2021 Cameron and Willacy Football Preview by Digital Aim Media

Putting Our Patients First Always! ad va nc

ADVANCED DENTAL ASSOCIATES

ed de as al nt

Harlingen, TX (956) 425-7474

Weslaco, TX (956) 969-2960

es at ci

TX-30190250

o l.c ai

JANO’S FURNITURE SHOWROOMS

d Rea

2021

nn er

Thank you for voting us BEST FURNITURE STORE & BEST MATTRESS STORE i s’ C hoice W

2021

F U R N I T U R E • A P P L I A N C E S • E L E C T R O N I C S • M AT T R E S S E S BEST MATTRESS STORE BEST FURNITURE STORE 1017 W. Harrison | Harlingen, Texas | (956) 425-4411 • 294 E. Hidalgo | Raymondville, Texas | (956) 689-3039

High School Football Table Of Contents

HARLINGEN HIGH CARDINALS | Page 4

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT The Brownsville Independent School District is proud of the football traditions at Hanna, Lopez, Pace, Porter, Rivera, and Veterans Memorial Early College High Schools. As superintendent, I want to recognize and commend the coaches and the athletes at all the Early College High Schools for their commitment to physically and mentally train for this level of competition. It is also important to acknowledge and thank all of the other students who play a key role in making an athletic season complete. This includes the bands, drill Dr. René Gutiérrez teams, cheerleaders, and student organizations. Superintendent Time and experience have shown us that there are many benefits to participation in high school athletics. Our students begin to understand the responsibility of representing their school community in all that they do. Students develop the skills related to teamwork and cooperation so the common goal is reached. The level of fitness increases dramatically thus improving their chances for a better quality of life. Most importantly, studies indicate that high school athletes strive to maintain a strong grade point average while often having fewer absences than other groups. This is critical since our goal as a school district is that all our graduates are college and career read ready.

As the football season gets underway, I ask that all who attend our games remain respectful and courteous towards one another. It is necessary to demonstrate good sportsmanship at every high school sporting event. I thank the parents, friends, and fans for their support and I wish all of our teams a safe and successful season.

LYFORD BULLDOGS | Page 38 SANTA ROSA WARRIORS | Page 40 SANTA MARIA COUGARS | Page 41

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

TX-30189572

Welcome to the 2021 Football Season at Sams Stadium. The boys of fall are back and ready to tackle the upcoming Football Season at the Historic Sams Memorial Stadium. After a long 18 months of COVID-19 pandemic, our outstanding student-athletes and coaches have been preparing for this moment, the experience of Texas High School Football to return full strength. Hours of sweat, aches and pains during the off-season build to climax towards playing 48 minutes of championship football. We know that there can only be one winner each night, but the true winners are the Gilbert D. Leal Director of Athletics student-athletes. The core values of dedication, commitment and sacrifices will carry on with each of them for a lifetime. Athletic events are a venue for student-athletes to showcase their hard work and dedication. Spectators should respect the boundaries set by administrators, coaches and officials that ultimately make for a positive and safe experience for all involved. These memories last a lifetime. The Brownsville ISD Athletic Philosophy states; One of the many purposes of Interscholastic Athletics is to instill pride, poise, discipline, class, accountability and decision-making skills that will serve the student-athlete long after they leave their respective schools and positive spectator behavior enhances those attributes. It is our hope that you will confirm the outworking of Brownsville ISD student-athletes commitment to excellence by enjoying their athletic events in a positive and supportive way. On behalf of BISD, our administration, staff and most importantly, our student-athletes Welcome to Sams Memorial Stadium.

ON TWITTER:

ON FACEBOOK:

@ClaireECruz5 @BReadSports @RGVSports

Brownsville Herald Sports Valley Morning Star Sports RGVSports.com

Main Number .......................... 430-6200 Newsroom .............................. 430-6215 Ernie Garrido, Dep. Editor ....... 430-6280 Bryan Read, Sports Editor ....... 430-6214 Advertising .............................. 982-6651 Circulation .............................. 421-9800 Valley Morning Star 1310 S. Commerce Harlingen, Texas 78550

Main Number ........................... 982-6664 Newsroom ............................... 982-6625 Laura B. Martinez, Dep. Editor . 982-6628 Bryan Read, Sports Editor ........ 430-6214 Advertising ............................... 982-6651 Circulation ............................... 982-6664 The Brownsville Herald 222 N. Exp. 77/83, Suite 176 Brownsville, TX 78521

For regional high school sports news, photographs and more, visit our website at www.RGVSports.com

Preview Contributors ➤ STAFF WRITER Claire Cruz

➤ PHOTOGRAPHY Denise Cathey, Claire Cruz, Miguel Roberts

➤ DESIGN Bryan Read

JANO’S FURNITURE SHOWROOMS F U R N I T U R E • A P P L I A N C E S • E L E C T R O N I C S • M AT T R E S S E S

d Rea

nn er

Best Mattresses

i s’ C hoice W

2021

Back to Back to Back Best Furniture Store Thank you for Voting Us the Best Furniture Store & Best Mattress! We appreciate your continued support and here to help our customers! WHAT WE DO BEST IS SAVE YOU MONEY!

1017 W. Harrison | Harlingen, Texas | (956) 425-4411 294 E. Hidalgo | Raymondville, Texas | (956) 689-3039

4 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Harlingen High Cardinals

Cards still among RGV’s best By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he Harlingen High Cardinals continued their reign as one of the top teams in the Rio Grande Valley last season, winning their respective District 32-6A zone championship and reaching the area round of the playoffs. They’ll have some spots to fill this season, but the Cardinals look to be as competitive as ever in 2021. “Getting back on the field is awesome. It’s what we live for this time of the year. Super excited for the kids and what’s to come,” Harlingen High coach Manny Gomez said. Harlingen High is poised to have an eye-catching ground game with the running back duo of Izaiah Bell and Kian Torres leading the way for the offense early. They combined to score seven rushing touchdowns last season and mix power and speed seamlessly. The Cardinals only return four starters from last year’s top-tier defense, but they still have a bevy of talent. Senior defensive lineman Nathan Huerta headlines the group. Huerta has been a standout defender since his sophomore season and looks poised to have a monster season. Linebacker J.C. Moradel, defensive end Christian Luna and defensive back Paul Price will help anchor a young defense. With spots up for grabs, Gomez and his staff have seen a lot of good competition at practice. Players that “were on the bubble” have been growing into quality back-

ups and putting pressure on projected starters. Whether they’re fighting for a spot or making sure to maintain one, Gomez has been pleased with the effort from the Cardinals. They have the schemes on lock

and are focusing on details and execution as the first game nears. “It’s all about executing. We’re working on timing and chemistry,” Gomez said. “We do have some dudes that know

CARDINALS At A Glance

Christina Palomo AGENT

2312 S. Expressway 83 Suite D Harlingen, TX 78552 Bus: 956-421-5995

christina.palomo.twvj@statefarm.com TX-30190242

COACH: Manny Gomez ASSISTANTS: Bubba Ledesma, offensive coordinator; Scott Swinnea, special teams coordinator; Rey De Leon, Mando Gonzalez, co-defensive coordinators; Mike Aguilar, strength coordinator; Clayton Cretors; Rolando Olivo; Alexester Serna; Mando Rangel; Kevin Ledesma; Alex Ysquierdo; Nathan Aguilar; Randy Bermea; David Henriquez; Juan Martinez; Anjel Gonzalez 2020 RECORD: 6-1, area finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 22 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nathan Huerta, DL, 5-foot-11, 255 pounds, sr.; Izaiah Bell, RB, 5-foot-9, 220 pounds, jr.; Kian Torres, RB, 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, jr.; J.C. Moradel, LB, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, sr.

they have their position, but I don’t cut them any slack. They know they’ve got to that position because of their hard work and determination, and you’ll see who they are when the lights come on.”

Photos

Claire Cruz

GO HARLINGEN!

Have you reviewed your home owners insurance? Are you prepared for Hurricane season? Call for a free quote today!! Good Luck RGV Teams!

Better yet let me sit down with you and review your current policy!! Home, Auto, Life, Flood, Commercial We offer discounts based on your occupation: • Educators • RN’s • Law Enforcement Daniel Martinez, Agent • And Many More... Daniel Martinez Agency, LLC

2709 W. Expressway 83 Ste. 155 Harlingen, TX 78552

MEXICAN RESTAURANT 117 S. 77 SUNSHINE STRIP HARLINGEN, TX

(956) 423-3663

956-365-3044

Fax: 956-365-3052 dmartinez@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/dmartinez

OPEN 11:00AM-8:00PM CLOSED- SUNDAY

Thank You for Allowing Us to Serve Our Community

Thank you for allowing us to serve our Community

d Rea

We appreciate your support!

nn er

We Appreciate Your Support! i s’ C hoice W

| www.trinityfunerals.com

6 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Harlingen South Hawks

Hawks have vets, new coach

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

bservers would be hardpressed to find a Rio Grande Valley team with more experience returning than the Harlingen South Hawks. South boasts 32 returning lettermen and 14 returning starters, eight on offense and six on defense. The veteran squad with a big group of seasoned seniors is the perfect way to help coach Israel Gonzalez transition into his new position. “They’ve bought in 100 percent. They’ve put in the effort, and I think it’s going to play dividends in the long run,” Gonzalez said. The Hawks rolled with two quarterbacks for parts of last season. This year, senior Xander Casarez is taking the role. Gonzalez said Casarez has “really found a niche in the system and picked up the offense so fast.” He’ll have plenty of help from Jeremiah Rivera and Marcos Gonzalez in the backfield. Marcos Gonzalez is returning from an injury that kept him on the sidelines last season, and the new coach called him “phenomenal.” Rivera is also a standout defensive back and is one of the key returning pieces for the Hawks. Three-year starting linebacker Levi Ince is poised to have a strong season and has been “a great team leader.” Caleb Davis returns to anchor the offensive line Israel Gonzalez said has been looking good early. Even with the quantity of returners back, Israel Gonzalez is going to evaluate

his personnel from week to week. He wants to see the Hawks do the little things right, which he believes will bring success in the tough District 32-6A. “I think a good coach is making

HAWKS At A Glance COACH: Israel Gonzalez III ASSISTANTS: Bobby Gaytan, offensive coordinator; Jaime Guerra, defensive coordinator; Craig Foster, strength coordinator; Joey Rios, special teams coordinator; Tony Coronado; Justin Gonzalez; Vincent Shoenmakers; Robert Fraga; Chris Olivarez; Chris Gracia; Jaime Salazar; Joel Lopez; Marci Garcia 2020 RECORD: 2-4 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 8/6 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 32 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Marcos Gonzales, RB, 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, sr.; Levi Ince, LB, 6-foot-0, 205 pounds, sr.; Jeremiah Rivera, RB/DB, 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, sr.; Xander Casarez, QB, 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, sr.

adjustments on a weekly basis. All those (non-district) games are times to evaluate guys, and move them into positions and see who’s going to rise to the top,” he said. “We take pride in all

the small things because we think they add up to big things, and the kids have adjusted very well to the new coaching staff and the intensity we bring to attention to detail.”

DINE -IN AVAILABLE

Good Luck Valley Football Teams!

101 S. 77 Sunshine Strip • 956-230-4199 Curbside and Pick-up available!

Come join Us! Now under new management.

Monday - Sunday • 8 am - 2 pm

Photos

Claire Cruz

Delivery through Grubhub

LUNCH • BREAKFAST DAY P C ALL C hotos by

laire

ruz

High School Football Spirit Night

Take out or Dine In at any of these 4 Locations • Catering available At All 4 Locations! Serving Authentic Mexican & American Food!

