South Texas high school football Top 25 rankings: Miller topples Veterans Memorial (10/19/2023)

No. 2 Miller beat No. 5 Veterans in Corpus Christi District 14-5A clash Thursday

Each Monday, 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 (10/17/2023)

Week 8 of the Texas high school football season is in the books and SBLive is taking an updated look at the top teams in South Texas, spanning each corner of the region and schools all shapes and sizes.

On Thursday, the lead traded hands several times throughout the second half, but Miller pulled away to beat Veterans Memorial 59-40 Thursday in the South Texas game of the week.

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 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POWER RANKINGS

1. PSJA North (7-0, 4-0)

Previous rank: 1
Last week: Def. McAllen Rowe, 55-0

An offseason injury sidelined three-year starter Ale Aparicio for PSJA North’s first three contests before returning in a limited role Week 4. The Raiders quarterback has been slowly getting back into the groove of things since. The UTRGV commit delivered his best performance of the year last week, throwing for 248 yards and two scores during a 55-0 rout of McAllen Rowe. A healthy Aparicio adds another weapon to an already dangerous PSJA North squad.

Up next: Against McAllen Memorial, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

2. Corpus Christi Miller (7-0, 4-0)

Previous rank: 2
Last week: Def. Corpus Christi Moody, 49-10

The Buccaneers improved to 7-0 behind another big night from junior quarterback Trevor Long, who completed 7 of 12 passes for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns during a 49-10 thrashing of Corpus Christi Moody. The victory sets up a clash between top 5 teams, with No. 5 Corpus Christi Veterans coming to town for a highly anticipated Coastal Bend matchup.

Up next: Against No. 5 Corpus Christi Veterans, Thursday, 7 p.m.

3. Refugio (6-1, 3-0)

Previous rank: 3
Last week: Bye

The Bobcats are coming off a well-deserved bye week, reeling off six straight wins prior to the break. They’ll look to carry that momentum into the back-half of district play, with two of their last three games coming on the road. Up next is a matchup against a red-hot Shiner team riding a three-game winning streak heading into the contest.

Up next: At Shiner, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

4. Gregory-Portland (6-1, 2-0)

Previous rank: 4
Last week: Def. Edcouch-Elsa, 43-13

The Wildcats continued to roll through district play with another dominating effort against RGV competition. Junior quarterback Reed Rooms threw for three touchdowns during the team’s 30-point win, while do-it-all athlete Gabriel Juarez added 73 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with six tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one blocked field goal. Gregory-Portland has two more Valley opponents on their district schedule before closing out the season against No. 11 Flour Bluff.

Up next: At Mercedes, Friday, 7 p.m.

5. Corpus Christi Veterans (6-1, 4-0)

Previous rank: 5
Last week: Def. Corpus Christi Carroll, 77-21

Corpus Christi Veterans is clicking on all cylinders and the play of sophomore quarterback Billy White III is a big reason why. The 6-foot-6 gunslinger three for 372 yards and four touchdowns during the Eagles latest victory, marking his third straight contest with four touchdown passes. They’ll need another big night from White this week as the Eagles prepare to go toe-to-toe No. 3 Corpus Christi Miller’s explosive offense.

Up next: At No. 3 Corpus Christi Miller, Friday, 7 p.m. 

6. San Benito (7-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 6
Last week: Def. Brownsville Rivera, 49-0

San Benito has a three-headed monster in their backfield in running backs Aaron Garza, Angel Trevino and Fabian Garcia. The trio combined for 374 yards and five touchdowns last week to lead the Greyhounds to their seventh straight win. San Benito’s three-pronged rushing attack has the Greyhounds rolling in their quest for their first district title since 2017.

Up next: Against No. 16 Harlingen High, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. Weslaco High (7-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: 8
Last week: Def. No. 17 Los Fresnos, 42-23

It was another big week for senior Eli Rodriguez, rushing for 302 yards and four touchdowns to lead Weslaco High past No. 17 Los Fresnos on Friday. Weslaco High’s running back has put the team on his back the past two weeks, rushing for 505 yards and 6 touchdowns during the Panthers two district wins. With Rodriguez in the backfield, Weslaco High looks like a district title contender.

Up next: Against Brownsville Rivera, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

8. Beeville Jones (6-1, 2-0)

Previous rank: 9
Last week: Def. Rockport Fulton, 50-17

Senior Darion Perez has been electric for the Trojans to start district play, averaging 22.8 yards per carry. His back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances have Beeville Jones sitting a 2-0 in district play with three games remaining. The Trojans will need Perez to keep up his play with a Port Lavaca Calhoun team riding a two-game winning streak next on the schedule.

