High School Sports Magazine-August 2008 Issue

RGV PREVIEW

www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

2008 H.S. FOOTBALL

SCOUTING REPORTS INSIDE >>DISTRICT BY DISTRICT 32-1A 32-2A 32-3A 32-4A 30-5A 31-5A 32-5A >>ALL-SOUTH TEXAS TEAM >>TDDAVE’s PREDICTIONS >>PAST STATE CHAMPIONS

April 27-May 27, 2008

RB ALEX TREVINO

EYE OF THE TIGER! MERCEDES TRAVELS TO ALAMODOME AUG. 30th

TOP 12

1. WESLACO 2. MCALLEN H.S. 3. HARLINGEN 4. DONNA 5. EDCOUCH-ELSA 6. MERCEDES 7. LOS FRESNOS 8. WESLACO EAST 9. RIO HONDO 10. SAN BENITO 11. LA JOYA 12. PSJA

2008 RGV H.S. FOOTBALL COMBINE PROSPECTS LISTED at www.hssmscout.com

We Will Teach You to Ride Free and Save Gas too.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s all about passion T

here is no sport Grande Valley gets its due, more regionalwhether it’s Santa Maria ized than high H.S., Weslaco, Progreso, school football or McAllen Memorial from the Rio H.S. The same amount Grande Valley. Whereas of analysis and labor there are sure to be San goes into previewing the Benito Greyhounds fans Harlingen South Hawks of waiting in line for days at 31-5A. Eitherway, every the stadium ticket box for high school from this tickets to “The Battle of region will get noticed in Arroyo” matchup with the our High School Sports BY Harlingen Cardinals. It’s a Magazine Preview. passion that every Rio Grande But by far, the most reValley fan breathes on warding part of assembling HSSM PUBLISHER such a comprehensive guide Football Friday nights.

Which is why producing a magazine is knowing that the fan who scours of this magnitude is so enjoyable. Sure, these pages is just as passionate as our the work involved is intense and seemHSSM staff and HSSM PrepReporters. ingly never-ending, but if you have a And finally, keep in mind that our passion for high school football, it’s all referees have the same passion as we good. do so let’s cheer them and support them What makes a magazine like this too. so fascinating is that every Class We hope that you enjoy HSSM Foot1A through 5A school from the Rio ball Preview 2008.

DAVID AMADOR

Publisher & CEO David A. Amador HSSM Sales Manager Brent Waters Alec D. Amador HSSM Photographers Daniel Silva HSSM Webmaster

....................................................

Jason O. Martinez B.B.A., C.P.T. David R. Smith HSSM Columnists Emails hssmonline@yahoo.com Web www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net Buy Sports Photos www.hssmphotos.com

956.929.4700 Office 956-971-0185 Fx High School Sports Magazine 2416 Frontera Road McAllen, Texas 78504 Member of the

National Association of Hispanic Journalists 2008 Member of the Texas Sports Writers Association All stories and photos published by High School Sports Magazine may not be reprinted without written permission. All stories may be submitted for consideration in the upcoming issues. High School Sports Magazine prints 13 issues annually beginning in August and ending in July.

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RGV 2008

PREVIEW

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL VOLUME 4

ISSUE NO.6

Contents

www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

AUGUST 22, 2008

H.S. F O O T B A L L

Member of the

8 Tigers on

National Association of Hispanic Journalists

the Prowl in SA

Mercedes will travel to San Antonio to play 6th-ranked Port Lavaca Calhoun.

By David A. Amador

14 The 2008

HSSM Predictions

68 New Edinburg

Who’s the best of the best?

Which team will emerge from the bottom? It’s all here!

Athletic Director Joe Filoteo Takes Over Top Position in Sports.

20 Team by

Team Scouting Touchdown Dave previews all 32-1A, 32-2A, 32-3A, 32-4A, 30-5A, 31-5A, and 32-5A teams from the Rio Grande Valley. Get the inside scoup from the best coverage in high school sports.

By David A. Amador

71 Past State

Champions

Jacob Medina of the Donna Redskins will lead his team in 2008. (HSSM IMages) 6 www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

Which teams won the Class 5A State Titles in 2007?

Which football team has dominated the past 10 years?

Tigers Prow

Dave Campbell’s Football Classic: Mercedes vs Port Lavaca-Calhoun

August 30th

on the

8 www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

s wl

by David A. Amador, HSSM Sports Director At the Alamodome in San Antonio, are Mercedes players pictured l-r Alex Trevino, Carlos De La Cerda, Jabo Casarez, Jesus Martinez, and Jesus Cervantes. (HSSM Images)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

For the best in RGV Sports go to www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

W

elcome to the Alamodome Tiger fans! These will be the words that will be heard inside the Alamodome as the Tigers get introduced at the Dave Campbell’s Football Classic on August 30th.

Mercedes head football coach Gilbert Leal says that “it’s been crazy all summer long” with Tiger fans talking about the “big game” in San Antonio, Texas. “I’m just concerned about the last one leaving (Mercedes) and making sure they turn off the lights,” laughs the fourth-year head football coach. The Mercedes Tigers will play the Port Lavaca-Calhoun Sandcrabs, the State 4A Pre-season No.6 ranked team, on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Mercedes Tigers hired Leal four years ago with hopes of revamping a dismal program that had not seen a playoff round since 1999. In a town with a population of less than 15,000 residents, the “Queen City” is popular to many Rodeo fans with its annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in March and most recently, many consumers have flocked to this town with its second attraction, the Rio Grande Valley Outlet Mall. But on the football field, the Tigers had not been a popular site to visit until Leal’s arrival in 2005.

Since then, the “Eye of the Tiger” has been re-established and fans have cheered on their beloved Tigers in the playoffs in 2006 and 2007. Most importantly, they have their own popular attraction: the Rio Grande Valley record holder in the 200meter run. Mercedes’ RB Alex Trevino shattered Bobby Morrow’s 54-year-old Valley record during the Class 4A 200-meter dash finals at the 2008 UIL State Track and Field Championships held at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas on May 9th. Trevino had previously flirted with the RGV record, but this time he finished in third and won his bronze medal with a fully automated time of 21.10.

Most importantly, he had eclipsed San Benito’s Bobby Morrow’s record. With the conversion equation designated by the UIL, .24 is subtracted from the fully automated time in any race less than 200 meters giving Trevino a mind-blowing time of 20.86. Morrow’s previous best time of 20.98 stood since 1954 when he ran for the San Benito Greyhounds.

Morrow went on to win three gold medals at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. He won gold in the 100, 200 and was a member of the mile relay. “Alex is the ultimate competitor. He likes the lights. The bigger the event, the bigger the crowd, he gets pumped,” says Leal. “Watching Alex break this record was special to watch.”

Now, the Tigers have gold in mind too: winning the 32-4A gold-plated championship trophy.

More than 12,000 Tiger fans are expected to fill the Alamodome (65,000 capacity) on August 30th and Leal knows that playing Port Lavaca-Calhoun will be an early test to see how his team has matured since last year’s 2007 Class 4A Division II Bi-District 31-22 loss to Corpus Christi Calallen. “We had our chances to upset the Wildcats but a couple of big plays hurt our opportunities,” said Leal. Like the Tigers, the 10 www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

ROSTER For the best in RGV Sports go to www.highschoolsportsmagazine.net

4th Year-Gilbert Leal

Head Coach-Athletic Director

2008Team Mercedes Tigers High School Football Team Offensive Coordinator-Carlos Uribe

2 Luis Saucedo 3 Jorge Gonzalez 4 Raymond Vela 5 Jacob Noriega 6 Wally Martinez 10 Jonathan Ayala 11 Nathan Alvarado 14 Jesus Flores 15 Albert Chavez 17 Rayford Galvan 18 Derick Saenz 20 Ruben Sosa 22 Alex Trevino 24 Kevin Serrano 25 Isaac Guajardo 30 Hector Quintanilla 31 Dion Gobellan 32 Rick Izaguirre 33 Israel Vela 34 Michael Trevino 35 Jorge Vega 38 Aaron Torres 40 Jonathan Ortega

Defensive Coordinator-Mike Uribe

DB WR DB WR DB WR WR QB QB WR DB DB RB DB RB LB LB LB RB DE LB DL LB

11 12 11 12 11 10 11 11 11 12 12 10 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 11

44 50 51 52 54 55 61 62 63 64 65 67 68 72 73 74 75 76 80 83 85 86 88 90

Eric Torres Carlos DelaCerda Malcom Garza Jose Salas Jesus Martinez Jorge Salas Ricky Soto Edward Zuniga Rolando Luna Marcos Naveja Jesus Cervantes Jabo Casarez Marcelo Campos Jason Rodriguez Andrew Jimenez Gali Campos Eric Guevara Juan Mercado Jesus Romo Joe Valdez Joey Cavazos Abraham Mandujano Anthony Cedillo Eric Maganas

1932 (B) Mercedes 27 Sinton 0 (bi-district) Hondo 21 Mercedes 0 (regionals) 1956 Hebbronville 26 Mercedes 20 (bi-district) 1957 (2A) Mercedes 20 Hebbronville 6 (bi-district) Mercedes 25 Taft 0 (regionals) West Columbia 7 Mercedes 6 2A State Quarterfinals 1958 (2A) Taft 20 Mercedes 19 (bi-district) 1973 (3A) Gregory-Portland 52 Mercedes 0 (bi-district) 1985 (4A) Calallen 33 Mercedes 26 (bi-district)

12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 10 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 12 11

RECORD

FORThe Mercedes Tigers School Playoff History

RB OL OL LB DL LB DL OL DL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL DE DE DE TE TE DE

1988 (4A) Calallen 47 Mercedes 6 (bi-district) 1989 (4A) Gregory Portland 23 Mercedes 17 (area) 1990 (4A) Gregory Portland 28 Mercedes 17 (area) 1992 (4A) Mercedes 30 South San 0 (bi-district) Calallen 27 Mercedes 15 (area) 1993 (4A) Mercedes 21 Floresville (bi-district) Gregory-Portland 42 Mercedes 27 (area) 1994 Gregory-Portland 35 Mercedes 20 (area)

1995 (4A) Uvalde 35 Mercedes 17 (area) 1996 (4A) Calallen 61 Mercedes 13 (Class 4A Division II bi-district) 1999 (4A) Mercedes 14 Rockport-Fulton 7 Class 4A Division II bi-district) Floresville 22 Mercedes 0 (Division II area) 2006 (4A) CC Calallen 27 Mercedes 0 (Class 4A Division II bi-district) 2007 (4A) CC Calallen Mercedes (Class 4A Division II bi-district) 2008 (4A) Pending

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Port Lavaca-Calhoun faced the Wildcats in the second round, losing 27-7. Calallen lost to the eventual State 4A champions, Austin Lake Travis 45-14 in the quarterfinals.

The Tigers return quarterback Albert Chavez (6’2, 195lbs) and running backs Alex Trevino (2,200 yds rushing, 42 tds, 2 seasons) and Israel Vela (765 yds, 2 tds; 24/275 rec). With all three returning lettermen healthy, the Tigers will possess a potent running and passing attack in 2008. “I’m excited about our chances with Port LavacaCalhoun. They run the ball and they keep it simple. They return 11 starters on offense. Our defense will be tested early on,” added Leal.

The Sandcrabs, coached by Richard Whitaker went 9-3 in 2007 and again, will be favored to win the 30-4A District behind seniors QB James Ezzell (6’2, 180lbs) and RB Sterling Jones (161/1,076/8tds). Both combined for 1,989 yards rushing last season. “They run the ball and keep it simple. They play a lot of old school “run the ball” type of game,” says Leal. Tiger siblings and identical twin linebackers George and Jose Salas will have to keep both runners in check from making the big plays at the Alamodome. Defensive end Jesus Martinez will have his hands full, protecting the corners from Ezzell breaking loose on option runs. “It’s big-time football in Mercedes. It will be a fight. The Eye of the Tiger is back,” says Leal. “We’ll see you in San Antonio.”

NUMBERS

Port Lavaca-Calhoun Top Rusher Sterling Jones rushed for 1,076 yards in 2007. (HSSM Images Special)

Mercedes Top Rusher Alex Trevino rushed for more than 2,000 yards in two seasons. (HSSM Images)

BYThe 2007 Overall Finish

32-4A Mercedes 6-5 30-4A Port Lavaca-Calhoun 9-3 Both finished in 2nd place in district; both lost to Calallen in 4A playoffs.

Mercedes QB Albert Chavez 6’2 195 lbs Passed for 1,013 yards with 8tds PL Calhoun QB James Ezzell 6’2 185 lbs rushed for 913 yards and 11 tds

Mercedes RB Israel Vela had 765 yards rushing and 270 yds receiving.

Xaviar Archangel caught 37 passes for the Sandcrabs in 2007.

Sandcrabs Defense: 193 pts allowed Tiger Defense: 231 pts allowed 12 www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

August 22, 2008

August 22, 2008

www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com 13

Top-Rated QB Dylan De Leon of the Weslaco Panthers hopes to lead his team to the state finals.

(HSSM IMages)

The Predictio 14 www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

2008

The Rankings

Scouting

DISTRICT BY DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

Reports

(See Story-Next Page)

ons

By Touchdown Dave HSSM Sports Director

District 32-1A 1. La Villa (183) 2. Ben Bolt (191) 3. Santa Rosa (144) 4. Bruni (103) 5. Agua Dulce (95) 6. Kingsville SG (196) 7. Benavides (132) District 32-2A 1. Hebbronville (305) 2. Santa Rosa (343) 3. Bishop (352) 4. Premont (239) 5. San Diego (404) 6. Riviera (210) District 32-3A 1. Rio Hondo (635) 2. Raymondville (659) 3. Port Isabel (695) 4. Lyford (435) 5. Zapata (926) 6. Hidalgo (935) 7. La Feria (857) 8. Progreso (513) District 32-4A 1. Mercedes (1,414) 2. Ed-Elsa (1,560) 3. Weslaco East (1,822) 4. Miss Veterans (1,889) 5. Roma (1,724) 6. Lincoln-Juarez (1,606) 7. Valley View (1,128) 8. Mission (2,071)

District 30-5A 1. McAllen (2,261) 2. Donna HS (3,020) 3. La Joya HS (3,078) 4. Rio Grande City HS (2,659) 5. McAllen Memorial (2.090) 6. Sharyland (2,617) 7. McAllen Rowe (2,214) 8. Palmview (2,677) District 31-5A 1. Harlingen (2, 731) 2. PSJA (2,528) 3. PSJA Mem (2,291) 4. Harlingen South (2,209) 5. Edinburg North (2,495) 6. Edinburg (2,655) 7. PSJA North(2,407) 8. Economedes (2,384) District 32-5A 1. Weslaco (2,414) 2. Los Fresnos (2,300) 3. San Benito (2,676) 4. Bro Hanna (3,141) 5. Bro Porter (2,402) 6. Bro Pace (2,658) 7. Bro Lopez (2,308) 8. Bro Rivera (2,189)

HSSM Scouting report compiled by David “Touchdown Dave” Amador, HSSM Sports Director

The Rankings

2

(McAllen, Tx)-The Weslaco Panthers will continue from where they left season the Panthers will be “faster, quicker, and seasoned” says fourth-y Villarreal.

In the off-season, the school district upped the Villarreal’s salary near th as long as he continues to bring in the “Ws” in this football-crazed comm object. “We will be competitive and our new-look offense will be high-oc Senior Dylan De Leon will lead the Panthers as the third-year starting qua and reads defenses real well,” added Villarreal.

In three seasons as head coach for the purple and white, Villarreal ha three-straight playoff appearances. In 2007, the Panthers hosted the Class against San Antonio Madison at Bobby Lackey Stadium before some 12,0 gave Madison all they could handle despite losing 59-42. “These players were lucky to have made out with a victory,” said Jim Streety, head coa

VIEW

THECoache’s Question: Which RGV H.S. Football team will be much improved?

“

“

McAllen Memorial will be the team to watch. The Mustangs went through a lot of injuries in 2007 and they will step up in 2008.

-Manny Moreno, Donna Head Coach

I think Weslaco East will be a better team.

They built a new weight room. With a great weight training program, they will see less injuries as the season matures.

-Gilbert Leal, Mercedes Head Coach

“ “

Harlingen will be loaded and they will have speed and size. They should be favored in 31-5A. -Mario Pena, San Benito Head Coach

Pace H.S. will have the athletes. They were a much better playoff team than their 3-7 record.

This is the team to watch in 2008.

-Mel Rios, PSJA Head Coach

Get more of THECoaches’ VIEW at www.HSSM

Scouting 2008Reports

www.hssmonline.net

t off in 2007, but this year head coach Tony

he six-figure mark and munity, money is of no ctane,” says Villarreal. arterback. “He’s smart

as led the Panthers to s 5A Region IV finals 000 fans. The Panthers are well coached. We ach of the Mavericks.

High -Flyin Bears! The PSJA Bears will see RB Angel Marroquin leading the maroon team back to the State 5A playoffs in 2008.

The Bears will open its season at McAllen on August 29th.

PSJA advanced to the Class 5A Area playoffs in 2007. (HSSM IMages)

MCOACH.com

www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

17

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Reports HSSMStaff

Question: Which team will emerge as the District Champion in 2008?

“ “ “ “

Los Fresnos for sure. They have their starting quarterback and running back returning in the back field. They have won backto-back 32-5A titles.

-Brent Waters, HSSM Sales

The Harlingen Cardinals will be tough to beat in 31-5A. They have the talent to go four-deep in the state playoffs.

-Jason Martinez, HSSM Columnists

The Santa Rosa Warriors will repeat as 32-2A District Champs.

-Alec Amador HSSM Photographer

District 30-5A will be very competitive. The Donna Redskins will be tough to detrone. McHi? District Champs? Maybe.

-TDDAVE Sports Director

The R

The Panthers posted wins over Edinburg North (62-49) and McAllen HS (40-38) to advance to the third round of the state playoffs. HSSM ranks the Weslaco Panthers as the team to beat in 2008. At No.2, the McAllen Bulldogs and head coach Tony Harris would love to get another rematch against Weslaco. Both teams played a tight game with temperatures dipping in the mid 30s with rain and sleet-like conditions in the second round. Both Harris and Villarreal exchanged heated words after the game, with Villarreal accusing the Bulldogs of unsportsmanlike play. The Bulldogs will be loaded at the line with Tino Hong (6’3, 290lbs), Scott Inskeep (6’4, 285lbs), Cody Mulvane (6’4, 315lbs), and Austin Griffith (6’4, 220lbs) all returning on offense.

McHi quarterback Adrian Leal (1,990 yards, 18 Tds) returns with newcomer WR Nick Garza (6’3, 190) posing as a new threat for the Bulldogs.

The Harlingen Cardinals are back and ranked No.3 in the www.hssmpolls.com and second-year head coach Manny Gomez will be hungrier after losing 22-21 to Los Fresnos in the Class 5A Division I Bi-District title game in 2007. “It was a tough loss but I’m excited about this season,” adds Gomez. The Cardinals return a nucleus of weapons, especially at the offensive line and quarterback. Tightend Leo Gonzalez (6-4, 230lbs) will be a big target for QB John Murphy (6’2, 200lbs) and with linemen Tyler Cliffton (6’3, 250lbs) and Joseph Villarreal (6’2, 265lbs) returning, look for the Cards to be bigger and quicker. The Cards will play McAllen August 29th in Harlingen. At No.4, the Donna Redskins return 10 starters on both sides of the ball. The Redskins will play PSJA North on August 29th at Bennie La Prade Stadium and they will be tested early on by the Raiders. “Playing coach Bruce Bush and his Raiders will be a delight.