Catering Take Out Available

956.339.7671

956-412-0120

415 N. Paso Real San Benito, TX

603 W. Tyler Ave. Harlingen, TX Monday - Sunday 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Dine In or Take Out Drive thru Available

Monday - Sunday 6:30AM - 3:00PM

LosNortenos RESTAURANT

Daily Lunch Specials! Open 24 Hours a Day! 7 Days a Week!

Orders To Go available! Call ahead to shorten your wait time (956) 440-7900 Family Owned & Operated • 20 Years Experience

Breakfast • Lunch • Ranchero Breakfast Appetizers • Salads • Botanas • Sizzling Parradillas Hamburgers • Seafood & More!

956-412-9291 Family Owned & Operated for

Call ahead to shorten Over 20 Years! your wait time! 206 N 77 Sunshine Strip • Harlingen, Texas 78550

956.440.7900

1524 W. Jackson • Harlingen, TX

Monday - Sunday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

8 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Brownsville Hanna Eagles

Eagles set sights even higher

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles had quite a turnaround last year, bouncing back from a one-win District 32-6A season in 2019 to winning a zone title behind a 3-0 run in 2020. They’re coming into this season with the expectation of running it back and chasing an outright district title. Hanna boasts an experienced roster with seven offensive starters and five defensive starters returning to lead the way. “Having the experience we have at key positions is going to be big for us this year,” coach Mark Guess said. “Our team leader is Humberto Garcia, our all-state defensive lineman from last year. He’s really the vocal leader and leads by example as well. Nobody works harder than that guy. (Defensive back) Anthony Ambriz, he’s more of a silent leader but he’s starting to be more vocal than he has in the past. Offensively, (linemen) Santos Avalos and German Wu and John David Avila, those guys are really leading the offense.” All-Metro newcomer of the year Kriz Pena, a junior running back, will anchor a run game that looks poised to be a strength for the team as he works behind the veteran offensive line. Garcia and Ambriz set the standard for Hanna’s defense, and though there are some spots to fill in the unit this year, Guess sees a lot of potential for his defense. “We’ve got some guys who have really stepped up and done a good job, and are really picking things up. If our secondary can come along like we think they will, I think defense will be our strong point,” Guess said. “But at the same time, offensively, if we’re able to control the clock like we did last year and keep moving the change, that’s great defense in itself, keeping the other team’s offense off the field.”

Eagles At A Glance COACH: Mark Guess ASSISTANTS: Not available 2020 RECORD: 4-1, bi-district finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 7/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Anthony Ambriz, DB, 5-foot-7, 150-pounds, jr.; Humberto Garcia, DT, 5-foot-11, 220-pounds, jr.; Kriz Pena, WR, 5-foot-5, 140 pounds, jr.; German Woo, OL, 5-foot-11, 310 pounds, sr.

“Having the experience we have at key positions is going to be big for us this year.” — Mark Guess, Hanna coach

Photos

Claire Cruz

Blanca Lambarri Principal Mark Guess Athletic Coordinator Damian Vela Offensive Coordinator Jose C. Ramirez Defensive Coordinator

VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

DAY

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

27-Aug.

FRIDAY

MERCEDES

HOME

7:00 PM

4–Sept.

SATURDAY SHARYLAND

HOME

11:00 AM

10-Sept.

OPEN

16-Sept.

THURSDAY MILLER

AWAY

7:00 PM

24-Sept.

FRIDAY

HARLINGEN SOUTH*

AWAY

7:00 PM

1-Oct.

FRIDAY

SAN BENITO*

HOME

7:00 PM

8-Oct.

FRIDAY

DONNA NORTH*

AWAY

7:00 PM

16-Oct.

SATURDAY RIVERA*

HOME

7:00 PM

22-Oct.

FRIDAY

WESLACO*

AWAY

7:00 PM

29-Oct.

FRIDAY

LOS FRESNOS*

HOME

7:00 PM

5-Nov.

FRIDAY

HARLINGEN*

AWAY

7:00 PM

* DISTRICT GAMES

10 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Brownsville Rivera Raiders

Experienced Raiders hopeful By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

ith an experienced roster featuring 25 returning lettermen and 15 returning starters, Rivera believes big things are coming in the 2021 season. “We’re real optimistic this year, and we have a lot of high hopes for these kids,” coach Beto Leal said. “Excited about O-line, excited about D-line, our linebackers. We have a lot of speed. I really feel it’s going to be a great year.” The Raiders do have a significant hole to fill at quarterback, but Leal is confident in senior Ramsey Rocha’s ability to do the job. He’s a dual-threat quarterback with plenty of varsity experience that has him ready to be a leader. Rocha will be helped by a big, seasoned offensive line and a pair of tailbacks in J.R. Hernandez and Luis Reyes as he drives the Raiders down the field. Rivera’s defensive standouts include Alek Guzman, whom Leal called a “shutdown corner,” linebackers Jose Hernandez and Abel Campos, and defensive linemen Arnold Rodarte, Juan Cuello and Erick Arevalo. Leal knows District 32-6A is a wringer and it’ll be a tough task to clinch a playoff spot, but he also knows his Raiders are up for the challenge and ready to take on the season. “Ramsey Rocha has been stepping up to the plate. He’s been playing varsity since he was a freshman, and his maturity level from last year to this year, it’s through the roof right now,” Leal said. “Defensively, don’t even get me started. I’m excited about our defense. (Hernandez and Campos are) only juniors but they were great last year, so we have a lot of high hopes for them. … “I don’t have to tell you how tough this district is. I’m sure everybody in the Valley knows. We’re looking forward to it, and I am excited, I really am,” Leal said.

“We’re real optimistic this year, and we have a lot of high hopes for these kids.” — Beto Leal, Rivera coach

RAIDERS At A Glance COACH: Beto Leal ASSISTANTS: Hugo Ramirez, defensive coordinator; David Torres, offensive coordinator; Omar Leal; Ruben Cortez; Iran Perez; Chuy Alvarez; Manuel Cordova; TJ Salazar; Jose Lucio; Willie Brown; Travis Parker; Eddie Wall Garcia; Charlie Atkinson; Ricky TruJieo; Jerry Garcia 2020 RECORD: 1-3 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 7/8 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 25 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ramsey Rocha, QB, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, sr.; Arnold Rodarte, DE, 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, sr.; J.R. Hernandez, RB, 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, sr.; Devin Parker, WR, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, jr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

NORMA JEAN CANALES PRINCIPAL ALBERTO LEAL ATHLETIC COORDINATOR DAVID TORRES OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR HUGO RAMIREZ DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

DAY

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

27-Aug.

FRIDAY

PSJA NORTH

AWAY

7:00 PM

3–Sept.

FRIDAY

EDINBURG HIGH

HOME

7:00 PM

10-Sept.

FRIDAY

RIO HONDO

AWAY

7:30 PM

17-Sept.

OPEN

24-Sept.

FRIDAY

HARLINGEN HIGH *

HOME

7:00 PM

1-Oct.

FRIDAY

WESLACO HIGH*

AWAY

7:00 PM

9-Oct.

SATURDAY LOS FRESNOS*

HOME

7:00 PM

16-Oct.

SATURDAY HANNA*

HOME

7:00 PM

22-Oct.

FRIDAY

28-Oct.

THURSDAY SAN BENITO*

HOME

7:00 PM

4-Nov.

THURSDAY DONNA NORTH*

HOME

7:00 PM

HARLINGEN SOUTH*

* DISTRICT GAMES

HOME

7:00 PM

12 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

San Benito Greyhounds

’Hounds battle for key roles

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he San Benito Greyhounds are chasing their eighth consecutive trip to the playoffs this season, and they’ll be doing it with some new names making the plays. San Benito returns five starters from its bi-district finalist 2020 campaign. After the opening week of practice, coach Dan Gomez didn’t feel that the open spots had been grabbed, so the Greyhounds have been competing hard and enjoying the learning process. “It’s been really exciting to be back. We just look forward to the kids competing throughout practice, whether it’s our varsity or subvarsity, at all positions. We enjoy watching the kids compete, and they understand that everything they get in our program is earned,” Gomez said. The Greyhounds had spring ball to end the school year and a full summer taking advantage of the extra time to get the young guys up to speed. Rodney Rodriguez is a returner who will set the tone for San Benito’s offense. He’s an athlete with experience at a number of skill positions and is the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football preseason offensive MVP selection for District 32-6A. The reigning district lineman of the year, OL

“It’s been really exciting to be back. We just look forward to the kids competing throughout practice, whether it’s our varsity or subvarsity, at all positions.” — Dan Gomez, San Benito coach

’HOUNDS At A Glance COACH: Dan Gomez ASSISTANTS: Esteban Marroquin, offensive coordinator; Johnny Garza, defensive coordinator; Jason Wheeler, special teams coordinator; Pete Soria; Raul Maraboto; William Huerta; Tomas Cantu; Mario Marmolejo; Brandon Solis; Armando Medrano; Kenneth Rubio; Carlos F. Cuellar; Joe I. Gonzales; Lamar Lewis; Carlos Valdez; Mario Guerrero; Gus Zavaletta; Greg Blanco; Armando Garza 2020 RECORD: 3-3, bi-district finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 3/2 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Rodney Rodriguez, ATH, 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, jr.; Jermaine Corbin, ATH, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, sr.; Nathaniel Garcia, OL, 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, sr.; Nova Bejaran, DL, 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, jr.

Nathaniel Garcia, will pave the way for see GREYHOUNDS H 14

! GO HOUNDS Of Service

TX-30189624

14 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

RE-ELECT

DAVID GARZA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 3, PLACE 2

GREYHOUNDS

spots, Gomez will be working closely with his staff to make the best decisions. “Our kids are engaged during pracFROM 12 tice, and learning and getting to have a good time,” Gomez said. “I’m pretty critthe ’Hounds’ young offensive pieces. On defense, look for three-year start- ical of our team. I feel like we can never er Jermaine Corbin to boost the second- be where I want to be, but that’s why our ary and contribute on offense. Defensive coaches have their input. I take a lot into consideration of what our coaches say lineman Nova Bejaran and linebacker about our team, because we have some Mariano Garcia will look to build on really good coaches and everybody sees strong 2020 seasons. As the Greyhounds try to fill the open things a little different.”

EXPERIENCE • DEDICATION • LEADERSHIP

GO HOUNDS!

Screen Printing

Serving You for Over 60 Years

Uniforms

CO.

Special Financing Available

Signs

399.7288

1957

GARZA FURNITURE

T-shirt

“Where Quality Matters.”

EST.

Embroidery

GO HOUNDS!

Banners

GO HOUNDS!

956-399-1292

160 E. Robertson Street • GARFUR160@YAHOO.COM Like us on Facebook & Instagram

250 S. Williams Rd San Benito, TX

$30 FALL SPORTS PHYSICALS

“Thankyou “Thank you “Thank you forvoting votingSan SanBenito Benito for for voting San Benito FAMILY PRACTICE MedicalAssociates Associatesas as Medical Medical Associates as Tim Bothwell, M.D.

