10 | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021
Brownsville Rivera Raiders
Experienced Raiders hopeful By CLAIRE CRUZ Staff Writer
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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.
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Claire Cruz