Coach Bush gave me my opportunity to coach when he was here at Donna.

I’m happy that he is back on the sidelines,” said Moreno.

Two teams from 32-4A make up the No.5 and 6 slots. Edcouch-Elsa ranks at the fifth spot followed by Mercedes. The Tigers will open their season at the Dave Campbell’s Football Classic at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas against Port Lavaca-Calhoun on August 30th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The Tigers return the best running back in the region, Alex Trevino who eclipsed the 200-meter run record, breaking Olympian runner, Bobby Morrow’s record of San Benito. “He’s fast and we will be looking forward to the new season,” says head coach Gilbert Leal. The Tigers lost to Corpus Christi Callalen (31-22) in the first round in Division II, while the Yellowjackets were upset by Beeville Jones 35-21 in the second round of the playoffs.

After winning five consecutive 32-4A titles, Yellowjackets head coach Joe Solis was almost ousted during the off-season by his own peers. “No reason at all. This was a very difficult time for me and my family. Now, we must move forward,” said Solis. Rounding out the 2008 www.hssmpolls. com Top Ten Rankings from the Rio Grande Valley are Los Fresnos, Weslaco East, Rio Hondo, and San Benito.

Scouting 2008 Reports

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Rankings

The Best? Head coach Josh Gonzalez of Santa Rosa led his Warriors to the State 2A Division I Quarterfinals in 2007 and was voted HSSM Coach of the Year from 32-2A, while McAllen H.S. head coach Tony Harris has created controvesy in 2008 by declining any comments or interviews with High School Sports Magazine regarding the upcoming season. (HSSM IMages)

CLASS 5AAAAA /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,261 2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

20

1

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

2007 Class 5A Division II Area Finalist

AUGUST

29 Harlingen Parent’s Night

SEPTEMBER

4 at Edinburg 13 PSJA 21 OPEN 26 at Rio Grande City

OCTOBER

3 Sharyland 10 at Donna 17 La Joya 24 at McA Mem 31 Palmview HS

NOVEMBER

7 McA Rowe

2007 Record 8-4 30-5A Finish: 2nd District Record: 5-1

Head Coach: Tony Harris, 13th Year

McAllen

BULLDOGS

Returning Starters O/D: 8/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:25/20

Sports Magazine. HSSM is investigating (McAllen, Texas)-Tony Harris, head coach of the McAllen Bulldogs declined to provide HSSM with any comments about these allegations by Harris.

Either way, HSSM ranks the McAllen the 2008 season or allow HSSM to take pre-season photos of Bulldogs as the No.1 team in 30-5A, with or any McHi player citing his in differences with High School without Harris. Quarterback Adrian Leal returns in 2008 after passing for 1,981 yards in 2007 and Leal led the Bulldogs to the State 5A Division II Area playoffs.

The Bulldogs will feature Tino Hong, a 6’3 290lbs offensive linemen who will team up with OL Scott Inskeep (6’4, 285lbs), OG Cody Mulave (6’4, 315lbs), TE Austin Griffith (6’4, 210lbs), and RB Aaron Correa (6’0, 195lbs).

On defense, Brandon Rock (5’10, 185lbs), LB James Franz (5’10, 210lbs), and LB Sam Magnum (6’1, 200lbs) will return with much experience to give McHi the coverage they will need against opposing teams.

McAllen will open its season at home against Harlingen on August 29th at McAllen Memorial Veteran’s Stadium. “McHi could probably be the best team in South Texas,” says HSSM Sports director, David A. Amador. “The players deserve the credit.”

McHi Quarterback Adrian Leal leads pack. The McAllen Bulldogs made it to the State 5A Quarterfinals in 1992. Can the 2008 Bulldogs meet this feat this season?

(HSSM IMages/File photo 2007)

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

School Enrollment: 3,020 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AUGUST

29 PSJA North

SEPTEMBER

5 Bro Rivera 13 at Lar Alexander 19 Open 26 La Joya Palmview

OCTOBER

4 at McA Rowe 10 McAllen 17 at Sharyland 24 Rio Grande City 31 La Joya

NOVEMBER

7 at McA Mem

2007 Record 9-3 30-5A Finish: 1st District Record: 6-0

Head Coach: Manny Moreno, 2nd Year

Donna

REDSKINS

Returning Starters O/D: 10/10 Returning Lettermen R/L:20/30 (Donna, Texas)-After twenty years of watching head football coaches come and go, Manny Moreno was given the opportunity to finally become head football coach of the Donna Redskins in 2007.

“I was very grateful to have coached with many successful peers in my career right here at Donna. Bruce Bush was one of these coaches,” says Moreno. The Donna Redskins will open its season

Jacob Medina

Chris Villegas

Joshua Reyna

Jesse Shagun

HSSM REPORTS

Alex Chavez

Gabriel Castillo

2

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH 2007 Class 5A Division II Area Finalist

on August 29th against PSJA North in High School Sports Magazine’s Game of the Week at Bennie La Prade Stadium. “I’m looking forward to coaching against Bush. It will be an honor and great matchup,” adds Moreno.

The Redskins fought hard in 2007 to claim the 30-5A title with a perfect 6-0 record, and more impressively, they captured the Class 5A Division I BiDistrict Championship with a win over Laredo Nixon.

Donna will return a nucleus of returning starters on both sides of the ball.

Ten starters on each side to be exact.

Running backs Jacob Medina (5’9, 175lbs), Josh Reyna (5’8, 165lbs); receivers Aaron Jackson (6’3, 225lbs) and Ray Arrambide (6’3, 190lbs) will give the Redskins a potent offensive attack on the ground and in the air. On fourth downs, punter Jesus Vargas (6’3, 210lbs; 55.0 yds avg/4.5 hangtime) will keep opponents pinned down, deep in their own territories. New quarterback, Joey Chapa could surprise 30-5A by bringing the Redskins another district championship in 2008.

“Vargas is the best. Probably in the state overall,” says Moreno.

The Donna Redskins won the Class 2A State title in 1961 with wins over Refugio (32-0), Devine (12-7), Sweeney (32-14), Brady (16-14), and Quannah (28-21) in the finals. The Redskins also made the state playoffs from 2000-2004 and again, in 2007. The McAllen Bulldogs won their first ever playoff game in 1952 when they defeated San Antonio Edison 26-6 in the Class 3A Bi-District Championships.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

21

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 3,078 2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

3

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Class 5A Division I Regional Finals in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 at Laredo Cigarroa

5 Bro Hanna 12 at Ed North 19 Open 25 McA Mem

3 10 16 24 31

LJ Palmview Nikki Rowe at McAllen Sharyland at Donna

NOVEMBER 6 RGC

2007 Record 6-7 30-5A Finish: T3rd District Record: 3-3

Head Coach: Leonel Casas, 2nd Year

La Joya

COYOTES

Returning Starters O/D: 4/5 Returning Lettermen R/L:16/34

(La Joya, Texas)- The La Joya Coyotes advanced three rounds deep in the State 5A Division I Regional Finals in Leonel Casas first year back on the sidelines. “Two bigs plays kept us from advancing to the next round against Converse Judson,” says Casas. In that game, Coyote kicker Sergio Castillo booted a 58-yard field goal to set a Rio Grande Valley record. Since then, La Joya High School has been split up onto three high schools, leaving the Coyotes with just 3,078 students, compared to the 7,000 plus students it enrolled in 2007. “Many students have transferred to the other two schools; we’ll have to wait and see what happens with the enrollments once school begins,” adds Casas.

Returning as Coyotes will be DB Aldo Salinas, QB Justin Villarreal, LB Richard Cantu, LB Joe Garza, OL Osbel Barrera, and OL Jonathan Villarreal.

Casas first became the Coyote head coach when it was only a 3A Aldo Salinas Justin Villarreal Richard Cantu school; after seven years as head coach from 1981-87, he moved on to Mercedes.

This will be a rebuilding year for all three La Joya High Schools, but as for the Coyotes and their expectations in 2008, “We still have alot of work to do here,” says Casas. La Joya will open its season at Laredo Cigarroa on August 29th.

Joe Garza Osbel Barrera Jonathon Villarreal

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Scouting

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

School Enrollment: 2,659 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

29 Edinburg North H.S.

5 Bro Pace 12 at Weslaco 19 Open 26 McAllen HS

2 at McA Mem 10 at Sharyland 17 Palmview HS 24 at Donna 31 McA Rowe

6 at La Joya

2007 Record 5-5 30-5A Finish: 6th District Record: 2-4

Head Coach: Jesus Lozano, 3rd Year

Rio Grande City

RATTLERS

Returning Starters O/D: 4/3 Returning Lettermen R/L:18/18

HSSM REPORTS

4

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

(Rio Grande City, Texas)-Head coach Jesus Lozano is looking forward to the 2008 season with much anticipation too. “We can make the playoffs. We had our chances last year, but we were young,” says Lozano. “These group of players carry great attitudes and are united.” Senior Danny Hinojosa (6’1, 175lbs) will take over at quarterback and he will team up with running back Justin Ortega (90-890 yards rushing in 2007) and FB Freddy Lopez. The Rattlers will average 260lbs on offense, with HSSM Pre-season pick OL Danny Leal (6’3, 300lbs) leading the way. “Last year Danny was inexperienced but has matured. He carries a high GPA. He’s Division I material,” adds Lozano. On defense, DT Jorge Lopez, DE Lee Roy Salinas, CB Jesus Lopez, LB Jorge Valadez, and FS Ben Falcon will give the Rattlers plenty of balance on defense in 2008.

The Rattlers will open its season with two home games against Edinburg North (Aug 29th) and Brownsville Pace (Sept 5th) in non-district action. The Rattlers will travel to Weslaco on September 12th. They open district play at home with McAllen on September 26th. The Rattlers almost made the playoffs in 2007 but their loss to McHi eliminated the Rattlers for the post season. This will be a much anticipated match up.

RGC Rattlers Picture Day. Expect the Rattlers to be much improved team in 2008.

(HSSM IMages)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,291

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

5

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

CLASS 5AAAAA

(McAllen, Texas)-The McAllen Memorial Mustangs will be much improved in 2008. The only question that surrounds this Mustang team is: Who will the starting quarterback be?

“We don’t know yet. It’s hard to say. We have three candidates,” says head football coach Bill Littleton. George Thatcher, John Montemayor, and freshmen Matthew Kaufmann will all be competing for the starting position. Kaufmann is only a freshmen. “He’s very athletic,” says Littleton.

Size will complement the Mustangs in 2008. Linemen

24

David De Leon

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

AUGUST

29 OPEN

5 12 19 25

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Economedes Bro Pace at PSJA at La Joya HS

2 Rio Grande City 10 Palmview HS 17 at McA Rowe 24 McAllen HS 31 at Sharyland

NOVEMBER 6 Donna

2007 Record 1-9 30-5A Finish: 7th District Record: 0-6

Head Coach: Bill Littleton, 6th Year

McA Memorial

MUSTANGS Returning Starters O/D: 9/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:26/29 Robert Lozano, (6’0, 260lbs), Drew Stockton (6,1, 275lbs), Kyle Lauterbach (6’2, 280lbs), David De Leon (6’1, 220lbs), Ramiro Cavazos (6’3, 280lbs), and Daniel Tanguma are beefy at the line weighing in at an average of 250lbs and stand sixfeet or taller. In the backfield, the Mustangs will have the speed and quickness to give opponents early problems. Returning are running backs Patrick Granchelli (5’10, 185lbs) and George Johnson (5’9, 180lbs).

The Mustangs returned to the playoffs for only the second time in school history under Littleton back in 2005, when they played Laredo

George Johnson

Patrick Grancelli

Nixon, losing in the Class 5A Division II Bi-District championships, 32-28. If the Mustangs expect to make it back to the state playoffs in 2008, they will have to find a way to score more than 14 points a game, and not give up 27 points per night like they did in 2007.

On defense, the Stangs will be more solid with Cavazos at the line and CB Andy Saenz, FS Lauro Tijerina, and CB Daniel Vela adding more balance in the secondary.

Linebackers Aaron Stephens and Joel Chavarrin will be counted on to read offenses on game nights. The Mustangs open at home on September 5th against Economedes.

Drew Stockton

&

Kyle Lauterbach

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

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Scouting Scouting HSSM REPORTS

School Enrollment: 2,617

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

28 at Bro Hanna 11:00 a.m.

5 at Ed North 12 Edinburg 21 Open 26 at Nikki Rowe

3 at McAllen 10 RGC 17 Donna 24 at La Joya 31 McA Mem

7 LJ Palmview

6

2007 Record 5-5 30-5A Finish: 5th District Record: 2-4

Head Coach: Fred Sanchez, 9th Year

Sharyland

RATTLERS

Returning Starters O/D: 4/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:41/24

(Mission, Texas)-The Sharyland Rattlers are thirsty for another playoff run in 2008 and with 41 returning lettermen, head coach Fred Sanchez knows that expectations will be high for Rattler fans.

Scottie Meyer returns after rushing for 1,010 yards and scoring 12 tds in 2007 but do not count out Adrian Adame. He too, could pose a threat at the same slot. In all, the Rattlers might as well give the ball to the other four probable starters too. Josh Villarreal, Agustin Ordorica, Zayed AbuHala, and Aaron Alaniz could all see action at the same spots. Adame rushed for 620 yards and scored 5 tds to compliment the back field. The biggest problem that this Rattler team has faced in the past two years is a proven quarterback. Stepping up in the QB spot will be sophomore Robby Moran (5/11, 175lbs). This means that Sanchez will opt to run the ball more until Moran gains his confidence under center. Another problem that has plagued this team are injuries leading up to district.

The Rattlers gave up 24 points per game in 2007, but scored more than 27 points.

Two losses to La Joya (21-26) and McAllen Nikki Rowe (25-28) kept the Rattlers from making the post season in 2007.

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Missed Playoffs in 2007

To make matters worst, Sanchez watched his team start at 5-1, including a 2-0 start in district play and then fall to 0-4 for the remainder of the year. District 30-5A is probably one of the most talented and toughest districts in the Rio Grande Valley in 2008.

The Rattlers open its season with two road games at Brownsville Hanna on August 28th and Edinburg North on September 5th.

Aaron Alaniz

Josh Villarreal

Mike Moroles

Adrian Adame

Sean Peterson

Jisoo Kim

The McAllen Memorial Mustangs have been to the Class 5A state playoffs in 1995, 2005, and 2006 in its school history. The Rattlers last made the playoffs in 2005, losing to Harlingen 36-13 in the Class 5A Division I bi-district champships. Sharyland also played in Six-man football, making the playoffs in 1953. Under Sanchez, the Rattlers have made the playoffs in 2001, 02, 03, 04, and 05.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 5AAAAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,214

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

26

7

30-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Class 5A Division II Area Finalist in 2007

AUGUST

29 OPEN

SEPTEMBER

5 11 19 26

OCTOBER

at Miss Veterans Bro Porter Bro Rivera Sharyland

4 Donna 10 at La Joya 17 McA Mem 23 at Palmview HS 31 at RGC

NOVEMBER

7 McAllen HS

2007 Record 6-6 30-5A Finish: 4th District Record: 3-3

Head Coach: Gary Lauer, 9th Year

McAllen Rowe

WARRIORS

Returning Starters O/D: 3/7 Returning Lettermen R/L:21/28

(McAllen, Texas)-High School Sports Magazine picked the McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors to make the playoffs in 2007 despite their previous two seasons at 2005 (1-8), and 2006 (28). “Nobody picked us to make the playoffs last year except you guys,” says head football coach Gary Lauer.

Instead, the Warriors finished third in 30-5A and gave the Harlingen South Hawks a run for their money in the Class 5A Division II Area Championship game on November 23rd. The game was marred by controversial calls. Hawks won 30-24. “That was a tough game. We had our chances,” says Lauer.

The Warriors started the district season at 0-3 but then went on a Warrior warpath posting three straight wins over McAllen Memorial (42-21), Sharyland (28-25), and Rio Grande City (36-0) to make the playoffs in 2007.

HSSM picks the Warriors to finish seventh overall with little experience returning on offense. QB Albert Obregon will fill in at the QB spot, along with WR Joe Ray Mendoza and

RB Daniel Ramos contributing to a rebuilding offense. In another Warrior set back, McAllen Memorial was deemed as an “open campus” for enrollment purposes in mid-August. This could lead to athletes moving to McAllen Memorial without penalty. The Warriors open its season against Mission Veterans on September 5th before beginning another possible playoff run in 2008.

Danny Cisneros

Julio C. Trevino

Roy Cervantes

Guillermo Reyes

Jaime Alvarado Jr

Eluid Valle

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

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School Enrollment: 2,677

Scouting

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 Zapata

SEPTEMBER

5 at Porter 12 Lincoln-Juarez 19 Open 26 at Donna

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

3 La Joya HS 10 at McA Mem 17 at RGC 23 Nikki Rowe 31 at McAllen

7 Sharyland

HSSM REPORTS

8

2007 Record N/A 30-5A Finish: N/A District Record: N/A

Head Coach: Manuel Flores, 1st Year

La Joya Palmview

LOBOS

PREDICTED FINISH

Returning Starters O/D: 0/0 Returning Lettermen R/L:0/0 (Palmview, Texas)-The La Joya Palmview Lobos will make its debut in 2008 as a Class 5A football team competing in 305A. New head coach Manuel Flores gets his first opportunity to build a new program from the ground up. “I am proud to be here at Palmview. This is a great opportunity.

The players are great,” says Flores.

The Lobos will be young. They will start a sophomore quarterback, Javier Femat (6’0, 180lbs) along with running back Carlos Siller (5’8, 170lbs) getting things started. Alex Garza will fill in an the offensive line and hopefully the Lobos will begin a great tradition.

On a positive note, the Lobos will play five home games in 2008, but on the road, it gets rough. They will play Porter (Sept 5th), Donna (Sept 26th), McAllen Memorial (Oct 10th), Rio Grande City (Oct 17th), and McAllen (Oct 31st). All teams are expected to make the playoffs in 2008.

In the offseason, Flores says that his team has been dedicated to the new program that will sport a “flaming lobo” on its helmets with red-black colors.

The Lobos are expected to move into their new high school, located in Palm-

30-5AAAAA 1st Year Program in Class 5A

view. “This campus is beautiful. It looks like a small college campus and the opportunities here are great. The facilities are top notch,” says Flores. I am proud to be here.”

The Lobos will get to see the limelight at Coyote Stadium as it will unveil the “biggest jumbo video scoreboard” in South Texas filled with commercials and replays. “It will be nice,” says Flores.

Javier Femat

Alex Garza Jr

Carlos Siller

Robert Gonzalez Jr

Luis Espino Jr

David Guzman

The McAllen Nikki Rowe head football coach Gary Lauer retired in June 2008 and then applied for rehire in late July for the same position which drew only two applicants over the summer. The Warriors have the state playoffs in 1996, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, and ‘07. In 1998, Rowe advanced to the Stae 5A Division II Regional semifinals, losing to SA Madison 28-25.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 5AAAAA

Scouting

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE School Enrollment: 2,731 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

28

1

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Class 5A Bi-District Playoffs Division I in 2007

AUGUST

29 at McAllen H.S.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

5 Ed-Elsa 12 at San Benito 19 Open 26 Edinburg North

2 at Edinburg 10 PSJA Mem 17 PSJA 24 at Economedes 31 PSJA North

NOVEMBER

7 Harlingen South

2007 Record 7-4 31-5A Finish: T2nd District Record: 5-2

Head Coach: Manny Gomez, 2nd Year

Harlingen

CARDINALS Returning Starters O/D: 5/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:12/24

(Harlingen, Texas)-It’s the competitive spirit that 2nd-year head coach Manny Gomez brings to these Harlingen Cardinals. “It’s the NeverDie-Cardinal Spirit,” that we have here at Harlingen High School,” says Gomez.

