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PORT ISABEL TARPONS
Tarpons return, like chances
Port 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 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.”
— 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.
