High School Sports Magazine

October 30-November 28, 2007

Class 1A

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2AA

3AAA

4AAAA

VOL 3 ISSUE 3

5AAAAA

FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Can Jags Clinch?

The Ultimate Fight Begins!

State Playoff Brackets. Which Teams Are In? Top District Teams. Game Schedules.

Game

Contents www.hssmonline.net

4 Who’s In, Who’s Out Can The Donna Redskins Win the 30-5A Title? Will the Jags make the playoffs?

14 Speaking Out

HSSM Columnist Dave R. Smith talks about RGV Coaches

Players of 16 HSSM the month Rivas and Messick named again.

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October 30th-November 28, 2007

Vol 3 Issue 3

Yellowjackets Sting

Can Mission make the post season?

32-4A Playoff Predictions.

28 Raymondville Wins

32-3A Playoff Action. Can Lyford make the playoffs? Will the Jerseys surprise?

33 Playoff Brackets

Get your favorite teams and write them in as they make the post season. Class 1A-5A Brackets.

Derrick Ramirez , Donna Redskins QB HSSM IMages

Donna Redskin defensive linemen Jose Umanzor grabs a hold of a McAllen player.

The Redskins have clinched a playoff spot. The Bulldogs are still alive. (HSSMImages)

Who’s In, Who’s Out

PLAYOFFS Redskins Grabbing 30-5A Title

See story on next page

www.HSSMONLINE.net 4

Still Chasing a Playoff Spot! The PSJA Bears and the Edinburg North Cougars are hoping to lock up the second and third place spots in 31-5A. Both teams control their own destiny. Pictured is Cougar QB Randy Ramirez chased by LB Bryan Medina of PSJA. (HSSMImages) (Donna, Texas)-After taking a much needed week off, the Donna Redskins (6-2, 4-0) have clinched a playoff spot in head coach Manny Moreno’s first year as a head football coach but the wins came with a sacrifice too. Senior running back Robert Guzman is out for the season with neck injuries. Luckily, Guzman, who still leads District 30-5A with 1,251 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, complained about neck stingers he was having throughout the season and when the stingers and numbness got worse in practice, doctors discovered he had a C5 vertebra fracture. Without Guzman, the Redskins will rely more on running backs Albert Aleman and Josh Reyna. Against McAllen Nikki Rowe (2-5, 0-3), both combined for 330 yards and

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2007 HSSM October Issue

Can the Weslaco Panthers Win the 32-5A Title? The Panthers already clinched a state playoff spot but have lost the district title to Los Fresnos for the past two years. Weslaco travels to play the Falcons on November 9th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Pictured is QB Dylan De Leon and RB Mishak Rivas. (HSSMImages)

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2007 HSSM October Issue

Here Comes the Rio Grande City Rattlers! The Rio Grande City Rattlers are in the thick of the 30-5A playoff race and with games left with La Joya and McAllen Nikki Rowe, they must win out. (HSSM IMages) two touchdowns in their 24-21 win. Now the Redskins will be playing for a district title and win two games remaining against McAllen Memorial (0-4, 1-7) and Sharyland (52, 2-1), all Donna needs to do is win out and they win the

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crown. As for the rest of the league, this race could become a mathematical outburst for the McAllen Bulldogs (5-3, 3-1); Sharyland (5-2, 2-1); La Joya (3-4, 2-1); and still looming are the Rio Grande City Rattlers (53, 1-2). For Donna, if they lose to Sharyland on November 9th at home, and Sharyland and McHi still remain with one loss for the year, then all three will be crowned district champions. Here’s the senanrio: The Bulldogs must beat Rio Grande City and they are in.

It’s that simple. Sharyland must win against Rowe or Donna and they clinch; La Joya must beat the Bulldogs on November 9th at McAllen. A win by the Coyotes, they are in.

The Rio Grande City Rattlers must hope for

2007 HSSM October Issue

Nov. 2nd, this game will eliminate one team. Edinburg North played PSJA North on Oct. 27th but with two games remaining against PSJA Memorial (Nov. 2nd) and Edinburg Economedes (Nov. 9th), the Cougars will have to play perfect football if they expect to make the state playoffs. The Jags need to beat PSJA North, PSJA Memorial, and Economedes in that order to make State Playoffs. QB Sean Messick led the Harlingen South Hawks to another Class 5A playoff berth.

(HSSM IMages)

a company of HSSMMedia Group L.L.C.

