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August 28, 2010

Rio Grande Valley H.S.

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW >District by District Predictions

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Volume Six Issue One

August 28, 2010

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Volume Six Issue One

Contents

4 Cowboys Stadium to host championships UIL teams up with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to host 3A, 4A, 5A Division I&II games.

8 State Title Hopefuls from the RGV

15 Teams have advance to the third round of the state playoffs. Only PI has been to the semifinals.

30 The Past State

Football Champions

See which team won state titles from 1980 through 2009. Celina, Katy and Southlake Carroll have won more than four titles.

34 The Schedules

Get Your Favorite Team Listed are all 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, from the Rio Grande Valley Districts.

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OnTheCover

Just a plain old football perfectly describes what coaches, players, and fans enjoy. On the inset, just plain old worn out football shoes tells the story of the gridiron.

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August 2010

Member

National Association of Hispanic Journalists Texas Sportswriters Association Copyrighted 2010

RGV FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 University Interscholastic League rules set for 2010-2011

New Realignments set for teams (McAllen, Texas)-Head football coach Mario Pena knew that coming to Mission High School would eventually lead him back into Class 5A after leaving the 32-5A San Benito Greyhounds in 2008 for the 32-4A Mission Eagles.

In his first season at Mission, he won the hearts of Eagle fans by winning its first outright district title since 1990 and going 7-0.

Mission Coach-Mario Pena

The UIL (University Interscholastic League) revamped practically every

district in the state with its new realignment back in February of 2010.

Some schools dreaded the declaration, while other schools welcomed it. Begining with the Rio Grande Valley, only District 30-5A found itself with minor shuffles with Mission High School moving in, while Rio Grande City moved out and down, back to 32-4A. The biggest mess took place in District 32-4A with nine schools making up that district. Rio Grande City and Hidalgo Early College, both were realigned to 32-4A to compete with Mercedes, Weslaco East, and Edcouch-Elsa powerhouses.

The confusion then moves down to District 32-3A where six teams will make up this district with new Rio Grande City high school, La Grulla competing in both football and basketball in this upcoming season.

Head football coach and athletic coordinator, Abel Gonzalez was assigned to the new position. He was the offensive football coordinator and track head coach at Rio Grande City HS. In 31-3A, Lyford and Raymondville will travel mostly to the Coast-

August 2010

al Bend Area to meet Corpus Christi Miller, West Oso, Robstown, and Orange Grove. “I look forward to being back in Class 5A,� says Pena.

Mission fans can now look forward to an intense Mission-Sharyland match up this football season when the Rattlers host the Eagles on October 22nd. Districts 31-5A and 32-5A remained the same.

The RGV Shuffle for 2010-2011

New 30-5A Mission H.S. Sharyland H.S. McAllen McAllen Memorial McAllen Rowe La Joya LaJoya Palmview Donna H.S.

New 32-3A La Grulla HS Zapata HS La Feria Progreso Port Isabel Rio Hondo

New 31-3A Raymondville New 32-4A Lyford HS Hidalgo Early College CC Miller Valley View HS CC West Oso Rio Grande City HS Orange Grove Ed-Elsa Robstown La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Roma HS Weslaco East Mercedes HS Mission Veterans

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Cowboy Stadium to hosts State Championships (Arlington,Tx)Known as America’s team because of their success and popularity, the Dallas Cowboys opened a new chapter in their legendary history with the opening of Cowboys Stadium in 2009. For more than 30 years, the Cowboys played at Texas Stadium, one of the most recognizable stadiums in football.

Now, the new Cowboys Stadium will be the host of the 2010 University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) State Football Championships in December.

Just like every other team in the NFL, the Cowboys wanted a new football stadium to capitalize on additional revenue. As far back as 1994, owner of the Cowboys, Jerry Jones, began looking into the possibility of a new or expanded Texas Stadium.

Initially Jones wanted to expand Texas Stadium, adding 40,000 seats and a retractable roof.

Over the next several years, Jones not only kept alive discussions of renovating Texas Stadium, but began looking at sites to construct a new stadium.

The UIL State Football Championships!

The billion-dollar Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas will be the site of the Class 3A, 4A, and 5A State Football Championships in December 2010.

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Throughout the next decade, the Cowboys moved away from the idea of renovating Texas Stadium and focused on building a new facility. It took nearly a decade for the team to find a suitable site for construction, settling on a location near the Texas Rangers, Ballpark in Arlington (MLB). In order to finance construction of the $1.15 billion stadium, Arlington voters approved a $325 million bond in November 2004 that raises the city’s sales tax by a half-cent, hotel occupancy tax by 2 percent and car rental tax by

R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010 5 percent. The NFL contributed $150 million towards the stadium with the Cowboys paying the remaining amount.

The UIL will bring six games, featuring 12 teams from Class 3A, 4A, 5A, Division I&II Championships.

