High School Sports Magazine-October 2007 Issue

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VOL 3 ISSUE 2

HS “ Sp In or Th ts e Sh G ow a on ra th ge eW ” eb !

September 29-October 28, 2007

Inside: Battle of the Arroyo

Harlingen Vs San Benito How’ They’re Doing?

New Coaches On the Sidelines One On One with

MARIO PENA

or y Feature St

! n O t i g n i r B RGV ers Cheerlead Train to be the best!

Pg. 28

Kaitlan Elliff Harlingen HS

GO

On The Sidelines

with TDDAVE

RAIDERS !

PSJA North Undefeated 3-0

QB Joseph Spears Leads His Raiders

TOP 1. HARLINGEN SOUTH 2. PSJA NORTH 3. WESLACO 4. EDCOUCH-ELSA 5. Ed North

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Polls 6. SAN BENITO 7. HARLINGEN 8. PORT ISABEL 9. LAREDO UNITED 10. Rio Hondo

Game

Contents www.hssmonline.net

4 Battle of the Arroyo

San Benito travels to Harlingen Can they make it two wins in a row?

8 HSSM’s No. 1 Team

Harlingen South Hawks defeat McAllen Nikki Rowe in showdown of unbeatens.

Bears Still 12 PSJA Undefeated 3-0

Mel Rios leads Bears in win over Mustangs

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September 29October 28th, 2007

Vol 3 Issue 2

Hovda Wins Golf Tourney Harlingen South hosts first golf tournament of season.

28 Bring It On!

Cheerleaders raise money to stay on sidelines and compete in UCA meets.

33 OneOnOne Interview

San Benito head coach Mario Pena talks to HSSM about his season and his being sidelined with a broken femur.

Javier Sanchez , PSJA Bears CB HSSM IMages

Battle for the

Harlingen RB Ted Snavely tries to elude San Benito defender, Celso Saldivar.

ARROYO San Benito Slips Past Harlingen

(HSSMImages)

See story on next page

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(Boggus Stadium)-It was an eventful night filled with lighting strikes, purple rain, and rowdy San Benito Greyhound fans. All this, for just one quest: the Battle for the Arroyo

Championship trophy and more than anything, bragging rights.

The San Benito Greyhounds overcame their early sloppiness to win their second consecutive

Two-Time Arroyo Champs! The San Benito Greyhounds captured their second straight victory over Harlingen 15-4. It marks the second time since 1961-62 that the Greyhounds have won back-to-back victories.

(HSSMImages)

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2007 HSSM September Issue

championship with a 15-4 victory over Harlingen. “This game is about bragging rights. I have waited all my life to coach a game like this one, and now, it’s here,” Cardinal head coach, Manny Gomez told HSSM prior to the game.

San Benito had to overcome their handicaps, along with their head coach Mario Pena, who was sitting atop a portable lift at the 50-yard line with a broken femur. First, the Greyhounds started with a center snap flying high, and over the helmet of quarterback Abel Aguirre. He would scramble all the way to the end-zone and the Cardinals would score their first two points on a safety to make it 2-0 in the first quarter.

Again, things would get messy, with rain coming down, the center snap would again, sail even further, to the five-yard line. Almost, a fortyyard scramble. The Cards would take over with quarterback John Murphy under center, and this time, he would fumble the snap with the Greyhounds recovering. Then Aguirre took over.

Aguirre would break loose on a 47-yard run to the Cardinal 31-yard line. A few plays later, Aguirre would score the game’s first touchdown on a 17-yard run to make it 6-2. The PAT was no good. The Greyhounds would take a four-point lead into the half.

The second half was highlighted by another 80-yard run by Aguirre which would seal the Cardinal’s fate.

Aguirre rushed for 220 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown to up the Greyhounds record to 2-1 overall in non-district play while the Cards lost for the first time to drop to 2-1.

Both teams will get a one week off before opening district play on Sept.

27th with Greyhounds meeting Porter and Harlingen will host Edinburg Economedes on Sept. 28th at Boggus Stadium. “This game was well deserved by our players. They really wanted this victory and this game still gives me butterflys,” said Pena.

