High School Sports Magazine.com 22nd Edition Sept 30-Oct 30, 2016
It’s GameDay with Tddave Page 4
Top 10 Polls Football Picture Rookie Coaches
QB Erik Retta San Benito HS
(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
Racin’...
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Longtime Head Coach Honored With Stadium Naming Page 9
Greyhounds Top-Ranked 32-6A San Benito
Still Perfect at 8-0!
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September 30-October 30, 2016
Emilio Mendez, RB
McAllen Memorial High School Leads District 30-6A Standings (HSSMImages/Tddave)
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 04
features
districtbydistrict
columns
07 Three Peat
12 Hard Knocks 14
Beaumont Bulls Under 12 team takes a knee before kick off...
Greyhounds Looking for third straight 32-6A title under head coach Dan Gomez
More and more concussions occurring during practices and games.
After third round appearance, Ed-Elsa could be even better than last year...
17 Polls and
31
28
25
Grulla HS back in State 4A playoffs after three years; Port Isabel ready again.
Sharyland Pioneer headed to State 5A playoffs for the first time in school history.
After three seasons, the pride is back in Edinburg! Team headed to State 6A playoffs.
Taking a Knee?
Stats
Which team remains No.1? Who is the top passing quarterback inthe RGV?
Greyhounds
Tarpons Gators Ready
Concussions
Pioneer Clinches!
onthecover
32-4A A Real Sting?
High School Sports Magazine.com 22nd Edition Sept 30-Oct 30, 2016
It’s GameDay with Tddave Page 4
Top 10 Polls Football Picture Rookie Coaches
QB Erik Retta San Benito HS
(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
Racin’...
Bobcats Are Back!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Longtime Head Coach Honored With Stadium Naming Page 9
Greyhounds Top-Ranked 32-6A San Benito
Still Perfect at 8-0!
> OnTheCover... Erik Retta-San Benito QB Top-Ranked Greyhounds Running...
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Standing Proud. No Knees. Colin Kaepernick should be banned from the National Football League. He is a complete disgrace. He is what “sports” is not about. Kaepernick brings race into the game of football by taking a “knee” because of what he feels, that the black-african americans are treated unfairly? The black-african americans are being mistreated? Our society is filled with plenty of disagreements. Our society today, is filled will plenty of likes and dislikes. It’s a never ending, drama-filled, life that Americans live each day. But, what does this have to do with sports? “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said. Is he right? A Beamount Pop-Warner football team, no older than maybe, 12-years old, all took a knee and showed no respect for the National Anthem. Now, these little boys are no longer playing. The team has been disbanned since then. Why? Adults. Black-African Adults
G A M E D A Y/////
(volunteer coaches) thought that taking a stand would make more sense. But, with innocent children? Children do not understand what Kaepernick is doing, whether it was right or wrong? Instead, these innocent children did what they were told to do...take a knee or else. Luckily, parents removed players from this Beaumont team because they either felt that what the coaches did was wrong, or maybe, these parents heard the outcries of citizens who were weary and disturb by what these coaches made these little innocent children do without parental consent? We might not agree with the decisions that our police departments may or may not do. We might not agree with the tactics used by police departments. We might not agree with the choices that are made by our police departments in the line of fire. But, think about this...every police officer is willing to give his or her life everytime they show up for work. I commend every police officer for the hard work they perform in our communities seven-days a week, 24-hours a day. The next time you see a police officer at a football game, they are there to protect and serve. Take time to walk up to them and thank each one for the service they give each day to our communities. Stand proud. Sing the National Anthem. No knees.
A Disgrace. Pop-Warner football players are told to take a knee by team coaches. The team has been disbanned since the incident. (HSSMImages/Special)
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Sept 30-Oct 30, 2016
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T O P S T O R Y/////
Three-Peat?
District 32-6AAAAAA
San Benito Greyhounds Perfect at 8-0...
San Benito is ranked No.1 in the HSSM Polls and remain undefeated in District 32-6A. Can the Greyhounds win its third straight district title under head football coach, Dan Gomez? (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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T O P S T O R Y/////
Greyhound RB Marcelino Morales carries the ball. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
K
Greyhound QB Erick Retta has passed for 1,582 yards and 22 TDs. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
Greyhound RB Tyrone Harper has rushed for 598 yards and 9 TDs. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) For the past three years, the San Benito Greyhounds football team has gone to a new level of playing. Under third-year head football coach Dan Gomez, along with offensive coordinator, Gilbert Leal; both have been unstoppable in District 32-6A. The Greyhounds have won two straight district titles, and for Gomez, a title is a title, regardless if it is shared with other teams. The Greyhounds will be playing for its third possible title in a row on November 4th against the Harlingen Cardinals at Boggus Stadium. This game is called the “Battle of the Arroyo.” More than 13,000 fans will be expected. If both teams end up tied at 6-0 in district play, with only one game to determine which team could win it all. Maybe. Since Gomez has been the Greyhounds head football coach from 2014 to present, a total
High School Sports Magazine
of seven teams have shared the District 32-6A title, including San Benito. “That’s really crazy. It’s a tough district,” says Gomez. The Greyhounds will travel to play Weslaco (5-3, 3-2) on October 28th at Bobby Lackey Stadium.