Volume 3 Issue 3 October 30-November 28, 2007 Publisher & CEO David A. Amador

Brent Waters HSSM Sales Manager Alec D. Amador HSSM Photographer Jason O. Martinez B.B.A., C.P.T.

a win over McAllen and then beat Rowe. Two wins, then they’re in. In District 31-5A, it gets more complicated. Harlingen South has clinched a playoff spot but in order for the Hawks (7-0, 4-0) to win the outright district title, they must defeat Edinburg Economedes (43, 2-2) and win at PSJA (6-1, 3-1). If not, a loss to the Bears would cause a two-way tie and co-championship for the Hawks and Bears.

The Edinburg Bobcats (0-8, 0-5) and PSJA Memorial Wolverines (4-5. 1-4) are out.

The Bears are riding their own destiny. Beat either Edinburg or Harlingen South, the Bears are in the state playoffs again. Edinburg North (5-2, 2-2); PSJA North (5-2, 2-2); and Edinburg Economedes (4-3, 2-2) will need help for the final two spots in 31-5A. Harlingen (4-3, 2-2) still has a chance but must win two of the three remaining games against Edinburg, PSJA North, or PSJA Memorial. The Raiders will be in the same odds and when they meet the Cards on

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2007 HSSM October Issue

Dave R. Smith HSSM Columnists Daniel Silva HSSM Webmaster Corporate Office

956.984.8871 Fax

956.971-0185 All stories and photos published by High School Sports Magazine may not be reprinted without written premission. 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. Mail all inquiries to: 2416 Frontera Road McAllen, Texas 78504

Speaking OUT come and see; but be assured these kids are well coached, play hard on every play, and take pride in their performance”. With a few exceptions, the athletes of the Valley may not be as fast, or as talented as many from “upstate”, but there is no better high school football played anywhere than right here in the RGV. “What about the coaches?”

Are we just coaching?

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f anyone has any doubts about what is good and right about our young people, try going to a high school football game and observe the discipline and dedication of all those on the field and

other students who are involved in support of their team.

Dave R. Smith, HSSM Columnist Each game I go to, I often observe the interaction between the coaches and their players. I see a lot of teaching, caring, and encouraging from Few people understand just what these athletes and their these coaches. Having been in their position as a football coach, supporting casts have to do in order to just be on the field, I know that these coaches are emotional, intense, focused and regardless of their talent or success. Everyone wants to win on game day, but the ones who derive most from athletics are those who make the sacrifice preparing to win, in the weight room, in off season workouts, and the challenge of two a day workouts in this South Texas heat. HSSM does a great job of recognizing those who excel in this competitive arena.

My friends from Central Texas often ask me about “how is football in the RGV?” I usually reply “You would just have to

wanting their team to win. It is rewarding to see many of these coaches who coach in such a way that it is evident that they will leave a positive legacy far beyond that field and long after the stadium lights go out on game night. Occasionally, I see coaches who need a little counseling or coaching themselves about how they coach and treat their players.

Reading the HSSM August issue story about Coach Robert Vela and what a positive difference he made in the lives of others, I thought of many other coaches with whom I coached and others who were on the other side of the field during my too short coaching sojourn in the 70”s. There were many who truly cared about their players and made a difference in the lives of the athletes they coached. I hope and pray that our current coaches understand the importance of their duties/responsibilities and what great opportunities they have to teach solid values while coaching football; Robert Vela did.

Coaches, are you making a positive difference, or just coaching the sport?

My thanks go out to David Amador for the opportunity to write this short summary of support for the many athletes who are making the right choices “in the arena” of high school sports, and the coaches who are making a positive difference.

Smith coached football and track at Lyford, Raymondville, and Harlingen from 1971-78.

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2007 HSSM October Issue

the show. This district will go down to the wire on November 9th. In the final week, the Hawks will play at PSJA, Harlingen will be at PSJA Memorial, PSJA North will hosts Edinburg, and Edinburg North will play Economedes.

In District 32-5A, it is less complicated.

Los Fresnos, Weslaco, and San Benito are in the playoffs. All three teams will slug it out in their final two weeks for the district title. The title could be decided in Los Fresnos when the

Weslaco Panthers come knocking on November 9th too. The Panthers lead the district in total offense amassing almost 500 yards per game with the top running back, Mishak Rivas carrying the ball for 1,657 yards on just 108 carries and averaging 15 yards per carry. Quarterback Dylan De Leon has been flawless under center as he passed for three scores and completed 5of-6 passes for 101 yards in their lopsided win over Brownsville Lopez 6945. Are the Panthers for real? The Los Fresnos Falcons will waiting on

Novmber 9th at home. One Brownsville team will make the playoffs with a losing record and it could end up with Brownsville Lopez playing Brownsville Rivera on November 9th for the fourth playoff spot in 32-5A. Stay tuned.