HSSM’s Top No.1 Team

Harlingen South Tomahawks

Nikki Rowe QB Sean Messick scores on a 60-yard yard TD (McAllen,Tx) –The final score: Hawks 44 Rowe 14. “We came to play and this team is always ready.

My hats off to our coaches because they did a great job in preparing our Hawks tonight,” said Alan Cherry, Harlingen South head coach.

High School Sports Magazine’s No.1 Fan team, South (3-0) started early by scoring 27 points in the first half and this deflated the Warriors (2-1) for the next two periods. The Hawks rushed for 379 yards on 37 attempts, led by Steven Mata’s 146 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Sean Messick completed 7-of-15 passes for 108 yards and one TD, and rushed for 92 yards and two scores. He scored on a late 60-yard run in the fourth quarter. hssmonline@yahoo.com

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Tomahawked. Cameron Gatling of McAllen Nikki Rowe is tackled by Harlingen South defenders. The Hawks ended non-district play at 3-0 while Rowe finished 2-1. Both teams open district this weekend. (HSSMImages)

2007 HSSM September Issue

32-5A District Begins

Weslaco Completes

Tri-Area Rivalry

Favored to win 32-5A

National Attention. Mishak Rivas of Weslaco (2-1) has rushed for more than 700 yards in three games plus a 92-yard touchdown return.

He is drawing national attention from college recruiters. (HSSM IMages)

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2007 HSSM September Issue

(Weslaco,Texas)-Hit with a cold, head coach Tony Villarreal was optimistic about his tri-area rivalry his Weslaco Panthers just completed, most recently, a win over Mercedes 40-27.

Running back Mishak Rivas hadhis best career game, rushing for 333 yards and four touchdowns. He also added a 92-yard touchdown return.

Villarreal loves playing in these types of games because of the intense rivalry between Edcouch-Elsa, Donna, and Mercedes. Against the Yellowjackets, the Panthers ended their 37game win streak by winning 41-40, after the Yellowjackets decided to go for two points in the closing seconds.

“That game was huge for our program. The Yellowjackets are a tough team to beat and our defense stepped it up,” added Villarreal.

While the Panthers get ready for 32-5A, Villarreal wished his Panthers would have entered district play at 30, instead of 2-1. Their loss against Donna was humbling. “This is what I mean. Rivalries are good. Donna played a great game,” said Villarreal.

The Panthers will face three win less Brownsville teams. They travel to meet Hanna (0-3) this on Sept. 29th and they host Pace (0-3) on Saturday, October 6th, and then go back to face Rivera (0-3) on Oct. 12th before hosting Lopez (1-2).

The Panthers should be at 4-0 before they travel to meet San Benito on October 26th at Bobby Morrow Stadium. Against Donna, Rivas was held to one touchdown and 150 yards rushing in their 27-20 loss to the Redskins.

make it 2nd down and 28 to go for a first down. It was things like this that stopped the Mustangs (1-3) from handing PSJA,their first loss of the season.

After all, the Bears committed five turnovers; three fumbles and two interceptions. And still, the Mustangs could only score 9-points throughout the evening.

“We are still young with three starters back from last year’s squad,” said Bill Littleton, head coach of McAllen Memorial. PSJA 21 Memorial 9.

Mustang Pride. Patrick Granchelli of McAllen Memorial looks for some running room against PSJA defenders.

(HSSM IMages)

a company of HSSMMedia Group L.L.C.

Volume 3 Issue 2 September 29-October 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. HSSM Columnist Daniel Silva HSSM Webmaster Corporate Office

PSJA Bears Stay Undefeated With Win (Pharr, Texas)-First, punter John Kowalski could not handle the snap and PSJA (3-0) recovered at the Mustang’s 26-yard after spotting the Mustangs first and ten at the 41-yard line. Then, a pitch to Patrick Granchelli was mishandled and rolled back to the Memorial 34-yard line with 6:51 left to play. This pitch would

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2007 HSSM September Issue

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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

Undefeated Cougars 3-0 Face Harlingen South 3-0 on Homecoming Night

Edinburg North Ready for 31-5A District play against their biggest test yet: the Harlingen South Hawks 3-0.

