(Brownsville, Texas)-The 15-5A Division I Tri-Champs, Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers (9-2) are headed to the University Interscholastic League 5A Division I Area Championships by defeating McAllen Nikki Rowe 45-3 on Thursday night at Chargers Stadium. With the win, the Chargers will play 13-5A San Antonio Southwest (7-3) or 14-5A Victoria West (5-5) next week.

“I’m just proud of our team and our coaching staff,” said Veterans head football coach Kelley Lee. “Heck, we even played without a scoreboard tonight too.” In the first quarter, the scoreboard malfunctioned and from that point on, TASO officials kept a close watch on their wrist clocks, and continued the game.

Brownsville Veterans QB Reese Sampayo connected with WR Michael McHale for a 12-yard score as the Chargers racked up 359 yards rushing on the ground with five different ball carriers. Seniors Bryan Chavez led the pack with 21 carries for 145 yards and five touchdowns and Jay Valdez added another 1o carries for 122 yards. The Chargers led 38-0 at the half.

As for the Warriors, they ended their season losing four of its last five games to post an overall 6-5 record. (HSSMImages/DeLeon)

DE Issac Shortt sees McAllen Nikki Rowe QB Carlos Hernandez in their 45-4 win. (HSSMImages/DeLeon)