Up next: At Port Lavaca Calhoun, Friday, 7 p.m.

9. Sinton (5-2, 2-0)

Previous rank: 11
Last week: Def. Orange Grove, 62-33

The Pirates took care of business against previously ranked Orange Grove, handing the Bulldogs their first loss in three contests. Sinton running back Derek Garcia was the star of the night, rushing for 243 yards and 4 touchdowns on 19 carries. The defense did its part in stifling Orange Grove QB Logan Rodriguez, forcing him to three interceptions on the night.

Up next: Bye

10. Laredo United (5-2, 2-0)

Previous rank: 12
Last week: Def. Eagle Pass 42-28

The Longhorns have won three straight since their week four loss to Schertz Clemens, scoring at least 35 points during each of those victories. Laredo United hasn’t won an outright district title since 2018, but looked primed to do so this year behind the play of UTRGV quarterback commit Atzel Chavez.

Up next: At Del Rio, Friday, 7 p.m.

11. Flour Bluff, (5-2, 2-0)

Previous rank: 13
Last week: Def. Mercedes, 55-14

Flour Bluff quarterback Jayden Paluseo has played near-perfect football for the Hornets the past three weeks, throwing for 1,037 yards and 14 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Paluseo’s work behind center has resulted in three straight wins since the Hornets loss to Calallen in Week 3. The QB’s recent surge is coming at the perfect time, with a matchup against No. 4 Gregory-Portland just two games away.

Up next: At Valley View, Friday, 7 p.m.

12. Ingleside (7-0, 1-0)

Previous rank: 14
Last week: Bye

Ingleside hasn’t been held under 40 points all season long, averaging 55.7 points per game this year. The Mustangs should be fresh after a much-deserved bye week, which could lead to another explosive night for their offense. Senior quarterback Aiden Jakobsohn and receiver Jaydon Smith have been behind Ingleside’s dynamic offensive attack, connecting 40 times for 1,132 yards and 23 touchdowns in seven games.

Up next: At Robstown, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

13. Edinburg Vela (6-1, 3-1)

Previous rank: 15
Last week: Def. No. 22 McAllen High, 42-20

After three straight contests under 100 yards, Edinburg Vela running back Jamal Polley bounced back in a big way, rushing for 217 yards and four touchdowns during a win against No. 22 McAllen High. While a shot at the district title might be out of the question, the win put the Sabercats in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 seed in District 15-5A DI with just three games remaining.

Up next: At La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Thursday, 7 p.m.

14. Alice (5-2, 3-0)

Previous rank: 18
Last week: Def. No. 15 Calallen, 21-7

Alice used a stout defensive performance and a three-touchdown game from sophomore Lucian Cruz to secure their first win over rival Calallen since 2013. The victory marked just the third all-time against the Wildcats, with Calallen holding a 3-29 series lead. The Coyotes moved into the driver’s seat for the 16-4A DI title with the win, holding a one-game advantage over Calallen, Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway and Zapata.

Up next: At Hidalgo, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

15. Calallen (5-2, 3-1)

Previous rank: 7
Last week: Lost to No. 14 Alice

Calallen’s offense struggled to find any room during the Wildcats’ 21-7 loss to Alice, tallying just 152 total yards and one touchdown. The loss marked the first in 10 years to Alice and just the third all-time. Calallen will have to bounce back quickly, with a contest against No. 19 ranked Tuloso-Midway (6-1, 2-1) up next.

Up next: Against No. 19 Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

16. Harlingen High (5-2, 1-1)

Previous rank: 16
Last week: Def. Brownsville Hanna, 27-10

Harlingen High kept it’s district title hopes alive with a 27-10 win over Brownsville Hanna, snapping their small two-game losing streak as well. The Cardinals leaned on their rushing attack during the win, with sophomore running back Noah Huerta and senior quarterback Randy Morales combining for 182 yards and three scores. The Cardinals can shake up the standings in District 32-6A with a win over No. 6 San Benito (7-0, 2-0) on Friday.

Up next: Against No. 6 San Benito, Friday, 7 p.m.

17. Los Fresnos (5-2, 1-1)

Previous rank: 10
Last week: Lost to No. 7 Weslaco High, 42-23

It was an uncharacteristic night by the Falcons, being held to just 325 total yards after eclipsing the 500-yard mark in four straight contests. The off night resulted in Los Fresnos first loss since falling to No. 1 PSJA North in Week 2. The loss put a dent in the Falcons district title hopes, needing some help down the stretch if they hope to still have a shot.