Both teams have been impressive throughout the season, but most importantly, the Cougar defense has held their opponents in tack.

Head coach Roy Garza understands how important it is to make

the playoffs after three losing seasons at North. The Cougars will face Harlingen South (3-0) and then travel to PSJA (3-0) on October 4th, and Harlingen (2-1) on October 12th. Where the Cougars play is still the factor. Their football field is still unfinished.

HSSM IMages

(Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg North Cougars have done the impossible by staying undefeated throughout non-district by posting wins over Rio Grande City, Sharyland, and Mission to remain perfect for the season at 3-0. They will now open 31-5A conference

Jose Castillo Edinburg North

Michael Morales Edinburg North

Clyde Watson Edinburg North

Orlando Hinojosa Edinburg North

Juan Galvan Edinburg North

Jaguars Much Improved

(Mission-Texas)The Edinburg Economedes Jaguars came from behind to defeat the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots 34-27 on a Garza’ pick at the 10-yard line with seconds remaining to score the winning touchdown.

The win gives Jag head coach Oscar Salinas his second win of the year to even his mark to 2-2. The Jags defeated the Alvin Davis of Edinburg Ecomomedes.

(HSSM IMages)

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2007 HSSM September Issue

Mission Eagles 10-0 but a 31-7 loss to McAllen might have the Jags thinking just how tough 31-5A might be this season. PSJA, PSJA North, and Harlingen South are 3-0 in non-district play.

2007 HSSM September Issue

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Tough Loss. Laredo Martin lost 41-14 to Laredo United in District 29-5A. (HSSM IMages)

Laredo United Unseats Laredo Martin 41-14

(Laredo, Texas)-High School Sports Magazine made its way into the Laredo area last month with its first issue at all Shell/Tejano Marts with pivitol matchups on the line.

HSSM picked the Laredo Martin Tigers to make the playoffs and so far they had remained undefeated with wins over San Antonio Sam Houston, Carrizo, until they met up with head coach David Sanchez and his United Longhorns last week. Recently, Laredo United (2-2, 2-0) played Corpus Christi Calallen at the annual Dave Campbell’s Football Classic at the Alamodome in San Antonio and lost 21-14 in the final minutes of the game.

Martin opened their season with a 14-13 win over Laredo Cigarroa (1-3, 1-1) but it was United’s passing game and tough defense that kept the Tigers off balance throughout the night. The Tigers will now play Eagle Pass on October 5th and the United Longhorns will travel to Laredo Alexander on October 5th.

San Antonio, Texas-Alamodome

ATTN: TEXAS MOMS YOUNG DRIVER DISCOUNTS UP TO 40%

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2007 HSSM September Issue

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Classic

La Joya Blanked By SA Warren 41-0 (San Antonio, Texas)- This was supposed to be a trip that new head coach Leonel Casas would have enjoyed, but instead he watched his La Joya Coyotes (1-2) turn over the ball in key drives and to make matters worst, Keith Lawson returned a kickoff in the second half, on a reverse, and went untouched down the sideline for a 107-yard touchdown to give San Antonio Warren a 41-0 victory in the annual Texas Football Classic before nearly 3,000 fans at the Alamodome. “We love to do what we do,” said Lawson, who carried nine times for 48 yards and two TDs en route to earning U.S. Army Player of the Game honors. The Coyotes trailed 14-0 at the half and Warren (2-0) scored quickly and took a 21-0 advantage. The Coyotes had their chances but could not capitalize on Warren’s three fumbles on their opening possession, which lasted 15 plays but resulted in a missed 32-yard field goal. Warrior’s defensive back Joseph Bonugli scoring on a 49-yard interception return early in the fourth. The Warriors totaled four interceptions and three fumbles. La Joya played three straight road games with a win over Brownsville Rivera and then lost to Warren and CC Calallen.