Dan’s the Man 2014 District Champions 6-5, 5-2 Overall Record
Four-Way Tie For District title with Harlingen, Rivera, Los Fresnos
State 6A DI Bi-District Finals Lost to Weslaco East 42-14
2015 District Champions 10-3, 6-1 Overall Record
Shares District title with Los Fresnos and Harlingen
State 6A DI Bi-District Champs Defeats PSJA North 35-7
State 6A DI Area Champs Defeats Laredo Alexander 56-37
State 6A DI Regional Finals Lost to Shertz-Clemens 41-15
2016?
Page 7
Thanks Co
Stadium Dedication
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F E A T U R E S T O R Y/////
Former Edinburg HS Head Football Coach Richard R. Flores
(Edinburg, Texas)-It was probably the longest walk on a football field that former Edinburg High School head football coach Richard R. Flores had ever taken, but along his side, as she always has been, was his wife of 53-years, Estelle. She clinged to her husband’s hand as they waved to a crowd of more than 1,000 in attendance to witness the re-naming of Cats Stadium to Richard R. Flores Stadium on September 15th. “She’s been my rock in my coaching career and never missed a game,” said an emotional Flores. “I met my wife when I was in college and together, we are still here to share this moment.” Former Bobcat player, Steve Alaniz (played for Notre Dame) was the Master of Ceremonies and he shared plenty of memories as a player and businessman. “He is the reason I am succesful today,” said Alaniz. “Coach Flores always told me to be humble and respectful.” Former players and fans cheered from the stands “Bobcat Pride” as former play-
Page 8
Sept 30-Oct 30, 2016
ers spoke about Flores and their memories shared. On the podium, his best friend John Lerma talked about Flores being his friend and mentor. “He’s my best friend and I am honored to be here today and to share this moment with Richard,” added Lerma. Flores first received his opportunity to coach a winless team in the grain fields of Rio Hondo High School in 1969 and won back-to-back district titles in 1972 and 1973. A graduate from Edinburg High School, Flores always dreamed about coming back home and coaching the Edinburg Bobcats. He was hired as the Edinburg Bobcats head coach in 1975 and led his team to nine playoff wins, including three University Interscholastic League State Regional final appearances in the 1980’s. “Those were the days,” remembers Flores. “Back then, two football teams made the state playoffs and to represent the Rio Grande Valley was huge. I was proud and that’s how Bobcat Pride came alive.”
oach! //////2 0 1 6
F E A T U R E S T O R Y/////
Gets Stadium Named
By David A. Amador HSSM Sports Director
The “glory days” emerged in the early 1980’s when Flores led the Bobcats to three straight UIL 5A Area Championship titles from 1982, 1983, and 1984. The Bobcats lost to San Antonio Clark in 1982 followed by Converse Judson in 1983 in the regional finals and came back in 1984, with six recorded shutouts to boast about on defense, but still, the Bobcats would fall again in the third round to San Antonio Churchill 35-21. “Those years were memorable,” adds Flores. From 1981 through 1987, Flores had compiled an impressive 70-14-1 overall record with the Edinburg Bobcats. “We worked hard and I surrounded myself with individual coaches that worked just as hard. That’s how you become successful,” says Flores. The silver-hair, wrinkled face, coaching legend wiped his tears away from his face as he stood and was introduced before his peers as the renaming of Cats Stadium became the Richard R. Flores Stadium...forever.
High School Sports Magazine
Page 9
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Home of Champions Richard R. Flores Legacy
F E A T U R E S T O R Y/////
Lifetime High School Football Record 157 Wins 68 Losses 1 Tie 1957 Edinburg High School Graduate Made UIL State Baseball Tournament Appearance 1958-62 Pan American University Graduate Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education Four-Year Letterman In Baseball 1962-67 Harlingen CISD Vernon Freshmen Athletic Coordiantor and Football Coach 1967-69 Sam Houston State University, Masters of Education in Physical Education 1969-1974 Rio Hondo ISD Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach 1974-75 Lyford ISD Athletic Director and Head FootballCoach 1975-2000 Edinburg CISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach 1992 Inducted into Rio Grande Valley Hall of Fame 1994 Inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor 2000 Inducted into Texas High School Athletic Directors Hall of Honor 2013-17 Texas High School Coaches Association Selection Committee for the Hall of Honor 2014 Inducted into the Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame
“I’m short of words,” said Flores. “Yet, I am honored to be here today to witness this day with my wife and family. I thank Edinburg CISD. Go Bobcat Pride.” Texas State Representative from District 41, Terry Canales presented Flores with a Proclamation along with a City of Edinburg Proclamation. Edinburg CISD school board president, Oscar Salinas praised his former coach. “Thank-you,” said Salinas.