BestClinic.” Clinic.” Best Clinic.” Rafael Lopez, M.D. Best

Carolyn Hutchinson, FNP-BC Mireya Garcia, PA-C Norma Schacherl, D.O. Michelle Leal, FNP-BC FAMILY PRACTICE FAMILY PRACTICE Ann Kanaan, D.O. FAMILY PRACTICE Rita Villarreal, FNP-C Tim Bothwell, Simmons, Tim Bothwell, M.D. M.D. CecilCecil Simmons, M.D. M.D. Frank Cecil Torres, M.D. Tim Bothwell,Rosa M.D. Robles, FNP-BC Simmons, M.D. William Heins, M.D. William Heins, M.D. Ann Kanaan, Ann Kanaan, D.O. D.O. William Heins, M.D. Ann Kanaan, D.O. Ferdinand Magno, Cristina Almanza Adams, FNP-BC Rafael Lopez, M.D. Rafael Lopez, M.D.M.D. Frank Torres, M.D. Rafael Lopez, M.D. Frank Torres, Frank Torres, M.D. M.D. Norma Schacherl, D.O. Norma Schacherl, D.O. Joy Kroes, M.D. D.O. Garett Byrd, Norma Schacherl, Ferdinand Magno, Ferdinand Magno, M.D. M.D.FNP-C Ferdinand Magno, M.D. JoyM.D. Kroes, Joy Kroes, M.D. M.D. Joy Kroes, Nathali Lozano, FNP-BC Pena, PA-CPA-C Cleo Cleo Pena,Cleo PA-CPena, Carolyn Hutchinson, FNP-BC Carolyn Hutchinson, FNP-BC Carolyn Hutchinson, FNP-BC Mireya Garcia, Mireya Garcia, PA-CPA-C Mireya Garcia, PA-C Chris LaMotte, PA Chris LaMotte, Chris LaMotte, PA PA Lauren Luckenbaugh, ANP-BC Veronica Cavazos, FNP-BC Lauren Luckenbaugh, ANP-BC Veronica Cavazos, FNP-BC Lauren Luckenbaugh, ANP-BC Veronica Cavazos, FNP-BC

CARDIOTHORACIC / GENERAL SURGERY Daniel Martinez M.D.

GENERAL SURGERY GENERAL SURGERY GENERAL SURGERY Lonnie Staton, M.D Lonnie Staton, Lonnie Staton, M.D M.D

-30132516

HA-30132516

San Benito Medical Associates PLLC

351 Sam Houston Blvd. West Harrison 351 Sam Houston Blvd. 721 721 West Harrison 351 NNN Sam Houston Blvd. 721 West Harrison SAN BENITOTX CLINIC - 351 N. Sam Houston San Benito, Texas • 956.247.7000 San Benito, 78586 Harlingen, TX 78550 San Benito, TX 78586 Harlingen, TX 78550 San Benito, TX 78586 Harlingen, TX 78550 HARLINGEN (956) CLINIC -247-7000 721 W. Harrison Ave. Harlingen, TX • 956.247.7000

OKE

GOOD LUCK TEAMS! Classic’s

Boggus Stadium

Only 3 minutes away

712 N. 77 Sunshine Strip #30, Harlingen, TX

956.622.3066

https://www.classicsbarandgrill.com/

16 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Los Fresnos Falcons

Falcons under new leadership

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

fter an up-and-down 2020 season in which they missed the playoffs, Los Fresnos is looking forward to what change can bring in 2021. Falcons alumnus David Cantu returned to Los Fresnos after a successful run at Brownsville Veterans Memorial. He’s bringing a new offensive scheme with him that’ll open up the field and pound the ball. The Falcons are buying into the new system and showing promise despite their youth, led by the efforts of the senior class. “The energy’s great. It’s being led by a great senior bunch. They’re looking to get back to having high goals, get back to the postseason, so it’s led by them,” Cantu said. “I feel excited because of the fact that the kids are working hard, have a great attitude and seem to be really playing for each other.” Los Fresnos only has four starters returning, two on each side of the ball. Gregory Jones has been a defensive standout and is moving from defensive end to middle linebacker this year. The Falcons had a wide open battle for the quarterback role throughout the offseason, and senior Matthew Padilla has set himself apart and shown he’s capable of taking the reins of the offense. It’ll be a fairly inexperienced team this season, so Cantu and his staff are keeping things simple and emphasizing details to get the new playmakers up to speed and playing without hesitation as quickly as possible. “It’s all led in the middle by Greg Jones. He brings energy to the field, enthusiasm, passion. Offensively, we’re well-balanced in the receiving corps, running back corps. Matthew Padilla slowly is taking over the quarterback position, and the fact that he’s a dualthreat should make this offense pretty dangerous,” Cantu said.

Falcons At A Glance COACH: David Cantu ASSISTANTS: Brent Blackman, defensive coordinator; Fausto Atkinson, offensive coordinator; Doug Dahlberg; Jesus Garza; Patrick Inskeep; Matthew Molina; Rene Morales; Greg Pena; Carlos Rivas; Neil Schuster; Al Senteno; Jaime Vela 2020 RECORD: 2-4 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 2/2 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gregory Jones, LB, 6-foot-0, 215 pounds, sr.; Matthew Padilla, QB, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, sr.; Hector Muniz, ATH, 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, sr.; Ethan Gonzalez, FS, 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, sr.

“The energy’s great. It’s being led by a great senior bunch.” — David Cantu, Los Fresnos coach

Photos

Claire Cruz

Don’t Delay Your Orthopedic Healthcare Ne Our Comprehensive Ortho Stands Ready to Safely Ca

Maximize your quality of life and turn to the V Don’t Delay Your Orthopedic team of specialists who can help Orthopedic Don’t Delay Your Don’t Delay YourHealthcare Needs. Every day, we help improve our patients’ qual Traumatic or Elective procedures Our Comprehensive Orthopedic Team Orthopedic Healthcare Needs. Orthopedic Healthcare Needs. Joint replacement surgery Hip, knee and shoulder surgery Stands ReadyOrthopedic toOrthopedic Safely Care for You. OurOur Comprehensive Team Comprehensive Team Fractures and sprains Maximize your quality of life and turn to the Valley Baptist Don’t Delay Your Stands Ready to Safely Care for for You. Stands Ready to Safely Care You.Sports medicine and related injuries Don’t Delay Your Orthopedic team of specialists who can help get your life back! Wrist and hand problems Orthopedic Healthcare Needs. Maximize yourEvery quality ofwe lifehelp and turn the Valley Baptist Maximize yourday, quality of life andto turn the Valley Baptist improve ourto patients’ quality of life with: Rotator cuff and labral repair Orthopedic Needs. Orthopedic team Healthcare of specialists who can get your back! Orthopedic team of specialists whohelp can help getlife your life back! Traumatic or Elective procedures Our Every Comprehensive day, help our Orthopedic patients’ qualityquality of life Team with: Everywe day, weimprove help improve our patients’ of life with: We’re ready for you with the tools and experti Joint replacement surgery Our Comprehensive Orthopedic Team you get back to doing the things you enjoy. As Traumatic or Hip, Elective procedures Traumatic or Elective Stands Ready to Safely knee and procedures shoulderCare surgery for You. care is our #1 priority. Joint Ready replacement surgery Joint replacement surgery Fractures and sprains Stands to Safely Care Maximize your quality of life and turn to the Valley Baptistfor You. Hip, knee surgery Hip,and kneeshoulder and shoulder surgery medicine related Orthopedic team ofSports specialists who and can help getinjuries your life back!

Maximize your quality life andproblems turnquality to theofValley Baptist Fractures and sprains Fractures andof sprains Wrist and hand Every day, we help improve our patients’ life with: SportsSports medicine related injuries Orthopedic teammedicine of and specialists who can help get your life back! andand related injuries Rotator cuff labral repair Social Traumatic or Elective procedures and hand problems Every Wrist day, we help our patients’ quality of life with: Distancing Wrist andimprove hand problems

Wear a Mask

Clean Environment

Separate Covid-19 Areas

We’re ready for you with the tools and expertise it takes to help Joint replacement surgery Rotator cuff and repair repair Rotator cufflabral and labral get back to doing the things you enjoy. As always, your safe Traumatic oryou Elective procedures Hip, knee and shoulder surgery We’re We’re ready ready for you with the tools it takes helpto help forsurgery you#1with the and toolsexpertise and expertise it to takes is our priority. To learn more or find a doctor visit Joint replacement Fractures and care sprains you get back doing the things you enjoy. As always, your safe you get to back to doing the things you enjoy. As always, your safe Sports medicine and related injuries Hip, shoulder surgery ValleyBaptist.net or call 844-358-2 careknee iscare ourand #1our priority. is #1 priority. Wrist and hand problems Fractures and sprains Rotator cuff and labral repair

Sports medicine and related injuries Social Wear a Clean Separate Distancing Areas We’re ready you with theMask tools andEnvironment expertise it Covid-19 takes to help Wrist andfor hand problems you get back to doing the things you enjoy. As always, your safe Social Wear a Wear a Clean Separate Separate Social cuff Clean Rotator and labral repair Distancing Mask Covid-19 Covid-19 Areas Mask Environment Environment Areas care isDistancing our #1 priority.

To learn more or find a doctor visit

We’re ready for you with the tools and expertise it takes to help ValleyBaptist.net orvisit callvisit 844-358-2441 you get tomore doing thefind you enjoy. As always, your safe To learn more or find athings doctor Toback learn or a doctor care is our #1 priority.

ValleyBaptist.net or call ValleyBaptist.net or 844-358-2441 call 844-358-2441 Wear a Clean Separate

Social Distancing

Mask

Environment

Covid-19 Areas

18 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Brownsville Lopez Lobos

Energetic Lobos put in work

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

t has been a few years since the Brownsville Lopez Lobos reached the postseason, but with the special group coach Armando Gutierrez has now, the potential is there to end the drought. Lopez has a solid mix of experienced returners and anxious newcomers that worked endlessly throughout the offseason and were fired up to hit the gridiron on Day 1. The effort and energy the promising talent is bringing to the field bodes well for the future. “This team, by far, has been the one that’s most special. This excitement here at Southmost is unlike any other. I can’t wait to see what they do, and we’re going to back them up and have a good time,” Gutierrez said. “They’re putting everything together, and they’re a good group of kids that actually like each other and get along. It’s just a good vibe here.” Lopez is looking for the defensive line to be a big strength of the team. Omar Cervantes and Gerry Martinez will anchor the unit. Offensively, the Lobos will be led once again by the athletic Jacob Cortinas. Receivers Juan Jaramillo and Jonathan Munoz are poised to be top targets and contributors. Gutierrez and his staff have emphasized learning how to watch film and building football acumen, and with a versatile and speedy roster in place, the Lobos are excited to see it all come together and how it’ll help them compete in a deep District 16-5A Division I. “One moment can change a lot. That’s what we preach, one moment changes everything, so be in that moment. That’s kind of our motto this year,” Gutierrez said. “We’re going to have to keep ourselves offensively on the field a little bit more because those defenses we’re facing are top tier. We’re always outside looking in, but these kids battle. They’ve learned the little things that go into winning. It’s there, we just have to put it together.”

lobos At A Glance COACH: Armando Gutierrez ASSISTANTS: Matt Barba, offensive coordinator; Bruce Castro, defensive coordinator 2020 RECORD: 1-4 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 6/9 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jacob Cortinas, QB, jr.; Andrew Hernandez, DL, jr.; Omar Cervnatez, DL, sr.; Gerry Martinez, DL, sr.

