6A Team of the Week: Weslaco Panthers
Weslaco’s search for its first 6-0 start since 2011 seemed to be in jeopardy as the Panthers trailed Harlingen 32-28 with under a minute to go.
Up stepped Elias Rodriguez Jr. Coming out of the backfield on a passing play, the Panthers’ running back found a gap in between two Harlingen defenders. Weslaco quarterback Andres Sepulveda delivered the perfect pass for a 20-yard touchdown that propelled Weslaco to a 35-32 victory.
It was Weslaco’s first victory over Harlingen since a playoff game back in 2018.
TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! Rodriguez hauls in the 20 yard reception to give Weslaco the 35-32 lead with 11 seconds remaining! #RGVFootball #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/7X4OMTBvFs
— Ivan Palacios (@ByIvanPalacios) October 7, 2023
The scorer of the game-winning touchdown was no surprise. Rodriguez was the motor of the Panther offense all night. He rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yarder in the second half.
Sepulveda added 128 yards and another two scores through the air, while safety Ryan Gonzalez also had a pick-six for the Panther defense.
With the win, the Panthers have certainly given themselves a shot of claiming their first district title since 2015. However, the road ahead is a tough one starting with a road trip to 5-1 Los Fresnos this Friday.
*Stats courtesy of Weslaco’s Hudl
Previous 6A Teams of the Week
Week One: Bridgeland
Week Two: Aldine
Week Three: Summer Creek
Week Four: Prosper
Week Five: Odessa
Week Six: Round Rock McNeil