Walking Togther. Estelle and her husband, Richard R. Flores walk the sidelines of the stadium named after her husband of fifty-three-years. Edinburg CISD board president, Oscar Salinas shares a moment with his former head coach; Roy Garza, Edinburg CISD Athletic Director comforts an emotional Flores; John Lerma talks about his best friend in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 friends and fans. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) Flores and his wife ended the night with a walk on the sidelines of the new Richard R. Flores Stadium for the first time and to unveil the new monument,
High School Sports Magazine
bronzed with his face. Both husband and wife unveiled the bronze monument, together, as they have done for the past 53-years.
Page 11
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F O O T B A L L /////
HARD KNOCKS CONCUSSIONS... SCHOOL OF
By David “Tddave” Amador
HSSM Sports Director (McAllen, Texas)-More and more sports trainers are hired every year throughout Texas as school districts are taking more precautions with sports injuries like concussions. Many athletes who compete in contact sports like football, basketball, soccer, and baseball have experience “hard-knock” head collisions on the field of play. Students, ages 12-19 years-old have experienced some sort of sport injury throughout their years of playing. In football, concussions occur weekly during practices and games. The University Interscholastic League rules state that a player who has symptoms of “concussion-like” hits must be seen by a doctor and will automatically sit out one week without making contact at practices or games.
Page 12
Sept 30-Oct 30, 2016
Region IV Football
District Standings District 29-6AAAAAA Del Rio HS* Laredo United South* SA Southwest Laredo United Laredo Alexander Eagle Pass Laredo LBJ South San Antonio District 30-6AAAAAA McAllen Memorial* La Joya HS La Joya Palmview McAllen HS McAllen Rowe La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Mission HS District 31-6AAAAAA Edinburg Vela HS* PSJA North* Edinburg HS Edinburg Economedes Edinburg North HS PSJA Southwest PSJA HS PSJA Memorial District 32-6AAAAAA San Benito HS* Harlingen HS* Weslaco HS Los Fresnos HS Weslaco East HS Bro Hanna Harlingen South HS Bro Rivera HS
North Division Overall Record
8-0, 5-0 6-2, 4-1 5-3, 3-2 5-3, 3-2 3-5, 3-2 4-4, 2-3 0-8, 0-5 0-8, 0-5 Overall Record
6-2, 4-0 3-5, 2-2 3-5, 2-2 3-5, 2-2 6-2, 2-2 4-5, 2-3 2-7, 1-4 Overall Record
7-1, 5-0 7-1, 4-1 5-3, 4-1 6-2, 3-2 2-6, 2-3 3-5, 1-4 3-5, 1-4 0-8, 0-5
Overall Record
8-0, 5-0 6-2, 5-0 5-3, 3-2 4-4, 2-3 4-4, 2-3 3-5, 2-3 4-4, 1-4 1-7, 0-5
District 30-5AAAAA CC Calallen* CC Ray Gregory-Portland Alice Tuloso-Midway CC Miller
Overall Record
7-1, 4-0 7-1, 5-1 4-4, 3-3 5-3, 2-3 1-7, 1-4 1-7, 1-5
District 16-4A DII Rio Hondo Port Isabel Raymondville Orange Grove Progreso CC West Oso
Overall Record
6-2, 3-0* 7-1, 2-1* 3-5, 2-1* 5-3, 2-1* 1-6, 0-3 3-5, 0-3
South Division
Flour Bluff CC King CC Carroll CC Moody CC Veterans Mem
District 31-5AAAAA Laredo Nixon* Sharyland Pioneer* Sharyland HS Mission Veterans Rio Grande City Laredo Martin Roma HS Valley View HS Laredo Cigarroa District 32-5AAAAA Brownsville Veterans* Brownsville Lopez Mercedes* Edcouch-Elsa HS Brownsville Pace Donna North HS Donna HS Brownsville Porter District 16-4A DI La Feria HS Grulla HS Kingsville HS Hidalgo HS Zapata HS
4-4, 4-0 4-4, 2-1 4-5, 4-4 3-5, 2-4 3-5, 0-3 Overall Record
6-1, 5-1 6-2, 5-1 5-3, 4-2 5-3, 4-2 6-3, 4-3 3-5, 3-3 4-4, 2-4 2-6, 1-5 1-8, 0-7
District 16-3A DII Odem Hebbronville Banquete CC London Skidmore-Tynan Monte Alto District 16-3A DI Santa Gertrudis Falfurrias Lyford San Diego Bishop Santa Rosa
Overall Record
6-2, 4-1 6-2, 4-1 4-4, 4-1 5-3, 3-2 3-5, 2-3 2-6, 2-3 2-6, 1-4 0-8, 0-5
District 16-2A DI Bruni Benavides Woodsboro Kaufer Agua Dulce
Overall Record
7-1, 3-0* 6-2, 3-0* 7-1, 2-1* 3-5, 1-2 4-4, 0-3 2-5, 0-3
Overall Record
4-3-1, 3-0* 3-3-1, 2-1 5-3, 2-1 2-6, 1-2 5-3, 1-2 2-6, 0-3 Overall Record
