South Texas Top 25 high school football rankings: PSJA North No. 1 (9/25/2023)

PSJA North debuts as top team in region; No. 23 Sharyland Pioneer takes down No. 24 Alexander in overtime.

Each week, SBLive is taking a look at the top teams in South Texas, spanning each corner of the region and schools all shapes and sizes.

On Mondays, the SBLive Texas Power 25 update drops, taking a look at the top 25 teams in the Lone Star State across all classifications.

>> Top 25 Texas high school football rankings (9/25/2023)

Now, we're zeroing in to take a closer look at the best teams in South Texas.

We're also taking an in-depth look at the top players at each position group in South Texas, starting with the top 20 quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. 

The order reflects all results from the previous week. Take a look at the most recent rankings. These rankings are compiled by South Texas correspondent Ivan Palacios. 

SOUTH TEXAS TOP 25 POWER RANKINGS (9/25/2023)

1. PSJA North (5-0, 2-0)

Last week: Def. No. 16 Edinburg Vela, 30-0

PSJA North entered the 2023 season with high expectations after their first regional final appearance last year. The Raiders have exceeded those expectations, steamrolling through their first five opponents en route to a 5-0 record at the midway point of the season. The Raiders outscored their opponents 216-17 during the first half of the season, allowing points in just one contest this year.

Up next: Bye

2. Corpus Christi Miller (4-0, 1-0)

Last week: Def. Corpus Christi Ray, 68-14

The Buccaneers’ offense hasn’t skipped a beat this season despite losing one of the top receivers in the state to graduation in Lonnie Adkism to graduation. They enter Week 6 averaging 57.3 points per game, eclipsing the 50-point mark three times this year. With a stout defense to match, allowing just 10.5 points per game, the Buccaneers are legit contenders in Region IV-5A DI.

Up next: at Victoria East, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

3. Refugio (4-1, 1-0)

Last week: Def. Bloomington, 61-0

Refugio dropped its season opening contest to Hitchcock on a go-ahead fourth quarter touchdown. The preseason favorites to win the Class 2A-DI state title have been red hot since then, reeling off four straight victories. The Bobcats are clicking on all cylinders with district play underway, setting up for another potential state title run.

Up next: at Three Rivers, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

4. Gregory-Portland (4-1, 0-0)

Last week: Def. Port Lavaca Calhoun, 21-14

The Wildcats have been near perfect through the first half of the season, with their lone non-district loss coming to Class 4A-DI runner-up Boerne. Gregory-Portland has been dominant during its victories, outscoring their opponents 131-54. The Wildcats enter their bye week with the taste of victory in their mouth, closing out non-district play with a 21-14 win over Port Lavaca Calhoun. 

Up next: Bye

5. San Benito (5-0, 0-0)

Last week: Def. Edinburg High, 48-7

The Greyhounds opened the 2023 campaign with a sluggish performance against Brownsville Veterans, escaping with the 28-21 win despite a mistake riddled game. San Benito has seemingly found its footing since then, winning its last four games by at least three scores each. Senior do-it-all athlete Fabian Garcia has been the catalyst behind the Greyhounds dominance, averaging nearly 200 total yards and 2.8 touchdowns per game. San Benito gets a week off before getting district play rolling Oct. 6.

Up next: Bye

6. Corpus Christi Veterans (3-1, 1-0)

Last week: Def. Corpus Christi Moody, 42-0

Last year’s Class 5A-DI state runner-up looks different than it did a year ago after losing seven offensive starters and six on defense. That hasn’t slowed the Eagles down much thus far, winning three of their first four, including a dominant 42-0 victory during their district opener. Despite being a young team, with a sophomore under center, the Eagles continue to demonstrate why they’re one of the premier program in South Texas.

Up next: at Corpus Christi Ray, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

7. Beeville Jones (4-1, 0-0)

Last week: Lost to Cuero, 49-21

The Trojans undefeated season came to an end during a 49-21 loss to reigning Region III-4A DII champion Cuero. That shouldn’t take away from Beeville Jones start to the year, already within one victory of their win total from last year. The Trojans get a week to iron out any kinks before kicking off District 15-4A DI play on Oct. 6 against Floresville.

Up next: Bye

8. Calallen (3-1, 1-0)

Last week: Def. Zapata, 28-7

Fans will argue whether the Wildcats record should stand at 3-1 or 3-2 after their Week 3 game against Cuero was canceled at the half with Calallen trailing 22-14. Regardless of the outcome of that contest, the Wildcats are undoubtedly one of the top teams in South Texas. Since dropping their Week 1 contest to SBLive South Texas Top 25 team Gregory-Portland, the Wildcats have picked up three wins, including a 28-7 victory over Zapata in their district opener.

