(Pharr, Texas)-The Roma HS Gladiators are headed to the University Interscholastic League 5A DII playoffs. ”This is my first career head coaching playoff,” said Roma HS head football coach, Frank Villanueva. ”I told our team that this year was the year for us to make the playoffs and here we are now. This is a great feeling.”
A soaked-drenched head coach was lifted by his cheering team as the Roma Gladiators are back in the UIL State playoffs for the third time since 1990 by defeating PSJA Southwest 39-7 on Thursday night at PSJA Stadium in 16-5A DII. The Gladiators improved to 5-4 overall and 2-2 while the Javelinas dropped to 1-8 overall and 1-3 in district.
Roma HS RB Isaac Lozano, rushed for four touchdowns and QB RJ Morales ran for a touchdown, including a 44-yard pass to TE David Galan just before the end of the first half with :09 left.
Roma will play Mission Veterans (4-4, 1-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Gladiator Arena in Roma while the Javelinas will travel to play Sharyland.
The Gladiators are set to play 15-5A DII Gregory-Portland or Flour Bluff in the first round.