He’s passionate about the game of football and he is compassionate about his team who plays the game.

“I understand our players. I know where they come from. I’m from here (Harlingen) and this makes it even more special for me to coach,” adds the former All-State 5A linebacker.

In his first year as athletic coordinator and head football coach, Gomez led the Cardinals to a second place finish in 31-5A, followed by a Class 5A Division I Bi-District final.

The Cardinals return probably its best football team since 1989, when they went four-deep in the Class 5A playoffs by defeating PSJA (27-14), SA Marshall (14-11), Austin LBJ (140), before bowing out to ConverseJudson in State 5A Quarterfinals 31-9.

Quarterback John Murphy (6’1,

200lbs), TE Leo Gonzalez (6’3, 230lbs), OL Joseph Villarreal (6’2, 265lbs), Tyler Cliffton (6’3, 275lbs), and RB Pablo Garza (5’7, 160lbs) will give the Cardinals a nucleus, bigger than an atom bomb. Murphy passed for more than 1,100 yards in 2007, with almost 300-yards going to Gonzalez. The Cards will travel to McAllen on August 29th in a classic match up between the two of the top three HSSM football teams from South Texas.

John Murphy

Frankie Barron

Joseph Villarreal

Tyler Cliffton

Moses Molina

Domingo Rincon

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,528 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 Open

5 at Los Fresnos 13 at McAllen 19 McA Mem 25 Har South

OCTOBER

3 at Ed North 9 Edinburg 17 at Harlingen 24 PSJA Memorial 31 Economedes

7 PSJA North

2007 Record 9-3 31-5A Finish: T2nd District Record: 5-2

Head Coach: Mel Rios, 7th Year

PSJA

BEARS

PREDICTED FINISH

(Pharr, Texas)-Head coach Mel Rios returns only one player on offense and with Angel Marroquin (5’11, 185lbs) back as the part time starter, Rios says that he will be “our workhorse” in 2008. Another expected running back to step in will be Osvaldo Cantu, who played in three games, rushing for 300+plus yards. At quarterback, Trey Ramirez will get the snaps early on and Rios says that he is

Gilbert Espino

Trey Ramirez

Freddy Molina

2

31-5AAAAA

Returning Starters O/D: 1/6 Returning Lettermen R/L: 18/30

Ivan Barrera

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

Jason Flores

Class 5A Division I Area Finals in 2007

“poised and smart” and hopefully will get things rolling early in the pre-season. With Ramirez leading the offense, six returning starters on defense will give more balance to the Bears in 2008. On defense, CBs Derek Osuna and Carlos Barraza return with DE Elias Reyes and DT Joey Villanueva.

Last year, the Bears won four-straight games over Rivera, Los Fresnos, McAllen Memorial, and PSJA North.

Then came Edinburg North. With the Bears riding high, North came to the Tri-City to upset the Bears on a Saturday afternoon, winning 28-22.

Then the Bears, again, went on another four-game win streak in district play before meeting the Harlingen South Hawks for the 31-5A title on a hot-blistering Saturday afternoon on November 9th. The Hawks would win the outright district title.

The Bears play two tough opponents on the road at Los Fresnos (Sept 5th) and McAllen (Sept 13th) to kickoff their season. Note: PSJA rushed for 3,000 plus yards in 2008 with OL Joel Garcia paving the way

Thomas Reyes

Head coach Mel Rios of PSJA led the Bears to the 2005 State 5A Division I Regional Finals, three games deep into the playoffs. They beat San Benito (24-11), Laredo Nixon (26-22), before losing to SA Madison 31-7. In 1962-63, the Bears made it to the State 3A finals, losing both games to (Dumas 14-3) and Corsicana (7-0). Ironically, the 4th playoff game was the championship game back in those days.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 5AAAAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,291 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

3

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Missed Playoffs in 2007

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Open

6 at Bro Lopez 12 Mission 18 at Bro Pace 26 Edinburg

3 10 17 24 30

PSJA North at Harlingen Har South PSJA Ed North

6 at Economedes

2007 Record 3-7 31-5A Finish: 6th District Record: 1-6

Head Coach: Gus Cavazos, 1st Year

PSJA Memorial

WOLVERINES Returning Starters O/D: 3/8 Returning Lettermen R/L:16/15

(Alamo, Texas)-So much has changed with this football program located on the South side of Alamo, Texas in these past six months. The attitude, the coaches, and the players.

With the departure of former head coach Joe Sanchez, PSJA Memorial landed Gus Cavazos in the off season to become the second head football coach of the Wolverines. Cavazos brings much enthusiasm and wins to give this PSJA Memorial squad hopes of making it to the State 5A football playoffs for the first time in this classification. As a previous Class 4A school, the Wolverines advanced the playoffs in 2001, ‘02, ‘04, and ‘05. That was then, this is now.

Players to watch in 2008 are WR Gilbert Gutierrez, LB Tony Leitch, RB Aaron Anguiano, OL Ruben Ramos, DL Rey Solis, and DL Edward Martinez.

The Wolverines return eight starters on defense which allowed 41 comefrom-behind points to Harlingen South, giving the Hawks a 41-35 win last year.

Why pick the Wolverines 3rd in 2008?

It’s simple: Losses to PSJA North (1314), Harlingen South (35-41), Edinburg North (7-14), and Harlingen (6-17).

30

NOVEMBER

All four district games could have resulted in wins and a possible playoff spot. Now with Cavazos at helm, he brings the hard-working ethics and is a “player-coach” type of person. He likes to coach players. He likes to watch his team develop.

The Wolverines have the size up front to protect and open holes for the quarterback and running backs of this team.

Rey Solis

Martin Cortez

Steve Maldonado

Edward Martinez Jr

Mark Flores

Jaime Villescas

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,209 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Mission Veterans

5 at Weslaco HS 12 Bro Hanna 19 OPEN 25 at PSJA

3 Economedes 10 at PSJA North 17 at PSJA Mem 24 Edinburg North 31 at Edinburg

7 Harlingen HS

2007 Record 12-1 31-5A Finish: 1st District Record: 7-0

Head Coach: Alan Cherry, 2nd Year

Harlingen South

HAWKS

(Harlingen, Texas)-The Harlingen South Hawks went perfect at 10-0, claiming the 31-5A District title, along with two Class 5A Division II playoff wins over San Benito (30-14) and McAllen Nikki Rowe (30-24), before ending its 12-0 season with a loss to Smithson Valley in the quarterfinals. Head coach Alan Cherry did what he could in his first year as the head coach and then

Gilbert Hernandez

Javier Alonzo

Joey Bald

4

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Returning Starters 4/6: NA Returning Lettermen 24/32:NA

Steven Mata

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

Arturo Guerrero

Justin Gonzalez

Class 5A Division II Regional Qtr-Finals in 2007

was placed on administrative leave in the off season and was not allowed to come back to his office. Now, Cherry is back as the Hawks coach entering his second season.

The Hawks will return on offense, probably the best running back in South Texas: Phillip Fruge. The 5’10, 190 lb senior rushed for more 1,500 yards and was a factor in the Hawks win over Rowe by breaking lose in overtime to score the winning touchdown.

Other players to watch are OL Juan Cortez (6’1, 280lbs), and WR AJ Lopez (6’2, 185lbs) on offense. Sam Perez (5’11, 190lbs) will come is at quarterback to replace Sean Messick, who graduated in May 2008. Steven Mata should provide a big spark also at the running back slot.

The Hawks will open its season against a much improved Mission Veterans Memorial team on August 29th and then travel to Weslaco, HSSM’s top-rated team in South Texas on September 5th.

The Harlingen South Hawks begin district play with PSJA at PSJA Stadium on September 25th.

The Harlingen South Hawks have advanced to the Class 5A Division Regional finals in back-to-back seasons 2006 and 2007 under two head football coaches. PSJA Memorial has never made it to the Class 5A playoffs since its move up from Class 4A two years ago. The Hawks have made the postseason in 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2007.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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CLASS 5AAAAA /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,495

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

32

5

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Class 5A Bi-District Playoffs Division II in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

29 at Rio Grande City

5 Sharyland 12 La Joya HS 19 Open 26 at Harlingen

3 PSJA 10 Economedes 16 PSJA North 24 at Har South 30 at PSJA Mem

7 Edinburg

2007 Record 7-4 31-5A Finish: 4th District Record: 4-3

Head Coach: Roy Garza, 4th Year

Edinburg North

COUGARS

Returning Starters O/D: 5/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:24/32

(Edinburg, Texas)-Roy Garza, head coach of the Edinburg North Cougars could see another playoff appearance in 2008 with 24 returning players back on the sidelines. “This will be another year and I am looking forward to it too,” said Garza. Last year, the Cougars made it to the State 5A Division II Bi-District Championships, losing to Weslaco 62-49.

The Cougars started to turn heads in 2007 when they posted three wins in their first three games against Rio Grande City (20-15), Sharyland (2114), and Mission (35-21). The Cougars then went 1-2 in district play and had to regroup. Immediately, Garza led his team to three straight wins over Edinburg (49-14), PSJA North (23-7), and PSJA Memorial (14-7) to clinch a playoff spot.

Marco Adriana returns a several key positions on offense. He will be the Cougar to watch for in 2008, after being recorded with a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the High School Sports Magazine Football Combine in April.

On offense, OL Adan Garcia (6’3, 220lbs), OL Orlando Hinojosa (6’4,

225lbs), QB Michael Pacheco (5’10, 170lbs), and K Virgil Pena (5’11, 160lbs) will give this Edinburg North team reasons to contend for a playoff spot in 2008. New to the Edinburg North schedule in non-district play are the La Joya Coyotes on September 12th at home. The Courgars will then have an open week on September 19th before opening 31-5A district play at Harlingen Sept 26th.

Luis Del Rio

Ramiro Borrego

Marco Adriana

Victoriano Garza III

Johnny Hernandez

Adan Garcia

Playoff Records Team Facts

&

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,655 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 Open

SEPTEMBER

4 12 19 26

McAllen at Sharyland Weslaco at PSJA Mem

OCTOBER

2 9 17 23 31

Harlingen at PSJA Economedes at PSJA North Har South

NOVEMBER

7 Edinburg North

HSSM REPORTS

2007 Record 0-10 31-5A Finish: 7th District Record: 0-7

Head Coach: Joey Caceres, 2nd Year

Edinburg

BOBCATS

Returning Starters O/D: 8/3 Returning Lettermen R/L:18/16 (Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg Bobcats went 0-10 for the first time in school history under interim head coach Joey Caceres and after making it official in the off season, Caceres will take over as the new Edinburg Bobcat head football coach. Will the Bobcats be much improved in 2008? Yes. Caceres made some coaching changes and hopefully his new

Manny Menchaca

Eric Cuellar

Issac Escobar

David Guevara

Enrico Salinas

Justin Martinez

6

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

staff will continue the Bobcat tradition in 2008. Eight starters on offense return, along with eighteen lettermen.

The Bobcats will be under-sized as compared to other teams they will meet on the opposite field. Nevertheless, RB Aaron Torres (5’9, 160lbs), and RB Jeremy Salinas (5’9, 145lbs) will be counted on to run the offense.

Other players to watch will be linemen Erico Salinas, Justin Martinez, David Guevara, QB Issac Escobar, and WR Manny Menchaca.

The Bobcats gave up 334 points on defense in 2007, while scoring just 154 points. Caceres lost five games by less than seven points against Donna 14-21, San Benito 35-42, Sharyland 14-21, Economedes 17-24, and PSJA 24-31.

The Bobcats know that 2008 will be even more challenging as they open its season at home against McAllen on September 4th. Can the Bobcats get back to the win-column in 2008? Yes. Can the Bobcats make the playoffs in 2008? Maybe. The Bobcats will play five HSSM Top 12 teams this year and they must play defense, defense...

The Edinburg North Cougars have made the playoffs in 1992, 1994, 1996, 2001, and 2007. The Edinburg Bobcats first made the playoffs in 1936 when they played Corpus Christi in the Bi-District Class A championships. The only time the Bobcats advanced to the State 5A Division I semifinals was in 1999 under former head coach Robert Vela. The Bobcats lost to Houston Aldine Eisenhower 55-14.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 5AAAAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,495

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

34

7

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Missed Playoffs in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

29 at Donna

5 San Benito 13 Rivera 19 Open 26 at Economedes

3 PSJA Mem 10 Har South 16 at Ed North 23 Edinburg 31 at Harlingen

7 PSJA

2007 Record 5-5 31-5A Finish: T5th District Record: 3-4

Head Coach: Bruce Bush, 1st Year

PSJA North

RAIDERS

Returning Starters O/D: 7/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:18/22

(Pharr, Texas)-Forget about ranking the PSJA North Raiders in 2008. The rankings will not make a difference with Bruce Bush taking over as the new head coach. Regardless. Raiders fans will just have to buy their tickets and show their support for the black and silver. This will be an exciting time for the Raiders.

The PSJA Raiders lost head coach Orlando Garcia to the front offices to become the athletic director and then hired Bush to become the Raiders next head football coach.

The Raiders will see Noe Garcia (5’10, 175lbs) at quarterback teaming up with RB Ram Martinez (5’9, 175lbs). On defense, Andrew Villarreal brings plenty of experience in the secondary unit with his 89 tackles and 3 interceptions from 2007.

What adjustments will Raider head coach Bush make in 2008? Who knows. How will his team perform and execute in 2008? Only time will tell.

Bush will bring his 233 victories to PSJA North and he will make a difference, along with defensive coordinator Freddy Hernandez. Either way, it will

be a great beginning at PSJA North.

The Raiders open its season at Donna on August 29th in High School Sports Magazine’s Game of the Week, followed by two home games against San Benito and Brownsville Rivera.

Again, forget about the polls and its ranking in 2008. Beware...do not take the PSJA Raiders lightly in 2008.

Fabrian Martinez

Ram Martinez

Noe Garcia

Andrew Villarreal

Diego Fernandez

Jesus Alanis

Playoff Records Team Facts

&

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,384 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Bro Porter (Parents Night)

5 12 19 26

3 at Hgn South 6 PSJA Mem 10 Edinburg North 2007 Record 5-5 17 Edinburg 31-5A Finish: T5th 24 Harlingen 31 at PSJA District Record: 3-4

at McA Mem at Bro Lopez Open PSJA North

NOVEMBER

Head Coach: Oscar Salinas, 8th Year

Economedes

JAGUARS

Returning Starters O/D: 6/2 Returning Lettermen R/L:18/32 (Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg Economedes Jaguars have made the playoffs just once under head coach Oscar Salinas in 2003. Since then, the Jags have struggled year in, year out.

The Jags ended their 2007 football campaign with a 5-5 record but struggles on offense (16 ppg) and the 21 points given up by the Jag defense, kept Salinas and his team from making the playoffs. In 31-5A, the Jags lost to Edinburg North (22-16) and PSJA North (14-17) to end its quest for another return to the state playoffs.

Returning this season

HSSM REPORTS

8

31-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Missed Playoffs in 2007

will be six starters on offense. Quarterback Mark Barrientos (6’0, 165lbs), TE Carlos Fonseca (6’2, 220lbs), RB JD Perez (5’7, 170lbs), and newcomer, RB Gary Rodriguez (6’0, 190lbs) could give the Jags the fire power they have been looking for in the past years. If the Jags expect to make the climb to the state playoffs, they must make the climb up the polls one game at a time. Others Jags to watch are DB Francisco Vega, LB Jorge Mondragon, and DB Michael Garcia.

Cat Scratch Fever? Can head coach Oscar Salinas lead his Economedes Jaguars to the state playoffs. (HSSM IMages)

A tribute from HSSM to former head football coach Orlando Garcia, now PSJA Athletic Director, led the Raiders to the State 5A Division II Regional Semifinals in 2003. The Raiders lost to SA O’Connor 21-27.

Oscar Salinas is the only head football coach of the Edinburg Economedes Jaguars in his 8th year. The Jags have made the playoffs only once, in 2003, when they advanced to the State 5A Division II Area finals.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

35

They Said It

HSSMFANS

www.texashighschoolsportsmagazine.com

The Best Coverage

They do so much for high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley. Their website is filled with great articles. The 2008 RGV Preview of Football covers every high school with facts. Great research. High School Sports Magazine is the Best!

Tony Villarreal, Weslaco, Texas Weslaco HS head football coach

HSSM Represents One thing I like about HSSM is that they represent everybody. They scout. They keep in touch with coaches. They give credit where credit is due.

Joe Solis, Edcouch, Texas Ed-Elsa HS head football coach

Great Job

The more coverage and exposure for our players the better.

High School Sports Magazine is a high calibur-type of sports magazine. You guys do a great job. I’m glad you guys are here in South Texas.

Jaime Infante, Lyford, Texas Lyford HS head football coach

Tddave Knows Sports

Tddave knows sports. He is well informed with what’s going on in the Rio Grande Valley. You guys do a great job with providing great information. HSSM knows what’s up.

Rene Medrano, Brownsville, Texas Pace HS head football coach

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,414 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Open

5 Har South 12 Rio Grande City 19 at Edinburg 26 Los Fresnos

3 at Bro Pace 10 Bro Hanna 17 at Bro Porter 24 San Benito 31 Bro Rivera

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

7 at Bro Lopez

2007 Record 10-3 32-5A Finish: 2nd District Record: 6-1

Head Coach: Tony Villarreal, 4th Year

Weslaco

PANTHERS

Returning Starters O/D: 6/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:36/33

(Weslaco, Texas)-The Weslaco Panthers are probably thinking of the glory days when quarterback Bobby Lackey led the purple and white to the State 2A semifinals in 1955 when they defeated Sinton (27-14), Floresville (41-14), Nederland (26-7), before falling to Hillsboro 20-7. Since then, the Panthers have advanced only three-deep in the state playoffs, most recently in 2008. Head

Jimmy Montes

Jack Hanks

Omar Pena Jr

Eric Guzman

Jacob Chapa

Robert Donalson

1

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

2007 Class 5A Division II Reg-Qtr Finalist

coach Tony Villarreal enters his fourth season as head football coach and has led the Panthers to three state playoff appearances, each time, one step further, one step deeper into the state playoffs.

In 2007, the Panthers hosted the Class 5A Division II Regional quarterfinals against San Antonio Madison before some 12,000 fans on a cool Saturday afternoon. At one point, the Panthers led 38-35 but in the end, Madison would advance with a 59-42 victory.

The Panthers will be loaded on offense with the return of three-year starter Dylan De Leon at quarterback.

He passed for more than 1,200 yards and 21 tds in 2007 and on defense, two top HSSM performers, Melchor Valdes (6’3, 200lbs) and Jacob Chapa (6’1, 190lbs) will give quarterbacks a tough time. “These players have played a lot of 7-on-7 football this past summer,” says Villarreal.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,300 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

2

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

2007 Class 5A Division II Playoffs Regional-Qtrs

AUGUST

29 Open

PSJA at Mercedes Calallen at Weslaco

OCTOBER

3 9 17 24 30

Bro Rivera at Bro Lopez at San Benito Bro Pace at Bro Hanna

NOVEMBER

7 Bro Porter

2007 Record 10-3 32-5A Finish: 1st District Record: 7-0

Head Coach: Scott Ford, 6th Year

Los Fresnos

FALCONS

Returning Starters O/D: 6/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:20/25

(Los Fresnos, Texas)-It’s become a family tradition here in Los Fresnos for the past two seasons to do two things: win the 32-5A title and make it to the Class 5A Division I Regional Quarterfinals.