“This team, by far, has been the one that’s most special.” — Armando Gutierrez, Lopez coach

Photos

Claire Cruz

VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AIMEE GARZA-LIMON PRINCIPAL ARMANDO GUTIERREZ JR. ATHLETIC COORDINATOR MATTHEW BARBA OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR BRUCE CASTRO DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

DATE

DAY

OPPONENT

26-Aug

THURSDAY SOUTHSIDE

3-Sept

FRIDAY

9-Sept

THURSDAY ROWE*

17-Sep 24-Sep

PACE*

LOCATION TIME 7:00PM AWAY

7:00PM

AWAY

7:00 PM

FRIDAY

MCALLEN MEMORIAL* HOME

7:00 PM

FRIDAY

DONNA*

AWAY

7:00 PM

7-Oct

THURSDAY VETERANS MEMORIAL* HOME

7:00 PM

15-Oct

FRIDAY

AWAY

7:00 PM

21-Oct

THURSDAY WESLACO EAST*

HOME

7:00 PM

29-Oct

FRIDAY

AWAY

7:00 PM

6-Nov

SATURDAY PALMVIEW*

HOME

11:00 AM

OPEN

PORTER*

MCALLEN*

* DISTRICT GAMES

20 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Brownsville Pace Vikings

Vikings keep eye on playoffs

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he Brownsville Pace Vikings are looking to keep their playoff streak alive in District 16-5A Division I after being Brownsville’s sole postseason rep from the district last season. Pace has an athletic, veteran group and a lot of pieces coming back that might not have played as much but did learn a lot last season. Coach Danny Pardo believes once the younger players catch up to solidify backup roles, the Vikings will have the depth needed to make a run as they’re led by an experienced core. “We have some key players back. That group, it’s not really youth, it’s just inexperience. They’re coming around pretty good. If we can get that group up to par with the older kids, I think that’s the key,” Pardo said. One unit that needs newcomers to step up is the offensive line, which Pardo said was his biggest question heading into the new season. With only one returner, it’s going to be a young line, but he said it’s “coming together.” Pace will have plenty of talent working with the line to carry the offense. Seniors Chase Morales, a 6-foot-4 All-Valley tight end, and receiver Brandon Narvaez are battling at quarterback and could split time at the spot early. Junior running back Ivan Gonzalez is a huge weapon in the backfield. The Vikings call Gonzalez ‘Hummingbird,’ and Pardo said though he’s not very big, he is special. see VIKINGS H 26

“We have some key players back. That group, it’s not really youth, it’s just inexperience. They’re coming around pretty good. If we can get that group up to par with the older kids, I think that’s the key.” — Danny Pardo, Pace coach

VIKINGS At A Glance COACH: Daniel Pardo ASSISTANTS: Rodney Morales, offensive coordinator; Robert Ortiz, defensive coordinator; Marcelo Villarreal, special teams coordinator; Boris Vega; Abraham Gutierrez; Dustin Hernandez; Roy Rodriguez; Joe Espinoza; Rene Salinas; Carlos Tefertiller; Efrain Lopez; Jose Reyes; Joey Ramirez; Oscar Rodriguez; Richard Lopez; Jorge Castorena 2020 RECORD: 4-2, bi-district finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/6 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 21 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ivan Gonzalez, RB, 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, jr.; Brandon Narvaez, WR/QB, 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, sr.; Chase Morales, TE/QB, 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, sr.; Andrew Gonzales, LB, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, jr. Photos

Claire Cruz

JOEL M. WOOD PRINCIPAL DANNY PARDO ATHLETIC COORDINATOR RODNEY MORALES OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR ROBERT ORTIZ DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

DAY

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

27-Aug.

FRIDAY

SHARYLAND

AWAY

7:00 PM

3–Sept.

FRIDAY

LOPEZ*

AWAY

7:00 PM

10-Sept.

FRIDAY

PORTER*

HOME

7:00 PM

16-Sept.

THURSDAY ROWE *

HOME

7:00 PM

24-Sept.

FRIDAY

WESLACO EAST*

AWAY

7:00 PM

1-Oct.

OPEN

8-Oct.

FRIDAY

MCALLEN MEMORIAL*

HOME

7:00 PM

15-Oct.

FRIDAY

MCALLEN*

AWAY

7:00 PM

21-Oct.

THURSDAY DONNA*

AWAY

7:00 PM

30-Oct.

SATURDAY PALMVIEW*

HOME

7:00 PM

5-Nov.

FRIDAY

VETERANS MEMORIAL* AWAY

7:00 PM

*District Games

22 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Brownsville Porter Cowboys

Cowboys adding new pieces

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

here will be a lot of new faces making plays for the Brownsville Porter Cowboys this season. It’s not a rebuilding year, said coach Carlos Uresti; it’s just about reloading. Porter has six starters returning, but only two on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive lineman Jonathan Alvarado and receiver Gunnar Williams will be the veterans leading the way and helping incoming junior quarterback Alex Stevens run the offense. “We’re starting from scratch on the offensive side of the ball, but we’re comfortable with the guys we’re plugging in. We’re going to be young, but (offensive coordinator Farrell Williams) does a good job with the kids and we’ve got them rolling,” Uresti said. “The offensive line, that’s the group that has surprised me the most. At quarterback, we have Alex Stevens stepping in right now. He’s a kid that’s been in the system and understands the offense, and we’re very comfortable with him going forward.” Senior defensive end Arath De La Torre will be the focal point for the Cowboys’ defense. Defensive back Isai Hernandez and junior lineman Sam Moreno are showing the young guns the ropes, too. Uresti said he always feels comfortable with Porter’s defense every season and believes the group will be ready to roll when the season begins. “The sophomores and juniors that are going to play this year to fill those see COWBOYS H 26

“We’re starting from scratch on the offensive side of the ball, but we’re comfortable with the guys we’re plugging in. We’re going to be young, but (offensive coordinator Farrell Williams) does a good job with the kids and we’ve got them rolling.” — Carlos Uresti, Porter coach

COWBOYS AT A GLANCE COACH: Carlos Uresti ASSISTANTS: Raul Gomez, defensive coordinator; Farrell Williams, offensive coordinator; Robin Pyle; Gilbert Flores; Guadalupe Buentello; Dave Gonzalez; Gilbert Gonzalez; Julian Moya; Ruben Gutierrez; Mike Hernandez; Hector Garanzuay; Robert Lopez; Miguel Guerra; Orlando De Los Santos 2020 RECORD: 3-3 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 2/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 12 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Arath De La Torre, DE, 5-10, 230 pounds, sr.; Gunnar Williams, WR, 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, jr.; Alejandro Stevens, QB, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds, jr.; Isai Hernandez, DB, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, sr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

MARY SOLIS PRINCIPAL CARLOS URESTI ATHLETIC COORDINATOR FARRELL WILLIAMS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR RAUL GOMEZ DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

DAY

OPPONENT

LOCATION TIME

26-Aug

THURSDAY GRULLA** (NON DISTRICT) HOME

7:00 PM

2-Sep

THURSDAY BRO. VETERANS *

HOME

7:00 PM

10-Sep

FRIDAY

PACE *

AWAY

7:00 PM

17-Sep

FRIDAY

WESLACO EAST *

AWAY

7:00 PM

23-Sep

THURSDAY MCALLEN HIGH *

HOME

7:00 PM

7-Oct

THURSDAY PALMVIEW*

AWAY

7:00 PM

15-Oct

FRIDAY

LOPEZ***

HOME

7:00 PM

22-Oct

FRIDAY

MCALLEN ROWE*

AWAY

7:00 PM

28-Oct

THURSDAY MCALLEN MEMORIAL* HOME (VETS) 7:00 PM

5-Nov

FRIDAY

OPEN

DONNA*

AWAY

DISTRICT GAMES* PARENTS NIGHT** HOMECOMING***

7:00 PM

24 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Brownsville Veterans Chargers

Culture changes for Chargers By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

ew Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers coach Kelley Lee is already well aware of how competitive District 16-5A Division I is, and he’s had his team working hard to learn the new systems to make a return to the postseason. “We just want to establish our culture, do things the right way,” Lee said. “We want to be disciplined and control our controllables, be physically and mentally tough. With the big district, you don’t have much time to get ready. Every week’s going to be a battle. We want to be consistent, prepare each week the best we can and put our best foot forward.” The Chargers had a three-man quarterback battle going at the start of camp, and the competition has brought out solid effort from everyone. Lee said the defense picked up the system fast and the whole team has been progressing consistently. Brownsville Veterans returns William Wassen and Jorge Alvarado, the linebacker duo that included the Nos. 1 and 2 tacklers last season, respectively. Ray Holloman is leading an offensive line that will make way for fullbacks Jose Moreno and Bryan Chavez. Running back/wide receiver Michael McHale is a speedy talent that Lee said will get touches in the running see CHARGERS H 26

“We just want to establish our culture, do things the right way. We want to be disciplined and control our controllables, be physically and mentally tough. With the big district, you don’t have much time to get ready. Every week’s going to be a battle.” — Kelley Lee, Brownsville Vets coach

CHARGERS At A Glance COACH: Kelley Lee ASSISTANTS: Kelley Lee, offensive coordinator; Kelly McKee, defensive coordinator; David Duty, special teams coordinator; Jerry Delgado, Jesus Alaniz; Joe Martinez; Michael Moore; Jaime Castaneda 2020 RECORD: 2-5 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/6 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 PLAYERS TO WATCH: William Wassen, LB, 6-foot-0, 225 pounds; Jose Moreno, RB, sr.; Jorge Alvarado, LB, sr.; Jose Medrano, K, sr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

DR. LINDA GALLEGOS PRINCIPAL KELLEY LEE ATHLETIC COORDINATOR DAVID DUTY OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOHN MCKEE DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

DAY

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

27-Aug

Friday

Harlingen South

AWAY

7:30 PM

2-Sep

Thur.

Porter *

AWAY

7:00 PM

10-Sep

Friday

Weslaco East*

HOME

7:00 PM

17-Sep

Friday

McAllen*

AWAY

7:00 PM

25-Sep

Sat.

La Joya Palmview*

HOME

7:00 PM

7-Oct

Thur.

Lopez*

AWAY

7:00 PM

14-Oct

Thur.

McAllen Nikki Rowe*

HOME

7:00 PM

21-Oct

Thur.

McAllen Memorial*

AWAY

7:00 PM

29-Oct

Friday

Donna*

HOME

7:00 PM

5-Nov

Friday

PACE*

HOME

7:00 PM

OPEN

26 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

CHARGERS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TICKETING PROCEDURES Brownsville ISD Athletic Department has made changes to our ticketing procedures to ensure the safety of all fans and our employees. All tickets will be purchased on-line. We will be using Ticket Spicket for all Campus Varsity Sports and Sams Stadium Football Games. Our stadium and campus spectators will be back to 100% capacity. All campus ticket prices are: Adults $3.00 and Student $2.00 - Doors open 30 minutes before game. The Athletic Department has posted the link on the BISD Athletic website as well as the BISD website, which will take you directly to Ticket Spicket site to purchase your Tickets. Season ticket holders will need to come by the Ticket Office during the week of Monday, August 16, 2021 - Friday, August 20, 2021, to set up their account and purchase their seats, if interested. The following week, Monday, August 23, 2021 - Friday, August 27, 2021, new season ticket holders will need to come by the Athletic Office to set-up their accounts and purchase their tickets. For example: If your team plays on Thursday or Friday, you will need to purchase your ticket(s) before that date and before 2 p.m. Saturday games; you will need to come in by Friday, before 2 p.m. After that all seats prices will be as stated below.

FROM 24

and passing games. Kicker Jose Medrano has been a top special teams player and is one of several upperclassmen providing good leadership for the Chargers. Lee has been pleased with the “fanatical effort” approach BVM has bought into and is

VIKINGS

FROM 20

Pardo said the defense will be hard to gauge until it starts competing, but look for junior linebacker Andrew Gonzalez and senior defensive end Gabriel Galvan

COWBOYS

FROM 22

defensive roles, they’ve been in the system and understand it for the most part,” Uresti said. “The kids are

excited to get his team in action. “We’ve got some guys coming back, and we’re going to lean on them early,” Lee said. “We’re a running team, so we have to get off the ball, work on our offensive line getting off the ball. And defense, we’re really stressing assignments right now. I think the offensive line is a strength, and I think our linebacker corps is going to be really good, too.” to lead the way. “We don’t have the dominant defense to say we’re going to stop people cold, we just have to get a turnover here and there, and let the offense go to work. Offensively, I think we can go. We might be in some track meets, but we’ll see,” Pardo said. going to fight for the ball. (Defensive coordinator Raul Gomez) does a good job on that side of the ball, coaching and preaching that relentless effort. … The energy that they bring, they’re eager to learn and ready to go, and that’s all you can ask.”

