BROWNSVILLE PACE VIKINGS

from 2021 Cameron and Willacy Football Preview

BROWNSVILLE RIVERA RAIDERS

Vikings keep eye on playoffs

The 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.”

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.