Still Hoping. The Harlingen Cardinals are just one of the 31-5A teams still alive for a playoff berth. (HSSM IMages)

Touchdown! Coyotes Still Howling.

ATTN: TEXAS MOMS YOUNG DRIVER DISCOUNTS UP TO 40%

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2007 HSSM October Issue

La Joya Stays Alive in 30-5A Race (McAllen, Texas)-The La Joya Coyotes took advantage of Mustang miscues as they won 28-17 in District 30-5A. The win keeps the Coyotes (3-4, 2-1) in playoff contention and sets up a big showdown with the Sharyland Rattlers in La Joya next Friday night, October 26th. As for the McAllen Memorial Mustangs, they ended their season with no hopes of making the playoffs but on this night they would score first on John Kowalski’s 19-yard field goal with 7:33 in the first period.

Then on a Mustang drive in the second quarter, George Johnson made it 10-0 on a seven-yard run. Kowalski’s PAT was good. La Joya would answer right back with two quick scores by WR Matt Jones to make it 14-10. The half ended with Memorial on top 17-14 on quarterback George Thatcher’s 1-yard run with 1:00 left to play. Memorial rushed for 169 yards total on 40 carries, Joseph Granchelli had 21 of those takes for 104 yards. La Joya WR Matt Jones had a big night with 156 yards on 5 catches and two scores.

Coyotes 14 Donna 21

In other Coyote games, La Joya had their chances on three second-half drives but the Coyotes came up short and the Redskins held on for a 21-14 victory over the Coyotes on October 12th at Coyote Stadium. “I’m proud of the way our team has stepped it up,” says head coach Manny Moreno of Donna. Running back Robert Guzman led the way for the Redskins, rushing for 192 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Derrick Ramirez completed 5-of-8 pass attempts for 50 yards and one touchdown, while also adding one rushing TD. Donna scored with 32 seconds remaining in the first quarter when Guzman found the end zone on a 4-yard run. Mario Santana’s extra point was good and the Redskins led 7-0. On the Coyote’s next drive, the Coyotes took :45 seconds to score as RB Jose Bocanegra broke off tackles and went all the way, 76-yards, for a touchdown. Sergio Castillo booted the extra point to tie the game at 7. Donna bounced right back with QB Ramirez connecting with Aaron Jackson for the score and Santana’s extra point put the Redskins up 14-7 with 2:36 left in the half. For the Coyotes, Bocanegra led the way rushing with 107 yards, two touchdowns and 27 yards receiving. Lorenzo Garcia added 45 yards on the ground and quarterback Stephen Ramirez passed for 96 yards with one interception.

Coyotes Need to Win. The La Joya Coyotes must defeat the McHi Bulldogs at home on November 9th if they expect to make the playoffs.

(HSSMImages)

2007 HSSM October Issue

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32-4A Highlights

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Headed to the state playoffs! Head coach Joe Solis leads his Edcouch-Elsa team to Mission Veterans on Nov. 10th for a possible fourth district title in a row. (HSSM IMages)

Yellowjackets Dominate 32-4A Teams Mercedes Tigers, Mission Veterans, Mission Eagles Still Alive for Playoffs

Edcouch-The Mercedes Tigers (5-3, 3-1) really wanted this win at Jacket Stadium last week but the winning tradition for the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets (6-1, 3-0) was just too rich as the defense shut down Mercedes 29-7 and allowed just 128 yards of total offense. Head coach Gilbert Leal had to make adjustments since his

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2007 HSSM October Issue

starting quarterback Albert Chavez did not make the grades with the University Interscholastic Leagues “No Pass, No Play� rule. The loss cost the Tigers a much needed victory.

Either way, both teams have clinched playoff berths while Mission (2-5, 2-1) and Mission Veterans (4-3, 3-1) still hope to make it to the post season. The Mission Eagles played their hearts out last week in a comefrom-behind victory over Weslaco East (2-6, 1-3) 2422, while the Pats escaped an upset, winning 28-21 against a dangerous Roma team.

In order for the Mission Eagles to make the playoffs,

they will need help from Weslaco East and EdcouchElsa in the next two games as both teams play Mission Veterans.

