MERCEDES - With his team trailing Edinburg North 10-6 at halftime during Saturday’s game, Mercedes coach Roger Adame decided it was time to put in his 3rd different quarterback of the game.

This time it was senior Israel Alegria.

The move paid off as Alegria sparked the offense with two touchdown passes.

“It just feels good knowing that I’ve worked for this position,” said Alegria. “I’ve worked for this job. I’m not saying that none of the quarterbacks, they don’t deserve it, but when it comes to my mentality, my mentality is I always want to be the best quarterback for this team.”

“Israel Alegria came in and did what he’s always done,” said Adame. “Kind of led us there in the second half.”

Alegria has been battling injuries and that’s why Mercedes tried using some other quarterbacks.

In the end though, the Tigers turned to their most experienced QB.

“We had to find one,” said Adame. “I think he did a great job. Made a few mistakes. Obviously, we have to clean it up but that was what tonight was for.”

Down 19-16, the Cougars had one last chance late on a 4th and 6, but the Tigers’ secondary would break up a pass to wrap up a hard-fought win.

“That’s just the motto we have,” said Alegria. “Go 1-0 every week. 1-0 against every team. So it just feels good knowing that we have a team that comes back. It doesn’t matter how you start. It’s how you finish.”

The Tigers take on Rowe next.