Coyotes at Alamodome. The La Joya Coyotes played in Dave-Campbell’s Football Classic in San Antonio against San Antonio Warren. The Coyotes lost 41-0.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

2007 HSSM September Issue

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32-4A Highlights

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Edcouch-Elsa QB Erik Nino will lead his Yellowjackets to possible fifth 32-4A District title in a row. (HSSM IMages)

Yellowjackets Ready To Defend Title Mercedes Tigers to Challenge Edcouch-Elsa at Yellowjacket Stadium on October 19th

(Edcouch,Tx)-“I’m glad this win streak is over. It was putting too much pressure on our players,” said Joe Solis, head coach of Edcouch-Elsa. “I think our streak was second to Southlake Carroll’s,” he added. The Yellowjackets would sting the Panthers first on a touchdown run by Ronnie Villalpando to take an early 7-0 lead.

the Yellowjackets as they scored with less than 30 seconds left in the game to make it 40-41. The team wanted the win, so instead of opting to kick the extra point and take the game into overtime, Nino’s pass into the end-zone failed.

“This was a great win for Weslaco and the fans. This game is always a classic,” said Villarreal.

Mercedes (2-2) seems primed and ready for 32-4A after playing a tough nondistrict schedule against Hidalgo, La Feria, Lopez,

and Weslaco. As for the Weslaco East Wildcats (13), they will open 32-4A district play against the Yellowjackets this Friday night, and this game will determine what path or how seasoned the Wildcats will be in 2007.

HSSMIMages

The Yellowjackets, playing before some 12,000 fans would witness quarterback Eric Nino leading the Jackets back, to put them ahead again 14-13, after Anthony Perez’s three-yard touchdown. Again, with less than 2:03 left in the half, Rivas would break loose from 15-yards out to put the Panthers up 20-14 at the half. “The players wanted to go for the win,” said Solis. “So I said, let’s go for it.” The drama would continue for

Edward Cosme

Israel Vela

2007 HSSM September Issue

Frank Ginez III

Josh Martinez

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Top Golfer: Lizzie Hovda of Weslaco HS

Roman Robledo Harlingen South HS

In the boys results, Harlingen South’s Roman Robledo finished with a two day score of 72-71, 143 total to win his first varsity tournament of the year. Only a freshmen, he surprised Johnathon Sloss (7075, 145) of PSJA Memorial who took second and David Pena from PSJA North (72-74, 146) finishing third place. Adam Haley and Derrick Salinas, both of Edinburg High School tied for fourth place.

First place team honors went Weslaco with two-day totals of 612. The team is made up of Mike Menchaca (76-72), Chris Vela (80-79), Garrison Lackey (77-84), Kalen Vos (74-77), and Alberto Anguiano (82-77).

Second place went to Harlingen South (615) with teammates Anthony Milligan (81-78), Roman Robledo (72-71), Matt Ledesma (81-74), Randy Soliz (78-80), Ryan Hernandez (89-90). Third place went to Edinburg H.S. 2007 RGV Golf Schedule

October 4th

Mission Veterans Invit’ Varsity girls/JV Boys Sharyland Golf Course

October 5-6th

Mission Veterans Invitational Varsity Boys Sharyland Golf Course

October 12-13th

Harlingen South Golf Invitational Results Lizzie Hovda fires an 82 to win; HS Freshmen Robledo Wins

(Harlingen,Tx)-Elizabeth Hovda of Weslaco High School shot a 11over par, 82 to win the Harlingen South Invitational Golf Tournament on September 17th. “I was not pleased with my game today,” said Hovda. Mayra Cepeda of Brownsville Lopez placed second overall with a score of 84 while Olivia Tamen took third place honors with a 88 score.