On the other end, Mission must play and defeat the Mercedes Tigers at home on Homecoming Night on November 9th.

If the Pats win one of the two remaining games, they will be headed to the state playoffs in 2007. The Eagles stopped a Wildcat team that rushed for 320 yards and responded to two key turnovers late in the fourth quarter. Andrew Alvarado rushed for 182 yards for the East Wildcats and two scores. A win by the Mission Eagles Still Flyin! QB Nathan Pats will not come easy this Salazar is hoping the Eagles will make the Friday night at Weslaco. playoffs. (HSSM IMages)

2007 HSSM October Issue

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Almost a Gladiator Victory! The Roma Gladiators were eliminated from the playoffs in District 32-4A after their 28-21 loss to Mission Veterans Patriots last week. The Pats need a victory over Weslaco East (Nov.2nd) or Edcouch-Elsa (Nov. 10th) to make the playoffs. (HSSM IMages)

Mission Veterans Survive Gladiator Scare

(Mission, Texas)-The Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots are still alive and they now control their own destiny. A win over Weslaco East (Nov. 2nd) or Edcouch-Elsa (Nov. 10th), notches a playoff berth for the Pats. After taking a week off from district play, head coach Carlos Longoria told HSSM right before kickoff, that he would like to play this game against Roma with “opportunity” because this Gladiator program is a “well-coached team.” He was right too. Longoria watched the Gladiators score 14 unanswered points on two passing touchdowns in the first half and his Pats also surrendered more 300 yards of offense too. Either way, Longoria was relieved to walk out of Tom Landry Stadium with a 28-21 win on District 32-4A. The loss keeps Roma (0-7, 0-3) winless for the season and out of the playoffs, while the Patriots are now thinking playoffs. “We need to win just one game of the two remaining with Weslaco East and EdcouchElsa. It will be a challenge,” says Longoria. The Patriots (4-3, 3-1) surrendered 492 total yards for the game and much credit went to Roma sophomore quarterback Edward Shiefelbein. The sophomore connected with Angel Garcia (6 catches, 131 yards and one touchdown) and Ronnie Garza (five receptions, 141 yards, two TDs). The game ended with Shiefelbein being picked off by Jobinn Zapico with 1:32. Shiefelbein finished with 348 yards, completing 17-of-32 passes to go along with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Mission Veterans finished with 360 yards total offense including a quiet but solid performance from Rick Alvarado. Alvarado completed 10-of-12 for 169 yards, tossed two touchdowns and kept it on the ground for another 72.

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2007 HSSM October Issue

(La Feria, Texas)-The La Feria fans started to celebrate a little too early in the fourth quarter, after a 20-7 lead but Port Isabel came from behind, down 13-points to send the game into overtime, winning 2620 over La Feria in both teams’ league open 32-3A opener at Lions Stadium in the High School Sports Magazine’s Burger King Game of the Week.

PI (2-0 in District 32-3A, 5-2 overall) trailed 20-7, but then rallied with two touchdown runs by David Alaniz on a quarterback sneak and Nolan Nuñez on a run. The score by Nuñez tied the game at 20 with just over two minutes left with the extra point pending. Kicker Jaime Salazar looked to give the Tarpons the lead with his extra point, but the Lions came through with a block keeping the game tied.

Nuñez ended the night with 163 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, putting him at 976 yards for the season. “We tell them to play and you never know what’s gonna happen. In this district, you don’t want to start 0-1.”

For La Feria, RB Randy Rodriguez rushed for 146 yards while Esquivel threw for 170 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown pass to Justin Lee Gonzales.

Lions head coach Elifonso Esquivel talked about stopping Nunez from the start. “He scored on us and that 60-yard run was good.

Nobody is out of winning the title yet. This is a tough district,” added Esquivel.

The Tarpons have pretty much wrapped up another State 3A playoff berth but the Rio Hondo Bobcats are well rested after a week

District 32-3A

Playoff Spots Up For Grabs!

Overtime Victory! The Port Isabel Tarpons defeated the La Feria Lions in overtime 26-20. CB Luis Garcia intercepts the ball in PI’s overtime win over La Feria. (HSSM IMages) 2007 HSSM October Issue

off will now face the Tarpons for the District 32-3A title at Port Isabel.

In other playoff scenarios, the Progreso Red Ants (4-4, 0-2) started on a 4-0 roll but have since fallen out of the playoff race while La Feria (5-2, 0-1) and Hidalgo (5-2, 0-1) are still alive for the final third place spot.