Head football coach Scott Ford has done a great job in this tiny town, located on Hwy 100, leading to Port Isabel. According to one source, “Hurricane Dolly flooded many homes in this area and damaged alot of homes too.” Either way, like Port Isabel, players just kept going to practice to play football.

Last year in the state playoffs, the Falcons held a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter over SA Reagan, but the Rattlers struck back with 22 points in the second period to seal the 49-22 victory.

The Falcons will return the “triplets” QB Danny Silva after he injured his ankle nine games into the season. At this point, he had passed for 1,502 yards and 14 tds. Also returning will be WR Charlie Rivas (750 yds) and running back Danny Mendez (2,000 yards, 21tds). Like the Dallas Cowboys, all three will spear-head a high-power offensive unit. The biggest key will be: Can the Falcons stop its opponents on offense? If so, then the

38

SEPTEMBER

5 12 19 26

Falcon defense must not allow points given up (263.0 ppg) per season. Defensive end Matthew Mendez (6’4, 230lbs) will lead his squad along with DB Estephan Wilson and LB Jacob Medina. The Falcons open its season at home on September 5th against PSJA followed by a trip to Mercedes (Sept 12) before coming home to play power-house, Corpus Christi Calallen on September 19th.

Danny Silva

Gabriel Quinoz Jr

Charlie Rivas

Joe Villarreal

Anthony Cadengo

Juan Buenrostro

Playoff Records Team Facts

&

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

Scouting

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School Enrollment: 2,676

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 Open

SEPTEMBER

5 12 19 26

at PSJA North Harlingen Open Bro Hanna

OCTOBER

3 11 17 24 31

at Bro Lopez at Bro Porter Los Fresnos at Weslaco Bro Pace

NOVEMBER

6 at Bro Rivera

HSSM REPORTS

2007 Record 7-4 32-5A Finish: 3rd District Record: 5-2

Head Coach: Mario Pena, 6th Year

San Benito

GREYHOUNDS

Returning Starters O/D: 9/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:22/17

(San Benito, Texas)-Now that his hip is intact and his leg is healed from last year’s strange occurrence on the sidelines, head coach Mario Pena is making sure that he stays clear from practice plays. “My leg is healed from the femur-bone accident when some of my players fell on it during practice,”says Pena. “At least I won’t be hoisted on a lift this season,” laughs Pena. The San Benito Greyhounds return

Angel Maldonado

Antonio Padilla

Angel Gonzalez

Edward Corkhill

Victor Trejo

Chris Tamez

3

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

2007 Class 5A Division II Bi-District Finalist

a solid nucleus on defense beginning with Class 5A All-Stater, Arturo Lopez. He had 163 tackles in 2007 and he will lead the defense along with Angel Maldonado, Edgar Perez, Victor Trejo, Angel Gonzalez, and Chris Tamez.

Brandon Marquez takes over at quarterback and he will try to lead his team back to the playoffs in 2008.

Last year, the Greyhounds won seven games and then lost in the Class 5A Division II bi-district playoffs. The Greyhounds averaged 33.0 points per game and allowed a stingy 17 points per night.

In practice, the Greyhounds look solid and Pena can be seen leading his team on every play. “I’m staying clear from the run. My leg is feeling better,” he laughs.

The Greyhounds will play Los Fresnos on October 17th at home, followed by another much anticipated match up at Weslaco on October 24th.

Both games could be for the 32-5A District title. But first, the Greyhounds will open its season against PSJA North on September 5th.

The San Benito Greyhounds have made the playoffs in 1931, ‘42, ‘48, ‘57, ‘61, ‘90, ‘92, ‘93, ‘95, ‘98, ‘99, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06, and 2007. Pena led the Greyhounds to the State 5A Division II Regional Semifinals in 2004 against Smithson Valley. The Los Fresnos Falcons have been to the third round of the state playoffs, in back-to-back seasons with head coach Scott Ford in 2006 and 2007 in Class 5A Division I.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

School Enrollment: 3,141 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

40

4

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Missed Playoffs in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

28 Sharyland

4 La Joya 12 at Har South 21 Open 26 at San Benito

4 Bro Porter 10 at Weslaco 16 Bro Rivera 24 at Bro Lopez 30 Los Fresnos

8 at Bro Pace

2007 Record 1-9 32-5A Finish: T7th District Record: 1-6

Head Coach: Tom Chavez, 2nd Year

Brownsville Hanna

EAGLES

Returning Starters O/D: 7/9 Returning Lettermen R/L:24/8

(Brownsville, Texas)-Practicing along the Resaca river ensures that the Brownsville Hanna Eagles will have greener pastures to play on during the dog-days of summer in August. “We have one volunteer that manages our football practice fields and he has done a great job,” says second-year head coach Tom Chavez.

The Golden Eagles return seven starters on offense and nine on defense after finishing the 2007 season in 7th place with a 1-9 record and defensively, they gave up 427 points. The Golden Eagles’ only win of the year was against its sister school Brownsville Rivera (26-14).

Hanna should return to the state playoffs in 2008, its first since 2001, when they played La Joya in the Class 5A Division I bi-district championships.

At quarterback, Noe Santibanez (6’2, 200lbs) returns after passing for 1,200 yards and eight tds. Also back on offense will be WR Anthony Garza (6’2, 175lbs) and TE Mario Molina (6’0, 200lbs). Both players should be huge targets for Santibanez. On defense, DB Ramesh Rammarine, DL Omar Olvera,

LB Johnathon Gonzalez, and LB Gustavo Castillo return with plenty of experience. The Hanna Eagles will be tested early as they host Sharyland on August 28th and La Joya on September 4th at Sams Stadium. They will travel to Harlingen South on Sept. 12th and then travel to San Benito on Sept. 26th in their district opener in 32-5A. The Eagles will be the team to beat in Brownsville.

Anthony Garza

Enrique Saldana

Gustavo Calvillo

Johnathon Gonzalez

Noe Santibanez

Omar Olvera

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

Scouting

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School Enrollment: 2,402

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 at Economedes

SEPTEMBER

5 Palmview HS 11 at McA Rowe 21 La Joya Palmview 25 Bro Pace

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

4 at Bro Hanna 11 San Benito 17 Weslaco 23 at Bro Rivera 31 Bro Lopez

7 at Los Fresnos

HSSM REPORTS

2007 Record 2-8 32-5A Finish: 6th District Record: 2-5

Head Coach: Robert Valdez, 2nd Year

Brownsville Porter

COWBOYS

Returning Starters O/D: 9/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:22/17

(Brownsville, Texas)-Head coach Robert Valdez enjoys his 65-mile drive from McAllen to Brownsville each day to coach his Porter Cowboys. He says it gives him time “to think”. Valdez enters his second season as the 5A head football coach and after winning two games last year, this program will return with nine starters on offense. This will be a much improved Cowboy team in 2008. If

Javi Cantu

Andrew Soldat

David Gonzalez

Jesus Quinos

Jesus Arteaga

Aldo E. Vazquez

5

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

the Cowboys expect to make the playoffs this season, they must find ways to score on offense. Against Los Fresnos, San Benito, and Weslaco, they were outscored 24-132. All three games were back to back in three consecutive weeks.

Despite the three losses, the Cowboys almost made it to the state playoffs after posting wins over Pace (31-10) and Hanna (59-28) to end its season at 2-5 in district play. Missing the playoffs by one game.

Adrian Moya (1,324 yards, 11 tds) returns at quarterback, along with WR Sal Sanchez (420 yards rec), RB Jesus Quiroz (717 yards, 8tds), and new comer RB Ramiro Aguilar. On the offensive line, Eddie Cerda, Fernando Ceballos, Gilbert Salinas, and Encarnacion Hernandez return to give the Cowboys balance on offense.

Losses to Brownsville Rivera and Lopez spoiled Valdez’s chances of making the post season in 2007. The Cowboys have been to the playoffs only once in its school’s history when they lost to Gregory Portland in the Class 4A Division II Bi-District game.

Brownsville Hanna is the oldest high school in Brownsville. The Golden Eagles first made the playoffs in 1933 as a Class A school. The Eagles have also made the playoffs in 1939, ‘45, ‘51, ‘62, ‘69, ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘00, and 2001. For almost 24 years, the Eagles had not made the football playoffs until again, in 1993.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,658 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

42

6

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Class 4A Bi-District Playoffs Division I in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Open

5 at RGC 12 at McA Mem 18 PSJA Mem 25 at Bro Porter

2 10 18 24 31

NOVEMBER

Weslaco 8 Bro Hanna at Bro Rivera 2007 Record 3-8 Bro Lopez at Los Fresnos 32-5A Finish: T4th at San Benito District Record: 3-4

Head Coach: Rene Medrano, 11th Year

Brownsville Pace

VIKINGS

Returning Starters O/D: 5/7 Returning Lettermen R/L:24/22

(Brownsville, Texas)-Head football coach Rene Medrano enters his 11th season with the Pace Vikings. He watched his team make the playoffs in 2007 in a wild slugfest with Brownsville Lopez on November 9th for the final playoff spot. The Vikings prevailed, winning 37-24 to clinch with a playoff spot with one of the state’s worst records at 3-7.

The Vikings were lucky in 2007, but head coach Medrano is always optimistic about playing football in the fall. “You can never give up. The opportunities will come on any given night,” says Medrano. For a team that gave up 362 points in 11 games, the Vikings find themselves looking for a playoff spot in 2008 again.

Returning on offense are five starters with seven starters back on defense.

While many fans expect the Vikings to surge back into the playoffs, due in part to the 24 lettermen returning, Medrano would like to see his improve on defense. “We need to quit giving up points on Friday nights,” says Medrano. “We will be much improved. The players have worked hard this sum-

mer.” Frank Lamas will take over at quarterback with RB Gabriel Soto, WR Michael Putzel, and FB Danny Aguirre returning. On defense, Rodrigo Tostado (6’2, 180lbs) returns with three interceptions in the backfield to pose as a threat on defense. The Vikings play at Rio Grande City on September 5th and will open 32-5A play against Porter on September 25th at Sams Stadium.

Gabriel Soto

Clemente Rodriguez

Rene Sosa

Frank Lamas

Joe Soto

Joe Vega

Playoff Records Team Facts

&

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,658 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 Open

SEPTEMBER

6 PSJA Mem 12 Economedes 19 at Wes East 26 at Bro Rivera

OCTOBER

3 9 18 24 31

San Benito Los Fresnos at Bro Pace Bro Hanna at Bro Porter

2007 Record 4-6 32-5A Finish: T4th District Record: 3-4

Head Coach: Valentin Montemayor, 11th Year

Brownsville Lopez

LOBOS

(Brownsville, Texas)- “We are a young team this year but I think we will be competitive in 2008,” says head coach Valentin Montemayor, now entering his 11th season with Brownsville Lopez High School. Montemayor has watched his school win the 2004 Class 4A State title in Soccer and if the football team can do the same in 2008, the Lobos will be contenders in 32-5A. But like Montemayor

George Rivas

Danny Perez

George Silva

7

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH

Returning Starters O/D: 5/3 Returning Lettermen R/L:16/17

Aviel Vasquez

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

7 Weslaco HS

Frank Lopez

Missed Playoffs in 2007

said, “We are a young team.” HSSM made the trip to this school located in the deep outskirts of Brownsville, Texas to witness his practices in the off-season. And he was right too. The Lobos are young.

On offense, quarterbacks George Silva and Danny Perez will both lead an offense that went 3-4 in 32-5A last season and gave up 371 points on defense.

Players to watch are OL Aaron Lucio, OL Juan Alvarez, and WR Frank Lopez on offense. On defense, LB Pillip Longoria, LB George Riva, DE Robert Cepeda, and SS Jerry Lopez will team up to help eliminate the high scoring outings on Friday nights.

Against Weslaco, the Lobos scored 45 points on offense, despite losing 6945 and then went 2-1 in its final three games of the season, and still missed the post season.

The Brownsville Lopez Lobos will open its season against a tough PSJA Memorial squad picked to meet the playoffs in 31-5A. The Lobos play at Brownsville Rivera on September 26th in its district opener.

Robert Cepeda

Brownsville Hanna is the oldest high school in Brownsville. The Golden Eagles first made the playoffs in 1933 as a Class A school. The Eagles have also made the playoffs in 1939, ‘45, ‘51, ‘62, ‘69, ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘00, and 2001. For almost 24 years, the Eagles had not made the football playoffs until again, in 1993.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 2,189 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

44

8

32-5AAAAA PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Open

5 at Donna 13 at PSJA North 19 at McA Rowe 26 Bro Lopez

3 at Los Fresnos 6 San Benito 10 Bro Pace 2007 Record 1-9 16 at Bro Hanna 32-5A Finish: T7th 23 Bro Porter 31 at Weslaco HS District Record: 1-6

NOVEMBER

Head Coach: Jim Helms, 2nd Year

Brownsville Rivera

Red Raiders Returning Starters O/D: 3/3 Returning Lettermen R/L:15/20

(Brownsville, Texas)-Second-year head coach Jim Helms played three seasons for the University of Texas Longhorns from 1964-66 at the running back position. A rich tradition he now brings to Brownsville Rivera. Hopefully, these group of players are Texas Longhorn fans too.

In 2007, the Raiders gave up 34 points on defense and managed only 15 points scored on offense per night in Helms first year as head coach. The once-dominant team of Brownsville has fallen on tough times since the departure of former head coach Tom Chavez, who is now at Brownsville Hanna HS. One coach told HSSM that “We need better facilities here at Rivera if we expect to compete.” With less than 40 players listed on the roster, Helms has listed Jayson Sanchez (6’0, 175lbs) at quarterback to team up with wide receivers Richard Reyes, Trey Serna, Richard Flores, and Aaron Pedraza.

On defense, DT Arnold Gracia (6’3, 280lbs) will anchor a more experienced squad, including linebackers Marcos Davila, Roland Garcia, Abra-

ham Olivarez, and Frank Cardenas. After finishing last in 2007, the Rivera Raiders can only improve each week. They will open its season with three road games at Donna, PSJA North, and McAllen Rowe, before coming home for its first 32-5A game against Brownsville Lopez on September 26th. Rivera lost to Lopez 25-39 in the last game of the 2007 campaign.

Frank Cardenas

Marcos Davila

Jesse Cisneros

Josse Govea

Roland Garcia

Trey Serna

Playoff Records Team Facts

&

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

InsideSPORTS Jason O. Martinez Ultimate Speed School Director B.B.A., C.P.T.

Prevent Muscle

Cramps

Football season is here!

How many times do you see players get muscle cramps during the game? It happens quite often.

Muscle cramps are very common as recognized as an involuntary contraction of a muscle that doesn’t relax. Cramps can occur in any skeletal muscle, but are most common in the legs and feet and muscles that cross two joints (the calf muscle, for example). Cramps can involve part of a muscle or all the muscles in a group.

The most commonly affected muscle groups are: •Back of lower leg/calf.

•Back of thigh.

•Front of thigh.

•Feet, hands, arms, abdomen Muscle cramps range in intensity from a slight twitch or tic to severe pain.

“Many athletes should drink plenty of water before engaging a physical activity and stay hydrated during the duration of the game”...

For more on Muscle Cramps go to www.hssmonline.net then return several times before they go away entirely.

Causes of Muscle Cramps The exact cause of muscle cramps is unknown, but many experts think it is related to poor flexibility, muscle fatigue or doing new activity.

Other factors associated with muscle cramps include exercising in extreme heat, dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Cramps are more common during exercise in the heat because sweat contains fluids as well as electrolyte (salt, potassium, magnesium and calcium).

When these nutrients fall to certain levels; the incidence of muscle spasms increases.

Athletes are more likely to get cramps in the preseason when the body is not conditioned and therefore more subject to fatigue. Cramps often develop near the end of intense or prolonged exercise, or the night after. The most common is dehydration.

Many athletes should drink plenty of water before engaging a physical activity A cramped muscle can feel and stay hydrated during rock-hard and last a few the duration of the game. seconds to several minutes or Sport drinks are okay but longer. It is not uncommon should only drink when you for cramps to ease up and are sweating a lot and not

> If you have a comment for Jason Martinez, send it to hssmonline@yahoo.com

drinking enough water, to help replenished lost nutrients from sweating.

Cramps usually go away on their own without treatment, but these tips will help speed the process: •Stop the activity that causes the cramp.

•Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle.

Prevention of Muscle Cramps •Improve fitness and avoid muscle fatigue •Drink plenty of water before physical activity, and stay hydrated during the game •Stretch regularly after exercise. Warm up before exercise •Stretch the calf muscle •Stretch the hamstring muscle •Stretch the Quadriceps muscle Most muscle cramps are not serious.

If your muscle cramps are severe, frequent, constant or of concern, see your doctor.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 1,414 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

46

1

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 4A Bi-District Playoffs Division II in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

30 Port Lavaca Calhoun Alamodome Dave Campbell’s Football Classic

5 12 19 26

OCTOBER

3 at Mission Vets 10 Ed-Elsa 17 at Roma 24 Weslaco East 31 at Valley View

at La Feria Los Fresnos Open Mission

NOVEMBER

7 La Joya Juarez

2007 Record 6-5 32-4A Finish: 2nd District Record: 4-2

Head Coach: Gilbert Leal, 4th Year

Mercedes

TIGERS

Returning Starters O/D: 7/4 Returning Lettermen R/L:22/23

(Mercedes, Texas)-In only his fourth season at Mercedes as the head football coach, Gilbert Leal has revived a football program that had lost it lackluster. Now with new uniforms and a new “M” on the helmet, the Tigers will be set to compete for the district title in 32-4A. “This will be the year of expectations,” says Leal. “The fans will be hungrier, this community breathes football again,” added Leal.

Returning at quarterback will be Albert Chavez (6’2, 190lbs) and running backs Alex Trevino (5’11, 170lbs) and Israel Vela (5’7, 170lbs). Vela rushed for almost 800 yards in 2008, and Trevino added another 1,100 yards with 18 tds. This tandem will give the Tigers a strong threat on the ground, the best that they have seen in recent years. Most importantly, the Tigers are well-balanced if they choose to go to the air. “Chavez is talented and he can throw the ball,” adds Leal. Chavez passed for more than 1,000 yards last season.

On defense, the Tigers hope that LB Jorge Salas and DE Jesus Martinez will stop the run and points scored

(21pts) per game. The Tigers accepted an invitation to play in the Dave Campbell’s Football Classic at the Alamodome on August 30th against state-ranked Port Lavaca-Calhoun. “Fans have been talking about this game all summer long. This will be exciting,” says Leal. The Tigers open district play against Mission at home on September 26th.

Jacob Noriega

Albert Chavez

Rick Izaguirre Jr

Jose Salas

Jesus Martinez

Galileo Campos

Playoff Records Team Facts

&

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

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Scouting

School Enrollment: 1,560 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 CC Calallen in Corpus Christi, Tx

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

5 at Harlingen 12 Port Isabel 19 Open 27 at Weslaco East

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

3 Valley View 10 at Mercedes 17 Mission 24 at Mission Vets 31 at LJ Juarez-Lincoln

7 Roma

2007 Record 10-2 32-4A Finish: 1st District Record: 6-0

Head Coach: Joe Solis,6th Year

Edcouch-Elsa

YELLOWJACKETS

Returning Starters O/D: 8/9 Returning Lettermen R/L: 28/12 (Edcouch, Texas)-The Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets won its sixth consecutive 32-4A title in 2007 and with much controversy too.