Features of Cowboy Stadium includes a pair of massive, 292 foot arches span the length of the stadium, supporting the facility and the retractable roof. At each end-zone are glass retractable doors, 180 foot wide by 120 foot high. They are the largest in the world, and open or close in 18 minutes. Atop Cowboys Stadium is the retractable roof, that when open emulates the distinctive

Texas Stadium opening/hole. As fans enter Cowboys Stadium they receive panorama views of the field as it is 50 feet below street level. The stadium has main seating capacity of 80,000 but is expandable to seat nearly 100,000 fans for large events such as the Super Bowl. On five levels there are 200 suites that includes the Hall of Fame level that is just 21 rows from the playing field. Fans with seats anywhere in the stadium are able to see the massive HD video board that is suspended 90 feet above the center of the field. This four-screen HD video board is 160 feet long by 71 feet high and runs from one 25 yard line to the

Facts & Figures

Tenant: Dallas Cowboys Capacity: 80,000-100,000 Surface: FieldTurf Opened: September 20, 2009 Cost: $1,000,000,000 Naming Rights: None

The 2010 Championships Friday, December 10th 3A Division I-7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 17th 3A Division II-4:00 p.m.

4A Division II-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 18th 4A Division I-12:00 noon 5A Division II-4:00 p.m.

5A Division I-8:00 p.m.

(Cont’ Page 7)

August 2010

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s all about passion

T

at 67 years old, he is he thought of walkan entrepreneur worth ing into the biggest $1.2 billion who failed sports spectacle in the at several business venworld or even the 7th tures before succeedwonder, dazzles my ing with oil and gas thoughts as the UIL explorations. All the will host the 2010 Texas State High passion for football has School Football Championships for remained throughout the first time ever at the new Cowthe years and when the boys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. opportunity emerged to Six games will be played from both BY purchase the struggling Division I&II classifications of 3A, 4A, Dallas Cowboys, Jones and 5A in December. made his bid to the NFL. One man, critcized for firing former HSSM PUBLISHER Jones gets critcized for Mission High School QB, Tom Landry from the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, purhis passion of wanting to be “hands-on” chased the Cowboys for less than $160 with his football team. At every game, you million and hired former teammate, Jimmy will see Jones on the sidelines cheering on Johnson as the replacement to Landry. To- his team, his Cowboys. And why not, he gether, both won back-to-back Super Bowls paid for it and decided that he would make in 1992-93, along with Barry Switzer, who sure that his business would not fail. His added another ring to Jones’ collection of genious has gained his NFL team sponsorchampionships in 1995 in his first seven ship rights, and TV rights. At heart, Jerry years as owner.

Jones plays a vital role with the Boys and Since then, the Cowboys have made the Girls Clubs of America and the Salvation playoffs eleven times and won eight di- Army. Will this be the right fit for the UIL vision titles. Jerry Jones is no stranger to and Jerry Jones? You bet. Jones has the what winning is all about. At Arkansas,as passion for sports, football, and education. a player, his Razorbacks won the 1964 HSSM will be there in December. Get your National Football Championships. Now, tickets at www.uil.utexas.edu

DAVID AMADOR

Publisher & CEO David A. Amador Staff Photographer Alec D. Amador 956.929.4700 Office 956.971.8871 Fx

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Proud Owner. Jerry Jones and the University Interscholastic League have teamed up to bring fans the 2010 Texas State Football Championships to be held in Arlington, Texas at the new Cowboys Stadium.

The 5-time Super Bowl Champions, Dallas Cowboys will also play hosts to the Super Bowl XLV on Sunday, February 6th.

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August 2010

RGV FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 other. It is the largest HD video board in the world.

The Dallas Cowboys played their first game at the stadium on September 20, 2009 against the New York Giants. The first event at Cowboys Stadium was a country concert featuring George Strait on June 9, 2009. In addition to being the home of

the Cowboys, the stadium will be the site of many high profile sporting events and concerts. They include the 2010 Big XII Football Championship, the annual Cotton Bowl, 2010 NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl XLV in 2011 and the 2014 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Cowboys Stadium Mega-Video Board. High School football fans will get a chance to witness the 160-foot video board at this year’s UIL Texas State Football Championships to be held in Arlington, Texas.

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PREVIEW SPECIAL HSSM COVERAGE

30-5AAAAA 31-5AAAAA 32-5AAAAA 32-4AAAA 32-3AAA 31-3AAA 16-2AA 16-1A

Can the Harlingen Cardinals win

State Title 8

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

August 2010

(HSSM IMages)

n a state title in 2010?

e Hopefuls

By DAVID A. AMADOR, HSSM Sports Director

August 2010

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

PREVIEW C an the Harlingen Cardinals continue it’s quest for a state title run from where they left off in 2008 and 2009 after going three-deep in the state playoffs?

Head coach Manny Gomez is optimistic about his chances of repeating as 31-5A champions and going threedeep again and maybe even further but first, he believes that

“unity” is important to his program. “I talk about players coming together as a family. That’s what this is all about,” says the third-year head football coach.

The Cardinals 2009 season started with a 59-20 thrashing of the McAllen Bulldogs at Boggus Stadium in Harlingen.

This would launched the Cardinal’s perfect season at 10-0, as they would outscore their opponents 569-177, including 70 quarterback sacks. It would be Gomez’s first district title as a head coach and adds that this was special. “It’s unex-

Tough Cardinal Defense!