Los Unicos en la Frontera

Desde 1987

The One and Only!!

We will have Section “E” (chairbacks) and Section “G” Deck (benches with backs) as our reserve sections. All other seating will be General Admission. ALL ONLINE PRE-SALE TICKETS: Reserve: $8.00 General Admission: $7.00 Student: $3.00 Pre-sale will be sold online starting Monday the week of the game as follows; Monday - Game Day - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. (game days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) There will be no online Saturday sales. After 2 p.m. prices are $9.00 for reserve seating and $8.00 for General Admission No Student Tickets will be sold after 2 p.m.

7738 Padre Island Hwy. • 956.550.0024

rownsville

Br S ea Al ervekfas lD d t ay !

COFFEE SHOP #2 Inc.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF OUR VALLEY TEAMS!

3230 INTERNATIONAL BLVD. • 546-9650

NEW HOURS: 6:00 AM-9:30 PM Open for dine in and to go orders!

28 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

St. Joseph Bloodhounds

Bloodhounds aim to surprise

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he St. Joseph Bloodhounds reached the second round of the playoffs in 2020, exceeding expectations that some outside the program had. They’ll hope to do the same this year with a very young team led by a handful of veterans. SJA returns seven starters and 15 lettermen, and though there are challenges involved with being “very new,” there are definite positives. “They are immediately working as a unit, they’re focusing on team. They understand that when you lose a lot of seniors it’s hard to fill the shoes, but it’s not when you come together as a team instead of looking for the next superstar to rise,” coach Tino Villarreal said. Villarreal said the Bloodhounds had good competition throughout camp as players battled for open positions. Leading the way for the newcomers and helping the staff teach are quarterback Luigi Cristiano, safety Adrian Del Pozo and offensive lineman Miguel Cortez. Cristiano, a four-year starter, “is the ultimate leader” for the Bloodhounds. Villarreal praised Cristiano for taking on a “coach-on-the-field” role. Del Pozo is leading the defense, and Cortez takes on “the toughest job” as the sole returning offensive lineman, stepping up to be the ideal example for the young line. With new personnel, Villarreal is adjusting SJA’s approach and mindset while the ’Hounds chase a return to the TAPPS postseason. “I think our passing is going to be really big. We have to take advantage of the fact that we have a senior quarterback. We’re going to let the pass game set the run game, and I think that’s the first time we’ve done that in my time here,” he said. “We’re setting small, short-vision goals. Yeah, we want to win, make the playoffs and compete for a championship. But more importantly, we want to build a team that is super tight-knit and treats each other like brothers.”

BLOODHOUNDS At A Glance COACH: Tino Villarreal ASSISTANTS: Not available 2020 RECORD: 4-5, area finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 3/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Luigi Cristiano, QB, sr.; Adrian Del Pozo, FS/WR, jr.; Miguel Cortez, OL/DL, jr.; Marcelo Masso, WR/K, sr.

“I think our passing is going to be really big.” — Tino Villarreal, St. Joseph coach

Photos

Claire Cruz

TX-30190165

It’s an 88-yard play!

30 40

40 30

WINDMILL BLADE - 265 feet long

30 40

FOOTBALL FIELD - 360 feet long

Windmill blades arriving at the Port of Brownsville measure 265 feet long. That equals to an 88-yard play! Not quite a touchdown, but in the red zone for sure.

Supporting Excellence In Academics and Athletics

1000 Foust Rd • Brownsville, TX 78521 • (956) 831-4592 • 1-800-378-5395 • portofbrownsville.com

32 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Port Isabel Tarpons

Tarpons return, like chances

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

ort Isabel has a strong tradition of football success, and the Tarpons are feeling good about their chances of returning to the playoffs out of the competitive District 16-4A Division II. The Tarpons only got to play one game last season, but they return some experienced starters and have hardworking young talent ready to impress. “We don’t have a lot, but the ones we do have, in my 30, 40 years of coaching, they’re as good as any,” coach Tony Villarreal said. “The effort is going to be there. These kids are just tough. There’s a lot of good things going. There’s a lot of good things we can build on.” Rudy Barrera is taking the quarterback reins this season. He’ll be working behind a young but impressing offensive line anchored by senior center Hassiel Aguilar. Villarreal said the Tarpons take pride in throwing the ball, and they’re working on timing to get the still fairly new system in place. Fernando Romero and Gilbert Medina are among a handful of Tarpons who will be playing big roles on both sides of the ball. Cross Martinez is the

“These kids are just tough. There’s a lot of good things going. There’s a lot of good things we can build on.” — Tony Villarreal, Port Isabel coach

TARPONS At A Glance COACH: Tony Villarreal ASSISTANTS: Not available 2020 RECORD: 0-2 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 6/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 23 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gilbert Medina, RB/DB, 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, sr.; Rodolfo Barrera, QB, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, jr.; Hassiel Aguilar, OL/DL, 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, sr.; Cross Martinez, DB/RB, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, jr.

top returning tackler for Port Isabel set to lead a defense Villarreal hopes will be “a swarming defense that will come up and hit you” and will line up both ways. “It’s a very technical, very detailed offense, very hard to learn and (Barrera) hasn’t missed a beat,” Villarreal said. “Aguilar is probably one of the best centers I’ve ever coached. (Romero, Medina and Aguilar) are the ones I would say are our leaders. You’re going to be hearing a lot about them.”

Photos

Claire Cruz

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | 33

Rio Hondo Bobcats

Bobcats excited to play again

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

fter a one-year hiatus from football due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rio Hondo Bobcats are eager to get back in the swing of things. There are some challenges that come with missing a season, but there’s a strong senior class that will lead the charge. “It was a difficult time for everybody last year. I have a couple of freshmen on varsity that the last time they played football was in seventh grade. Can you imagine?” Rio Hondo coach Rocky James said. “This is a senior class that as seventh and eighth graders did great, as freshmen did great and as sophomores went to the second round of the playoffs. … These kids are ready to go. They’re super excited to finally be able to play football.” The big name to watch on Rio Hondo’s roster is Ethan Jeradiah. He’ll line up as the No. 1 running back and at linebacker. Along with Jeradiah, Zecharaiah Rios, Ismael Rodriguez, Matthew Lopez and Tomas Arredondo, all seniors, are a few others who will play both ways. Some new names that James expects to have big roles as the Bobcats take on District 16-4A Division II are Roman Perez, Brandon Saldivar and Ruben Atkinson, who will join an elite group of freshman starters in Rio Hondo under James. With Jeradiah headlining a skilled bunch, James expects the offense to be as explosive as ever. Teaching and getting the defensive players comfortable tackling and doing stunts again has been the early challenge. But once the defense gets some reps in, the Bobcats expect to be competitive. “I think we got a lot of teaching out of the way (in Week 1), which was the biggest obstacle on defense,” James said. “I think the offense is going to do really well. They’re going to jell early, and then I’m hoping the defense catches on and is able to play some lights-out football.”

BOBCATS At A Glance COACH: Rocky James ASSISTANTS: Victor Sauceda, offensive coordinator; Andres Alvarez, defensive coordinator; Sergio Gonzalez, special teams coordinator; David Zuniga; Tuffy Calderon; Mike Garza; Michael Alvarez; Benjamin Perez; Pablo De Los Santos; Candido Ochoa; Fernando Pizarro 2020 RECORD: Did not play PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ethan Jeradiah, RB/LB, 6-foot-0, 190 pounds, sr.; Zechariah Rios, QB, sr.; Matthew Lopez, OL/DL, jr.; Tomas Arredondo, WR/DB, sr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

34 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Raymondville Bearkats

’Kats hoping to build quickly

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

ast season was a rollercoaster for the Raymondville Bearkats that included no district games, a five-week wait between contests and one barnburner comeback victory in the postseason. This season, the Bearkats will look a little different with only seven starters returning, but the full schedule will give coach Frank Cantu and his staff the chance to build depth and prepare the team for another year chasing the District 16-4A Division II title. “We’re really excited. We want to contend for the district title,” Cantu said. “It’s a tough district. (Our non-Valley opponents) didn’t stop playing for the whole year, so we feel they’ll have an advantage. We feel like we’re a little behind the 8-ball, and we’re going to do whatever we can to catch up and compete. We hope to overcome and do really well in district and in the playoffs. We’re just excited to have a full schedule ahead of us.” Raymondville has three experienced offensive pieces in senior quarterback Jayson Cantu and linemen Nick Gomez and John Rubalcaba. Nathan Munguia is a versatile running back/receiver/defensive back who missed last season due to injury but is expected to come back in a big way this season. Because of the limited experience and a smaller roster than usual, Cantu said Raymondville will have several athletes playing on both sides of the ball. Defensive end Diego Gutierrez, a starter since his freshman year, is expected to be a clutch two-way player for the Bearkats. “We expect (Munguia) to fill in some of what (graduated star ZaRaiVion Armendarez) was doing, and he’s going to be our go-to back. We have some young sophomores we’ll give the ball to. They’ve been having good workouts, so we’re excited for them,” Cantu said. “Some of our defenders will have to go and play offense. That’s just a new set of things to work out and see how we can get the most out of our guys.”

BEARKATS At A Glance COACH: Frank Cantu ASSISTANTS: Not available 2020 RECORD: 3-1, area finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 4/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 16 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jayson Cantu, QB, 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, sr.; Nathan Munguia, WR/DB, 5-foot-7, 150 pounds, sr.; Nick Gomez, OL, 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, jr.; Diego Gutierrez, DE/QB, 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, jr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | 35

OTHER DISTRICT 32-6a TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES DONNA NORTH COACH: Juan Cuevas, second year 2020 RECORD: 0-6 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: N/A RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 3/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 KEY PLAYERS: QB Robert Gomez, OL Ricky Martinez, OL Isaiah Loya, WR Deandray Quezada, DB Jose Magdaleno. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Chiefs will be looking to snap the Rio Grande Valley’s longest active losing streak, which sits at 30 games. But the team appears primed to do so under second-year head coach Juan Cuevas. Donna North enters the 2021 campaign with added confidence after its first full offseason with Cuevas’ staff and a 2020 season that featured massive strides offensively. Senior quarterback Robert Gomez is back behind center after a sensational start to his junior season was cut short by a season-ending injury in the team’s third game. Nonetheless, Gomez nearly topped the 1,000-yard mark through the air and should soar past that this season with the help of versatile playmaker Deandray Quezada and returning starters Isaiah Loya and Ricky Martinez on the offensive line. The biggest question mark for the Chiefs this year will be upfront defensively, while defensive back Jose Magdaleno will provide some experience in Donna North’s pass defense.

WESLACO HIGH COACH: Roy Stroman, third year 2020 RECORD: 3-2; 6A Division II bi-district finalist LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 1/2 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 11 KEY PLAYERS: WR/DB Elian Rodriguez, DB Evan Zamora, QB Justin Rodriguez, DB Cesar Gomez, DL Alex Medrano, RB Marcus Saenz. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Panthers are coming off another trip to the postseason, but bring back one of the youngest teams throughout the RGV in 2021. Weslaco High will feature only three returning starters this season led by two-way star Elian Rodriguez, who should play a big role in the team’s pass attack offensively as well as its pass defense. Defensive backs Evan Zamora and Cesar Gomez should give Weslaco one of the Valley’s most well-rounded secondaries, however the team will have several big shoes to fill in the front seven after graduating three starting linebackers and both starting defensive ends from last year’s squad. Quarterback Justin Rodriguez and running back Marcus Saenz proved their ready to step into starting roles after a promising summer of 7-on-7 play, but the Panthers’ will have to rely on a new batch of starters across the entirety of their offensive line.

