4A Team of the Week: Eastside Memorial Panthers
The longest active losing streak in the state of Texas is over.
Eastside Memorial had come up short in 51-straight games dating back to October 2017. But on Friday night, they didn’t just win. The Panthers scored a 44-0 shutout victory over John Paul II.
“After seven years working toward this victory, a lot of players are saying they don’t have the words to describe the excitement they felt,” Eastside head coach Luis Becerra III said. “It was a pay-off moment that is changing the culture of this program. I couldn’t be any more proud of the boys than I was Friday night. To see them execute a game plan the way we laid it out all week was a joy to see.”
Panthers for the win in Cibolo, TX! 44 to 0. @PawsUp_Football A lot to be proud of with tonight’s performance.
Job well done Pride of Eastside Band and @PawsUp_Cheer#PawsUp @EastsideECHS @AISDAthletics#ThisIsOurStory!#ADayFilledWithGreatness! pic.twitter.com/LSfUytkRCK
— Eastside ECHS (@EastsideECHS) September 21, 2024
The Panthers did most of their damage on the ground. Sophomore Jaylan Cathey racked up 146 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries. Alongside him, quarterback Nigel Johnson was a dual threat. He may have thrown for just 11 yards, but he did more than his fair share with his legs, finishing with 103 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries.
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers gave John Paul II fits. Moses Garcia and Victor Carr each had interceptions. In the front seven, Jay Castro led the Panthers with 10 total tackles.
Becerra III took over at Eastside in 2018 and has put in the work to re-build this Panthers program, including overseeing a 2021 season where they didn’t have the numbers to field a varsity team.
Now, after Friday’s success, the Panthers will look to break another streak. They have never won a UIL district game in their history. They’ll get their first shot this season on Thursday as they take on Austin Travis in their District 13-4A Division I opener.
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Pine Tree
Week Two: Paris
Week Three: Midland Greenwood