The Harlingen Cardinals defeated the McAllen Bulldogs 24-17 in 2008 and 59-20 in 2009. The Bulldogs opted not to play the Cardinals in 2010. (HSSMImages)

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August 2010

2010 STATE TITLE HOPEFULS

plainable. This was for the players and to watched them, it was emotional to win it.”

In the 2009 State 5A Division I playoffs, Harlingen also captured a Bi-District title by defeating cross-town rivals, San Benito 41-21; then took on a talented San Antonio Southwest team in the State 5A Division I Area Championships and won that title too, with a 21-14 win.

At this point, the Harlingen Cardinals were 12-0 with two titles and now traveling to San Antonio, Texas to play the Austin Westlake Chaps again in the Alamodome in the Class 5A Division I Regional finals. This would be the third meeting between both squads with the Chaps defeating the Cards in the same round in 2004 (45-14) and in 2008 by the score of 49-23. All have been routs. In 2009, the Chaps wasted no time in dismantling the Card’s perfect record and again, ended the Cards quest for a state title,

Another Class 5A third-round? Third-year quarterback Matthew Kaufmann, a junior at McAllen Memorial H.S. is looking to lead his team back to the State 5A Regional finals? The Mustangs missed the playoffs in 2009. (HSSMImages)

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PREVIEW

winning 42-13. The Chaps advanced to the state title game against Euless Trinity, losing 41-38 on a last-second touchdown pass as time expired.

Two games away kept the Cards from playing in the same game. Is this team good enough to advance? “We play with one goal in mind and that is to win,” says Gomez. “This year will not be any different.” The Harlingen head coach did not answer the question of the possibilities of playing at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas this Decemeber. Site of the UIL State 5A Championship games. Nonetheless, the Cards will be good enough to win it’s district in 2010. Harlingen has made the playoffs in 2001, 2004 (Regionals), 2005 (Quarterfinals), 2006, 2007, 2008 (Regional Finals), and 2009 (Regional Finals).

Since the 2000 era, there have been fifteen other Rio Grande Valley teams that have experienced three-deep playoff runs. They are the 2A Santa Rosa Tough Rivals in 32-3A. Can Port Isabel make it back to the State 3A semifinals and can La Feria advance to the quarterfinals again in 2010?

(HSSMImages)

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August 2010

2010 STATE TITLE HOPEFULS

Warriors (2007 quarterfinals), Port Iabel 2002 quarterfinals, 2003 semifinals, 2004 regional finals ), Harlingen South (2006, 2007), 3A La Feria (2008 quarterfinals), 3A Rio Hondo (2008 quarterfinals), Los Fresnos (2006, 2007, 2008), La Joya (2004, 2007), Sharyland Rattlers (2008), Weslaco Panthers (2007), San Benito (2004), McAllen Memorial Mustangs (2006), PSJA North (2003, 2009), PSJA (2005), and Edinburg North (2009), all in the 2000 era.

Many football fans will probably remember the San Antonio MacArthur-McAllen Memorial match-up in

Trip Back to State Championships? Can the PSJA Bears advance to the State 5A Championship game in Arlington, Texas in 2010 like they did in 1962 and 1963 seasons?(HSSMImages) 2006 when the Brahamas traveled to McAllen, Texas for the first time in it’s school history to play a Class 5A Division II Regional

final game at McAllen Memorial Veterans Stadium. One MacArthur cheerleader told HSSM, “this is awesome traveling out of San Antonio. We nev-

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er get a chance to see other places. This is the first time I have been to South Texas.�

The end result was a nail-biting 35-34 win over the Mustangs. But it was how it ended. Mustang running back Bradley Stephens (36 rushes-240 yards-3tds) would score his third touchdown of the night to make it 34-35 with :28 seconds left to play in the game. Placekicker John Tippit would then miss the extra point attempt that would have tied the game and send it into overtime.

If success ever went further, the only team who had the experience to make it happen were the boys from Port Isabel. With its rich tradition, they would become the only team of the 2000 era to make it to the state semifinals after they defeated Rice Consolidate 63-61 in OT in the State 3A quarterfinals to advance in 2003. The Tarpons would lose to Marlin in the semifinals 41-10. The Tarpons still think about their 2002 loss in the Class 3A quarterfinals to Bandera 27-23. In Bandera’s next game, they defeated Yoakum a 31-14 and then beat Greenwood 27-24 in OT to win its first State 3A What a 2007 Season! The Weslaco Panthers lost to San Antonio Madison 5942 in the Class 5A Regional Finals at Bobby Lackey Stadium. The Panthers finished 2-8 last season and are favored to win the 32-5A title in 2010. RB Mishak Rivas is the Single Season leading rusher in the Valley.

(HSSMImages)

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2010 STATE TITLE HOPEFULS Division II title. In 2004, the Tarpons would advance to the third round to lose 10-0 to Hallettsville. Since then, the Port Isabel Tarpons have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons in 2008 and 2009.