O T K C U L D O GO Y E L L A ALL V !!! S M A E T 7015 Padre Island Brownsville, TX (956) 621-1267

1233 E. Alton Gloor Brownsville, TX (956)372-1622

Good Luck, Ramondville Bearkats! Go, Lyford Bulldogs! Home of the Willacy Famous J.A.L Taco! The breakfast taco spot Monday - Friday 6am - 2pm Saturday 6am - 1pm

956-689-4410

TX-30190261

357 W. Hidalgo Ave. Raymondville, TX 78580

638 S. Ed Carey Dr. Harlingen, TX (956) 459-8036

7097 N. Expressway 77 Olmito, TX (956) 621-4322

4922 Southmost Rd. Brownsville, TX (956) 372-1622

36 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

La Feria Lions

Lions face lofty expectations By CLAIRE CRUZ

R G

Staff Writer

he La Feria Lions are starting the 2021 season with a target on their backs as the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football pick to win District 16-4A Division I. That doesn’t bother the Lions. Coach Oscar Salinas said that’s the legacy they’ve created and the expectation for each season. It’ll be a tougher task this year with a young roster in tow, but the inexperience doesn’t equal a lack of talent. “It’ll be one of the younger teams that we’ve had in a while. They’re very talented kids, they just need the game experience,” Salinas said. “The biggest thing is we have a really good team in terms of discipline. They like to be here, they like to be with each other, so that’s a big positive. Second, I think they’re hungry because a lot of them didn’t get to play last year, so they’re excited to get back on the field and play. We’ve had a good, energetic group.” While Salinas and Co. work on developing depth, the Lions are confident in the projected starters. Salinas believes the veteran offensive line will be a strength for the Lions. La Feria is loaded with skill players who built chemistry as a state-qualifying 7-on-7 unit. There’s a core group of seniors leading the way that are helping the coaches teach the young guns. Quarterback Aaron Trevino, center Orlando Morales and a solid defensive trio in Caleb Martinez, Elijah Vela and E.J. Serna are bringing the leadership for La Feria. “Aaron Trevino hasn’t been the quarterback, he’s been a skill player for us, but he has a lot of varsity experience. He’s done a good job this summer, and his leadership is going to be awesome,” Salinas said. “Defensively, our middle linebacker, Caleb Martinez, and our two safeties, Elijah Vela and E.J. Serna, it’s really those three carrying us. They are the emotional leaders, they lead by example, they’re here every day working with those young defensive kids. They’ve been awesome.”

D W

p p

LIONS At A Glance COACH: Oscar Salinas ASSISTANTS: Dario Sanchez, Everardo Sanchez, Daryl Gonzales, Joe Vela, Justin Rodriguez, Henry Soto, Vincent Vento, Jaime Guerra, Jaime Acuna, Rolando Gonzales, TJ De La Cerda, Ozziel Cisneros 2020 RECORD: 3-2, bi-district finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 6/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Aaron Trevino, QB, 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, sr.; Elijah Vela, DB, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, sr.; E.J. Serna, RB/DB, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, sr.; Orlando Morales, OL, 5-foot-10, 230 pounds, sr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | 37

High School Football DISTRICT 31-6a TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES

EDINBURG ECONOMEDES COACH: Sean Van De Merghel, first year 2020 RECORD: 0-5 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2016 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 7/6 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 32 KEY PLAYERS: WR JC Balderas, RB Jonathan Rubalcaba, DL Robert Garza, OL Preston Alvarado, OL Saul Garza, DB Javier Medellin. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Jaguars will look to turn things around after a winless, shortened 2020 campaign.

EDINBURG HIGH COACH: Rene Guzman, first year 2020 RECORD: 3-2 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2018 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 30 KEY PLAYERS: QB Roland Abrego, LB Jonathan Duran, DB Ben Gonzalez, LB Aven Alonzo, RB Abraham Gonzalez, WR Dylan Garza. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Bobcats came close to clinching a postseason berth during a turbulent 2020 campaign, but look poised to break through into the 6A playoffs this time around. EDINBURG NORTH COACH: Damian Gonzalez, fourth year 2020 RECORD: 2-5; 6A Division I bi-district finalist LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020

RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 36 KEY PLAYERS: LB Daniel Rodriguez, QB Evan Medrano, DB Giovanni Gonzalez, DL Trebor Acuna, DL Isaiah Cepeda, RB Jean Carlo Reyes. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Cougars will be looking to book their third straight trip to the postseason after advancing to the 7-on-7 state championships this summer. EDINBURG VELA COACH: John Campbell, fifth year 2020 RECORD: 6-1; 6A Division II area finalist LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 8/7 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 43 KEY PLAYERS: RB PJ Rivera, WR Justin Vega, DB Matthew Luna, LB Ryan Rodriguez, DB Joshua Garcia, QB Chase Campbell. 2021 OUTLOOK: The SaberCats, looking to defend their District 31-6A championship, bring back 43 varsity lettermen, the most of any team in the RGV this season, and 15 starters. LA JOYA HIGH COACH: Reuben Farias, sixth year 2020 RECORD: N/A LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2017 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 4/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 15 KEY PLAYERS: DB Sal Carmona, LB Carlos Perez,

RB Ivan Garces, OL Juan Limon, LB Jaime Sandoval, QB Tristan Trevino. 2021 OUTLOOK: La Joya High has two tall tasks ahead: replacing former first-team all-state running back Eddie Villarreal and ramping back up after sitting out the 2020 season. LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN COACH: Tommy Garcia, 10th year 2020 RECORD: N/A LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2016 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): N/A RETURNING LETTERMEN: N/A KEY PLAYERS: LB Jaime Flores, DL Brandon Mendez, QB Javier Castillo, OL Axel Gonzalez, OL Arian Hernandez, DB Omar Garcia. 2021 OUTLOOK: La Joya Juarez-Lincoln was one of two Class 6A programs throughout Texas and the RGV to sit out the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. MISSION HIGH COACH: Danny Longoria, first year 2020 RECORD: 5-2; 6A Division I area finalist LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 6/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 34 KEY PLAYERS: DB Luis Briseno, LB Luis Balderas, DL Christian Hernandez, DE Zeke Cuadros, RB Damian Cortez, LB Jude Jaime. 2021 OUTLOOK: Mission High must replace former

coach Koy Detmer, but the Eagles bring back five starters from the Valley’s top defensive unit in 2020. PSJA HIGH COACH: Lupe Rodriguez, fifth year 2020 RECORD: 1-4 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2019 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 4/3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 25 KEY PLAYERS: QB Jaime Lopez, WR Viggo Lopez, WR Andrew Castillo, DB Nevin Herrera, LB Julius Ramirez, RB Lee Torres. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Bears were one of the Valley’s youngest teams during the 2020 season, which should begin to pay dividends this fall. PSJA NORTH COACH: Marcus Kaufmann, sixth year 2020 RECORD: 5-4; 6A Division II area finalist LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 11/6 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 21 KEY PLAYERS: RB Isaac Gonzalez, DB Cookie Ramirez, QB Ale Aparicio, OL Ram Martinez, WR/DE Jack Lugo, DL Daniel Garcia. 2021 OUTLOOK: The Raiders are back with a vengeance after being knocked out of the 6A playoffs due to COVID-19 contact tracing last postseason. PSJA North returns all 11 offensive starters.

Best of Luck to All Brownsville Teams!

GO LIONS!

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm Sat-Sun 12-11pm

We strive to provide our customers with high quality building materials, friendly customer service and valuable advice whether you’re a professional contractor or a first time DIYer

117 S Main St La Feria, Texas 78559 (956) 277-0278

Good Luck Valley Football Teams!

2020

Your Financial Helping Hand! Become a member and experience the Credit Union difference • Competitive Loan Rates • Decisions Made Locally • Community Involvement • 5 Locations to Better Serve You!

contactus@rgvcu.coop

(956) 423-5792

*Special terms and conditions. Contact RGVCU for membership eligibility and requirements. This Credit Union is federaly insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

www.rgvcu.coop

Call: 956-831-9887 Fax: 956-831-3056

5500 South Padre Island Hwy Brownsville, Texas 78521

38 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Lyford Bulldogs

’Dogs reload, swap schemes

By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he Lyford Bulldogs had one of the East Valley’s most successful 2020 seasons, notching a 6-2 record and reaching the area round of the playoffs. They graduated some key pieces from that campaign, but the Bulldogs have plenty of experience coming back and a revamped offensive scheme that has the team ready to go. “You can’t get more exciting than Texas high school football,” new Lyford coach Gerardo Jauregui said. “(Doug Ames,) our offensive coordinator, he’s putting a couple things in (the offense). They’re excited about the fast tempo, we’re going no-huddle, so the kids are absolutely excited about that.” Junior quarterback Osmar Martinez will be running the new offense. He gained plenty of QB1 experience during his first two varsity seasons due to injuries, and he’s getting acquainted with the new system quickly. Martinez has a bevy of receivers in his arsenal, including Diego Guerra, Mark Marroquin, Oscar Martinez, Adrian Cruz and Noah Guzman, that mixes returning starters with promising new faces. “It’s a fast-paced offense, so we have a group of maybe six, seven receivers that are going to be in and out,” Jauregui said. Jauregui has been pleased with the offensive line, led by Carlos Martinez, Gavin Martinez and Josh Chavez. Look for Benjamin Gonzalez to be a powerhouse from the backfield, which will move the ball just as efficiently as the passing game. Gonzalez is a hard-hitting key piece on Lyford’s defense, too. The Bulldogs are trending in the right direction, Jauregui thinks, and hopeful to once again be contenders for the District 16-3A Division I championship if they continue to grow at a good pace. “Everyone has been stepping up and showing a lot of improvement and a lot of positives. Progression, that’s all we want. We want to improve and progress every week. That’s our goal,” Jauregui said. “Go ’Dogs. We’re ready.”