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2007 HSSM September Issue

Weslaco High Invitational Varsity Boys Tierra Santa Golf Course

October 15th Weslaco High Invitational Varsity Girls/JV Boys Tierra Santa Golf Course

October 26-27th

Edinburg North Invit’ Varsity Boys Los Lagos Golf Course

Pigskin Jubilee Set For Oct. 20th

The annual Pigskin Jubliee will feature two zones of competition from Region 28. The West Zone will be hosted by La Joya High School at the Coyote Stadium and the East Zone will be held at the Bennie La Prade Stadium in Donna on October 20th beginning at 4:00 p.m. Last year, Rio Hondo, Port Isabel, Los Fresnos, Loopez High School, Hanna, San Benito, Harlingen, Harlingen South, Rivera, and Donna are garnered one ratings to advance to Area Competition. (HSSM IMages)

2007 HSSM September Issue

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And There Off! With the District Meet just around the corner, South Texas Cross-Country runners will be competing t0 gain more experience. PSJA North will be favored to win the 30-5A title along with Edinburg North. (HSSM IMages)

McAllen Memorial’s Terry Wins HSSM Cross-Country Meet (Edinburg,Texas)-Luis Serrano of Edinburg North narrowly won the first annual High School Sports Magazine’s Cross-Country Meet held at Edinburg with a time of 14:17 and Sharyland’s Michael Medrano finished right behind him on sprint to the finish witha time of 14:19. In third place, Brownsville Hanna’s Brandon Broden closed in at 14:22.

Team honors went to Brownsville Hanna with 65 points while Sharyland finished in second overall with 83 points, tied with Edinburg North. In fourth place, Donna surprised everyone with 139 points and PSJA North locked in at fifth place with 147 points.

Other teams finishing were Rio Grande City (180), McAllen HS (183), La Joya HS (185), PSJA High (190), and Zapata (263). Serrano led his Cougars to the State 5A Meet last year where he finished 64th with a time of 17:08 and overall, the team held on to 10th place. Joe Farias, another member of the Cougar’s state team, finished with a time of 14:52 in a neck-to-neck sprint with Donna’s

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2007 HSSM September Issue

Abraham Lopez. Lopez also made the trip to state last season. Two other state qualifiers from Edinburg North finishing the race were NickWhite (15:09) and Joe Morales (15:13).

Both times were better than last year’s state times.

In girl’s action, Tricia Terry of McAllen Memorial left the pack behind as she hardly broke a sweat, unchallenged, won the meet with a time of 12:12 but it was PSJA North takingthe team title with 52 points.

The Lady Raiders were led

by Starla Garcia who would finish second with a time of 12:17, with teammates Annie Mora taking seventh, Ashley Mutchler (11th), Elvia Vega (15th), and Robin Pena (17th). Overall team totals are 1. PSJA North, 2. Edinburg, 3. Sharyland,

4. Nikki Rowe, 5. Zapata, 6. St. Joe, 7. Weslaco, 8.

Hanna, 9. La Joya, and 10.

Mission Veterans. Terry finished 16th overall at the 2006 State 5A Meet with a time of 11:31.65.

2007 Cross-Country Schedule

September 29th

Brownsville Invitational Rio Grande City Meet October 6th

Warrior Invitational La Feria Meet October 13th

Harlingen Meet PSJA Memorial October 27th

District 30-5A Meet Top Runner. Tricia Terry of McAllen Memorial is one of the top distance runners in Class 5A. She easily won the Edinburg Meet. (HSSM IMages)

2007 HSSM September Issue

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New Team Leaders

2-2

Manny Moreno Donna Redskins

3-0

Alan Cherry Harlingen South

1-3

Leonel Casas La Joya H.S.

New Coaches on the Sidelines

How They’re Doing?

(McAllen,Tx)-New head football coach Alan Cherry of the Harlingen South Hawks (3-0) came to the Valley from Bay City, Texas and he now says that he is enjoying his coaching in the Rio Grande Valley. “I have a great group of players and coaches. We have been able to communicate and win games,” added Cherry.

Last week the Hawks tomahawked the McAllen Nikki Warriors as both teams entered the game at 2-0. This contest proved to be unchallenged for the Hawks as they won 44-14. With wins over McAllen (1-2), Hanna

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2007 HSSM September Issue

(0-3), and Rowe (2-1) Cherry knows that his team has not played top notched teams. The Harlingen South Hawks open 31-5A conference play on Thursday night against Edinburg North (3-0) and will play Harlingen (2-1) on October 5th.