After the season, several board members wanted to oust the highly-successful coach “for no reason” says Solis. “This was hard on my family but I believed in God and he answered my prayers,” added Solis. Now stands another quest besides a district title: a

Erik Nino

Brandon Reyna

Joseph Garcia

Jorge Vargas

Artie Tanguma

2

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 4A Division II Area Finalist in 2007

state championship in Class 4A. Can the Yellowjackets achieve this? Solis thinks so. “This is the best team that I have had the chance to coach since I have been here,” said Solis.

Returning on offense are QB Erick Nino (6’2, 195lbs), TE Artie Tanguma (6’5, 275lbs), WR Alex Cisneros, RB Roger Garcia (5’7, 175lbs), WR Jesse Jalomo, kicker Miguel Garcia. On defense, the Jackets will be stronger. In 2007, they allowed 18 points per game, with DT Luis Garcia, LB Tony Sanchez, DT John Castillo, and LB Brandon Reyna playing hard-nose football.

In the off-season, Roger Garcia transferred and enrolled at Lyford HS but then enrolled back in Edcouch-Elsa recently.

The last time the Yellowjackets advanced deep in the playoffs was back in 1997, when they played host to Corpus Christi Calallen at McAllen Memorial Stadium in the State 4A Division II Quarterfinals.

The Jackets will open their season at Calallen on August 29th and then travel again to Harlingen on September 5th.

Alex Cisneros

Edcouch-Elsa have made the state playoffs since 1948, when they first played Benavides, losing 186. Since 1990, the Jackets have been in the state playoffs every season. Mercedes won its first state playoff game the first time they made it in 1932 by defeating Sinton 27-0 in the bi-district championships. The Tigers also won a Class 2A Regional title in 1957 by defeating Taft 25-0.

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School Enrollment: 1,822 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

3

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 4A Bi-District Playoffs Division I in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 Hidalgo

5 Open 12 at La Feria 19 Bro Lopez 26 Ed-Elsa

OCTOBER

3 at Roma 9 LJ Juarez-Lincoln 17 Valley View 24 at Mercedes 30 Mission

NOVEMBER

6 at Mission Vets

2007 Record 4-7 32-4A Finish: T3rd District Record: 3-3

Head Coach: Armando Cuellar Jr, 7th Year

Weslaco East

WILDCATS

Returning Starters O/D: 9/7 Returning Lettermen R/L:21/13

(Weslaco, Texas)-Weslaco East Wildcat head coach Armando Cuellar started this program seven years ago when the school first opened in 2000 and just last year, Cuellar finally led the Wildcats to the State 4A Division I Bi-District championships before losing to Flour Bluff 27-31.

Cuellar watched his team overcome several key losses to Mission (22-24), and Edcouch-Elsa (21-28). Both losses had the Wildcats scrambling for a playoff spot up to the last week of the season. Will they do it again in 2007?

Yes. The Wildcats return nine starters back on offense and seven on defense. The district’s top rusher, Andrew Alvarado (1,724, 15tds) returns with FB Ricky Alaniz (5’8, 190lbs) along with WR/RB John D. Cuellar (5’8, 145lbs).

Offensive linemen Justin Castillo (6’2, 275lbs), Rolando Segura (5’11,

260lbs), Catarino Salazar (5’11, 250lbs), and Abraham Trejo (6’1, 260lbs) will give the Wildcats a huge line up front. This experience will give QB Jose Gonzalez (6’0, 190lbs) time to lead his team in 2008. On defense, Sergio Dominguez (6’0, 170lbs) led the team with 73 tackles in 2007. The Wildcats will open at home against Hidalgo on August 29th.

Ricky Alaniz

Sergio Dominguez

Tony Rodriguez

Rolando Segura

Justin Castillo

Devin Ybarra

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 1,889 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 at Harlingen South

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

5 Nikki Rowe 12 at Alice 19 Open 26 at Valley View

6 Weslaco East

2007 Record 4-5 32-4A Finish: T3rd District Record: 3-3

Head Coach: Carlos Longoria, 5th Year

Mission Veterans

PATRIOTS

Returning Starters O/D: 4/7 Returning Lettermen R/L: 26/26 (Mission, Texas)-Two games, two losses kept the Mission Veteran Memorial Patriots out of the playoffs in 2007. “It’s heart breaking,” said Carlos Longoria, head coach of the Patriots after watching his team lose to Weslaco East (27-34) and Edcouch-Elsa (17-21) in the last two games of the season. The Pats stood at 3-1 in 32-4A after posting wins over Roma, Mission, and Valley View

Josh Gonzales

Favian Torres

Johnathon Gilpin

Hector Cavazos

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

4 Mercedes 10 Mission 17 at LJ Juarez-Lincoln 24 Ed-Elsa 31 at Roma

David Rodriguez

William Gonzalez

4

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

High School with just two games left on the schedule.

The Patriots could contend for one of three playoff spots in 32-4A, but with Edcouch-Elsa, Mercedes, and Weslaco East back with more experience, expect a shootout to the end. Returning on offense will be QB Rick Alavardo (145-233, 2,077 yds, 14tds) and WR Johnathon Gilpin (5’11, 170lbs). Gilpin caught 20 passes for almost 500 yards last year. Running back Gilbert Herenandez could see more action but with the Pats high-power spread offense, Hernandez will use his 5’4 size to sneak around when opponents least expect it.

The Patriots will play a tough preseason schedule, beginning with Harlingen South, followed by McAllen Nikki Rowe, and Alice. On defense, LB Joshua Gonzales, DE Marco Moreno, DT George Gomez, and DT Ricky Perez will try to lessen the points scored (230pts) in 2007.

The season will wind down with the Patriots hosting Weslaco East on November 6th and don’t be surprised if the game will determine the final playoff spot again in 2008.

The Mission Patriots have made the playoffs just once in its school history in 2004, when they lost to Gregory-Portland in the Class 4A Division II bi-district game 77-0. Weslaco East made school history in 2007 by advancing to the post season for the first time. They almost beat Flour Bluff (2731). Armando Cuellar Jr. has been the only head coach at Weslaco East.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

49

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 4AAAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 1,724 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

50

5

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 Laredo United 5 South 12 19 26

OCTOBER

Open Zapata Laredo Martin LJ Juarez-Lincoln

3 10 17 23 31

NOVEMBER 7 at Ed-Elsa

Weslaco East at Valley View Mercedes at Mission Mission Vets

2007 Record 1-9 32-4A Finish: T6th District Record: 1-5

Head Coach: Max Habecker, 2nd Year

Roma

GLADIATORS Returning Starters O/D: 9/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:35/13

(Roma, Texas)-The hill country of this wild west town of less than 8,000 in population is a thriving community of football-crazed fans. Thirty-five lettermen return from last year’s 1-9 team in Max Habecker’s first season as head coach. Quarterback Edward Sheilbein (6’0, 185lbs) returns to give the Galdiators a potent offense operating from the “shotgun.” Sheilbein will have Ronnie Garza (6’2, 195lbs), and Oscar Pompa (6’3, 180lbs) at the wide receivers slot with height and speed.

All three will give defenses trouble on football night.

While it may still be a little premature to say that the Gladiators will make the post season for the first time in school history in 2008, Habecker thinks that this could be the year. “We have nine starters back on offense and six on defense. These players have worked hard in the off season,” says the second-year coach. The Gladiators lost to Falfurrias (6-7), Zapata (20-28), Mission Veterans Memorial (21-28), and Weslaco East (13-20) in 2007. “We had our chances but the players were still getting used to this

new offense,” says Habecker.

Roma will open its season at home against Laredo United South and they will have to wait till September 26th to begin the 32-4A season at home against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, the newest addition to the district.

If the Roma Gladiators expect to make

the playoffs they will have to find a way to stop opponents from scoring heavily (276 pts) and add more points of their own (119 pts) in 2008. The Gladiators will be dangerous and they will contend for a playoff slot.

Ronnie Garza III

Olmedo Perez

Gustavo Garza

Adan Cortez

Eduardo Rodriguez

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 1,606 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 Open

4 12 19 26

3 9 17 24 31

Hidalgo at LJ Palmview CC Miller Roma

at Mission at Wes East Mission Vets at Valley View Ed-Elsa

Head Coach: Tom Lee, 6th Year

NOVEMBER

7 at Mercedes

HSSM REPORTS

2007 Record 0-0 32-4A Finish: 1st season District Record: 0-0

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln

HUSKIES

6

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH First Season

(La Joya, Texas)-Aaron Garcia was named the new La Joya HS Juarez-Lincoln head coach in 2008. The mascot, Huskies will sport the colors and uniforms from Ohio State in District 32-4A. Garcia has spent much of his summer dealing with the transfers from La Joya High School, since it was split up in three-ways in May. “It has not been easy but I’m excited with getting this program started,” says Garcia.

The Huskies have much experience in the running back slot with Jose Bocanegra (5’9, 175lbs) and DE Jose Gonzalez (5’11, 190lbs), will provide the much needed leadership on defense. Jose Santos will play both ways at the defensive end and tight end positions. “We have plenty of experience,” says Garcia. The Huskies will open its season at home against Hidalgo, and then they will play its sister new school, the La Joya Palmview Lobos on September 12th. All home games will be played at La Joya Stadium.

Other players to watch will be Eddie Garcia (6’0, 195lbs) at linebacker followed by DT Sergio Cuellar, DL Anthony Ochoa, and DE Joel Resendez.

Ready for Kickoff! Pictured are Aaron Garcia, head coach with Joe Gonzalez, Jose Santos, and Jose Bocanegra.

(HSSM IMages)

The Roma Gladiators have not made the state playofs in football in its school history. Head coach Max Habecker became the school’s seventh head coach in 2007. Aaron Garcia begins his career as head coach for the La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies. This will be Garcia’s first stint as head coach in football at the varsity level.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

51

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 4AAAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 1,128 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

52

7

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 at Progreso

5 Port Isabel 12 at Raymondville 19 Open 26 Mission Vets

OCTOBER

3 10 17 24 31

at Ed-Elsa Roma at Weslaco East LJ Juarez-Lincoln Mercedes

NOVEMBER

7 Mission

2007 Record 1-9 32-4A Finish: T6th District Record: 1-5

Head Coach: David Evans, 2nd Year

Valley View

TIGERS

Returning Starters O/D: 7/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:19/13

(Pharr, Texas)-Driving back from a Friday night game on October 26th, the radio waves of KBGT 1530 shock the Valley as Mr. Ni Fu Ni Fa blurted out the biggest upset in Rio Grande Valley football history: Mercedes 6 Valley View 7! Head coach Dave Evans told HSSM that “we can win some games in 2007” and he was right too.

The Tigers won one.

In Valley View’s debut in 32-4A back in 2006, the Tigers went 0-10 but Evans brought home the Tigers its first win in school history. Now the Tigers begin its third season in 32-4A behind the talents of transfer QB Colton Brownson. Unproven, but talented, the (6’0, 175lbs) junior could surprise many 32-4A teams in 2008. He can run and pass. He’s very athletic.

On the offensive line, Jose Molina (5’6, 265lbs), Leo Ramirez (6’2, 255lbs), and Jorge Herrera (6’1 , 270lbs) will provide Brownson the needed protection so that he can find juniors TE Andre Evans (5’10, 220lbs) and RB Miguel Mata open for the big plays. Mata rushed for 953 yards in

six games. The biggest problem the Tigers will need to overcome is giving up big points to its opponents. Last year the Tigers allowed 368 points scored, including lopsided losses to Hidalgo (0-69), Port Isabel (0-44), and Mission Veterans Memorial (0-35). The Tigers open their season at Progreso on August 29th and will host Port Isabel on September 5th in non-district action.

Colton Brownson

Jorge Herrera

Andre Evans

Nathan Farias

Andrew Rivera

Juan Medina

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------School Enrollment: 2,071

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 Flour Bluff

6 12 19 26

OCTOBER

at SA McCollum at PSJA Mem Open at Mercedes

3 LJ Juarez-Lincoln 10 MissionVets 17 at Ed-Elsa 23 Roma 30 at Wes East

NOVEMBER

7 Valley View

2007 Record 3-7 32-4A Finish: T3rd District Record: 3-3

Head Coach: Tom Lee, 6th Year

Mission

EAGLES

Returning Starters O/D: 6/7 Returning Lettermen R/L: 24/23 (Mission, Texas)-Head coach Tom Lee would love to forget his horrible 2007 football start, but Eagles fans still remind him about his four straight losses, especially his season opening loss to Progreso 6-7. The Eagles posted seven losses last year and logged wins over Roma, Weslaco East, and Valley View. This year will be no different.

Returning on offense will be linemen Mario Resendez (6’2, 285lbs), Jesus Alvarez (6’2, 270lbs), along with JP Gonzalez (5’7, 140lbs) in the wide receiver slot. The Eagles will encounter early set backs until Coach Lee finds a quarterback that

HSSM REPORTS

8

32-4AAAA

PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

can step up and lead the Eagles. On paper, Lee has Gilbert Gonzalez penciled in at the QB spot, but also says that Joey Guzman could see some playing time. The Eagles will open at home against Flour Bluff on August 29th and will then make the long trip to San Antonio, Texas to play SA McCollum on September 6th. Looks like the Eagles will be in for a long season again.

Flyin’ High! The Mission Eagles hope to make the playoffs in 2008.

(HSSM IMages)

Valley View HS recorded its first win in school history by defeating Mercedes 7-6 in 2007. Mission shocked by 32-3A Progreso 7-6 in 2007. The Mission Eagles made it to the State 5A Semifinals in 1990 under former head coach Sonny Detmer. The Eagles played Houston Aldine in the Astrodome in Houston, Texas before some 35,000 fans. Detmer is now the head football coach at Somerset HS of 27-3A. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

53

SUPER TEAM OFFENSE 54 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

AlexTrevino

RB

ArtieTanguma

Ed-Elsa H.S.

The fastest man alive from the Rio Grande Valley in the 200 meters. Rushed for more than 2,200 yards in two seasons and placed third in the 2007 UIL State 4A 200meters.

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Head coach Joe Solis says this is the best team he’s coached. Aaron is well-rounded and has great hands.

PhillipFruge

4.5

RB

6’5

AaronJackson

4.9

WR

Donna H.S.

Rushed for more than 1,500 yards in 2007 and led team to the State 5A Regional Semifinals in 2007. 1st team all-district performer in 2007.

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Unproven. Expectations are high. Wants to attend UTSA, Baylor, or the Univesrity of Texas. Major: Arch-Engineering

175lbs

4.7

RB

AndrewAlvardo

6’3

5’8

165lbs

4.7

OL 225lbs

DannyLeal

4.7

OL 6’3

305lbs

5.2

He is a senior and Top 20 student at 17 years old. Unproven but coach says he has “stepped up” in 2008. Coach says he is a Division I player.

MarcoGomez

OL

Harlingen H.S.

Santa Rosa H.S.

Unproven but has the potential to lead a great offensive line. Honorable mentioned in 2007 from 32-5A. Wants to attend TCU, Oklahoma State, or Hawaii.

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Led team to the State 2A Quarterfinals in 2007.

Voted 32-2A Newcomer of the year.

6’3

255lbs

5.2

QB Weslaco H.S. 6’0

175lbs

<10

6’3

295lbs

SergioCastillo

4.7

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Three-year starter.

Led Panthers to the State 5A Region IV Semifinals in Division II. Big-Play Maker.

1,200 yds passing/21 tds

ErikNino Ed-E

Rio Grande City H.S.

4.9

OL

190lbs

200 SUPER

All-Sout

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Garza is smart and has great moves and vision on the field. 2nd team all-district performer; 1st in 800 Meter Relay team.

A deep-snapper, was honorable mentioned in 2007 in 315A. Led team to the State 5A Bi-District Playoffs. “Stronger and dedicated,” says North Coach Roy Garza.

TylerCliffton

WR 6’2

Edinburg North HS 6’4

4.7

Roma H.S.

Rushed for 1,724 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. Led Wildcats to its first-ever State 4A playoff appearance in 2007.

OrlandoHinojosa

225lbs

RonnieGarza

Weslaco East H.S.

<G

255lbs

Harlingen South 5’9

DylanDeLeon

TE

Mercedes H.S. 5’11 175lbs

www.hssms

<20

K /FG

La Joya H.S. 5’9

5.0

175lbs

4.7

MV

2008 Pre

Ed-Elsa H.S. 6’

Passed for 1,425 yards and ru more than 25 tds in 2007. Led to the State 4A Division II Are

DustyAlejo

A

He could play for any Top College Team in the Nation.

He’s the real deal. He has the GPA too. Set RGV record with 58-yard FG against SA/ Converse-Judson in 2007.

<30

Knapp Medical Pla 1330 East 6th Stre Weslaco, Texas 78

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

55

scout.com ArnoldGracia

DL

RamiroCavazos

Brownsville Rivera H.S. 6’3

283lbs

McAllen Memorial

5.1

6’3

The best kept secret in 32-5A. He’s aggressive. He’s a team leader. He’s quick off the line.

He will give running backs and quarterbacks problems.

08 RTEAM

th Texas

Elsa HS

QB

MatthewMendez

DL

ReySolis

DL PSJA Memorial

32-5A All-District performer at defensive-end. He is president of the of FCA. He will be hard to defend. Quarterbacks should be worried.

31-5A All-District performer at defensive-tackle. Solis should be excited about having a new coach. Wants to attend UTSA or Texas State University.

6’4

AlonzoGarza Jr

225lbs

4.7

DL/LB

6’3

ArturoLopez

195lbs

6’0

RodrigoTostado

’3 190lbs 4.7

Raymondville

All-Purpose Player 5’10 175lb

4.5

2007 32-3A All-District player and played WR last season. He is a threat in punt returns, kickoffs. Possible 3A All-State candidate.

aza eet, Suite 105 8596 956.447.9797

FS/CB

Weslaco H.S. 6’3

200lbs

6’3

MarkGarcia

FS/DB

4.7

DB/SS 6’0

170lbs

4.7

Probably the most physically fit player at his position. He’s a threat. He’s smart. Has great vision in the backfield.

JesusVargas

175lbs 4.6

A 30-5A all-district selection had 2 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries, and 45 tackles in 2007.

Will be a threat on defense.

30>

185lbs

PSJA H.S.

4.8

Sharyland H.S. 5’11

DB/FS

Quarterbacks will avoid throwing to Tostado. In 2007, he ran back three INTs for scores. He was voted 32-5A Newcomer of the Year too.

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Quarterbacks already avoid throwing to his area.

He will play rover looking for ways to sneak up on receivers.

SeanPeterson

4.7

Brownsville Pace 4.8

A strong defender and returns to lead a defense that advanced to the state playoffs in 2007.

MelchorValdez

195lbs

2007 Class 5A All-Stater at DL. He will see some action at the linebacker position in 2007. He’s fast and aggressive.This could be his best position.

Hidalgo HS 5’11 185lbs

4.9

San Benito H.S.

4.7

LB

285lbs

DL/LB

Rio Hondo H.S.

NoelGarcia

ushed for 800 yards, scoring d Yellowjackets as a junior ea Finals.

5.1

30-5A All-District performer at defensive-tackle. Will be much improved in 2008.

Strong and physical coming off the ball.

2007 Class 3A All-Stater at DL. Made first selections AllValley, All-District, and will be looked upon for leadership.

Makes the big plays.

VP

280lbs

Los Fresnos H.S.