Up next: At Brownsville Hanna, Thursday, 7 p.m.

18. PSJA High (4-3, 2-0)

Previous rank: 20
Last week: Def. La Joya High, 56-7

The Bears are arguably the hottest team in the RGV right now, winning four straight since starting the season 0-3. Senior quarterback Jaime Lopez has led the Bears revival, averaging 386.3 passing yards and 4.8 passing touchdowns per game during PSJA High’s winning streak. They’ll face their biggest district test yet, taking on Edinburg North (4-3, 2-0) on Friday, with the winner in control of their district title fate.

Up next: Against Edinburg North, Thursday, 7 p.m.

19. Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway (6-1, 2-1)

Previous rank: 21
Last week: Bye

The Warriors bye week couldn’t have come at a better time, with Tuloso-Midway fresh off their first loss of the year. The week off could work in the Warriors favor, giving them extra time to prepare for a hungry Calallen squad coming off a loss. A win by the Warriors keeps them within striking distance for first in the district, while a loss all but eliminate their chance at the district crown.

Up next: At No. 15 Calallen, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

20. Harlingen South (5-2, 3-0)

Previous rank: 22
Last week: Bye

Harlingen South is riding a five-game winning streak since opening the season 0-2, pitching shutouts in three of those contests. The red-hot Hawks sit tied for first in District 16-5A DI after their bye week, tied with Brownsville Veterans. The Hawks and Chargers are set to square off in two weeks, with the district title likely on the line.

Up next: At Brownsville Lopez, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

21. Brownsville Veterans (5-2, 3-0)

Previous rank: 25
Last week: Def. Brownsville Pace, 60-0

Here come the Chargers. A regional semifinalist a year ago, Brownsville Veterans got off to a rough start to the 2023 campaign, going 2-2 in non-district play. Since then, the Chargers have ripped off three straight wins, including a 60-0 thrashing of Brownsville Pace last week. The Chargers are on a collision course with No. 20 Harlingen South, with both teams possibly going into their contest in two weeks with 4-0 district marks.

Up next: Against Donna North, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

22. McAllen High (5-2, 2-2)

Previous rank: 17
Last week: Lost to No. 13 Edinburg Vela, 42-20

The Bulldogs had no answer for Edinburg Vela’s rushing attack Friday, allowing 234 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground during a 42-20 loss. The defeat dropped McHi to 2-2 in district play, putting them in danger of possibly missing the postseason. The Bulldogs currently sit in a three-way tie for fourth in District 15-5A DI with McAllen Rowe and Rio Grande City, setting up for a photo finish for the final playoff spot in the district.

Up next: Against La Joya Palmview, Friday, 7 p.m.

23. Roma (7-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: NR
Last week: Def. No. 24 Sharyland Pioneer, 48-41

The Gladiators are off to their best start in program history, riding their running game to a 7-0 record. Leading the rushing attack is senior Isaac Lozano, who has racked up 1,321 yards and 22 touchdowns on 168 carries. Lozano had his biggest game of the year against No. 24 Sharyland Pioneer last week, rushing for 285 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winning score, during a 48-41 victory.

Up next: Against No. 25 PSJA Memorial, Thursday, 7 p.m.

24. Sharyland Pioneer (6-1, 1-1)

Previous rank: 19
Last week: Lost to No. 23 Roma, 48-41

Sharyland Pioneer quarterback Julian Valdez hadn’t thrown an interception prior to Friday’s contest against Roma. The Diamondbacks signal caller threw two during their loss to the Gladiators, including one during Pioneer’s final drive of the game. Sharyland Pioneer will go as far as Valdez takes them this year. He’ll look to bounce back against a struggling PSJA Southwest squad with only one win this year.

Up next: Against PSJA Southwest, Friday, 7 p.m.

25. PSJA Memorial (7-0, 2-0)

Previous rank: NR
Last week: Def. Sharyland High, 50-20

It is time to acknowledge PSJA Memorial. The Wolverines have won more games this season than they have in their previous four, while also securing their first winning season since 2010. PSJA Memorial finished 9-3 overall that year. The Wolverines are in search of their first district title in program history. They’ll have to get past No. 23 Roma (7-0, 2-0) on Friday if they hope to capture that coveted gold ball.

Up next: Against No. 23 Roma, Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Lead file photo by Blake Purcell