After posting two straight losing seasons, new head coach Manny Moreno already has District 30-5A teams worried. After all, the Redskins have beaten Weslaco (2-1) and Edinburg (0-3), while barely losing to Harlingen 21-14 and a roughing the punter flag cost the Redskins a loss to PSJA North 16-14 in the closing minutes. Are these Redskins for real?

“You bet. These kids play hard and the want to win.

I have them believing in themselves,” says Moreno.

The Redskins will begin 30-5A Conference play at Rio Grande City in a pivotal match up at Sanchez Stadium this Friday night and will host McAllen H.S. on October 5th.

If the La Joya Coyotes can hold on to the ball, then new coach Leonel Casas will sleep better at night.

Lately, the Coyotes have struggled with handling the ball as they fumbled away another victory to Corpus Christi Carroll 21-17, after leading 17-14 with minutes

left in the game last week. The Coyotes seem primed as they have played tough opponents with winning records. Against Carroll, the Coyotes took a 14-point lead but would give up the ball three times, which led to two touchdowns. Casas knows that his defense has stepped it up in these last two games by forcing teams like Warren, Calallen, and Carroll to turnovers as well. The Tigers were hit with three turnovers last week, but the offense only managed to score three points. The Coyotes have lost to San Antonio Warren (4-0), CC Calallen (4-0), and CC Carroll (4-0). Their only win was against Brownsville Rivera (0-3).

The Coyotes will open the 30-5A conference with McAllen Nikki Rowe at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on October 4th.

Other new head coach’s enjoying their first season are Manny Gomez of Harlingen (2-1), Josh Gonzalez of Santa Rosa (3-1), while programs still struggling are Brownsville Hanna (0-3) and Tom Chavez, Brownsville Rivera (0-3), Roma (0-3), Valley View (0-3), Brownsville Porter (0-3), and Edinburg High School (0-3). The Cardinals lost a heart breaker to San Benito in the Battle of tthe Arroyo 15-4.

2007 HSSM September Issue

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Cheering on Football Friday Nights

BRING IT ON!

By David A. Amador, HSSM Sports Director

(La Joya,Tx)-The La Joya Coyote High School Cheerleading squad made the trip to Dave Campbell’s Annual Football Classic held at the Alamodome in San Antonio to support their Coyote football team recently. Like head cheerleader Torrance, from the hit movie “Bring It On”, it is the quest of every

cheerleader to compete and advance to nationals in Disneyland in Orlando, Florida. These cheerleaders, like many more from across South Texas spend countless of hours practicing routines and learning jumps that will enlighten crowds on football Friday nights. Since the University Interscholastic League

2007-08 La Joya Varsity Cheerleaders at the Alamodome in San Antonio are pictured l-r front are Benji Garza, Jennifer Lopez, Lydia Solis, Amadely Aldrete, and Anaceli Salinas. Second row l-r are Victoria Perez, Priscilla Chapa, Samantha Gonzales, Genevieve Barrera, and Angela Trevino. Back row l-r are Kimberly Davila, Adriana Castro, Nikki Villarreal, Veronica Flores, Belinda Sanchez, Kati Alaniz, Rosa Raya, Zayda Hernandez, Vanessa Hernandez, Sujey Rangel, DJ Jaramillo, Rochell Chapa, Monica Munoz, Chalisa Peez, Carla Olivarez, Nancy Cabrera, Dileny Olivarez, Julia Garza, and Amy Lopez. Mascot is Adan Zamora. (HSSM IMages)

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2007 HSSM September Issue

2007-08 Weslaco H.S. Varsity Cheerleaders pictured l-r front are Katilyn Romo, Stephanie Castillo, and Samantha Cuellar. Second row l-r are Anita Arredondo, Anita Perez, Karina Martinez, Joslynn Olivera, Sara Sanchez, Daisy Zamora, and Minerva Castillo. Back row l-r are Bianca Moreno, Liliane Avelos, Yanissa Clark, Kendra Hinojosa, Amanda Trevino, Michelle Moreno, Clarrisa Martinez, Angela Avelos, and Ashley Roman. In the back, Marcos Martinez. (HSSM IMages)