5-3-1, 2-0* 5-4, 2-1* 3-5, 1-1 4-4, 1-1 2-7, 0-3
Overall Record
7-1, 3-0 4-4, 2-0 4-5, 1-2 1-6, 0-2 1-7, 0-2
As of October 22, 2016
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High School Sports Magazine
Page 13
Jackets Look Edcouch-Elsa High School
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T O P S T O R Y/////
Edcouch-Elsa HS Looking for Another Playoff A (Edcouch, Texas)-Ever since Edcouch-Elsa High School head football coach, Joe Marichalar tasted what it felt like to get to the third round of the University Interscholastic League Class 5A Division II Regional finals in his third season, he was left with the idea of getting past the third round every year, every season. “It’s what we play for every year,” said Marichalar. “Our players play with alot of heart and committment.” The former Edcouch-Elsa High School All-State linebacker and ex-Texas A&I Kingsville Javelina football player, Marichalar has his team clicking like the “maquina” they are known for on football Friday nights. In their first five games, the Yellowjackets have been superb on offense by averaging 231.0 yards rushing
and another 234.0 yards passing. Most impressive, the Yellowjackets have found the endzone 31 times. On defense, they have struggled. Mostly, with injuries. Still, the defense has mustered 11.0 sacks with two interceptions while giving up 70 points in their first two outings against a loss with Los Fresnos (40-50) and a win over Edinburg Vela (34-30). Hopefully, with District 32-5A almost complete, the Yellowjackets will be primed and ready to
go o Seni comm and i and 2 yard J.J. F Rodr game look title
Ed-Elsa Season
(Defending 2015 5A DII Area Champions)
L W W W W L L W
All Smiles. Edcouch-Elsa HS head football coach, Joe Marichalar is hoping to lead his team to another third round appearance in 2016. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
Page 14
Sept 30-Oct 30, 2016
50-40 Los Fresnos 34-30 Edinburg Vela LJ Juarez-Lincoln 47-14 45-12 Donna North* 53-14 Donna HS* Brownsville Vets* 50-20 27-12 Mercedes HS* Brownsville Pace* 41-7 Brownsville Lopez* Brownsville Porter*
District 32-5AAAAA Overall Record 4-3, 2-2
Edcouch-Elsa will lead Yellow November 3rd
kingGood ! //////2 0 1 6
T O P S T O R Y/////
District 32-5A
Appearance
once the playoffs kick around in November. ior quarterback Marco Auinaga made the mittment in the off-season to work harder it has paid off with 1,509 yards passing 20 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 687 ds to lead the team. His go-to receivers are Flores (37 catches for 680 yards) and Aaron riguez (29 catches for 406 yards). With two es left to play, the Yellowjackets should be king good as they get ready for another state run in Class 5A.
HS QB Marco Auinaga and WR J.J. Flores wjackets against Brownsville Porter on d. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
High School Sports Magazine
Page 15
www.eeisd.org
Edcouch-Elsa High School Principal Miguel Castillo Edcouch-Elsa ISD Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera
Edcouch-Elsa ISD Athletic Director Christian Navarro Edcouch-Elsa HS Athletic Coordinator Joe Marichalar
UIL State 5A DII Regional Finalist!
Playoff Seasons, Playoff Years.
1948, 59, 65, 86, 87, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Yellowjackets GameDay Schedule Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 3
@ Los Fresnos Edinburg Vela @ LJ Juarez-Lincoln Donna North @Donna Brownsville Veterans @ Mercedes Brownsville Pace Brownsville Lopez @ Brownsville Porter
Week Nine
Top Individual Stats & Polls
Top Quarterbacks-Passing
1. Diego Hernandez, Miss Vets 27 TDs 2. Erick Retta, San Benito 22 TDs 20 TDs 3. Marco Auinaga, Ed-Elsa 14 TDs 4. Jesse Castro, Harlingen 5. Jesus Sanchez, McA Rowe 12 TDs 6. Nathan Garcia, Ed Vela HS 19 TDs 7. Randy Aguilar, Bro Pace 7 TDs 8. Alan Alvarez, Sharyland 13 TDs 9. Jason Perez, RGC 9 TDs 10. Jacob Rosales, Pioneer HS 13 TDs
Who’s Number One?
