To a point, both teams got their wish.

But it was The Monitor’s No. 2 Falcons that had the bigger plays when it mattered, and they recorded a 21-14 non-district win over the Bears in Week 2’s Game of the Week at Leo Aguilar Stadium.

The Falcons jumped out to a 21-7 advantage and held off a potent Bears offense to improve their record to 2-0 this season. The Bears fell to 1-1.

"We had the reputation of not having a good defense," Los Fresnos’ third-year coach Scott Ford said, "and we’re trying to change that reputation."

The Falcons still have a way to go to improve on the defensive side, as Los Fresnos gave up 448 yards to the Bears, who were able to move the ball at will Friday. PSJA High just couldn’t get into the end zone often enough.

"We moved the ball between the 20s," PSJA High coach Mel Rios said.

The Bears rushed for 245 yards Friday, and appeared unstoppable throughout the evening. But just when they appeared heading for a score, Los Fresnos was there for the stop.

At one point, PSJA High faced a second and goal from the Falcons’ 9-yard line less than two minutes before halftime. With Los Fresnos up 14-7, PSJA High quarterback Adrian Garza rolled left and fired toward the left corner of the end zone. But Los Fresnos defensive back Jonathan Campos topped the ball, bobbled it and then hauled it in for the touchdown-saving interception.

With a first-and-10 at its own 20, Los Fresnos then traveled the length of the field in six plays, topped off by quarterback Brandon Kretz’s second touchdown pass of the game. Kretz connected with wideout Jeremy Springer for a 16-yard grab 24 seconds before intermission for a 21-7 Los Fresnos lead.

The Bears, however, appeared to have another scoring drive in the making when they went from their own 20 to the Falcons’ 22-yard line in 19 seconds. But Gilbert Salinas’ 39-yard field goal with time expiring fell just short.

Garza helped keep the Bears in the game throughout the night, going 15-of-23 for 203 yards, two interceptions and a touchdown. Running with a stable of backs, PSJA High was led by Marco Garcia (11 rushes, 74 yards) and C.J. Arenas (13 carries, 69 yards and one touchdown).

Los Fresnos, though, had a very difficult time running the ball all night. The Bears defensive unit shut down the run, allowing just 38 yards on 23 carries from five different rushers.

"That was the game plan," Rios said. "To come out here and play defense."

Because Los Fresnos was using several players on offense and defense, it took a toll on the running game, Ford said.

"We didn’t have a tailback to go in because they’re exhausted," Ford said.

Though they left the field with their first loss to Los Fresnos in six meetings, Rios said he was happy with his team’s performance.

"It was a good test this week," Rios said. "There’s no reason to hang our heads."

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