6’1

e-Season

DL

20>

Punter Donna H.S. 6’3

195lbs

4.7

A potential all-state selection in 2008. Probably the best punter in the state of Texas.

Hangtime: 4.6 Punting Average: 55.0 yds Division I Prospect

10>

G>

CLASS 3AAA /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE School Enrollment: 635 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

1

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 3A Division II Area finalists in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 at Robstown

5 at Cuero 12 Ingleside 19 Open 26 Zapata

NOVEMBER

7 at La Feria

2007 Record 11-1 32-3A Finish: 1st District Record: 4-0

Head Coach: Rocky James, 1st Year

Rio Hondo

BOBCATS

Returning Starters O/D: 8/5 Returning Lettermen R/L:23/20

(Rio Hondo, Texas)-Rocky James became the new head football coach and athletic director for the Rio Hondo Bobcats after Gus Cavazos accepted the head coaching position with PSJA Memorial in the offseason and he now inherits a team that went to the Class 3A Division II area playoffs in 2007.

The Bobcats, ranked No.1 in District 32-3A by HSSM will have to much to prove once the football season begins.

Quarterback Joseph Vela (6’1, 170lbs) returns as the leader of this team along with running backs Jacob Martinez (5’10, 165lbs) and Trevor David (6’1, 200lbs) in the back field. On the offensive line, Manny Montemayor (6’1, 225lbs) and Bryan Zapata (5’11, 240lbs) will both anchor the front to give Vela plenty of time to find his receivers Isaiah De La Cruz (5’7, 150lbs) and Ben Perez (5’7, 140lbs).

On defense, Joshua Perez (6’2, 230lbs), and Alonso Garza (6’1, 200lbs) should give opponents trouble with LBs Chris Lopez and Jack Chavez closing the holes.

The Bobcats will probably play one of the toughest schedules in 2008 when they open at Robstown on August 29th,

56

OCTOBER

3 at Port Isabel 10 Progreso 17 at Hidalgo 24 Raymondville 31 Lyford

followed by another road trip to Cuero (Sept 5th) before coming home on September 12th to play host to Ingelside. With leading rusher Martinez back, the Bobcats amassed more than 400 points in 2007, or 37 points per game while allowing less than eight points. Head coach Rocky James knows that this will be more than just a boxing match in District 32-3A.

Joseph Vela

Bradley Trevino

Abel Sandoval

Oscar Martinez Jr.

Mathew Arguillin

Manuel Montemayor

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 659 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 at Tulso-Midway

5 Kingsville 12 Valley View 19 Open 26 Progreso

3 at La Feria 10 Hidalgo 17 Zapata 24 at Rio Hondo 31 Port Isabel

7 Lyford

2007 Record 7-4 31-3A Finish: 1st District Record: 4-0

Head Coach: Alex Leal, 3rd Year

Raymondville

BEARKATS

Returning Starters O/D: 7/7 Returning Lettermen R/L: 20/10 (Raymondville, Texas)- The Raymondville Bearkats, the reigning 2007 31-3A District Champions will now have to give up this conference trophy in 2008 since the University Interscholastic League (UIL) realigned both 31-3A and 32-3A districts in February, opting to move Zapata, Lyford, and Raymondville to 32-3A. This means that the Bearkats will now play Port Isabel in the regular season,

Dustin Alejo

Ramon Cruz

John Rodriguez

Johnny Zavala

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

Andrew Hinojosa

Luis A. Cardenas

2

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 3A Division I Bi-Dis trict Finalist in 2007

after the Tarpons eliminated the Bearkats in the first round of the State 3A Division II Bi-District playoffs 28-7. Both teams will meet again on October 31st in Raymondville. The biggest advantage that the Kats hold over the Tarpons will be the return of seven starters on offense and defense. Head coach Alex Leal knows that this district will be very competitive and getting an early start in the preseason will give the Bearkats hope of making the post season.

Leal has high expectations in 2008 with the return of QB Raul Salinas (5’8,165lbs) and WR Dusty Alejo (5’10, 175lbs), both teaming up with FB Leroy Salazar (5’8, 235lbs) on offense. Offensive linemen expected to give the Bearkats the much needed points will be Cordero Rodriguez and Andrew Hinojosa (5’10, 190lbs).

On defense, expect DE John Rodriguez (5’10, 185lbs) and DT John Zavala (6’1, 235lbs) to make the big plays against opposing teams. Last year the Bearkats averaged almost 28.0 points per game while giving up 20 points on defense.

Leal will take his Bearkat team to Tulso-Midway on August 29th to open its season.

Rio Hondo knocked off Port Isabel in last year’s 32-3A district showdown to claim the district title in Gus Cavazo’s last year as head coach. The Bobcats are home to NFL Chicago Bear player Robert Garza. The Bobcats first made the playoffs in 1949. In Alex Leal’s third season as head coach at Raymondville, he brought the Bearkats a district title in 2007 with a perfect 4-0 record in 31-3A. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

57

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 3AAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 695 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

3

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH 2007 Class 3A Division II Area Finalists

AUGUST

5 12 19 26

at Valley View at Ed-Elsa Open at Hidalgo

OCTOBER

3 Rio Hondo 10 at Lyford 17 La Feria 24 at Zapata 31 at Raymondville

NOVEMBER

7 Progreso

2007 Record 8-4 32-3A Finish: 2nd District Record: 3-1

Head Coach: Monty Stumbaugh, 8th Year

Port Isabel

TARPONS

Returning Starters O/D: 6/3 Returning Lettermen R/L:19/24

(Port Isabel, Texas)-Can the Port Isabel Tarpons reclaim their District 32-3A title and make it to the state finals in 2008?

These are questions that head coach Monty Stumbaugh has answered all season long since losing the title to Rio Hondo last year and then came...Hurricane Dolly.

This port-city was hit with a Category 2 Hurricane a few weeks ago and families are still dealing with the set backs. The “Seawall Defense” tried desperately to keep Hurricane Dolly from slamming the Tarpons off-season program. “We got hit, but the stadium stood strong. This was a good sign. The “Seawall Defense” held strong,” said Laura Orive, secretary for athletics. “Football is alive and well.”

The PI District decided to move its school starting date from August 25th to September 8th so that families could reestablish their residencies but as for Tarpon football, head coach Monty Stumbaugh has kept his team together. “Our championship board was knocked down.

Our locker rooms were damage. We had some players who had to relocate because they had to condemn there homes.

Some players and families are living

58

SEPTEMBER

29 West Oso

together, but either way, it did not affect our Tarpon practices,” said Stumbaugh. The Tarpons will open their non-district schedule against state-ranked No.10 West Oso on August 29th at Tarpon Stadium. “This is a tight community and we come together when things happen. I’m proud to be part of this,” says Stumbaugh.

Diego Garcia

William Bodden

Raul Mora

Javier Roque Jr.

&

Alex Bentacourt

Derick Schrank

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 435 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 at Hebbronville 5 12 19 26

Monterrey Met Santa Rosa Open La Feria

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

3 at Zapata 10 Port Isabel 17 at Progreso 24 Hidalgo 31 at Rio Hondo

7 at Raymondville

2007 Record 5-6 31-3A Finish: 3rd District Record: 2-2

Head Coach: Jaime Infante., 7th Year

Lyford

BULLDOGS

Returning Starters O/D: 7/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:25/14

HSSM REPORTS

4

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH 2007 Class 3A Division I Bi-District Finalist

(Lyford, Texas)- “It’s going to be a war week in week out. Definitely, this district will be much tougher,” says Lyford head coach Jaime Infante. The Lyford Bulldogs will now compete in District 32-3A, along with Port Isabel, Rio Hondo, and four other teams. Of the eight teams that now make up 32-3A, six teams made it to the playoffs in 2007 when District 31-3A and 32-3A featured Valley teams in the mix.

The Bulldogs return two Class 3A All-State wide receivers Andrew Delgado and Johnny Esparza. “Delgado made the first team and Esparza was honorable mentioned last year. Both will contribute to this spread offense again,” said Infante.

Infante feels gifted with the return of seven starters back on offense, along with the six starters returning on defense. This will give the Bulldogs balance against their new 32-3A foes in 2008.

Esparza (5’7, 165lbs) will see action at quarterback, getting protection from linemen Chris Thomas (6’1, 240lbs) and Luis Vasquez (5’11, 230lbs). “We will try to run the ball more effectively in 2008,” says Infante.

Running backs Serafin Gudino and Sammy Ambriz will be looked at to carry the Bulldogs to another possible playoff appearance in 2008. The Bulldogs open at Hebbronville on August 29th and will open district play at home against La Feria on September 26th.

Class 3A All-State Player Andrew Delgado returns to lead the Lyford Bulldogs in 2008. (HSSM IMages/Lyford) The tradition rich Port Isabel Tarpons have been to the state playoffs 31 times since 1952.

Since 2000, the Tarpons have made the playoffs every season. In 2003, the Tarpons advanced to the State 3A Division II Semi-finals, losing to Marlin 41-10. Lyford made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2006 and 2007 under head coach Jaime Infante.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 3AAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 925 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

5

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 3A Division I Bi-District finalist in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 LJ Palmview

5 Laredo LBJ 12 at Roma 19 Open 26 at Rio Hondo

NOVEMBER

Head Coach: Mario Arce, 5th Year

Zapata

HAWKS

Returning Starters O/D: 4/9 Returning Lettermen R/L:22/17

(Zapata, Texas)-The Zapata Hawks will travel to Rio Hondo, La Feria, Raymondville, and Progreso. Each trip will be more than 100 miles each way. This means that players will sit for 2 1/2 hours in the bus before they step foot at each opponent’s field. “It will be tough, at least we will not be traveling to Port Isabel this season,” says head coach Mario Arce. “That’s more than 250 miles round trip,” he adds.

The Hawks finished second to Raymondville in 31-3A in 2007 and they return nine starters on defense. This will play a big factor in their team’s success early on after giving up 24 points per game in 2007.

On defense, LBs George Gutierrez (5’10, 175lbs), and Carlos Gonzalez will team up with Meliton Trejo (5’7, 160lbs), and Issac Patterson (5’8. 165lbs). Defensive linemen Sergio Quintanilla (5’6, 240lbs) will team up with Jerry Cantu (6’0, 225lbs) to provide pressure in the front lines.

Zapata opens its season against La Joya Palmview, the newest addition to 30-5A followed by Laredo LBJ, before heading East on Hwy 83 to play Roma. The

60

OCTOBER

3 Lyford 7 Hidalgo 10 at La Feria 17 at Raymondville 2007 Record 5-6 31-3A Finish: 2nd 24 Port Isabel District Record: 3-1 31 at Progreso

Hawks will open 32-3A play against top-ranked Rio Hondo. The Hawks will end its season at Hidalgo, a rematch of last year’s 39-14 loss in the Class 3A Division I bi-district playoffs. Will the Hawks contend for a playoff spot in 2008? Maybe. Can the Hawks score 24 points a game like they did in 2007? The long road to the state playoffs begins with Rio Hondo on September 26th.

Isaac Patterson

Anthony A. Grove

Meliton Trejo Jr

Robert Flores

George Gutierrez

Orlando Guerra Jr.

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 935 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 at Weslaco East 4 12 19 26

at LJ Juarez-Lincoln Falfurrias Open Port Isabel

OCTOBER

3 at Progreso 10 Raymondville 17 Rio Hondo 24 at Lyford 31 La Feria

NOVEMBER

7 at Zapata

HSSM REPORTS

6

2007 Record 8-4 32-3A Finish: 3rd District Record: 2-2

Head Coach: Jorge Pena., 3rd Year

Hidalgo

PIRATES

Returning Starters O/D: 3/2 Returning Lettermen R/L:11/20

(Hidalgo, Texas)-The Hidalgo Pirates posted wins over Mercedes (29-19), Raymondville (35-7), Zapata (39-14), all playoff teams in 2007.

The Pirates eight wins of the season showed why head coach Jorge Pena expected much more in 2007. Now the Bearkats and Hawks will both compete in 32-3A, making another playoff run for the Pirates much more difficult with only three starters on offense returning. “This will be a tough district. Playing PI at home could help with home field advantage,” says Pena. Last year, the Pirates 30.8 points per night and held defenses to less than 12 points.

The Pirates return two starters on defense, so again, the Pirates will be tested early on. Steve Pedraza (5’9, 170lbs) will get the call at quarterback with Angel Nava (5’8, 160lbs), Freddy Chavez (5’9, 155lbs), and Victor Davila (5’10, 160lbs) at the wide-receivers slots. On defense, LB Noel Garcia (5’10, 180lbs), and DL Roy Santana (6’1, 225lbs) will provide the returning leadership in 2008.

Hidalgo will travel to Weslaco East on August 29th, to make worse, the Wildcats

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH Class 3A Division I Area Finalist in 2007

return 90% of their starters from last year’s playoff team, including RB Andrew Alvarado, who rushed for almost 1,700 yards. In the off-season Pena stepped down as the school district’s athletic director so that he could spend more time with his family and focus more on Pirate football. Look for the Pirates to be competitive and they could surprise some teams in ‘08.

Victor Davila

Kevin Ruiz

Steve Pedraza

Roy Santana

Josh Ybarra

Joe Chavez

The Zapata Hawks moved into District 32-3A from 31-3A. Last year the Hawks went 3-1 in 313A and lost in the Class 3A Bi-District finals in Division I. The Pirates first made the playoffs in 1983 and have since made the playoffs in 1992, ‘93, ‘94, ‘96, ‘97, ‘99, ‘05, and 2007. Head coach Jorge Pena relinquished his position as Hidalgo AD and stayed on as head football coach.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 3AAA

Scouting

School Enrollment: 857 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HSSM REPORTS

7

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

29 Open

5 Mercedes 12 Weslaco East 19 at Santa Rosa 26 at Lyford

Raymondville Zapata at Port Isabel Progreso at Hidalgo

NOVEMBER

7 Rio Hondo

2007 Record 6-4 32-3A Finish: 4th District Record: 1-3

Head Coach: Elifonso Esquivel Jr., 2nd Year

La Feria

LIONS

Returning Starters O/D: 6/6 Returning Lettermen R/L:20/15

(La Feria, Texas)-Head coach Elifonso Esquivel Jr. enters his second season as the head coach of the La Feria Lions and his schedule of opponents just grew tougher in District 32-3A with additions of Lyford, Raymondville, and Zapata.

All three teams from District 31-3A made the playoffs in 2007, which makes matters worst. Especially when the Lions failed to advance to the post season.

With twelve starters back, including RBs Randy Rodriguez and Jonathon Perez, the Lions should be able to contend for a playoff spot in 2008. With eight teams competing for playoff spots, Esquivel knows that pre-season games against Mercedes, Weslaco East, and Santa Rosa will be early test of what to expect from the Lions in 2008. All three teams made it to the state playoffs in 2007, with Santa Rosa advancing to the State 3A Quarterfinals.

The biggest factor will be finding a quarterback to lead the Lions. Collie Long (6’0, 190lbs) and Raul Bowman (5.11, 185lbs) will both compete for the slot. Don’t be surprised if Esquivel keeps both players in huddle calling the offense. Both athletes are competitive.

62

OCTOBER

3 10 17 24 31

On defense, LB Stphen White (6’1, 200lbs), Elias Esquivel (5’8, 175lbs), and DB Mikael De La Rosa should give the defense balance. The Lions open their season at Lyford (Sept 26th), followed by a home game against a tough Raymondville team on October 3rd. The Lions will also host Zapata on October 10th. Home-field advantage should play a major role early on for the Lions.

Orlando Flores

Elias Esquivel

Colie Long

Raul Bowman Jr.

Michael Fonseca

&

Ethan Rodriguez

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

School Enrollment: 513 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

29 Valley View

SEPTEMBER

5 at St Joe 12 MMA 19 Open 26 at Raymondville

OCTOBER

3 10 17 24 31

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

Hidalgo at Rio Hondo Lyford at La Feria Zapata

7 at Port Isabel

2007 Record 4-6 32-3A Finish: 5th District Record: 0-4

Head Coach: Elvis Hernandez., 5th Year

Progreso

RED ANTS

Returning Starters O/D: 8/7 Returning Lettermen R/L:24/12 (Progreso, Texas)-The Progreso Red Ants went 0-4 in 32-3A playing in one of the toughest districts in Class 3A. Head coach Elvis Hernandez knows that this year will not be any different with Zapata, Lyford, and now Raymondville moving in from 31-3A. The Red Ants return eight starters on offense from last season’s 0-4 team. Experience will be the biggest key factor that will keep this

Victor Perez

Daniel Garcia

Armando Pintor

Gabriel Munoz

Angel Alaniz

Andres Alvarez

8

32-3AAA

PREDICTED FINISH Missed Playoffs in 2007

program competitive each week. Teams should not take the Red Ants lightly come game day. Returning letterman Juan Vega (5’9, 160 lbs) rushed for 1,300 yards in 2007 and with lineman Andy Alvarez, Gabe Silva (5’11, 180lbs), and tight-end Gabriel Munoz (6’2, 190lbs) back, these players should give opposing teams reasons to worry on Friday night. The Red Ants managed to score 11 points per game on offense, while giving up 21 points per night.

The Red Ants open its season against Valley View HS at Red Ant Stadium followed by stints with St. Joe (Sept 5th) and MMA (Sept 12). Will the Red Ants be much improved in 2008? Yes. Will the Red Ants make the playoffs in 2008? Maybe. With 24 returning lettermen making up this team, this could be the best Red Ant team yet. The downside will be eight teams now making up District 32-3A after the UIL made its realignments in February.

Last year the Red Ants posted wins against Mission (7-6), MMA (35-0), St. Joe (31-19), and Santa Maria (14-0) to open its season with a perfect 4-0 record.

The Red Ants open district at Raymondville on September 26th.