The Pirates meet the Lions at La Feria and head coach Elifonso Esquivel knows that blowing a 20-7 lead to the Tarpons in the fourth quarter still grinds him on the sidelines so expect a grudge match this Friday night.

A win by the Lions clinches will probably clinch a spot despite playing Rio Hondo on November 9th.

A win by the Pirates notches a playoff spot, with only one game left to play at home with Progreso.

In District 31-3A, Raymondville (5-3, 20) and Zapata (4-4, 2-0) have already clinched playoff spots while Falfurrias (1-6, 0-1) and Lyford (3-4, 0-1) will decide their fates this week. San Diego (1-7, 0-2) is out of the race in 31-3A. The Bearkats rank second in total offense with 281.0 yards per game but they have had trouble on defense, giving up nearly 300 yards per game.

The 3A playoffs in the Rio Grande Valley are still alive and up for grabs and this will all come down to points in the end between La Feria nd Hidalgo.

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Inside SPORTS Jason O. Martinez B.B.A., C.P.T. HSSM Columnist

Conditioning Cramps

F

ootball season is almost gone but with other sports looming in, how many times do you see players get muscle cramps during the game? It happens quite often. You often hear about having pickle juice near and given to players when a muscle cramp occurs. But come on, who likes to drink pickle juice, AGH! There are other ways to prevent and treat muscle cramps.

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. It is not uncommon for cramps to ease up and then return several times before they go away entirely.

The exact cause of muscle cramps is unknown, but many experts think it is related to

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but should only drink when you are sweating a lot and not drinking enough water, to help replenished lost nutrients from sweating. But water is key!!!!

• Stretch regularly after exercise.

Warm up before exercise

Treatment of Muscle Cramps

• Stretch the hamstring muscle

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

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 and stay hydrated during the duration of the game. Sport drinks are okay 2007 HSSM October Issue

• Stretch the calf 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.

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District 32-2A Enrollment Santa Rosa 354 Hebbronville 323 Bishop 323 Premont 295 Banquete 259 Freer 239 Riviera Kaufer 220

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District 31-2A Enrollment George West 379 Taft 363 Odem 340 Refugio 262 Bloomington 260 Skid-Tyan 249 Three Rivers 207

District 30-2A Enrollment Jourdanton 392 SA Hawkins 380 Cotulla 371 Natalia 345 SA Cole 299 SA Gervin 227 Dilley 212

2007 HSSM October Issue

District 29-2A Enrollment Navarro 393 Karnes City 311 Universal City 299 Nixon Smiley 294 Kenedy 241 Poth 240 Stockdale 232 Yorktown 212

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Pictured are:Mark Puente, Hidalgo and James Delgado, PI

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Pictured are:Tony Perez, Falfurrias; Raul Pena, Raymondville; Eleazar Esquivel, La Feria

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District 31-3A Enrollment Zapata 857 Raymondville 681 Falfurrias 516 San Diego 449 Lyford 433

District 32-3A Enrollment La Feria 826 Hidalgo 819 Port Isabel 701 Rio Hondo 643 Progreso 485

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District 32-4A Enrollment Mission 1909 Mission Veterans 1761 Weslaco East 1746 Roma 1646 Ed-Elsa 1512* Mercedes 1391* Valley View HS 959

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District 31-4A Enrollment CC Flour Bluff 1680 Alice 1574 Kingsville 1302 CC Calallen 1243* CC Tulso-Midway 1009 Robstown 1005

District 30-4A Enrollment CC Moody 1960 CC Miller 1371 Gregory-Portland 1341 Port Lavaca Calhoun 1142 Beeville Jones 1080 Rockport-Fulton 976

2007 HSSM October Issue

District 29-4A Enrollment SA Harlandale 1911.5 SA South San 1799 SA McCollum 1669 SA Southside 1324.5 Uvalde 1475 Floresville 1088

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Pictured are: Alex Trevino, Mercedes Erik Nino, Ed-Elsa Gary Scoggins, Weslaco East

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3TATE #HAMPION

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District 32-5A Enrollment Bro Hanna 2907 Bro Porter 2390 Bro Pace 2385 Los Fresnos 2307* Weslaco 2198* Bro Lopez 2182 San Benito 2177* Bro Rivera 2113