While most teams are expected to go three rounds deep with rich-playoff traditions, only the PSJA Bears have been to the show twice.

In 1962, the Bears advanced to the State 3A Championship game to play Dumas, losing 14-3 but the Bears would storm right back in 1963 to play Corsicana and lose again 7-0.

In 2005, the PSJA Bears under head coach Mel Rios made the march again in Class 5A Division II by defeating San Benito 24-11 in the first round and surprised Laredo Nixon 26-22 in the area round, setting up a matchup with San Antonio Madison in the State 5A Division II Regional Championships. The Mavericks ended the Bears run by winning 31-7. “It was a great season,” says Rios. “Nobody expected us to advance this far. We surprised everyone that year.”

The Mavericks would meet another Rio Grande Valley team two years later. But, this time, it would require the Mavericks to travel to South Texas for the first time to Bobby Lackey Stadium and face the Weslaco Panthers.

More than 14,000 fans from the Valley came to watch the Panthers and their sensational running back Mishak Rivas, who had eclipsed McAllen Memorial RB Stephens single season rushing record of 2,600 plus yards would be the star attraction. The Mavericks were impressed with the Panthers but in the end, the Mavs would comeback and win 59-42. Rivas ended

the season with 3,305 yards.

And finally, in 2009, head football coach Bruce Bush of the PSJA North Raiders did the unexpected with his Raiders. He led them to the State 5A Division II Regional finals in 2009. Nobody expected the Raiders to advance this deep, just like their District 31-5A rivals, Edinburg North.

Both made the trip to San Antonio to play at the Alamodome with hopes. The Cougars lost to SA Brandies 51-14 and the Raiders would fall just as hard to New Braunfels 62-21.

As the season begins with hopes and expectations, still

the thoughts of playing in a state championship game looms behind the minds of every football coach.

The polls do not win football games, fans do not win football games, coaches do not win football games, but the hearts and minds of every football player will win or lose football games.

Only the Donna Redskins can talk about the 1961 team that went all the way to defeat Quanah 28-21 to claim it’s first and only 2A State Championship from the Rio Grande Valley. Only the fans, coaches, and players will always talk about that championship season.

1961 Class 2A State Champions! The Donna Redskins defeated Quanah 28-21 in the state championship game to remain as the only team since then to win a state title in classification from the Rio Grande Valley.

The Redskins have made the State 5A playoffs for the past three seasons with no title. (HSSMImages) August 2010

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2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

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Offense MVP Jacob Lugo, TE 6’4” 255 lbs-Weslaco

Defense MVP William Labonte, LB 6’1” 235 lbs-Hanna

Coach of the Year Weslaco Panthers Tony Villarreal

32-5AAAAA The HSSM POLLS. Here’s how they will finish.

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(Weslaco, Tx)-HSSM Previews District 32-5A. Surprised? Don’t Be. The Weslaco Panthers could go four rounds deep too. They are big offensively and they also boast a powerful running attack.

Best of all, they feature a possible Division One tight-end, Jacob Lugo at 6’4, 260lbs. The Panthers nursed a lot of injuries both on and off the field last season but with thirty-five lettermen returning, this will be a more experienced team. The Panthers will enjoy nine starters back on offense and ten on defense after finishing the season in 2009 at 1-6, 2-8.

Players to watch are offensive linemen Larry Cardenas Jr, who says that even his “father” is ready to play too. Defensive end Jose Montiel, DT Luis Castillo, and DL Michael Zuniga should give the Panthers defense more experience on Friday nights. The Panthers will travel to Los Fresnos and San Benito and if they expect to bring home a district title in 2010, they will have to beat these two rivals on their own grass-turf.

In the off-season, Villarreal went shopping for a new defensive coordinator and replace several key coaching positions as well.

“This coaching staff is well-balanced and they work well together,” adds Villarreal. Last year, the defense gave up 355 points and lost eight games. Their worst loss was to Los Fresnos 57-7.

At No.2, now that head football coach Scott Ford is gone the Los Fresnos Falcons brought in new football coach Clint Finley to continue what Ford built in this tiny community of “crazed” football fans. With 26 lettermen back, all under Ford’s direction, this Los Fresnos team will be tough to beat, despite last year’s first round blowout loss to Edinburg North 60-27.

Players to watch are Ramiro Flores at DE, Eric Castillo at QB, and WR Bernie Aguilera. The Falcons will have to prove themselves as “La Familia” and with a new head coach. Finley will have Falcons fans supporting him as long as he produces “W”s and a 32-5A district title. Ford will no longer be there on the sidelines calling the plays.

At No.3, the Brownsville Pace Vikings are always contenders.

Head football coach Rene Medrano always manages his team and

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staff to make sure they exceed all expectations. This year will be no different. The Vikings will get their chance to try to get over the State 5A playoffs-first round humps and bumps. In 2007, the Vikings lost to PSJA 27-8, followed by another first round loss to the Bears, 24-7 in 2008; and in 2009, the Vikings watched their 7-4 season end with another first round loss to PSJA North 48-34.