Up next: at Kingsville King, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

9. Weslaco High (5-0, 0-0)

Last week: Def. Laredo United South, 28-17

The Panthers entered the 2023 season with questions across the board, returning just seven starters (three offense, four defense) from last year’s playoff squad. Weslaco High has answered those questions and silenced the doubters, rolling into its district-wide bye week with a 5-0 record. The Panthers stout defense has been their calling card this season, allowing just 7.5 points per game thus far. They’ll face a tough task to open District 32-6A play in two weeks, taking on No. 11 Harlingen High.

Up next: Bye

10. Los Fresnos (4-1, 0-0)

Last week: Def. Mission High, 55-30

The Falcons experienced growing pains last year while fielding a team littered with underclassmen, finishing fourth in the always tough District 32-6A. That same group of underclassmen is leading the charge for a strong 2023 Falcons squad, dropping just one contest during their non-district slate. Sophomore quarterback Robert Pineda continues to make strides in his second year as the Falcons starter, accounting for 1,392 total yards and 14 total touchdowns through five games. Back-to-back 50-plus point performances by the Falcons has the team humming as they gear up for the start of district play in two weeks.

Up next: Bye

11. Harlingen High (4-1, 0-0)

Last week: Lost to No. 12 Laredo United, 36-35

RGV perennial power Harlingen High saw its 16-game regular season win streak snapped at the hands of No. 13 Laredo United last week, falling in heartbreaking fashion on a walk-off touchdown by the Longhorns. The non-district loss gives the Cardinals a lot to think about heading into their bye week, but don’t count Harlingen High out of anything yet. Led by 17-year head coach Manny Gomez, the Cardinals are almost always district title contenders and a postseason threat.

Up next: Bye

12. Sinton (2-2, 0-0)

Last week: Def. La Vernia, 47-42

The Pirates picked up a statement win during Week 5, taking down previously unbeaten La Vernia 47-42 on the road. The non-district victory could be the momentum spring Sinton needed after starting the season 1-2. The Pirates will look to build off the victory during their non-district finale against the Raymondville Bearkats.

Up next: at Raymondville, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

13. Laredo United (3-2, 0-0)

Last week: Def. No. 10 Harlingen High, 36-35

Laredo United’s last two trips to the Rio Grande Valley ended with losses to Harlingen High. The Longhorns were on the winning side of the scoreboard this year, however, snapping the No. 11 Cardinals’ 16-game regular season win streak. Quarterback Atzel Chavez, a UTRGV commit, has one of the best signal-callers in South Texas this year, throwing for 1,540 yards and 14 touchdowns in five games. A tough non-district schedule filled with San Antonio area teams should have the Longhorns ready for the start of district in two weeks.

Up next: Bye

14. Flour Bluff (2-2, 0-0)

Last week: Def. Rockport-Fulton, 46-7

The Hornets opened the season with an impressive 42-35 victory over last year’s Class 4A DI state runner-up Boerne. Back-to-back losses to Laredo United South and Corpus Christi Calallen raised some questions about Flour Bluff, however. The Hornets bounced back in a big way, crushing Rockport-Fulton 46-7 during their non-district finale last week. Flour Bluff will look to carry that momentum into the start of district play with all roads leading to a potential district title game during their final game against No. 4 Gregory-Portland on Nov. 3.

Up next: Bye

15. Ingleside (5-0, 0-0)

Last week: Def. Raymondville, 45-13

Ingleside’s offense has been lighting up scoreboards through five games, averaging 52.0 points per game. The Mustangs high-powered offense has the Mustangs perfect at the midway, outscoring their opponents 26-0-71 during that span. Senior quarterback Aidan Jakobsohn and senior wideout Jaydon Smith’s connection has been key to the Mustangs start, hooking up 26 times for 831 yards and 16 touchdowns. A weak schedule hinders the Mustangs spot in the rankings, with their first five opponents sporting a combined 6-21 record.

Up next: at Carrizo Springs, Friday, 7 p.m.

16. Edinburg Vela (4-1, 1-1)

Last week: Lost to No. 1 PSJA North, 30-0

The SaberCats met their match during Week 5, running into South Texas power PSJA North and falling 30-0. The lopsided loss shouldn’t be held against Edinburg Vela too much, with only one team able to put up points on the Raiders this year. Prior to the loss, the SaberCats were winners of four straight behind the dominant running of senior Jamal Polley. The workhorse back has been among the best in South Texas and will need to continue to be as the SaberCats look to right the ship after a bye week.