BULLDOGS At A Glance COACH: Gerardo Jauregui ASSISTANTS: Doug Ames, offensive coordinator; Victor Rubalcaba, defensive coordinator; Eli Esquivel, special teams coordinator 2020 RECORD: 6-2, area finalist RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 12 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Osmar Martinez, QB, jr.; Mark Marroquin, WR/DB, sr.; Diego Guerra, WR/DB, sr.; Benjamin Gonzalez, DL, sr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | 39

High School Football OTHER DISTRICT 16-5a division i TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES Donna High COACH: Mike Gonzales, second year 2020 RECORD: 2-4 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2015 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/8 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 17 KEY PLAYERS: FS Francisco Contreras; SS Marcos De Los Ríos; ILB Evan Frías; LB Matt Lopez; DL Lupe Ramos; WR Mark Zamorano; WR Jacob Yanez; WR Ashton Garcia; RB Rey Urbina; QB Jake Garcia; QB Jeffery Lefrve 2021 OUTLOOK: Defense will be the Donna Redskins’ forte this season, with eight returning starters including inside linebacker Frias, who led the team in tackles with 71, and defensive tackle Ramos, who tallied 34 tackles in five games played. Safeties Contreras (45 tackles) and De Los Rios (36 tackles) are also back, giving the Redskins experience at every level on defense. Expect the Redskins’ 3-4 defense to be among the district’s best at the end of the year. Despite a typically run-heavy offense, the Redskins expect to air the ball out more this year, with experienced receivers Garcia, Yanez and Zamorano returning after having an off-season to perfect Coach Gonzales’ spread offense. La Joya Palmview COACH: Margarito Requenez, eighth year 2020 RECORD: 0-3 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2019 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 6/3 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18

KEY PLAYERS: LB Esequiel Munoz; MLB Daniel Guillen; DB Sebastian Leal; DB Gino Ibarra; WR Tony Villarreal; QB Christian Reyna; RB AJ Chapa; OL Isaias Garcia 2021 OUTLOOK: The Lobos missed the postseason last season, marking only the second time they have missed the playoffs under the guidance of head coach Margarito Requenez. This year, Palmview is eyeing a return to the big dance, hoping to prove last season was a mere anomaly. 2019 District 16-5A DI Offensive Newcomer of the Year AJ Chapa returns to the lineup for the Lobos after opting out last season. McAllen High COACH: Patrick Shelby, third year 2020 RECORD: 2-4 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2017 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 27 KEY PLAYERS: QB Hunter Curl; OL Joshua Herrera; RB Jahir Meza; OL Matthew Vega; WR Christian Echazarreta; WR Obed Alvarez; OL Tres Cantu; FS Thomas Alaniz; RB/LB Weston Guzman; WR AJ Gonzalez; LB Dylan Yanez 2021 OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs enter the season with one of the Valley’s most experienced quarterbacks under center in senior Hunter Curl, who was named the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football District 16-5A DI Preseason Offensive MVP after tallying 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns through the air last season, while adding 466 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Still, the Bulldogs lack experience in the skill positions, losing a bevy of starters to graduation. Receivers Christian Echazarreta

and Obed Alvarez are two breakout candidates for the Bulldogs, both listed at 5-foot-10, giving Curl a pair of big targets out wide. Senior running back/linebacker Weston Guzman, who is listed at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, should provide a spark on both sides of the ball, bringing a combination of size and speed onto the field for the Bulldogs. McAllen Memorial COACH: Moses Patterson, first year 2020 RECORD: 5-2 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 8/9 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 33 KEY PLAYERS: QB JP Cortez; TE Eric Rodriguez; QB Derek Silva; DT Marcos De Ochoa; DB Jalen Muhammad; DB Jaden Muhammad; RB Ethan Garcia; RB/K Max Alaniz-Choy 2021 OUTLOOK: Former McAllen Memorial coach Bill Littleton announced his retirement June 2, hanging up his whistle after 18 years at the helm for the Mustangs. Enter interim coach Moses Patterson, the team’s defensive coordinator for the past eight seasons. Patterson inherits a wealth of talent, with 33 returning lettermen, including 17 starters (eight offense/nine defense). McAllen Rowe COACH: Bobby Flores, sixth year 2020 RECORD: 3-4 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/8

RETURNING LETTERMEN: 20 KEY PLAYERS: TE Marco Cisneros; QB Mateo Llanes; LB/RB Yahir Garcia; DB Tito Gonzalez; DE Victor Vega; S/WR Nelson Ramirez; WR Jorge Diaz; WR/DB Diego Pacheco 2021 OUTLOOK: Warriors quarterback Mateo Llanes seems primed for an MVP caliber season after recording 869 total yards and eight touchdowns while splitting duties last year. This season, with full control of the reins, Llanes will have a plethora of weapons, including 6-foot-4 tight end Marco Cisneros. Receivers Jorge Diaz, Diego Pacheco and Nelson Ramirez add another factor to the passing game, combining for 416 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Weslaco East COACH: Mike Burget, ninth year 2020 RECORD: 5-1 LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2020 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 4/4 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 28 KEY PLAYERS: DE Josue Moralez; QB Javi Garza; LT/TE David Trevino; C Julian Gonzalez; DT Noe Castillo; DT Rodrigo Puentes; RB Jay Vasquez; WR Omari Bowen 2021 OUTLOOK: The Wildcats qualified for their eighth straight postseason appearance under the tutelage of head coach Mike Burget, extending the teams streak to 14. Last year’s District 16-5A DI champions face an uphill battle if they hope to extend their streak, with only four starters returning on each side of the ball. Still, quarterback Javi Garza believes the Wildcats are reloaded and ready to repeat as district champs.

k c u L Good TO ALL OF OUR

Like us on

#Flooring4Life

956.545.8520

32082 Hwy 100 • Los Fresnos, TX 78566 www.arizpeflooring.com

PROFESSIONAL FLOORING SERVICES COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

COVERING THE VALLEY SINCE 1990

Y E L L VA ! S M A E T

40 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Santa Rosa Warriors

Warriors trying to catch up

By CLAIRE CRUZ

Staff Writer

ith their new coach not being named until one week before the season, the Santa Rosa Warriors started off a little bit behind the pack. But the effort the Warriors have been putting in since Day 1 under coach Joe Marichalar bodes well for the upcoming season. “We’re a little behind, but I tell the kids, ‘Just one day at a time,’” Marichalar said. “Through time and through game reps, they’ll get better. It’s a great bunch of kids and a great place. Really good athletes, really good kids that are dying to compete. I’m eager and excited to work with the guys.” Marichalar said competitions for playing time were wide open at the start of camp. He spent the first few weeks slowly teaching schemes and getting to know his personnel. After playing both preseason scrimmages and getting to watch some film, Marichalar and his staff will be better equipped to put guys in the right place. A few players that impressed the new coach from the jump are Rene Flores, Felipe Alaniz, Antonio Saldana Jr. and David Bazaldua, a standout basketball player for the Warriors who returned to football for his senior season. They’re all two-way prospects that lead by example and will have big roles this season. “By district we’ll start building an identity, but right now we’re just going to hang our hat on working hard,” Marichalar said. “They want to be successful, so we’re going to work for that. We’re just going to go out there and be opportunistic. We’re going to take care of the little things, and as we do that, hopefully it leads to big things. The plan is just we’re going to work hard, take it one day at a time and work to be the best that we can be.”

a b

O a a

o i o G v W a I i

b S e r

F i

WARRIORS At A Glance s COACH: Joe Marichalar ASSISTANTS: Armando Alaniz, offensive coordinator; Jimmy Ortiz, Joe Nathan Alvarado, Victor Espinoza, co-defensive coordinators 2020 RECORD: 1-3 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/6 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 17 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Rene Flores, DB/RB, sr.; Felipe Alaniz, WR/LB, jr.; David Bazaldua, LB/FB, sr.; Antonio Saldana Jr., C, so.

“Through time and through game reps, they’ll get better. It’s a great bunch of kids and a great place.” — Joe Marichalar, Santa Rosa coach

Photos

Claire Cruz

M h w

l e o

I b

l I c g “ f l p

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | 41

Santa Maria Cougars

Line, Ibarra to carry Cougars By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer

he Santa Maria Cougars have a solid core of seasoned, two-way talent leading the way as the Cougars strive for a return to the postseason after playing just one game in 2020. Nate De la Rosa and Pablo Ibarra anchor a veteran offensive line and will be key contributors on defense. Coach Israel Gracia believes the O-line will be a strength for the Cougars and will help them have a balanced approach in the pass and run games. “We have about five coming back on offense and five on defense, but the core is starting to develop. We have a bunch of young guys that show promise,” Gracia said. “Our offensive line are our veterans coming back, which is good. We’re going to rely a lot on them. I have a couple good leaders on the line, Pablo Ibarra and Nate De la Rosa, that are taking charge of the team.” Junior quarterback Chris Ibarra will be running the offense. He’ll be the Swiss army knife for Santa Maria, expected to also play safety and return kicks. He is Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason defensive MVP pick in District 16-2A Division I. Santa Maria’s running back duo of sophomore Esiah Gracia and junior Mark Rodriguez impressed with their hard running in two scrimmages. Both will be lining up defensively, too. Israel Gracia expects Rodriguez, a linebacker, to team up with defensive end Jordan Ramirez to “wreak havoc on defense.” The Cougars have plenty of skill for Israel Gracia to believe the team will be balanced and ready to compete. “We only go as far as the offensive line goes. We expect to pound the ball. In my offense, I like to throw it, so if I can make myself run it a bit, we’re going to be OK,” Israel Gracia said. “We did bring some key people in from basketball that hadn’t played the last couple years, and I expect them to play big roles. “We have some skilled kids that I think are going to get stuff done.”

COUGARS At A Glance COACH: Israel Gracia ASSISTANTS: Crisanto Cavazos, offensive coordinator; Sergio Nunez, defensive coordinator; Amos Salas, special teams coordinator; Jerry Garcia; Robert Garcia; Andres Trevino 2020 RECORD: 1-1 RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/5 RETURNING LETTERMEN: 9 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Chris Ibarra, ATH, 6-foot-0, 170 pounds, jr.; Esiah Gracia, WR, 5-foot-7, 150 pounds, soph.; Mark Rodriguez, LB/RB, 5-foot-8, 200 pounds, jr.; Pablo Ibarra, OL, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, sr.

Photos

Claire Cruz

42 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Week 1 Thursday, Aug. 26 Non-District Brownsville Lopez vs. San Antonio Southside, 7 p.m. at Corpus Christi’s Buc Stadium Grulla at Brownsville Porter, 7 p.m. Rio Hondo at la Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7 p.m. Edinburg Economedes at PSJA Southwest, 7 p.m. Mission High vs. Mission Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. at Hidalgo PSJA High at Sharyland Pioneer, 7 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27 Non-District Mercedes at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m. Brownsville Pace at Sharyland High, 7 p.m. Brownsville Rivera at PSJA North, 7 p.m. Harlingen High at Laredo United South, 7 p.m. Edcouch-Elsa at Los Fresnos, 7 p.m. McAllen Rowe at San Benito, 7 p.m. La Feria at Raymondville, 7 p.m. Santa Maria at Marine Military Academy, 7 p.m. Donna North at Donna High, 7 p.m. Edinburg Vela at McAllen Memorial, 7 p.m. Brownsville Veterans Memorial at Harlingen South, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville St. Joseph at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. Santa Rosa at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. McAllen High at Edinburg High, 7:30 p.m. Valley View at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. La Joya Palmview at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. Progreso at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. Premont at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. Roma at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. Weslaco High at Weslaco East, 7:30 p.m. Week 2 Thursday, Sept. 2 District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Veterans Memorial at Brownsville Porter, 7 p.m. Non-District Harlingen High at Edinburg Vela, 7 p.m. Edcouch-Elsa at PSJA North, 7 p.m. Weslaco High at Mission High, 7 p.m. Rio Grande City at Laredo LBJ, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Pace vs. Brownsville Lopez, 7 p.m. at Brownsville Veterans Memorial Donna High at Weslaco East, 7 p.m. McAllen Rowe at La Joya Palmview, 7 p.m. McAllen Memorial at McAllen High, 7 p.m. Non-District Edinburg High at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. Gregory-Portland at Los Fresnos, 7 p.m. Mission Veterans Memorial at San Benito, 7 p.m. Edinburg North at Mercedes, 7 p.m. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Donna North, 7 p.m. PSJA Southwest at PSJA High, 7 p.m. Harlingen South at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. La Joya High at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. Lyford at La Villa, 7:30 p.m.