Medrano feels that this could be the year to get over this first round playoff bumps. The Vikings return five starters on both sides of the ball. Players to watch are WR Danny Munoz and QB Andrew Soto. All-Valley Defensive Newcomer in 2009, Ubaldo Encina.

At No.4, second-year head coach Spencer Gantt led the San Benito Greyhounds to the State 5A playoffs after missing the play-

More Experienced. The Weslaco Panthers head coach Tony Villarreal says nine starters on offense return to compete for a district title. They will play Alice in 2010.

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R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

offs in 2008. With five starters back on both sides of the field, the Greyhounds will be more experienced with 17 lettermen back. Players to watch will be RB Tommy Herrera, who rushed for 1,150 yards and new QB David Rodriguez. Gantt says that this will be a young team in 2010 but he also adds that the attitudes at San Benito are great.

At No.5, the Brownsville Hanna Eagles won their first district title since 1969 with a perfect 7-0 record in 2009.

Head coach Tom Chavez always told HSSM, “if I’m going to stop coaching, I want to go out on top.” That he did. Now he is the new Athletic Director for Brownsville ISD. Chavez then added Tom Campos to replace him at Hanna. The Eagles lost to Edinburg in the State 5A playoffs to Edinburg 18-14 after knocking out QB Randy Rey in the first quarter. Rey will be back to lead the Eagles again.

Leading the Hanna Eagles will be LB William LaBonte and Mario Morales.

Coming at No.6, head football coach Valentin Montemayor would have loved to see HSSM rank his Brownsville Lopez Lobos at No.1. That’s the type of fellow Montemayor really is on and off the field.

He loves the game and his attitude keeps his team ready to contend on any given night.

Last year, the Lobos finished 1-

9 and this could be the Lobos biggest comebacks in season turn arounds. Don’t be surprised if they somehow manage to sneak into the state playoffs in 2010. Players to watch are QB/RB Richardo Hernandez, who rushed for over five hundred yards along with RB Rafael Arizpe, who added another six-hundred plus yards.

At No.7, head coach Robert Valdez led the Brownsville Porter Cowboys to the State 5A playoffs in 2008 for the second time school history but in 2009 the Cowboys were back to its tradition of not building “W”s on Friday nights as they went 1-9 for the season. Valdez was replaced. Hector Garcia will now get his chance to build this program too. Can Garcia make a difference in 2010? Maybe.

Players to watch are OL Angel Cabrera, RB Mike Resendez, RB Charlie Quintero, and possible QB Mark Gonzalez.

At the bottom of the 32-5A standings are the Brownsville Rivera Raiders. For the past two seasons, the Raiders have sunk below the competitive mark they use to be in years ago when former head coach Tom Chavez led this group. David Cantu was hired as coach to restore order. Only six starters return on both sides of the ball after finishing 3-7 last year. Players to watch will be OL Fitzgerald Cerda, OL Hector Orozco, and RB Jose Hernandez.

Looking for a 32-5A title. The Los Fresnos “Family” Falcons were surprised in 2009 as they struggled to a 7-4 record and no district title. HSSM picks the Falcons to finish second in32-5A in 2010. (HSSMImages)

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2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

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Coach of the YearOffense MVP Defense MVP Joey Caceres Steven Guerrero, QB Robert Rodriguez, LB 6’1” 180 lbs-Edinburg 6’0” 195 lbs-Ed North Edinburg Bobcats

31-5AAAAA The HSSM POLLS. Here’s how they will finish.

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(Harlingen, Texas)-In only his second year, head football coach Manny Gomez boasted if not, the best defense in the state of Texas in Class 5A in 2009. He also led his Cardinals to the State 5A Division I Regional Finals against Austin Westlake in back-to-back seasons at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Can the ever-growing Cardinal spirit of Manny Gomez end? No. He bleeds red. To boast even more, his JV team went unbeaten in 2009 too. They will be favored to do it all again in 2010 despite losing 39 seniors will not matter as they return 26 lettermen, along with their JV team. The Cardinals biggest challenge will be their QB. Can he deliver? Nathan Webb is 5’7 and is tabbed to be the starter.

It will be up to Webb to make things happen. Does he have the Cardinal Spirit?

At No.2, the Edinburg Bobcats and third-year head coach Joey Caceres says, “I finally got the gorilla off my back” were the infamous words Caceres cried out when his team knocked down Weslaco, ending a 18-game losing streak. That win over the Panthers took his program to the next level. Most importantly, it put his Bobcats back in the State 5A Division I playoffs, along with his first Bi-District title as a coach by defeating 32-5A champion Brownsville Hanna 18-14 and a trip to the Alamodome against Del Rio Rams. After leading 12-7 going into the fourth quarter, Del Rio rallied with 15-unanswered points to win. “Big Plays” cost the Bobcats several key wins in 2009. QB Steven Guerrero took over midway through the season and led his Bobcats to the playoffs with a 4-3 district record and finished 6-6 overall. This year will be even better. Maybe, even a district title? First, the Bobcats must stop their opponents “Big Plays”.