The La Feria Lions made the playoffs in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006. In 2006, the Lions advanced to the Class 3A Regional Finals, losing to Ingleside 31-28. The Progreso Red Ants last made the playoffs in 1990, the only appearance in school history. Both teams will be much improved in 2008.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

63

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 2007 TSWA All-State Football Selections

2007 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Football Selections 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A Class 5A: Offensive Player of the Year: (tie) Sr. Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll, 6-0, 185; Sr. Marcus Wright, San Antonio Reagan, 5-7, 180; Sr. Aundre Dean, Katy, 6-1, 200; Defensive Player of the Year: Sr. Spencer Reeves, Skyline, 6-1, 205; Coach of the Year: Gary Joseph, Katy FIRST TEAM OFFENSE-Guards: Sr. Lane Taylor, Arlington Martin, 6-2, 297; Sr. Chris Lathrop, Cy-Fair, 6-4, 280; Tackles: Sr. Josh Ayers, Euless Trinity, 6-5, 280; Sr. Tommy Parsons, Smithson Valley, 6-6, 275; Center:Sr. Veliani Kautai, Euless Trinity, 5-10, 265; Wide receivers: Sr. Blake Cantu, Southlake Carroll, 6-1, 195; Sr. Dan Buckner, Allen, 6-4, 210; Tight end:Sr. Walker Dille, Clements, 6-4, 230; Quarterback Sr. Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll, 6-0, 185; Running backs: Sr. Marcus Wright, San Antonio Reagan, 5-7, 180; Sr. Aundre Dean, Katy, 6-1, 195; Sr. Tre¹ Newton, Southlake Carroll, 6-1, 195; Placekicker:Sr. Randy Bullock, Klein, 5-10, 220 FIRST TEAM DEFENSE-Linemen: Sr. Jarvis Humphrey, Cedar Hill, 6-2, 290; Sr. David King, Houston Strake Jesuit, 6-4, 235; Sr. Michael Giles, PSJA North, 6-3, 220; Sr. Leonard James, Fort Bend Marshall, 6-0, 225; Linebackers: Sr. Spencer Reeves, Dallas Skyline, 6-1, 205; Sr. Marcus McGraw, Arlington Bowie, 5-10, 210; Jr. Chris Williams, Abilene, 6-1, 220; Sr. Derek Tomlin, Southlake Carroll, 6-1, 205; Secondary: Sr. Blake Gideon, Leander, 6-1, 191; Sr.Aaron Williams, Round Rock McNeil, 6-0, 183; Sr. Trent Hunter, Katy, 5-10, 189; Sr. Kip Edwards, Arlington Bowie, 6-0, 175; Punter: Sr. Sean Raney, Tyler Lee, 6-4, 240; Kick returner: Sr. Daymond Patterson, North Mesquite, 5-9, 170 SECOND TEAM OFFENSE-Guards Sr. Jake Jackson, Southlake Carroll, 6-4, 277;Sr. Eloy Atkinson, Los Fresnos, 6-4, 285; Center: Sr. C.J. Arellano, Harlingen, South, 6-2, 315; Running backs: Sr. Mishak Rivas, Weslaco, 5-8, 175

64

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE: Tackles Sr. Mario Benavides, Los Fresnos, 6-4, 292 THIRD TEAM DEFENSE: Linemen Sr. Blake Chavis, Beaumont West Brook, 6-3, 230; Jr. Arturo Lopez, San Benito, 6-0, 180; Linebackers (tie) Sr. Kevin Escobedo, San Benito, 5-9, 175; Sr. David Cato, Mansfield Summit,5-10, 190 Secondary: Sr. David Nerio, Harlingen South, 5-11, 180 Class 4A: Offensive Player of the Year: Sr. Jacquizz Rodgers, Lamar Consolidated, 5-7, 190 Co-Defensive Player of the Year Sr. Ricky Cavanaugh, Austin LBJ, 6-2, 220; Sr. Damion Square, Houston Yates, 6-3, 255; Co-Coach of the Year; Lydell Wilson, Lamar Consolidated; Jeff Dicus, Lake Travis FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Guards: Sr. Will Foster, Mesquite Poteet, 6-3, 275; Jr. Pressley Goodson, Lamar Consolidated, 6-3, 295; Tackles Sr. Luke Poehlman, Brenham, 6-5, 260; Jr. Paden Kelley, Lake Travis; Center: Sr. Chris Collins, Keller Fossil Ridge, 6-1, 285; Wide receivers Sr. Jason Bird, Austin Lake Travis, 5-10, 165; Sr. Seth Gardner, Highland Park, 6-4, 185; Tight end: Sr. Derrick Grant, Austin LBJ, 6-3, 200; Quarterback: Jr. Garrett Gilbert, Lake Travis, 6-3, 186; Running backs: Sr. Jacquizz Rodgers, Lamar Consolidated, 5-7, 190; Sr. Troy Vital, Copperas Cove, 6-1, 190; Sr. Johnny Thomas, Texas City, 6-0, 180; Placekicker:Sr. Ross Evans, Burnet, 5-9, 170 FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Linemen: Sr. Ricky Cavanaugh, Austin LBJ, 6-2, 220; Sr. Damion Square, Houston Yates, 6-3, 255; Sr. R.J. Washington, Fossil Ridge, 6-4, 245 Sr. Dravannti Johnson, Nederland, 6-3, 220; Linebackers: Jr. Tanner Brock, Copperas Cove, 6-4, 210: Sr. Blane Cheatham, Aledo, 6-0, 191; Jr. Tom Wort, New Braunfels, 6-1, 210; Sr. Kyle Prater, Kerrville Tivy, 6-1, 215; Secondary Sr. Cody Davis, Stephenville, 6-3, 205; Jr. Steven

WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

Fleming, Lamar Consolidated, 5-4, 180 Sr. D.J. Monroe, Angleton, 5-10, 175 Sr. Markelle Martin, WF Rider, 6-3, 185 Punter Sr. Drew Nelson, Livingston, 6-1, 185; Kick returner Sr. D.J. Monroe, Angleton, 5-10, 175

Sr. Sal Garcia, Anthony, 5-7, 165, sr.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE Center: Sr. Fernando Torress, Edcouch-Elsa, 6-3, 250

Class 2A: Offensive Player of the Year Sr. Coleman Bentley, Canadian, 5-11, 175; Defensive Player of the Year -Jr. Kyle Kriegel, Elysian Fields, 6-5, 240; Coach of the Year Kyle Lynch, Canadian

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE-Tight end Arti Tanguma, Edcouch-Elsa, 6-5, 280 Class 3A: Offensive Player of the Year Sr. Will Clay, Snyder, 6-1, 205; Sr. Justin Johnson, Gilmer, 6-1, 210 Defensive Player of the Year Sr. Aaron Buckley, Palacios, 6-1, 225 Coach of the YearJerry Vance, Liberty Hill FIRST TEAM OFFENSE-Guards: Sr. John Miller, Liberty Hill, 6-0, 215; Sr. David Snow, Gilmer, 6-4, 300 Tackles: Sr. C.J. Nielson, Celina, 6-2, 240; Jr. Brock Wempa, Royse City, 6-3, 280 Center: Sr. Tyler Methvin, Vernon, 6-0, 274 Wide receivers: Jr. Mike Hicks, China Spring, 5-11, 175;Sr. Houston Tuminello, Gilmer, 6-2, 184 Tight end: Sr. Corey Fuller, La Vernia, 6-5, 220 Quarterback: Sr. Dustin Eskew, China Spring, 6-3, 205; Running backs: Sr. Will Clay, Snyder, 6-1, 205; Sr. Jermie Calhoun, Van, 6-0, 205; Sr. Justin Johnson, Gilmer, 6-1, 210; Placekicker: Sr. Ben Parks, Argyle, 6-2, 195 FIRST TEAM DEFENSE-Linemen: Sr. Troy Franklin, Celina, 6-4, 275; Sr. Breck Holman, Celina, 5-4,160; Sr. Marlowe Poitier, Liberty Hill, 6-3, 240; Jr. Eric Rojas, Palacios, 6-0, 185; Linebackers: Sr. Aaron Buckley, Palacios, 6-1, 225; Sr. Alan Dock, Giddngs, 5-11, 220; Sr. Alonzo Whaley, Madisonville, 6-1, 210; Sr. Will Henry, Waco La Vega, 5-10, 215; Secondary: Sr. Ray Baca, Pleasanton, 6-0, 160; Sr. D¹Anton Lynn, Celina, 6-1,190 Sr. Mark Farmer, Pittsburg, 6-4, 190; Sr. Corey Lee, Andrews, 5-10, 160; Punter: Sr. Nick Baker, Fairfield, 6-0, 210; Kick returner

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE Linemen Sr. J.C. Cortez, Raymondville, 6-3, 252

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE-Guards: Sr. John Godino, Canadian, 6-0, 220; Sr. Ty Warnasch, Stockdale,6-3, 310; Tackles: Sr. Terry McDaniel, New Diana, 6-7, 330; Sr. Michael Strange, Elysian Fields, 6-4, 250; Center: Sr. Reid Ware, Childress, 6-5, 205; Wide receivers: Jr. Clint Cockrell, Canadian, 5-10, 165; Sr. Sedrick Johnson, Arp, 6-4, 190; Tight end (tie) Sr. Landrey Lemons, Holliday, 6-2, 198; Sr. Quincy Roberts, Farmersville, 6-1, 215; Quarterback: Sr. Coleman Bentley, Canadian, 5-11, 175; Running backs: Sr. Bryce Beall, Tatum, 6-0, 205; Sr. Tajh Redwine, Farmersville, 5-6, 171; Jr. Zaccheaus Foster, Rice Consolidated, 5-8,175; Placekicker: Sr. Juve Sanchez, Blooming Grove, 6-2, 195 FIRST TEAM DEFENSE-Linemen: Sr. Austin Findley, Elysian Fields, 5-11, 185; Jr. Kyle Kriegel, Elysian Fields, 6-5, 240;Sr. Quincy Roberts, Farmersville, 6-1, 215; Jr. Bo Adams, Refugio, 6-0, 215; Linebackers: Sr. Antonio Brown, Elysian Fields, 6-1, 205; Sr. Cody Welch, Arp, 5-11, 195; Sr. Andrew Wolridge, Lexington, 6-2, 235; Sr. Jake Parr, Farmersville, 5-8, 182; Secondary Sr. Bronson Buzzard, Coleman, 5-11, 190;Sr. Tramain Thomas, East Chambers, 6-2, 175; Jr. Clint Cockrell, Canadian, 5-10, 165; Sr. Jordan Greenlee, Palmer, 5-10, 195; Punter: Sr. Tyler Cook, Rice Consolidated, 6-7, 220; Kick returner: Sr. Calvin Stoker, Tatum Class 1A: Offensive Player of the Year-Sr. Tarlandus Mitchell, Alto, 5-10, 190; Co-Defensive Player of the Year; Sr. Samuel Nunez, Munday,

6-0, 240; Sr. Clayton Scott, Alto, 6-1, 210; Co-Coaches of the YearKeith Gardner, Alto and Pat Corcoran, Munday FIRST TEAM OFFENSE-GuardsSr. Riley Goodman, Sundown, 6-2, 230; Sr. Justin Lopez, Bremond, 6-3, 250;TacklesJr. Ray Burns, Maud, 6-1, 290; Sr. Britt Mitchell, Roscoe, 6-8, 320; Center Sr. Kody Selzer, Shiner, 5-10, 220; Wide receivers Sr. Cameron Cluck, Nazareth, 6-1, 170; (tie) Jr. Jared Villanueva, Roscoe, 6-0, 150; Jr. Marlon McClure, Tenaha, 5-9, 150; Tight end Jr. Thomas Castro, Roscoe, 6-0, 185; Quarterback Sr. Tarlandus Mitchell, Alto, 5-10, 190; Running backs:Sr. Rob Hill, Maud, 5-11, 175; Soph. Traylon Shead, Cayuga, 6-3, 205; (tie) Sr. Patrick Gandy, Joaquin, 5-10, 189; Jr. Marcuse Gasaway, Alto, 5-9, 185; PlacekickerSr. Brian Hoff, Windthorst, 6-0, 190 FIRST TEAM DEFENSE:Linemen Sr. Samuel Nunez, Munday, 6-0, 245; Sr. Wade Williams, Groveton, 6-3,218; Sr. Derek Mumphrey, Alto; Sr. Cameron Armstrong, White Deer, 6-0, 240; Linebackers;Sr. Lance Low, Alto, 6-1, 200; Sr. Clayton Scott, Alto, 6-1, 210; Jr. Rob Dillard, Munday, 5-11, 185; Sr. Chad Klein, Gorman, 6-1, 210; Secondary Jr. Marlon McClure, Tenaha, 5-9, 150; Sr. Tarlandus Mitchell, Alto, 5-10, 190; Sr. Sammy Winters, Harper, 5-10, 176; Sr. Cameron Cluck, Nazareth, 6-1, 170; Punter: Sr. Josh Treiber, Harper, 6-1, 178: Kick returner Sr. Cody Franke, Shiner, 5-8, 150 SECOND TEAM OFFENSE-Wide receivers Sr. Paul Adrian, Milano, 6-2, 190; Sr. Rocky Rodriguez, LaVilla; Tight end Sr. Grant Feaster, Ralls, 6-2, 160 Quarterback Jr. Nicky Rowland, Nazareth, 5-10, 170

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 1951-2007 STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

Quanah 21; 1A - Albany 18, Hull-Dalsetta 12

1951-2007

UIL State Football Champions 1951 4A - Lubbock 14, Baytown Lee 12; 3A - Breckenridge 20, Temple 14; 2A - Arlington 7, La Vega (Waco) 0; 1A - Gidings 25, Newcastle 14 1952 4A - Lubbock 12, Baytown Lee 7; 3A - Breckenridge 28, Temple 20; 2A - Terrell 61, Yoakum 13; 1A - Wink 26, Deer Park 20 1953 4A - Houston Lamar 33, Odessa 7; 3A - Port Neches 24, Big Spring 13; 2A - Huntsville 40, Ballinger 6; 1A - Ranger 34, Luling 21 1954 4A - Abilene 14, Houston S. F. Austin 7; 3A - Breckenridge 20, Port Neches 7; 2A - Phillips 21, Killeen 13; 1A - Deer Park 26, Albany 6 1955 4A - Abilene 33, Tyler 13 3A - Port Neches 20, Garland 14 2A - Stamford 34, Hillsboro 7; 1A - Deer Park 7, Stinnett 0 1956 4A - Abilene 14, Corpus Christi Ray 0; 3A - Garland 3, Nederland 0; 2A - Stamford 26, Brady 13; 1A - Stinnett 35, Hondo 13 1957 4A - Highland Park (Dallas) 21, Port Arthur 9; 3A Nederland 20, Sweetwater 7; 2A - Terrell 41, Brady 6; 1A - Mart 7, White Oak 7 1958 4A - Wichita Falls 48, Pasadena 6; 3A - Breckenridge 42, Kingsville 14; 2A - Stamford 23, Angelton 0; 1A - White Deer 44, Elgin 22 1959 4A - Corpus Christi Ray 20, Wichita Falls 6; 3A - Breckenridge 20, Cleburne 20 (tie) CO-CHAMPIONS; 2A Brady 1, Stamford 0 - (Stamford stripped of title) On-field score: Stamford 19, Brady 14; 1A Katy 16, Sundown 6 1960 4A - Corpus Christi Miller 13, Wichita Falls 6; 3A - Brownwood 26, Port Lavaca 6; 2A - Denver City 26, Bellville 21; 1A - Albany 20, Crosby 0 1961 4A - Wichita Falls 21, Galena Park 14; 3A - Dumas 6, Nederland 0; 2A - Donna 28,

1962 4A - San Antonio Brackenridge 30, Borger 26; 3A - Dumas 14, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo 3; 2A - Jacksboro 52, Rockdale 0; 1A - Rotan 39, Ingleside 6 1963 4A - Garland 17, Corpus Christi Miller 0; 3A - Corsicana 7, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo 0; 2A - Rockwall 7, Sugar Land Dulles 6; 1A - Petersburg 20, George West 12 1964 4A - Garland 26, Galena Park 21; 3A - Palestine 24, San Marcos 15; 2A - Palacios 12, Marlin 0; 1A - Archer City 13, Ingleside 6 1965 4A - Odessa Permian 11, San Antonio Lee 6; 3A Brownwood 14, Bridge City 0; 2A - Plano 20, Edna 17;1A Willis Point 14, White Deer 0 1966 4A - San Angelo Central 21, Spring Branch 14; 3A Bridge City 30. McKinney 6; 2A - Sweeny 29, Granbury 7; 1A - Sonora 40, Schulenberg 14 1967 4A - Austin Reagan 20, Abilene Cooper 19; 3A Brownwood 36, El Campo 12; 2A - Plano 27, San Antonio Randolph 8; 1A - Tidehaven 7, Clifton 6 1968 4A - Austin Reagan 17, Odessa Permian 11; 3A Lubbock Estacado 14, Refugio 0; 2A - Daingerfield 7, Lufkin Dunbar 6; 1A - Sonora 9, Poth 0 1969; 4A - Wichita Falls 28, San Antonio Lee 20; 3A - Brownwood 34, West Columbia 16; 2A - Iowa Park 31, Klein 14; 1A - Mart 28, Sonora 0 1970 4A - Austin Reagan 21, Odessa Permian 14; 3A - Brownwood 14, Cuero 0; 2A - Refugio 7, Iowa Park 7 (tie) CO-CHAMPIONS; 1A - Sonora 45, Pflugerville 6 1971 4A - San Antonio Lee 28, Wichita Falls 27; 3A - Plano 21, Gregory-Portland 20; 2A - Jacksboro 20, Rosebud-Lott 14; 1A - Barbers Hill 3, Sonora 3 (tie) CO-CHAMPIONS 1972 4A - Odessa Permian 37, Baytown Sterling 7; 3A - Uvalde 33, Lewisville 27; 2A - Boling 20, Rockwall 0; 1A - Schulenberg 14, Clarendon 10; B - Chilton 6, Windthorst 0; 8-Man - Goree 28, Harold 24; 6-Man - Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien 60, Jerrell 14 1973 4A - Tyler John Tyler 21, Austin Reagan 14; 3A - Cuero

21, Mount Pleasant 7; 2A Friendswood 28, Hooks 15; 1A Troup 28, Vega 7; B - Big Sandy 25, Rule 0; 8-Man - Goree 52, LA Pryor 22; 6-Man - Cherokee 43, Marathon 12 1974; 4A - Brazoswood 22, Mesquite 12; 3A - Cuero 19, Gainesville 7; 2A - Newton 56, Spearman 26; 1A - Grapeland 19, Aledo 18; B -Big Sandy 0, Celina 0 (tie) - CO-CHAMPIONS; 8-Man - Follett 28, La Pryor 22; 6-Man - Marathon 60, Cherokee 58 1975 4A - Port Neches-Groves 20, Odessa Permian 10; 3A - Ennis 13, Cuero 10; 2A - La Grange 27, Childress 6; 1A DeLeon 28, Schulenberg 15; B - Big Sandy 26, Groom 2; 8-Man - Leakey 32, Follett 14; 6-Man - Cherokee 40, Marathon 26 1976 4A - San Antonio Churchill 10, Temple 0; 3A - Beaumont Hebert 35, Gainesville 7; 2A - Rockdale 23, Childress 6; 1A - Barbers Hill 17, DeLeon 8; B - Gorman 18, Ben Bolt 6; 6-Man - Marathon 62, May 16 1977 4A - Plano 13, Port Neches-Groves 10; 3A Dickinson 40, Brownwood 28; 2A - Wylie 22, Bellville 14; 1A - East Bernard 27, Seagraves 10; B - Wheeler 35, Lone Oak 13; 6Man - May 42, Marathon 35 1978 4A - Houston Stratford 29, Plano 13; 3A - Brownwood 21, Gainesville 12; 2A - Sealy 42, Wylie 20; 1A - China Spring 42, Lexington 3; B - Union Hill 14, Wheeler 7; 6-Man - Cherokee 29, Cotton Center 27

Corsicana 17; 3A - Refugio 22, Littlefield 21; 2A - Eastland 28, East Bernard 6; 1A - Union Hill 13, Roscoe 0; 6-Man - Highland 60, Mullin 13 1983 5A - Converse Judson 25, Midland Lee 21; 4A - Bay City 30, Lubbock Estacado 0; 3A Daingerfield 42, Sweeny 0; 2A Boyd 16, Groveton 8; 1A - Knox City 27, Bremond 20; 6-Man - Highland 67, Mozella 50 1984 5A - Odessa Permian 21, Beaumont French 21 (tie) CO-CHAMPIONS; 4A - Denison 27, Tomball 13; 3A - Medina Valley 21, Daingerfield 13; 2A - Groveton 38, Panhandle 7; 1A - Munday 13, Union Hill 0; 6Man - Jayton 44, May 28 1985 5A - Houston Yates 37, Odessa Permian 0; 4A Sweetwater 17, Tomball 7; 3A - Daingerfield 47, Cuero 22; 2A - Electra 29, Groveton 13; 1A Goldthwaite 24, Runge 7; 6-Man - Jayton 64, Christoval 14 1986 5A - Plano 24, La Marque 7; 4A - West Orange-Stark 21, McKinney 9; 3A - Jefferson 24, Cuero 0; 2A - Shiner 18, Mart 0; 1A - Burkeville 33, Throckmorton 7; 6-Man - Fort Hancock 50, Christoval 36 1987; 5A - Plano 28, Houston Stratford 21; 4A - West OrangeStark 17, Rockwall 7; 3A - Cuero 14, McGregor 6; 2A - Loerna 8, Refugio 7; 1A - Wheeler 23, Bremond 21; 6-Man - Lohn 58, Wellman 30