2,597 yards 1,582 yards 1,510 yards 1, 416 yards 1, 198 yards 1,290 yards 1, 182 yards 1,166 yards 1,165 yards 1,062 yards
Top Rushers
1. Omar Silva, Port Isabel HS 2. Jaime Gonzalez, Hanna 3. Mark Mata, Los Fresnos 4. Campbell Speights-McA Mem 5. Gustavo Vasquez, Bro Vets 6. Justin Corona-PSJA SW 7. Meme Garcia, Roma HS 8. Jonathon Gonzalez-Porter HS 9. Ivan Olivo, Bro Lopez HS 10. Nathan Marez-Edinburg
1. San Benito 8-0, 5-0 3. Edinburg Vela 7-1, 5-0 4. Harlingen 6-2, 5-0 5. McAllen Memorial 6-2, 4-0
11 TDs 11 TDs 8 TDs 16 TDs 15 TDs 14 TDs 10 TDs 6 TDs 9 TDs 6 TDs
1,293 yards 1,068 yards 1,024 yards 988 yards 986 yards 982 yards 980 yards 931 yards 881 yards 838 yards
Top Receivers
1. Jacob Guerrero, Miss Vets 11 TDs 11 TDs 2. J.J. Flores, Ed-Elsa 3. Brandon Perez, La Feria HS 11 TDs 2 TDs 4. Tristen Myende, Palmview 3 TDs 5. Adrian Bernal, McA Rowe 6. Gaberial Zapata, Bro Pace 5 TDs 7. Roman De Leon, Miss Vets 7 TDs 8. Edgar Alanis, Sharyland 4 TDs 9. Erik Pizarro, Rio Hondo 4 TDs 10. Javi Garcia, RGC 4 TDs
5. PSJA North 7-1, 4-1 6. La Feria 7-1, 3-0 7. Laredo Nixon 7-1, 5-1 8. Sharyland Pioneer 6-2, 5-1
9. Weslaco 5-3, 3-2 10. Port Isabel 7-1, 2-1 11. Mercedes 4-4, 4-0 12. Ed-Elsa 5-3, 3-2
Harlingen QB Jesse Castro ranks fourth in passing while Diego Hernandez from Mission Veterans leads all passers from the Rio Grande Valley. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
High School Sports Magazine
743 yards 621 yards 539 yards 525 yards 521 yards 520 yards 494 yards 477 yards 446 yards 414 yards
Page 17
2016
Ricardo Saenz Rio Grande City HS Principal
Rio Grande City Rattlers-District 31-5A Aaron Garcia-Head Football Coach
2016 Football Schedule Aug. 25 La Joya Home Sept. 2 Zapata Home Sept. 9 @ Valley View Sept. 16 Laredo Martin Sept. 23 @ Roma Sept. 30 Laredo Cigarroa Oct. 7 @ Pioneer Oct. 14 Laredo Nixon Oct. 21 @ Mission Veterans Nov. 4 Sharyland Nicole Smedley Girls Athletic Coordinator
2016
Grulla Gators-District 16-4A Division I Abel Gonzalez-Head Football Coach
2016 Football Schedule Aug. 26 St. Joe Sept. 2 @ Raymondville Sept. 9 PSJA Southwest Sept. 16 @ Lyford Sept. 23 @ Rio Hondo HS Sept. 29 Nikki Rowe HS Oct. 13 Zapata Oct. 21 @ Kingsville King Oct. 28 Hidalgo Nov. 4 @ La Feria
Guadalupe Garza Grulla HS Principal Interim Cita Jimenez Girls Athletic Coordinator
Page 18
August 22, 2016
Football Preview 2016
Interim RGCCISD Superintendent-Alfredo Garcia
Director of Athletics-Rey Ramirez
PSJA North, McAllen Memorial, Clinch Playoff Berths //////2 0 1 6
(Pharr, Texas)-PSJA North (7-1, 4-1) head football coach Marcus Kaufmann is enjoying his first head coaching job despite losing to Edinburg Vela HS last week 30-14 in a key District 31-6A match-up. “We are playing great football and we have players that have stepped
G A M E D A Y/////
it up,� says Kaufmann. The Raiders will more than likely play in Class 6A Division I against Harlingen (6-3) or San Benito (8-0) from District 32-6A. In District 30-6A, the McAllen Memorial Mustangs (6-2) have reloaded with plenty
Raider Nation! PSJA North head football coach Marcus Kaufmann leads his team to the State 6A playoffs.