District 31-5A Enrollment Harlingen 2672 Edinburg 2488 PSJA 2260 PSJA North 2207 Edinburg North 2188 Harlingen South 2157* Ed Economedes 2121 PSJA Memorial 2040

District 30-5A Enrollment La Joya 5546 Donna 2487* Rio Grande City 2435 Sharyland 2224 McAllen 2223 McA Rowe 2132 McA Memorial 2012

2007 HSSM October Issue

District 29-5A Enrollment Laredo United 2635* Laredo Alexander 2245 Laredo Nixon 2149 La United South 2006 Eagle Pass 1979 Laredo Martin 1949 Laredo Johnson 1785 Laredo Cigarroa 1593

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Pictured are: Jacob Bentacourt, Los Fresnos Eric M. Leal, San Benito Josh Ayala, Edinburg North

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2007 HSSM October Issue

District 31-3A

Battle of Willacy County

Raymondville Defeats Lyford 42-39

(Willacy County)-You can leave all the politics out this one as the Raymondville Bearkats knocked off the Lyford Bulldogs in a wild 42-39 win. The win keeps the Bearkats undefeated as head coach Alex Leal watched his team clinch another playoff spot in District 31-3A for the second year in a row. The Kats are now 6-3 for the year and remain perfect at 3-0, while Lyford drops to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in district play. After the game both teams shock hands but you could sense the set backs from the Bulldogs players. “ I feel bad for Lyford because they have a good team, we all knew there would only be one team that would walk off the field as winners. My hat goes off Coach Infante and his team they did a great job.” said Raymondville head coach Alex Leal. After two straight losses, the ‘Kats went into the game with hopes of setting the tone for the district race and a crown. After scoring the first touchdown in the first quarter the Kats kept on going and never looked back. Raymondville led 39-19 at the half, but the Bulldogs never gave up. The Bulldogs scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second half to put them up 39-35 at the end of the fourth quarter. The Bearkats held the ball in the end as quarterback Raul Salinas hit wide receiver Jake Garcia to give Raymondville to end Lyford’s come-from-behind upset. Defensively, the Bearkats’ George Ledesma returned an interception 30-yards for a touchdown. Raymondville running back Dustin Alejo had three rushing touchdowns and 142 yards. In more playoff views, the Zapata Hawks have clinched a spot, while Falfurrias and Lyford will find themselves playing for the final spot in District 313A.

Jake Garcia

Raul Salinas

Dustin Alejo

Eli Tamez

Victor Sanchez

Safety Central 2007 HSSM October Issue

Suite E

33

OnTheSideLines

McAllen Memorial Mustangs play San Antonio MacArthur, I realized that once you cover sports in South Texas, you begin to grow with every team that makes this type of journey. Harlingen South was the second team to venture this far and with both Memorial and Harlingen b y D a v i d A. A m a d o r South playing in the same bracket, I started asking myself, “ Is this really happening? Will the Valley have two teams win the Region IV Bracket in Class 5A Division II?” And then there was Los Fresnos playing Austin Westlake.

Of course, I woke up early to make the drive on Saturday to Victoria. I left at 9:30 a.m., thinking it would be a four hour drive. Kickoff was at 2 p.m. The drive seemed endless.

Afterall, I had never been to Victoria.

I actually needed a map to get there too. I barely made the kickoff.

Now that November is here and the fall changes season to the winter, (still warm) I know that I will encounter many more games like these and it’s always exciting to feel the bond when Valley fans come together to support other teams in the state playoffs.

It’s drives like these that always keepings me coming back for more because along the way, you just Three teams in 2006 made it to might encounter strange things. But the third round of the State 5A hey, this is football and November playoffs and after watching the Fever is here.

November Fever

M

arch madness is about basketball, but right here in the Rio Grande Valley, it’s November Madness and every football fan knows it too.

The cool breezes from the northern states finally make it to the Valley and fans are just waiting for this opportunity so that they can wear their favorite mascot sweaters or high school lettermen’s jackets from their former high school (if it still fits).

Either way, November Football Madness is here and this means that Valley teams will be vying to make it to the state championship game.

Last year, Harlingen South made it to the State 5A Baseball title game and I was there to witness what it would feel like it too. It did not matter whether I was from Weslaco and a true Panther fan. All that mattered was that, we were all united and we were from the Rio Grande Valley.

That’s what I like about living here in South Texas.

Is Here.

“I left at 9:30 a.m. thinking it was a four hour drive. Kickoff was at 2 p.m...”

2007 HSSM October Issue

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