At No.3, teams are talking about the PSJA Memorial Wolverines and their nine starters back on offense. The Wolverines finished the 2009 season with unimpressive record of 3-7, 1-6 in district but head coach Gus Cavazos says he is ready for the new year. “If we can prevent early injuries, then we have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in school history,” says Cavazos. Returning are QB Luis Gonzalez and his top wide-receiver, Gilbert Gutierrez who hauled in 11 touchdowns and 802 yards caught.

At No.4, the PSJA Bears missed the playoffs in 2009 with a young team but with 24 lettermen back, featuring ten starters on defense and six on offense, the Bears will quickly recover from its 3-4 district finish. RB Ruben Vasquez and LB Ram Cantu will lead this senior ball club back to the playoffs in 2010. A trip to Cowboy Stadium would be nice for head football coach Mel Rios. PSJA advanced to the State 3A finals in 1962 falling to Dumas 14-3 and returned to the State 3A finals again in 1963, to lose a heart breaker to Coriscana 7-0.

Coming at No.5 are the Edinburg North Cougars. Fans will disagree with HSSM’s rankings after the Cougars marched to San Antonio, Texas and a spot in the Class 5A Regional Championships. Was it a flute? HSSM’s prediction in 2009 did not have the Cougars predicted to make the playoffs? Could this prediction be wrong again? Head coach Roy Garza and his Cougars made a statement against Los Fresnos (60-47) in the first round, proving that they were for real. Then they defeated Sharyland (28-24) before losing to San Antonio Brandeis 51-14. On offense, the Cougars will see returning QB Mike Pacheco. He will be the nucleus of this team if they expect to clinch a spot in the playoffs after losing 32 seniors last year. Two starters return on offense with seven on defense. Can the defense win games this year for the Cougars?

HSSM continues with it’s 31-5A RGV Football Preview 2010 with head football coach Bruce

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R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010 Bush and his PSJA North Raiders at No.6. What a run the Raiders made in 2009 in the state playoffs. Bush led his team to wins over Brownsville Pace (48-34) and Eagle Pass (56-42), before falling to New Braunfels in the Alamodome 62-21 in the State 5A Division II Regional Championships last year. The Raiders return just three starters on offense from that team but expect Bush to run his Wing-T offense to get things rolling early on. The Raiders will surprise teams in 31-5A despite the thin-line of talent the Raiders will lack.

Three years ago the Harlingen South Hawks went undefeated and made it to the State 5A Division II Regional finals. Since then, it’s been a struggle to get these birds to fly. Second-year head football coach Gilbert Leal went 0-10 and 0-7 last year. Something that he is not used to seeing. The Harlingen native is rebuilding his Hawks with QB Brian Avila and WRs Shaylen Villarreal and Dillion Dawi.

Leal is a big play-maker when calling the plays. Last year’s group was young and with 25 lettermen returning, things could improve on the sidelines this season. HSSM gives the Hawks one more year

August 2010

to build on. Hawks will finish 7th overall.

The last team ranked No.8 and still struggling with its program are the Edinburg Economedes Jaguars and head coach Oscar Salinas. Many Jag fans are asking “when will they make the playoffs?”

Economedes finished its district at 2-5 in 2009 and return six starters on offense and defense. Salinas will surround himself with one player: Neslon Hampton, an all-purpose player. Could he be the answer to the Jags misfortunes these past four years? Last season, District 31-5A produced three teams that went three-deep in the state playoffs. This year will be even tougher for the Jags. Players to watch are WR Casey Hampton, TE David Lee Rodriguez, OL Randy Mariscal, and QB Danny Saavedra.

Back-to-Back? The Edinburg North Cougars and PSJA North Raiders both advanced to the third round of the State 5A playoffs in 2009. Can these teams do it again in 2010? (HSSMImages)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

PREVIEW

Offense MVP Matthew Kaufmann, QB 5’10” 175 lbs-McA Memorial

Defense MVP Coach of the YearMichael Castro, DE Paul Reyes 6’3, 265lbs-Rowe Nikki Rowe

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(McAllen, Tx)-District 30-5A is up for grabs so let’s begin with the top team. The Nikki Rowe Warriors and new head coach Paul Reyes. The Warriors return five starters on offense and defense.

What 30-5A opponents will see in 2010 from the Warriors will be speed. Plenty of speed at key positions. Returning at QB is Josh Gatling (6’2, 4.5 speed), WR Jonathon Bimpong (6’1, 4.5 speed), WR Eli Suarez, and WR Bryan Gonzalez, 4.8. In 2009, the Warriors averaged 30 points a game and 2010 will be not be any different with Reyes’ explosive spread attack. Defenses will have to watch Gatling up the middle for his break away speed.

At No.2, the Sharyland Rattlers can breathe a little as the thought of defending the 30-5A crown will have to wait. The Rattlers swept through the district in 2009 with a perfect 7-0 finish and advanced to the State 5A Division II area playoffs with a 11-0 record before watching their season come to an end against Edinburg North 2824. The Rattlers return only six lettermen with play makers QB Bobby Moran and RB Ricky Mata. He leads the team with 870 yards rushing. On defense, this unit will determine the outcome of every Friday night with points allowed. Players to watch are FS David Gonzlez, DE Gonzalo Gonzalez, DE Danny Hurtado, and LB Willie Rodriguez. He contributed 133 tackles last year.