of running backs who have rushed for 2,642 yards and 34 TDs. The Mustangs will compete in Class 6A Division I and will play District 29-6A Laredo United, San Antonio Southwest, Laredo United South, or Del Rio in the first round. There will be plenty of drama in District 32-5A, with Mercedes, Brownsville Veterans, and Brownsville Lopez all clinching playoff spots. Edcouch-Elsa needs a win against Lopez this Friday to clinch the final spot. If not, a loss could vault the Donna Redskins into the final slot, should the Redskins defeat Pace and Brownsville Veterans Memorial in the next two weeks. Headed to the playoffs in District 31-5A are Sharyland Pioneer and Laredo Nixon.
*Playoff Contenders
(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
District 29 2927 Del Rio* 3349.5 Laredo United South* 2746.5 Laredo Alexander 4412.5 Laredo United 3858 San Antonio Southwest District 30 2479 McAllen Memorial* 2512.75 La Joya 2355.5 La Joya Palmview 2455.25 McAllen 2440 McAllen Rowe District 31 2225 Edinburg Vela* 2445 PSJA North* 2435 Edinburg* 2596 Edinburg Economedes 2774 Edinburg North District 32 3120.5 Harlingen* 3050 San Benito* 2713 Weslaco 2690 Brownsville Hanna 3270 Los Fresnos 2303.5 Weslaco East District 31 2117 Laredo Nixon* 1616 Sharyland Pioneer* 1707 Mission Sharyland 2060 Mission Veterans Memorial 2049 Rio Grande City District 32 1198 Mercedes* 2078 Brownsville Veterans Memorial* 1401 Edcouch-Elsa 2091.5 Brownsville Lopez 1981 Donna
High School Sports Magazine
Page 19
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McAllen Bulldogs Win //////2 0 1 6
Streak Continues
(McAllen, Texas)-Ever since the McAllen Bulldogs (3-5) lost to Los Fresnos 37-14 on September 9th, that loss was followed by three more losses to Victoria East, La Joya, and McAllen Memorial. The Bulldogs were down with a 1-5 record. Nonetheless, head coach Kevin Brewer re-
G A M E D A Y/////
mained optimistic and vowed that this team was “coming together” and he liked his team’s improvement. Now, the Bulldogs are in the mix for a playoff spot after wins over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln and their triple-overtime thriller against McAllen Rowe 42-36 last Friday night. With two games left to play, the Bulldogs need to beat La Joya Palmview to clinch a playoff spot. Four teams are tied with 2-2 District 30-6A records, including McAllen and Palmview. McAllen has scored 77 points in their last two games, but those points have come with a price and injuries. Leading the Bulldogs is senior quarterback Ruben Rodriguez (50-of-92 pass attempts for 646 yds) and RB/TE Sandon Yarto. The senior runningback will be a game day decision after sustaining an injury. Fourth-year head football coach Kevin Brewer celebrates their 3OT win over McAllen Nikki Rowe 42-36. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
High School Sports Magazine
Page 21
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G A M E D A Y/////
McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors 4236 in triple-overtime last Friday night at the Fred’s Pharmacy Field at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. With the loss, four teams are now tied for second place at 2-2. The Warriors (6-2, 2-2) are in trouble. In serious trouble.
McAllen Nikki Rowe Mark Hernandez scores a touchdown in their loss to McAllen 42-36 3OT.
They will play La Joya (3-5, 2-2) this Friday night and a loss to the Coyotes could spell doom for the Warriors and first-year head coach Bobby Flores. The Warriors close out their season against McAllen Memorial (6-2, 4-0). As for the Coyotes? A win will mean one step closer to the making the playoffs. The Coyotes and head coach Reuben Farias close out their season against La Joya Palmview.
The Playoff Story
(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
La Joya, McAllen, McAllen Nikki Rowe, and La Joya Palmview are all tied at 2-2 for second place. The Mission Eagles are out. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln is sitting at 2-3. Here’s the playoff story: If McAllen defeats La Joya Palmview, the Bulldogs will clinch a playoff spot. If Palmview defeats McAllen, the Lobos clinch, McHi is out. If McAllen Nikki Rowe defeats La Joya, then the Warriors clinch a playoff spot and La Joya remains alive for third and fourth place spots. They will need to beat La Joya Palmview on November 4th to clinch a Class 6A spot. If La Joya defeats Rowe, Palmview defeats McHi, and Rowe loses to McAllen Memorial on November 4th, then we could have a tie breaker between McAllen and Nikki Rowe. On the other hand, La Joya JuarezLincoln could make a mess of District 30-6A should they beat McAllen Memorial on Friday night. This would mean, well, a big mess for the final three spots? Bottom line? A win by McAllen, La Joya, clinches playoff spots. Right? A win by Rowe and Palmview clinches playoff spots? Right? A win by La Joya and Palmview clinches playoff spots? Hmmmm....Stay tuned.