2007 HSSM September Issue

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2007-08 Edcouch-Elsa Varsity Cheerleaders pictured l-r front are Natalie Flores, Ashley Guerra, Norma Guerra, and Mary Rodriguez. Second row are l-r April Benavidez, Amanda Garza, Heather Reyes, Lori Garcia, and Janae Vargas. Back row are l-r Benita Fernandez, Kayla Leal, Juan Diaz, Bianca Rodriguez, and Illiana Ramirez. (HSSM IMages)

does not recognize “cheerleading” as sport or even an activity, these cheerleaders compete in the UCA. “It would be awesome if cheerleading would become a sport in Texas so that squads can compete in district and then advance to state,” says cheerleading coach, Leilah Garza of La Joya. Being a cheerleader cost money. Lots of it too. Most cheerleaders have sponsors who help them with their expenses. Some schools have adopted cheerleading squads for their schools and most of the time, assist teams with budget

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money to buy uniforms. Not in La Joya. “We have to raise money through fundraisers,” says Garza.

The movie “Bring It On” created more sideline awareness for cheerleaders from across the nation and as humbling and easy cheerleading may seem, cheerleaders endure sprained ankles, pulled muscles, just to name a few. “Regional and Nationals is coming up and we are preparing,” added Garza.

Money or not, either way, these cheerleaders will continue to “Bring it on” every Friday night.

2007 HSSM September Issue

2007-08 Harlingen Cardinal Varsity Cheerleaders pictured l-r front are Hannah Epstein, Rikki Sanchez, Lizzie Arroyo, Amanda Garcia, Shelby Pratt, and Kaitlan Elliff. Back row l-r are Emily Kunkle, Jacynda Stephenson, Angelica Ochoa, Tiffany Bentacourt, Ashless Zwiers, Amber Lynn Garcia, Ashley Nino, Bianca Longoria, Brittany Sanchez, and Taryn Disque.

(HSSM IMages)

2007 HSSM September Issue

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2007-08 San Benito Varsity Cheerleaders pictured l-r front are captain Cassandra Castillo and co-captain Stephanie Galvan. Second row l-r are Corina Castillo, Shelby Gaytan, Samantha Gonzales, Julie Jauregui, and Monika Longoria.

Back row l-r are Jessica Lopez, Tanya Parra, Michelle Rodriguez, Sarah Sauceda, Klaryssa Suarez, and Brianna Ybarra. Not pictured are Bianca Garza and Tina Valenzuela. (HSSM IMages)

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2007 HSSM September Issue

One On One I N T E R V I E W with San Benito Head Football Coach Mario Pena

about six weeks of recovery left.

HSSM: Was this a freak accident on the sidelines?

Pena: It happened during football two-adays. A pass/ball was thrown over me and the my defenders landed on me. I recently had my hip replaced. The bone just gave.

HSSM: Enough of this sideline questions.

How does it feel to be a grandfather?

Pena: (Laughs) I will not answer this question. I’m still young.

(HSSM IMages)

HSSM: What does the Battle of the Arroyo mean to this community?

Pena: It’s about bragging rights. (He laughs) This town gets excited and they dress up.

HSSM: Beating the Harlingen Cardinals twice in a row?

Pena: Wow. Not since 1961-62 had this ever happened. That was 42 years ago.

HSSM: How are you dealing with your recovery of your broken femur?

Pena: I still can not put any weight. I still have

HSSM: How long have you been coaching on the sidelines?

Pena: I’m starting my 29thyear and I have enjoyed every moment.

HSSM: I understand that you have a passion for coaching football.

Pena: Without a doubt. When I started, you have to love the game. At my age, Friday Night Lights still gives me butterflys.

This game keeps me young.

HSSM: One more question.

When will we see you riding your Harley-Davidson you won in a raffle. Talk about being lucky.

Pena: (Laughs)That one is for sale. Any buyers?