High School Football 2021 rio grande valley schedule Port Isabel at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. Raymondville at Grulla, 7:30 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. Santa Rosa at Brownsville St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m. Monte Alto at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. Roma at Edinburg Economedes, 7:30 p.m. Orange Grove at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 Non-District Sharyland High at Brownsville Hanna, 11 a.m. Progreso vs. Kenedy, 2 p.m. at Premont Week 3 Thursday, Sept. 9 District 31-6A La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Edinburg High, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Lopez at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II Valley View vs. Mission Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. at Sharyland Roma at PSJA Southwest, 7 p.m. Non-District Schertz Clemens at San Benito, 7 p.m. Monte Alto at Marine Military Academy, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 District 31-6A Edinburg Economedes at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg Vela at PSJA North, 7:30 p.m. Mission High at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Porter at Brownsville Pace, 7 p.m. Weslaco East at Brownsville Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. at Brownsville Veterans Memorial McAllen High at Donna High, 7 p.m. La Joya Palmview at McAllen Memorial, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II Edcouch-Elsa at Sharyland High, 7 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Mercedes, 7 p.m. Non-District Brownsville Rivera at Rio Hondo, 7 p.m. Laredo United at Harlingen High, 7 p.m. Harlingen South at Alice, 7 p.m. Laredo Nixon at Weslaco High, 7 p.m. Los Fresnos at Corpus Christi Calallen, 7:30 p.m. Donna North at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. Raymondville at Lyford 7:30 p.m. Port Isabel at Aransas Pass, 7:30 p.m. La Villa at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. Grulla at Orange Grove, 7:30 p.m. Hidalgo at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. Week 4 Thursday, Sept. 16 District 31-6A La Joya High at Edinburg Vela, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I McAllen Rowe at Brownsville Pace, 7 p.m. Donna High at La Joya Palmview, 7 p.m. Non-District Lyford JV at Marine Military Academy, 6 p.m. Brownsville Hanna at Corpus Christi Miller, 7 p.m. Rio Grande City at Laredo Alexander, 7 p.m.

San Antonio St. Anthony’s Brownsville St. Friday, Sept. 17 Joseph, 6 p.m. District 31-6A Non-District Edinburg High at Edinburg Economedes, La Feria at Beeville Jones, 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Progreso at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at Mission High, 7:30 p.m. Premont at Marine Military Academy, 7:30 p.m. PSJA High at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. Grulla at Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway, District 16-5A Div. I McAllen Memorial at Brownsville Lopez, 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. La Villa at Kenedy, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Porter at Weslaco East, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 Brownsville Veterans Memorial at McAllen High, District 16-5A Div. I 7 p.m. La Joya Palmview at Brownsville Veterans District 16-5A Div. II Memorial, 7 p.m. Mercedes at Valley View, 7 p.m. Week 6 PSJA Southwest at Edcouch-Elsa, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 Mission Veterans Memorial at Roma, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A Sharyland Pioneer at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Edinburg Non-District Brownsville St. Joseph at Hebbronville, Economedes, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High vs. Mission Veterans Memorial, Santa Maria at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. at Mercedes Santa Rosa at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway at La Feria, Marine Military Academy at La Villa, 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1 Laredo Martin at Grulla , 7:30 p.m. District 32-6A Hidalgo at Alice, 7:30 p.m. San Benito at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m. Monte Alto at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Rivera at Weslaco High, 7 p.m. Week 5 Harlingen South at Harlingen High, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 Donna North at Los Fresnos, 7 p.m. District 32-6A District 31-6A Weslaco High at Donna North, 7 p.m. Edinburg High at Edinburg Vela, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A Edinburg North at PSJA North, 7:30 p.m. Edcouch-Elsa vs. Mission Veterans Memorial, PSJA High at Mission High, 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. at Sharyland District 16-5A Div. II Mission High at Edinburg High, 7 p.m. Edcouch-Elsa at Mercedes, 7 p.m. Edinburg Economedes at PSJA High, 7 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Sharyland Pioneer at Roma, 7:30 p.m. McAllen High at Brownsville Porter, 7 p.m. District 16-4A Div. II Friday, Sept. 24 Raymondville at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. District 32-6A Rio Hondo at Corpus Christi West Oso, Brownsville Hanna at Harlingen South, 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Harlingen High at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I Los Fresnos at San Benito, 7 p.m. Lyford at Corpus Christi London, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A District 16-3A Div. II Edinburg Vela at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. Monte Alto at Skidmore-Tynan, 7:30 p.m. PSJA North at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I District 14-5A Div. I Progreso at Falfurrias, 7:30 p.m. San Antonio Southwest at Rio Grande City, TAPPS 7:30 p.m. Austin Brentwood at Brownsville St. Joseph, District 16-5A Div. I 6 p.m. Brownsville Lopez at Donna High, 7 p.m. Non-District Brownsville Pace at Weslaco East, 7 p.m. Santa Maria at S. San Antonio West, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Rowe at McAllen Memorial, 7 p.m. Week 7 District 16-5A Div. II Thursday, Oct. 7 Roma at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A Sharyland High at PSJA Southwest, 7:30 p.m. PSJA North at Edinburg High, 7 p.m. Valley View at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I District 16-4A Div. II Brownsville Veterans Memorial at Brownsville Port Isabel at Robstown, 7:30 p.m. Lopez, 7 p.m. Rockport-Fulton at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Porter at La Joya Palmview, 7 p.m. Ingleside at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. Weslaco East at McAllen High, 7 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I District 16-5A Div. II Falfurrias at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. PSJA Southwest vs. Mission Veterans District 16-3A Div. II Memorial, 7 p.m. at Mercedes Odem at Santa Rosa, 7 p.m. Roma at PSJA Memorial, 7 p.m. TAPPS

District 16-3A Div. II Santa Rosa at Taft, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 District 32-6A Brownsville Hanna at Donna North, 7 p.m. Weslaco High at Harlingen High, 7 p.m. Harlingen South at San Benito, 7 p.m. District 31-6A La Joya High at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg Vela at PSJA High, 7:30 p.m. Mission High at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, s7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I McAllen Memorial at Brownsville Pace, 7 p.m. Donna High at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II g Edcouch-Elsa at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. District 14-5A Div. I Rio Grande City at Laredo Cigarroa, 7 p.m. District 16-4A Div. I La Feria at Zapata, 7:30 p.m. Hidalgo at Grulla, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. II Port Isabel at Sinton, 7:30 p.m. Robstown at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. Rockport-Fulton at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I Santa Gertrudis Academy at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. Corpus Christi London at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. II Hebbronville at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. District 16-2A Div. I Ben Bolt at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. Premont at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS Boerne Genva at Brownsville St. Joseph, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 District 32-6A , Los Fresnos at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. TSCAAL Marine Military Academy vs. KIPP Generations Collegiate, TBA Week 8 Thursday, Oct. 14 District 16-5A Div. I McAllen Rowe at Brownsville Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. , District 16-5A Div. II Mercedes at PSJA Southwest, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15 District 32-6A Weslaco High at Los Fresnos, 7 p.m. Harlingen High at San Benito, 7 p.m. Donna North at Harlingen South, 7 p.m. District 31-6A Edinburg High at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. e Edinburg Economedes at Mission High, 7:30 p.m. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Edinburg Vela, 7:30 p.m. PSJA North at PSJA High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Lopez at Brownsville Porter, 7 p.m. Brownsville Pace at McAllen High, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | 43

High School Football 2021 rio grande valley schedule McAllen Memorial at Donna High, 7 p.m. La Joya Palmview at Weslaco East, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II PSJA Memorial at Edcouch-Elsa, 7 p.m. Valley View at Roma, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Sharyland High, 7:30 p.m. District 14-5A Div. I San Antonio Southside at Rio Grande City, 7 p.m. District 16-4A Div. I Grulla at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. Kingsville King at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. II Rio Hondo at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. Sinton at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I Lyford at San Diego, 7:30 p.m. Progreso at Santa Gertrudis, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. II Banquete at Santa Rosa, 7 p.m. Monte Alto at Odem, 7:30 p.m. District 16-2A Div. I Santa Maria at Premont, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS Brownsville St. Joseph at Austin St. Michael’s, 6 p.m. TSCAAL Marine Military Academy at KIPP Houston, 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 District 32-6A Brownsville Rivera at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m. Week 9 Thursday, Oct. 21 District 31-6A Edinburg Vela at Edinburg Economedes, 7 p.m. La Joya High at PSJA High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Weslaco East at Brownsville Lopez, 7 p.m. Brownsville Pace at Donna High, 7 p.m. Brownsville Veterans Memorial at McAllen Memorial, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22 District 32-6A Brownsville Hanna at Weslaco High, 7 p.m. Harlingen South at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. Los Fresnos at Harlingen High, 7 p.m. San Benito at Donna North, 7 p.m. District 31-6A Edinburg North at Edinburg High, 7 p.m. PSJA North at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Porter at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. McAllen High at La Joya Palmview, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II Edcouch-Elsa at Valley View, 7 p.m. PSJA Southwest at Sharyland Pioneer, 7 p.m. Mission Veterans Memorial at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. District 14-5A Div. I Rio Grande City at Southwest Legacy, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. I

La Feria at Kingsville King, 7:30 p.m. Zapata at Grulla, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. II Port Isabel at Ingleside, 7:30 p.m. Raymondville at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I Bishop at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. San Diego at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. II Santa Rosa at Monte Alto, 7 p.m. District 16-2A Div. I La Villa at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS Brownsville St. Joseph at Austin Regents, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 TSCAAL Houston Pro Vision Academy at Marine Military Academy, 3 p.m. Week 10 Thursday, Oct. 28 District 32-6A San Benito at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. District 31-6A Edinburg Economedes at PSJA North, 7 p.m. Mission High at Edinburg Vela, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I McAllen Memorial at Brownsville Porter, 7 p.m. at Brownsville Veterans Memorial District 16-5A Div. II Mission Veterans Memorial at Sharyland Pioneer, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 District 32-6A Los Fresnos at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m. Harlingen High at Donna North, 7 p.m. Weslaco High at Harlingen South, 7 p.m. District 31-6A PSJA High at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Donna High at Brownsville Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. at Brownsville Veterans Memorial McAllen Rowe at Weslaco East, 7 p.m. Brownsville Lopez at McAllen High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II Roma at Edcouch-Elsa, 7 p.m. PSJA Southwest at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. Valley View at Sharyland High, 7:30 p.m. District 14-5A Div. I Laredo Martin at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. I Hidalgo at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. II Corpus Christi West Oso at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. Ingleside at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. Rio Hondo at Sinton, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I Progreso at Bishop, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. II Skidmore-Tynan at Santa Rosa, 7 p.m. Monte Alto at Taft, 7 p.m. District 16-2A Div. I

Riviera-Kaufer at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS Austin Hyde Park at Brownsville St. Joseph, 6 p.m. Non-District Brooks Academy at Marine Military Academy, 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 District 16-5A Div. I La Joya Palmview at Brownsville Pace, 11 a.m. Week 11 Thursday, Nov. 4 District 32-6A Donna North at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. District 31-6A PSJA North at Mission High, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Weslaco East at McAllen Memorial, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II Mission Veterans Memorial at PSJA Memorial, 7 p.m. Roma at Sharyland High, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 District 32-6A Brownsville Hanna at Harlingen High, 7 p.m. Harlingen South at Los Fresnos, 7 p.m. San Benito at Weslaco High, 7 p.m. District 31-6A Edinburg High at PSJA High, 7:30 p.m. La Joya High at Edinburg Economedes, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A Div. I Brownsville Pace at Brownsville Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. Brownsville Porter at Donna High, 7 p.m. McAllen High at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. District 16-5A Div. II Mercedes at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. PSJA Southwest at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. District 14-5A Div. I Rio Grande City at Eagle Pass Winn, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. I Grulla at Kingsville King, 7:30 p.m. Zapata at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A Div. II Port Isabel at Rockport-Fulton, 7:30 p.m. Raymondville at Corpus Christi West Oso, 7:30 p.m. Robstown at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. I Lyford at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A Div. II Santa Rosa at Hebbronville, 7 p.m. Banquete at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. District 16-2A Div. I Santa Maria at Riviera-Kaufer, 7:30 p.m. La Villa at Ben Bolt, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS Corpus Christi John Paul II at Brownsville St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 District 16-5A Div. I La Joya Palmview at Brownsville Lopez, 11 a.m.

TX-30189664