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A A H H A A H A H A
Michael Salinas-Head Coach
Puro Bobcat Pride! //////2 0 1 6
G A M E D A Y/////
Edinburg Headed to the State 6A Playoffs...
(Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg Bobcats are back! The glory days of “Bobcat Pride” is alive and doing, pretty darn well too. At 5-3, 4-1 in District 31-6A, first-year head coach J.J. Lejia has his team from a 1-9 season in 2015 to clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2011. Lejia started the season with plenty of discipline. He needed to remind his team that “practice like you play” was important everytime players came out to practice. Lejia had his team lining up in “soldier form” and over the
summer, his team was already working hard. “This team has come along way,” said Lejia after their first season loss to McAllen Rowe 30-14 at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. Another loss to Brownsville Lopez (6-2) 20-15 meant that Lejia was more determined to make things better on Friday nights. Since then, the Bobcats are 5-1 with wins over La Joya Palmview, Edinburg Economedes, PSJA Memorial, PSJA, and Edinburg North. Their only blemish was to Edinburg Vela 42-14 in district play.
Still, the Bobcats are sitting in a second place tie with PSJA North at 4-1. Not bad for a team picked to finish fifth by HSSM’s Pre-Season polls. “We have worked hard this year,” adds Lejia. A win over PSJA Southwest this Friday night only improves the Bobcats overall record. Bobcat quarterback Nathan Marez (5’8” senior) has rushed for 885 yards to lead the Bobcats. On the receiving end, Ramon Lopez leads the team with ten catches for 200 yards. The Bobcats are not your high-power scoring machine, instead, they play tough defense. That’s been the key for their success in 2016. Opponents have scored 154 points against Lejia’s team in eight games. The playoffs begin November 10th. The Bobcats are back. It’s called Bobcat Pride...
The Edinburg Bobcats have clinched a Class 6A playoff spot after they defeated Edinburg North 28-21 last week. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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Raiders, Sabercats //////2 0 1 6
G A M E D A Y/////
Clinch Class 6A Playoff Spots in District 31-6A
(Pharr, Texas)-Both teams met last week in a storm-delayed game last Thursday night at PSJA Stadium. The Edinburg Vela Sabercats (7-1, 5-0) defeated PSJA North (7-1, 4-1) 3014 to remain in sole-possession of first place in District 31-6A. The Raiders dropped to a two-way tie for second place with Edinburg High School. The Sabercats have outscored
their opponents 350-170 in eight games. Last year, head coach Michael Salinas led his team to the third round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs, before losing to Austin Vandegrift 49-39. Moving to Class 6A did not seem to fazed the Sabercat’s ability to win another district title. With only two games remaining on their regular schedule against PSJA (3-5)
and Edinburg Economedes (6-2), the Sabercats could find themselves winning another district title. Still, the Raiders will be headed to State 6A playoffs. More than likely, the Raiders will play in Division I against San Benito or Harlingen in the bi-district championships. The Raiders are league’s best overall defense and Kaufmann says that, “other players are rising to the occassion and we should be ready for the playoffs.” Regardless, if Vela wins the title or not, they will compete in Class 6A Division II. They will play 32-6A Weslaco, Weslaco East, Hanna, or Los Fresnos.
The PSJA North Raiders and Edinburg Vela Sabercats have clinched Class 6A playoff spots. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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G A M E D A Y/////
UIL/TASO Official Goes Down. Longtime referee Mike Buck suffered a possible concussion during the Harlingen/Harlingen South football game at Boggus Stadium. He was all “thumbs� up. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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Cards Win Bird Bowl //////2 0 1 6
G A M E D A Y/////
Harlingen Cardinals Defeats South; Clinches Playoff Spot
(Harlingen, Texas)-The Harlingen Cardinals flew past Harlingen South 23-16 at Boggus Stadium on September 23rd and since then, the Cardinals (6-2, 5-0) are on track to play San Benito (8-0, 5-0) on November 4th in their annual “Battle of the Arroyo.� Most importantly, both teams will play for the outright District
32-6A title if both teams remain undefeated. The Cardinals will play Brownsville Hanna at 2:00 p.m. at Sams Stadium this Saturday while the Greyhounds will meet their biggest task at Bobby Lackey Stadium this Friday night against the Weslaco Panthers (5-3, 3-2). Against the Harlingen South Hawks (4-4,
1-4), first-year head coach Brian Ricci led the Cardials at the half 13-12. The Cards and head football coach Manny Gomez made their adjustments at the half, and outscored the Hawks 11-3 to end the night with another win. The Cardinals will be seeking its ninth district title in a row under Gomez, but for the past two seasons, the Cards have shared the title with San Benito, amongst other teams. Hawks, mathematically, remain alive for a playoff spot at 1-4 while three teams are sitting at 2-3, tied for fourth place.
