat signal caller during the second half, adding scoring runs of 1, 1 and 38 yards during the final two quarters to spark the Falcons offense.
He finished with 23 carries for 110 yards and four touchdowns, also going 11-of-19 through the air for 110 yards.
“Robert Piñeda is special,” Cantu said. “He’s a guy that can do it with his legs or his arm. He’s just the hardest worker probably in the whole school. To have that sort of guy, its special. We’re blessed.”
Piñeda was complemented in the backfield by sophomore running back Tyler Stachowiak, who stepped into the starting role after injuries to the Falcons first- and second-string running backs.
The 5-foot-7 ball carrier fought his way between the tackles and around the edges en route to the first 100-yard game of his career. Stachowiak toted the rock 16 times for 105 yards and a touchdown.
“Tyler is our No. 3 running back,” Cantu said. “Our No. 1, JC Fuentes, got hurt in August before we started. He’s coming back next week. Diego Torres, who was doing a great job as a sophomore, got banged up. Now tonight Tyler as a sophomore too is stepping up. Coach (Alfonso) Senteno has the running backs and does a great job with them. He’s got about two or three more ready to go if we need them.”
The Falcons opened the scoring during the first quarter thanks to 42-yard field goal by kicker Ethan Nolasco on their first drive.
The Bobcats responded with a scoring drive of their own, marching 75 yards on the ensuing possession and capping it off with a three-yard TD run by senior quarterback JT Santa Maria.
Back-to-back touchdowns by Piñeda during the third dug the Bobcats into a 17-7 hole, but a 32-yard touchdown run by Santa Maria brought them back within three heading into the final period.
The Bobcats would get no closer, however, with Piñeda and Stachowiak combining for three touchdowns and the defense holding the Bobcats to just 24 total yards in the final period to secure the win.
“We weren’t focused in the first half honestly,” Piñeda said. “We just had to group together and show that chemistry we’ve always had on offense. We wanted to show that we are a powerhouse and offense, and we could play with any team in the Valley.”
The loss drops the Bobcats to 3-2 on the year, snapping a small two-game winning streak. They’ll get one week off before beginning district play against at 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Richard R. Flores Stadium in Edinburg.
The Falcons improve to 4-1 on the year with one final tune up before starting district play. They’ll close out non-district play against Sharyland High (2-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium in Los Fresnos.
“We’re hoping to clean up the mistakes and clean up the penalties next week,” Piñeda said. “We just want to play with intensity and that grit to win. That’s what we want to see next week.”
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