Up next: Bye

17. McAllen High (4-1, 1-1)

Last week: Def. Rio Grande City, 22-13

The Bulldogs shocked a lot of South Texas football fans last year during their march to the Region IV-5A semifinals. Though their season ultimately came to an end at the hands of eventual state runner-up Corpus Christi Veterans, the Bulldogs are ready to build off last year’s success. McHi is off to a good start so far, winning four of their first five games, with their lone loss coming to No. 1 PSJA North. 

Up next: Bye

18. Alice (3-1, 1-0)

Last week: Def. La Feria, 41-6

Alice is under new direction in 2023 after six-year head coach Kyle Atwood departed to take on a new role at Holliday ISD. The new regime hasn’t slowed the Coyotes this year, with their lone loss coming to No. 6 Corpus Christi Veterans. Alice is just three weeks away from a marquee matchup against No. 8 Calallen on Oct. 13, with last year’s contest deciding the district champ.

Up next: Bye

19. Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway (5-0, 1-0)

Last week: Def. Kingsville King, 14-12

No team had reached double-digits against the Warriors prior to their Week 5 contest against Kingsville King. The 14-12 victory was the closest game they’ve played in this season, outscoring their previous four opponents 156-15. The victory moved Tuloso-Midway to 1-0 in district play, with their sights now set on a sixth straight victory when they take on La Feria on Friday.

Up next: at La Feria, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

20. PSJA High (2-3, 0-0)

Last week: Def. No. 21 Brownsville Veterans 31-21

PSJA High head coach Lupe Rodriguez crafted a tough-non-district schedule for his team heading into this season, facing off against four playoff teams from last year during the first five weeks. After three straight losses, two in which the Bears lost by three points or less, PSJA High is back on track with back-to-back wins to close out non-district play. Four-year starter Jaime Lopez leads the Bears aerial attack which is averaging 338.5 yards per contest over their last four games.

Up next: Bye

21. Brownsville Veterans (2-2, 0-0)

Last week: Lost to No. 21 PSJA High

Despite a first-year head coach and losing several key players, expectations were high for Brownsville Veterans entering the 2023 campaign. Rightfully so, with the Chargers fresh off their first regional semifinal in program history. It has been an up-and-down start for Brownsville Veterans, picking up wins against No. 22 Brownsville St. Joseph and Port Isabel, but falling to No. 5 San Benito and No. 20 PSJA High. The Chargers have flashed their potential during their victories, keeping them among the top teams in South Texas.

Up next: at Donna High, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

22. Brownsville St. Joseph (3-1, 1-0)

Last week: Bye

The Bloodhounds have been held under 40 points just once this season, during a 21-7 loss to No. 21 Brownsville Veterans. During their other three games, St. Joseph’s offense has been electric, putting up 60, 71 and 43 points during their three wins. Sophomore quarterback Gavin Cisneros is the cog that moves St. Joseph’s offensive machine, throwing for over 1,000 yards and adding just over 350 yards on the ground. A 43-21 victory to open district play puts high expectations on the Bloodhounds as they continue their quest for a district and state title.

Up next: at San Antonio Christian

23. Sharyland Pioneer (5-0, 0-0)

Last week: Def. No. 24 Laredo Alexander, 46-40 (OT)

The Diamondbacks pulled off an overtime victory over No. 24 Laredo Alexander to remain perfect on the year behind a phenomenal seven touchdown performance from senior quarterback Julian Valdez. The three-year letter winner has been electric this season, with 1,852 total yards and 25 total touchdowns in five games. His connection with fellow senior Leo Espinoza (37 receptions, 743 yards, 11 touchdowns) make the Diamondbacks a threat to run any team out of the stadium.

Up next: Bye

24. Laredo Alexander (2-3, 0-0)

Last week: Lost to No. 23 Sharyland Pioneer, 46-40 (OT)

The Bulldogs were one stop away from sitting above .500 heading into their bye week. Instead Laredo Alexander sits at one game under after a heartbreaking loss to No. 23 Sharyland Pioneer. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs remain a threat in their district and in the postseason, with talented playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Up next: Bye

25. Harlingen South (3-2, 1-0)

Last week: Def. Weslaco East, 23-16

The Hawks first two games of the season came against No. 9 Weslaco High and No. 11 Harlingen High. Both ended in losses for the Hawks. Harlingen South has been soaring since then, reeling off three straight victories. The Hawks resurgence has come at a perfect time, with district play ramping up. 

Up next: at Brownsville Pace, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

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-- Ivan Palacios | ivanpalacios25@gmail.com | @sblivetx