The Harlingen Cardinals defeated Harlingen South in their annual Bird Bowl game in District 32-6A. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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Diamondbacks Clinch //////2 0 1 6
G A M E D A Y/////
Sharyland Pioneer Defeats Sharyland To Make Playoffs
(Mission, Texas)-The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks (6-2, 5-1) are headed to the University Interscholastic League’s Class 5A State Football playoffs for the first time in school history. Head coach Jason Wheeler was hired to lead the Diamondbacks in 2014 in their first season and went 3-7. Last year, Wheeler led his
team to a 6-0 start and then finished the year with four straight losses in District 31-5A, ending any hopes of making the playoffs in 2015. He made changes on his coaching staff, and since then, these Diamondbacks are a much improved team. Then, the realignments came in February with the UIL creating a nine-team
district in 31-5A. The idea of making the playoffs in 2016 grew dimmer. With Laredo Nixon, Laredo Cigarroa, and Laredo Martin added to the 31-5A District, meant that two non-district games would be played before the start of district competition. This also meant that every Friday night, the Diamondbacks would have to show up and that they did with district wins over Laredo Cigarroa, Mission Veterans, Rio Grande City, Sharyland, and Valley View. The Diamondbacks will play in Class 5A Division I against District 32-5A possible opponent, Edcouch-Elsa in the first round.
Sharyland Pioneer knockded off Sharyland 28-14. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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High School Sports Magazine
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Mercedes Wins Title //////2 0 1 6
G A M E D A Y/////
Tigers Wait to Play 31-5A Opponent in State 5A DII Playoffs
(Mercedes, Texas)-And just like that, the Mercedes have won the 32-5A District title. Regardless, if the Tigers share the title or not, head coach Roger Adame watched his team get off to an 0-3 start with losses to Calallen, McAllen Nikki Rowe, and Weslaco. Still, Adame remained optimistic about his winning chances in District 32-5A. On September 23rd,
the Tigers defeated the defending chanpions, Donna Redskins 31-0 and followed that win with a thrashing of Brownsville Veterans Memorial 28-14. Two more wins over Brownsville Pace (41-13) and Edcouch-Elsa (27-12) set the stage for Adame to reel in his second district title in three years. The Tigers will play in Class 5A Division II against, more than likely,
Sharyland or Rio Grande City. With two games left to play on their schedule against Brownsville Porter (0-8) and Donna North (2-6), the Tigers and Adame will try to stay healthy for the playoffs. The Tigers are led by junior quarterbacks Zac Gomez (43-of-72 for 599 yards) and Marc Ledesma (58-of-86 for 693 yards). Most impressively, the Tigers defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 39 times. Junior LB Roger Adame III has recorded 17.0 sacks, including 64 tackles. Adame had 6.5 sacks in their win over Mission Veterans Memorial earlier this season. The Tigers were eliminated by Sharyland in the first round last season.
District 32-5A Champions! The Mercedes Tigers captured their second title in three years. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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Tarpons, Gators G A M E D A Y/////
Headed To Playoffs (Grulla, Tx)-For the first time in three years, the Grulla Gators are headed back to the University Interscholastic League Class 4A Division I Bi-District Championships under head coach Abel Gonzales. The Gators (4-4, 2-0) will play either Beeville Jones, La Vernia, Pleasanton, Rockport-Fulton or Somerset. All five teams are locked at 2-1 in Class 4A District 15-DI. Like the Gators, the La Feria Lions (7-1, 3-0) will also be headed to the state playoffs under head coach Oscar Salinas. The Lions went two rounds deep in 2015 before losing to China Springs. Head coach Salinas talked about getting back to the state playoffs and he knows that a third round appearance in 2015 was left on the table with their loss to China Springs. In District 16-4A DII, the Port Isabel Tarpons and Rio Hondo Bobcats have both clinched playoff spots. Last year, the Bobcats were blanked by Yoakum 28-0 in the first round while the Tarpons were outlasted by Cuero 48-14. The Gobblers were five rounds deep before losing to West-Orange- Stark 41-28 in the semifinals. The Tarpons could face the District 15-4A DII Gobblers again in the first round.
Grulla Gators Joe Velasquez with Port Isabel QB Omar Silva. Both will lead their teams in the State 4A Playoffs. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
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High School Sports Magazine
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