1979 4A - Temple 28, Houston Memorial 6; 3A - McKinney 20, Bay City 7; 2A - Van 25, McGregor 0; 1A - Hull-Daisetta 28, China Springs 18; B Wheeler 33, High Island 21; 6-Man - Milford 53, Cotton Center 34

1988 5A - Converse Judson 1, Dallas Carter 0 (Dallas Carter stripped of title); On-field score: Dallas Carter 31, Converse Judson 14; 4A - Paris 31, West Orange-Stark 13; 3A - Southlake Carroll 42, Navasota 8; 2A Corrigan-Camden 35, Quanah 14; 1A - White Deer 14, Flatonia 13; 6-Man - Fort Hancock 76, Zephyr 30

1980 5A - Odessa Permian 28, Port Arthur Jefferson 19; 4A - Huntsville 19, Paris 0; 3A - Pittsburg 13, Van Vleck 2; 2A - Pilot Point 0, Tidehaven 0 (tie) - CO-CHAMPIONS; 1A Valley View 7, Rankin 6; 6-Man - Milford 36, Highland 16

1989 5A - Odessa Permian, 28, Aldine 14; 4A - Chapel Hill (Tyler) 14, A&M Consolidated 0; 3A - Mexia 22, Vernon 21; 2A - Groveton 20, Lorena 13; 1A - Thorndale 42, Sudan 24; 6Man - Fort Hancock 48, JaytonGirard 24

1981 5A - Richardson Lake Highlands 19, Houston Yates 6; 4A - Brownwood 24, Sugar Land Willowridge 9; 3A - Cameron 26, Gilmer 3; 2A - Pilot Point 32, Garrison 0; 1A - Bremond 12, Wink 9; 6-Man - Whitharral 56, Mullin 36

1990 5A Division I - Marshall 21, Converse Judson 19; 5A Division II - Aldine 27, Arlington Lamar 10; 4A - Wilmer-Hutchins 19, Westlake (Austin) 7; 3A - Vernon 41, Crockett 20; 2A - Groveton 25, De Leon 19; 1A - Bartlett 36, Munday 28; 6-Man - Fort Hancock 66, Christoval 17

1982 5A - Beaumont West Brook 21, Hurst Bell 10; 4A - Sugar Land Willowridge 22,

1991 5A Division I - Killeen 14, Sugar Land Dulles 10; 5A

For more information: www.hssmonline.net Division II - Odessa Permian 27, San Antonio Marshall 14; 4A A&M Consolidated 35, Carthage 16; 3A - Groesbeck 7, Burnet 0; 2A - Schulenburg 21, Albany 0; 1A - Memphis 21, Oakwood 14; 6-Man - Fort Hancock 64, Christoval 14 1992 5A Division I - Converse Judson 52, Euless Trinity 0; 5A Division II - Temple 38, Houston Yates 20; 4A - Waxahachie 28, A&M Consolidated 24; 3A - Southlake Carroll 48, Coldspring 0; 2A - Schulenburg 35, Goldthwaite 20; 1A - Bartlett 33, Sudan 26; 6-Man - Panther Creek 54, Fort Hancock 26 1993 5A Division I - Converse Judson 36, Plano 13; 5A Division II - Lewisville 43, Aldine MacArthur 37; 4A Stephenville 26, La Marque 13; 3A - Southlake Carroll 14, Cuero 6; 2A - Goldthwaite 21, Omaha Paul Pewitt 8; 1A - Sudan 54, Bremond 0; 6-Man - Panther Creek 56, Dell City 28 1994 5A Division I - Plano 28, Katy 7; 5A Division II - Tyler John Tyler 35, Westlake (Austin) 24; 4A - Stephenville 32, La Marque 17; 3A - Sealy 36, Atlanta 15; 2A - Goldthwaite 20, Schulenburg 16; 1A - Thorndale 36, Crawford 13; 6-Man Amherst 30, Milford 20 1995 5A Division I - Converse Judson 31, Odessa Permian 28; 5A Division II - San Antonio Roosevelt 17, Flower Mound Marcus (Lewisville) 10; 4A - La Marque 31, Denison 8; 3A - Sealy 21, Commerce 20; 2A - Celina 32, Alto 28; 1A Thorndale 14, Roscoe 7; 6-Man - Amherst 78, Milford 42 1996; 5A Division I - Lewisville 58, Converse Judson 34; 5A Division II - Westlake (Austin) 55, Abilene Cooper 15; 4A Division I - Grapevine 34, Hays Consolidated 19; 4A Division II

- La Marque 34, Denison 3; 3A - Sealy 36, Tatum 27; 2A - Iraan 14, Groveton 7; 1A - Windthorst 41, Tenaha 12; 6-Man - Gordon 51, Whitharral 50 1997; 5A Division I - Katy 24, Longview 3; 5A Division II - Flower Mound Marcus (Lewisville) 59, Alief Hastings 20; 4A Division I - Texas City 37, Corsicana 34; 4A Division II - La Marque 17, Denison 0; 3A - Sealy 28, Commerce 21; 2A - Stanton 33, Rogers 7; 1A - Granger 40, Wheeler 0; 6-Man - Borden County 48, Panther Creek 16 1998 5A Division I - Duncanville 24, Converse Judson 21; 5A Division II - Midland Lee 54, San Antonio MacArthur 0; 4A Division I - Grapevine 22, Bay City 0; 4A Division II - Stephenville 34, La Marque 7; 3A Division I - Aledo 14, Cuero 7; 3A Division II - Newton 21, Daingerfield 0; 2A Division I - Omaha Paul Pewitt 28, Brookshire-Royal 26; 2A Division II - Celina 21, Elysian Fields 0; 1A - Tenaha 20, Wheeler 13; 6-Man - Trinidad 62, Borden County 16 1999 5A Division I - Midland Lee 42, Aldine Eisenhower 21; 5A Division II - Garland 37, Katy 25; 4A Division I - Texas City 27, Hereford 14; 4A Division II - Stephenville 28, Port Neches-Groves 18; 3A Division I - Liberty Eylau 49, Mathis 6; 3A Division II - Commerce 17, Sealy 10; 2A Division I - Mart 40, Boyd 7; 2A Division II Celina 38, Elysian Fields 7; 1A Bartlett 35, Aspermont 6; 6-Man - Gordon 54, Groom 34 2000 5A Division I - Midland Lee 33, Westlake (Austin) 21; 5A Division II - Katy 35, Tyler John Tyler 20; 4A Division I - Bay City 24, Denton Ryan 2; 4A Division II - Ennis 38, West Orange-Stark 24; 3A Division I - Gatesville 14, Wylie (Abilene) 10; 3A Division

II - La Grange 20, Forney 17; 2A Division I - Sonora 27, Blanco 24; 2A Division II - Celina 21, Mart 17; 1A - Stratford 49, Burkeville 14; 6-Man - Panther Creek 42, Highland 36 2001 5A Division I - Mesquite 14, San Antonio Taft 13; 5A Division II - Lufkin 38, Westlake (Austin) 24; 4A Division I - Denton Ryan 42, Smithson Valley 35 - OT; 4A Division II - Ennis 21, Bay City 0; 3A Division I - Everman 25, Sinton 14; 3A Division II - Commerce 14, La Grange 11; 2A Division I - Blanco 16, Van Alstyne 0; 2A Division II - Celina 41, Garrison 35; 1A - Burkeville 27, Celeste 8; 6-Man - Whitharral 27, Richland Springs 20 2002 5A Division I - Converse Judson 33, Midland 32; 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 45, Smithson Valley 14; 4A Division I - Texarkana 42, New Braunfels 11; 4A Division II Denton Ryan 38, Brenham 8; 3A Division I - Everman 35, Burnet 14; 3A Division II - Bandera 27, Greenwood 24 -Â OT(2); 2A Division I - Corrigan-Camden 33, Bangs 14; 2A Division II - Rosebud-Lott 34, Cisco 0; 1A - Petrolia 39, Celeste 18; 6-Man - Calvert 51, Sanderson 46 2003 5A Division I - Galena Pk North Shore 23, Conroe The Woodlands 7; 5A Division II Katy 16, Southlake Carroll 15; 4A Division I - North Crowley 20, Bay City 6; 4A Division II - La Marque 43, Denton Ryan 35 -Â OT(3); 3A Division I Gainesville 35, Burnet 24; 3A Division II - Atlanta 34, Marlin 0; 2A Division I - San Augustine 28, Tuscola Jim Ned 7; 2A Division II - Garrison 27, Bangs 0; 1A - Windthorst 28, Shiner 27; 6-Man - Strawn 67, Fort Davis 62 2004; 5A Division I - Tyler Lee

28, Spring Westfield 21; 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 27, Smithson Valley 24; 4A Division I - Ennis 23, Marshall 21; 4A Division II - Kilgore 33, Dallas Lincoln 27 - OT(2); 3A Division I - Wylie (Abilene) 17, Cuero 14; 3A Division II - Gilmer 49, Jasper 47; 2A Division I - Boyd 17, Newton 14; 2A Division II - Crawford 28, Troup 14; 1A - Shiner 33, Stratford 19; 6-Man - Richland Springs 58, Turkey Valley 38 2005 5A Division I - Euless Trinity 28, Converse Judson 14; 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 34, Katy 20; 4A Division I - Highland Park (Dallas) 59, Marshall 0; 4A Division II - Lewisville Hebron 28, Calallen (Corpus Christi) 0; 3A Division I - Wimberley 21, Gainesville 7; 3A Division II - Tatum 38, Hutto 34; 2A Division I - Newton 28, Argyle 20; 2A Division II - Celina 28, Omaha Paul Pewitt 12; 1A Stratford 21, Big Sandy 20; 6-Man - Throckmorton 68, Turkey Valley 22 2006 5A Division I - Southlake Carroll 43, Austin Westlake 29; 5A Division II - Cedar Hill 51, Cypress Falls 17; 4A Division I - San Antonio Alamo Heights 40, Copperas Cove 28; 4A Division II - La Marque 34, Waco 14; 3A Division I - Texarkana LibertyEylau 35, Robinson 34; 3A Division II - Liberty Hill 22, Celina 19; 2A Division I - Tatum 32, Littlefield 14; 2A Division II - Mart 23, Cisco 13; 1A Division I - Alto 42, McCamey 13; 1A Division II - Chilton 20, Windthorst 10 ; 6-Man Div. I - Richland Springs 78, Rule 58; 6-Man Div. II - Vernon Northside 60, Jayton 41 2007 5A Division I - Euless Trinity 13, Converse Judson 10; 5A Division II - Katy 28, Pflugerville 7 ; 4A Division I - Lamar Consolidated 20, Copperas Cove 14; 4A Division II Austin Lake Travis 36, Dallas Highland Park 34; 3A Division I - Liberty Hill 38, Gilmer 13; 3A Division II - Celina 21, China Spring 14; 2A Division I - Farmersville 27, Tatum 24; 2A Division II - Canadian 40, Elysian Fields 25; 1A Division I - Munday 26, Bremond 6; 1A Division II - Alto 22, Seymor 0; 6-Man Div. I - Richland Springs 98, Rule 54; 6-Man Div. II - Motley County 44, Woodson 38

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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>EDINBURG CISD

New Athletic Director -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joe Filoteo

Basketball He’s More Than Just

(McAllen, Texas)-Joe Filoteo was named the new Edinburg CISD Athletic Director recently. The former head basketball coach from Edinburg High School applied for the position after it became vacant in June and now says a “new era” has begun. “I have been with the district for more than twenty years and I feel that my ideas will take us to a new era here at Edinburg,” added the recently inducted RGV Hall of Fame Coach.

Filoteo came to Edinburg H.S. in 1983 and became the head basketball coach. A high school graduate from Waco High School, Filoteo then graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Education and later obtained his Master’s Degree from Baylor in the same field. He also has a Mid-Management Equivalency Certification.

His Bobcat basketball teams won eight district titles, 10 Bi-district Championships, 3 Area titles, 3 regionalquarterfinals titles, and three Final 16 appearances at the state level, most recently in 2008.

As Filoteo moves into his new office next to the football stadium, he will now oversee a $6 million dollar athletic budget and will start planning for the new high school that is set to open in 2010. “I’m really grateful and humbled by this opportunity and I look forward to seeing the growth of our athletic programs at all levels,” says Filoteo.

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WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

29 John Paul at Corpus Christi

5 12 19 26

3 Open 10 at Rivera 17 Premont 24 at Hebbronville 31 Bishop

La Villa at Lyford La Feria La Prepa Tech

Head Coach: Josh Gonzalez, 2nd Year

Santa Rosa

NOVEMBER

7 at San Diego

School Enrollment: 343

Returning Starters O/D: 3/7 Returning Lettermen R/L:18/19 (Santa Rosa, Texas)-Hurricane Dolly flooded these streets in this tiny farming town of less than 300 residents and some homes were damaged with the 100 mph winds, but this did not stop the Santa Rosa Warriors from playing football.

“Several player’s homes might have sustained damage but they continued with their off-season training,” said second-year head coach Josh Gonzalez.

The Warriors will kick off their season in Corpus Christi, Texas against John Paul II with fans already talking state playoffs again. “These fans have high expectations after last year’s State 2A Quarterfinal appearance,” adds Gonzalez.

The Black and Gold return only three starters on offense from 2007, but on defense, Gonzalez says they will be solid. “We will have experience on defense because of the seven returning starters,” says Gonzalez.

&

Joseph Rodriguez

Playoff Records Team Facts

2

2007 Record 11-2 32-2A Finish: 1st District Record: 6-0

WARRIORS

Andy Gonzalez

HSSM REPORTS

32-2AA

PREDICTED FINISH 2007 Class 2A Division I State-Quarterfinalist

Linemen Marco Gomez (6’3, 295lbs) and Hector Arguelles (6’2, 285lbs) will be counted on to protect projected quarterback Phillip Miranda (5’10, 170lbs). The Warriors will travel to Lyford on September 12th and play host to La Feria on September 19th. The Warriors are picked to finish second by HSSM and if they expect to win back-to-back 32-1A titles, they will have to prepare for Hebbronville on October 24th in order to make this happen.

Defensive end Rick Cavazos (6’0, 220lbs) will spear head a tough Warrior squad which allowed only 16.0 points a game in 2007. LB Ryan Villarreal , CB Joseph Rodriguez, and Cesar Perez will provide the much needed experience to contain opponents until a running back is determined. “The Santa Rosa Warriors experienced victories in other sports, this has carried on to 2008,” adds Gonzalez.

Sam Ledesma

Marco Gomez

Rick Cavazos

The 2007 Santa Rosa Warriors were picked by many polls to finish next to last in District 32-2A. HSSM picked the Warriors to make the playoffs in 2007. The Warriors went on to capture Bi-District, Area, and Regional titles.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Scouting

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// CLASS 1A

Scouting

2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE School Enrollment: 183 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HSSM REPORTS

70

1

32-1A

PREDICTED FINISH 2007 Class 1A Division II State Bi-District Finals

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

30

5 19 at St.Joe 26 San Diego

3 at Kingsville 10 at Ben Bolt 17 Agua Dulce 24 at Santa Maria 31 at Bruni

7 Benavides

2007 Record 8-2 32-1A Finish: 1st District Record: 5-0

Head Coach: Eugenio Garza, 2nd Year

La Villa

CARDINALS Returning Starters O/D: 5/3 Returning Lettermen R/L:11/21

(La Villa, Texas)-In 2007, expectations were high for La Villa, especially after making an historic playoff run in 2006 with wins over Pettus (33-6) in bi-district and Sabinal (18-13) in the area championships, before losing to Thorndale 18-14 in the Class 1A Division II Regional Championships. But instead, the Cardinals season ended with a District 32-1A title and a first round loss in the State 1A playoffs, losing a nail-biter to Flatonia 20-21.

Second-year head coach Eugenio Garza was quick to mention that “winning another district title was important,” but “this will be another year.” The Cardinals return five starters on offense and three on defense.

Seniors David Trejo (5’9, 185lbs), Eder Machado (6’1, 300lbs), Enrique Guzman (6’0, 280lbs), Julio Reyes (5’6, 175lbs), will be counted for their leadership roles in 2008.

RB Reyes and Mickeal Tijerina are will be the newcomers carrying the load in the new Wing-T offense. A shift from last season’s spread offense. Coach Eugene Garza watched

his 2007 team average 40 points a game and held opponents to ten points a game. Despite the new faces in 2008, the Cardinals will be the team to beat as they open at St. Joe Academy on September 19th followed by San Diego at home on Sept. 26th.

Last year’s Junior Varsity team went 6-3 overall; no quarterback has been listed on the depth charts for the Cardinals in 2008.

Sammy Cantu

Michael Castillo

Enrique Guzman

Eder Machado

Julio Reyes

Noe Rojo

&

Playoff Records Team Facts WWW.HSSMSCOUT.COM

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Scouting

Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

School Enrollment: 144 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AUGUST

29 Open

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

5 at Mission So 11 Rio Hondo JV 18 at Lyford JV 26 at Agua Dulce

HSSM REPORTS

NOVEMBER

3 at Open 10 Bruni 17 at Benavides 24 La Villa 31 at Kingsville Aca

7 Ben Bolt

2007 Record 3-6 32-1A Finish: 4th District Record: 2-3

Head Coach: Jose Perez, 1st Year

Santa Maria

COUGARS

Returning Starters O/D: 9/8 Returning Lettermen R/L:16/4 (Santa Maria, Texas)-If only these coaches would stay and build a program in this less-populated town located next to the Rio Grande River, the end results just might be more positive. Jose Perez takes over as head coach and athletic director of a Cougar program set to compete for a possible playoff spot in 2008. The Cougars return running back Martin Lugo, who rushed for 730 yards and scored

Rolando Andrade

Marco Lugo

Jose G. Lopez

Juan Salinas Jr.

Victor Galvan

Jose A. Rodriguez

3 32-1A

PREDICTED FINISH 2007 Class 1A Playoffs: None

eight times. If any modifications have not been made by new head coach Perez, then teaming up with Lugo is Andy De La Rosa. Other players looking to fill spots will be OL Victor Galan (5’9, 220lbs), LB Norberto Gomez (5’7, 170lbs), and LB Jose Lopez (5’10, 160 lbs).

Last season the Cougars won three games overall but most impressively, the Cougars almost made it to the State 1A playoffs for the first time in school history. The Cougars won two district games in 2007 with wins over Agua Dulce (37-20) and then posted a huge upset over Benavides (20-14). At this point, the Cougars stood 2-1 in district play with two games remaining on the schedule. The next two games resulted in losses to Bruni (44-7) and Ben Bolt (24-8).

Perez should be pleased knowing that the same nine starters on offense will be on the field come game day. Rolando Andrade, Juan Salinas Jr., Victor Galvan, and Jose Rodriguez will all be eagered to show their new head coach what can really happen in this town, next to Bluetown, Texas.

The La Villa Cardinals lost in the first round of the State 1A Division II Football playoffs 21-20. The Cardinals won their first playoff game in 2005 and in 2006, won their first ever district title. Santa Maria on the other hand, will play host to their fourth coach in five years.

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