2007 HSSM September Issue

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RGC Sharyland Mission Har South* PSJA* Harlingen* Edinburg* PSJA North* PSJA Mem* Economedes*

8/31 9/7 9/21 9/27 10/4 10/12 10/19 10/27 11/2 11/9

Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away

*District Games

PSJA Bears

Edinburg Economedes 9/6 9/14 9/22 9/28 10/4 10/12 10/18 10/26 11/1 11/10

Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 2:00p

7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home There Here There

7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 2:00p

7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p

McAllen Bro Hanna McA Rowe* Edinburg No* Harlingen* Edinburg* PSJA North* PSJA Mem* Economedes* PSJA*

9/7 9/15 9/21 9/27 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/25 11/3 11/10

*District Games

*District Games

PSJA North

Edinburg 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p

McA Mem Bro Rivera Donna PSJA* PSJA Mem* Economedes* Har South* Edinburg No* Harlingen* Edinburg* *District Games

9/7 9/13 9/20 9/28 10/5 10/11 10/19 10/27 11/2 11/9

Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 2:00p 7:30p 7:30p

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2007 HSSM September Issue

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

20

8/31 9/7 9/14 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/1 11/9

30

Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home

40

9/8 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/18 10/25 11/2 11/8

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Harlingen South

PSJA Memorial

Donna San Benito Sharyland PSJA Mem* Economedes* Har South* Edinburg No* Harlingen* PSJA* PSJA North*

Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home

*District Games

*District Games

Bro Lopez Mission Vets Bro Pace Edinburg* PSJA North* PSJA* Economedes* Harlingen So* Edinburg No* Harlingen*

9/6 9/13 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/11 10/18 10/26 11/3 11/9

Mission McAllen Mission Vets Harlingen* Edinburg* PSJA North* PSJA Mem* PSJA* Harlingen So* Edinburg No*

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Bro Rivera Los Fresnos McAllen Mem PSJA North* Ed North* PSJA Mem* Harlingen* Economedes* Edinburg* Hgn South*

7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p

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RGV Football Schedules 2007

7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p

*District Games

*District Games

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Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away

20

8/31 9/7 9/14 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/18 10/26 11/2 11/8

10

Los Fresnos Donna San Benito Economedes* Har South* Ed North* PSJA* Edinburg* PSJA North* PSJA Mem*

Edinburg North

G

Harlingen

OnTheSideLines

Keep Teaching Our

W

Athletes

b y D a v i d A. A m a d o r

hy play sports? Is the pressure of winning worth the efforts of our own children failing at the end?

Parents, like myself, want our teens to succeed in whatever they choose to play and participate in at the high school level. After all, winning is everything. It brings rewards to the every individual that chooses to excel far and beyond their own abilities.

This comes with commitment. This commitment begins at home.

“52% of football If a student is diligent about wanting athletes are to take out the trash and keep their rooms clean without having to be still getting told, then this student’s studying habits will come naturally. A student priviledges who needs to be reminded constantly from their own about his/hers chores at home is looking for the easy way out. In other teachers...” words, the “I forgot” factor takes over and all the fretting begins to “I can get away with it” without arise. Conflicts between the student punishment and then wonders why and his parents become harsh. This they are grounded afterwards. On is where a student begins to think,

2007 HSSM September Issue

the other side, the student who is responsible with maintaining his/ hers responsibilities at home, this tends to rub off in the classroom too. Either way, as parents, we remind our children the importance of being responsible at home first.

There was this one athlete (football player) I knew who wanted to go to school and not study. He was looking for privileges from his teachers and they would give it to him too. After all, he was the “star quarterback”.

What these teachers did was ruin his life. He became a crack addict and could not hold on to his jobs.

He could not even pass the college entrance exam.

Today, he is still struggling.

Is winning everything? A poll conducted at our www.hssmonline. net website showed that 52% of football athletes are still getting privileges from their own teachers.

So why go to class? If teachers are still failing to teach these athletes the importance of passing in the classroom then what we as parents have taught our children at home, gets turned around in the classroom.

Sometimes, winning is not everything. Our home life and education will always be first. Keep teaching our athletes so that they will be successful in life.

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