<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0EPEOp_0vdVIHB700" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0EPEOp_0vdVIHB700" width="650" height="650" ><figcaption>The United Longhorns welcome Weslaco this Saturday, September 21.&nbsp; (Ellie Bednarz/Laredo Morning Times) </figcaption></figure> The United Longhorns are off to a promising start this season with a 2-1 record. They recently secured a significant victory, defeating San Benito 28-0. This latest win adds to the history of encounters between the two teams. The Longhorns' impressive performance against a familiar opponent hints at a potentially successful season ahead. The blowout win was last week, and now they have to shift their focus. This week, they welcome at 7 p.m. at the SAC a familiar&nbsp;Weslaco team that just beat LBJ 27-8 last week. Weslaco (1-2) is also a familiar opponent to United, having played each other multiple times, usually in the playoffs. "I think we have played them in the second round maybe four times, but I remember they beat us the last time we met in the playoffs," United head coach David Sanchez said. "They are always sound, and they're built on the running back and quarterback; we need to contain them. Their defense plays hard as well, balanced on both sides of the ball. I'm not sure which side of the ball stands out more." Last week featured a strong shutout over San Benito, 28-0. Sanchez attributes the success to his group's quick defensive players. Mateo Gomez is one of the players who leads the linebackers corps to pursue the ball faster than ever before. The secondary has also been able to do their job. "I think overall we show great pursuit and quickness. And we have been tackling well, as we spend a lot of time on it. Tackling is one of the biggest aspects of the game for the defense; it has worked well, and hopefully it continues," Sanchez said. "Offensively, I also think we played well against San Benito. We have seen some progress with Jorge Luna, who settled down nicely." Sanchez is also not a fan of Saturday games. Being the last to play on the weekends is tough because you lose a day to prepare for the next opponent. Luckily, after the Weslaco game, the Longhorns are off for their bye week. Another key to watch for in the Orange &amp; White is the special teams unit. Punter Santiago Alvarado is making a name for himself on special teams, an often-overlooked but crucial component of the game. He currently boasts an impressive average of 30 yards per punt. Alvarado's consistency and strategic punting are providing his team with valuable field position, showcasing the importance of special teams play. Kicking has also been good so far. Luis Ortega was called up from the soccer team to fill the position due to injury, but Sanchez and the boys' soccer team have been working hand in hand for years on how they work together with the kicking game. </div></body>

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Longhorns prepare for showdown with familiar foe Weslaco

The United Longhorns secured a big victory over San Benito last week and prepare to face familiar opponent Weslaco this week.