The Donna Redskins will finish third overall. This year will be no different as they return six starters on both sides of the field after a 7-4, 3-2 finish in 2009. The Redskins have not been so lucky in the first round of the State 5A Division I bracket posting huge playoff losses to Del Rio (31-7) 2009, and a dismantling 46-7 loss to Laredo United in 2008. Moreno enjoyed his first season with Donna in 2007 when he led the Redskins to a bi-district title by knocking out Laredo Nixon 28-21. This year, Moreno went hunting for a defensive coordinator and hired Albert Guerra of Hidalgo. The Redskins will be much improved in 2010.

At No.4, head coach Bill Littleton knows exactly what happened in 2009 to his McAllen Memorial Mustangs, standing at 6-1 in 305A with three games left to play. Don’t remind him. Three straight

Repeat in 2010? The Sharyland Rattlers went undefeated in 2009 and won the 30-5A title. The Rattlers will be defending its crown in 2010. (HSSMImages)

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R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010 losses and the opposing teams scored 106 points as the Mustangs went 0-3 in their final three games. With a new defensive coordinator, they will be much improved. Littleton will enjoy 28 lettermen back in 2010 with six starters on offense, including QB Matthew Kaufmann, a third-year starter. On offense, the Mustangs are beefy with OL Trey Johnson (6’3, 270), C Robert Flores (6’3, 280), and WR Jacob Garza (6’2, 185) returning. Kaufmann passed for 2,464 yards and 25 TDs in 2009 and this could be the year for the Mustangs to win another outright district title. The only problem will be two areas of concern: the kicking/punting game and defense.

The Mustangs will score plenty of points but will they give up the same amount? The Mustangs ended their 2009 season with a 6-4, 3-4 record.

Coming in at No.5 is Mission and second-year head coach Mario Pena. The defending 32-4A champions, 7-0 in district. The Mission Eagles will have to take the backseat in 2010 and try to find a way to make a mess of things in 30-5A as the Eagles move up from Class 4A. The Eagles return four starters on offense, including QB Gilbert Gonzalez (6’1, 190) and OL Jaime Tijerina (6’2, 260). The Eagles are still flying high in Mission after winning the outright title after sixteen years of frustrations. Gonzalez led this offense with 2,370 yards passing and he will only get better in 2010.

At No.6, beware of the La Joya Palmview Lobos. Head coach Manuel Flores managed to get his team to win three games in 2009, the program’s second season in district play. The Lobos finished 16 and showed a lot of promise. Led by QB Javier Femat, who now has matured and grown to 6’1 with two years at the starting position. Last year, Femat rush and passed for 2,200 yards combined and scored 20 tds.

Don’t fret, the McHi Bulldogs will finish 7th overall. Last year, the Bulldogs lost to Nikki Rowe 21-35 and then fell to Eagle Pass 21-28 in the first round of the State 5A Division II Bi-District playoffs. Losses to Sharyland 21-33 and a squeaker-win against McAllen Memorial 45-42 will have these Dogs wondering what will happen in 2010? A new quarterback will emerge with just one running back, Trey Dube, who was injured most of the season with ankle problems. The Dogs ended their season with a two-game losing streak. McHi will play PSJA Memorial, Edinburg, PSJA, and McAllen Memorial, all playoff contenders in their first four games.

Game of the Week: La Joya vs McAllen for their first win of the season on October 22nd.

At No.8, the La Joya Coyotes hired McAllen Memorial defensive coordinator Ray Trdla as their new head coach in the off-season.

Last year, the Coyotes finished 1-9 and 0-7. This year will not be any different as he tries to work with only four returning lettermen on both sides. RB Ramirez returns with 1,500 yards rushing from 2009 and he will join QB Victor Leanos.

Playoff Bound? The La Joya Palmview Lobos will depend on QB Javier Femat to lead them to the playoffs for the first time in school history. (HSSMImages)

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2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

PREVIEW

Offense MVP Bobby Gonzalez, RB 5’8” 155 lbs-Wes East

Coach of the Year Defense MVP Armando Cuellar Alex Villarreal, DE Weslaco East 6’5” 285 lbs-Hidalgo

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(Weslaco, Tx)-RGV Football Preview 2010 continues with District 32-4A and the Weslaco East Wildcats, or should we say “East Side, Strong Side” will be the team to pick as the possible district champion.The Wildcats stormed out to a 7-0 start in 2009 but back-to-back losses to Mercedes (24-28) and Mission (35-42) cost the Wildcats a district title and finished 8-3 overall. Players to watch are returning RB Bobby Gonzalez, who rushed for 1,592 yards and scored 10 TDs in 2009. Another player to watch in the backfield will be FB Bryan Guzman (6’0, 190lbs).

With four quarterbacks competing for the top spot, the Wildcats will be loaded and ready to unleash its highpower running attack. The Wildcats are talking “district title” in 2010. Head coach Armando Cuellar, now in his 9th season, has led Weslaco East to three straight playoff appearances in Class 4A. He would love to get past the first round too. Their 22-18 loss to Corpus Christi Callalen in the Bi-District Championships still looms behind the bitter thoughts of Cuellar. A loss, he knows they should have won.

At No.2 are the Rio Grande City Rattlers, who moved down from Class 5A to Class 4A now that La Grulla Gators High School opened in August 2010. The Rattlers will come to 32-4A with plenty of fire power at quarterback and running back positions. Head coach Jesus Lozano was on the upswing of making these Rattlers playoff contenders too. He did just that in 2009 by finishing 4-3 in district.

They clinched a spot in the Class 5A Division I bracket and played San Antonio Southwest. A 58-29 loss ended the Rattlers successful year. Third-year quarterback Angel Alaffa (6’1, 190lbs) brings more experience along with a potent running attack. Running backs Darryl Lopez and Orlando Oviedo combined for almost 2,000 yards rushing with Alaffa. Expected them to added another 1,000 yards rushing.

Top Pick? The Weslaco East Wildcats are picked to win its first district title under head coach Armando Cuellar in 2010. (HSSMImages)

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Big Bite. The Rio Grande City Rattlers will be led by QB Angel Alaffa. The Rattlers were realigned in 2010, moving down from 30-5A to 32-4A. (HSSMImages) Coming in a No.3 are the Mercedes Tigers. They will be tough at the line with quickness. The Tigers will contend for a district title. Can they find a quarterback to replace Albert Chavez? Mercedes enjoyed a Class 4A Division II Bi-District Championship trophy in 2009. A first, for first-year head coach Mike Uribe as they defeated Tulso-Midway 35-14. The Tigers watched their season end at the hands of Port Lavaca-Calhoun in a shootout loss 47-39. Head coach Uribe says this season will be even better.

At No.4 are the Hidalgo Pirates. Do not under estimate these Pirates. They have Captain Kirk. That’s head coach Robin Kirk, now in his second season at Hidalgo. The Pirates return with eight starters on offense and nine on defense. Kirk says that his “team has bought into the system with discipline.” He also adds that “we will be contenders too.” And they should be too. The Pirates return QB Kevin Trevino (6’1, 195lbs), who passed for almost 2,000 yards in 2009. He will have plenty of protection at the line with Alex Villarreal (6’4 290lbs), and Amado Arechandieta (6’4

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300lbs). Wide Receiver, Freddy Chavez returns at 6’1 and with a 4.6 speed. He caught 5 tds with more than 500 yards in 2009.

At No.5, the La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies surprised many teams in 2009. They stole two wins from 32-4A and finished at 4-6 overall. They will move in to their new multi-million dollar campus and head coach Aaron Garcia will carry a lot of pride with him on game day. However, his team has been plagued with injuries. If the Huskies can overcome these early set backs, then Garcia could watch his team make the playoffs in 2010 with six starters on offense and seven on defense returning. At QB, Jesse Rodriguez brings experience and leadership. Players to watch are linemen Edward Gomez (6’2, 265lbs), and Anthony Lopez (6’2, 267lbs). HSSM picks the La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies to finish 5th overall.

At No.6, the Mission Memorial Veterans enjoyed a playoff year under first-year head coach David Gilpin in 2009. The Patriots went 4-3 in district and in the State 4A playoffs, they lost 55-35 to Flour Bluff in the bi-district championships. With 31 lettermen now graduated, this will be Gilpin’s first season under the radar as he will put a team together with only three starters back on both sides. If QB Adrian Morales (6’2 190lbs) can connect with DI tight-end candidate, Kent Warren (6’4, 210lbs), who caught 35 passes in 2009, then this could be a great duo in 2010.

Coming in at No.7, Edcouch-Elsa ISD also did what the Gladiators were trying to do, and that is, tried to get rid of head coach Joe Solis in the off season. This did not happen. Many fans still love Joe. The Yellowjackets went 4-6 and 3-4 in district. Solis is glad to have six starters back on offense but finding a proven quarterback will linger this team again. Players to watch are linemen Juan Rodriguez (6’3 275lbs), Andres Ochoa (6’1 240lbs), Luis Hernandez (6’2 225lbs), and Juan Villarreal (6’2, 220lbs).

At No.8, the woes continue with Roma head coach Max Habecker as he went through many tramas in the off-season. First, he was fired and then re-hired? He led the Gladiators to a 4-6 record in 2009 but posted only one win district. Can the Gladiators post more victories in 2010? It’s going to be tough.

Finally, at No.9 are the Valley View Tigers, who are still trying to figure out how to get out of this tough district. Last year, the Tigers did the unexpected. They won one game by beating Progreso 28-21 and finished the season at 1-9, but 0-8 in district. Head coach Tracey Hamilton will start Isias Carrasco at QB with Colton Hamilton seeing playing time at DE. Players to watch are SS Jose Cuellar and OL Marco Lopez.

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August 2010

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2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

PREVIEW

Defense MVP Offense MVP Shaq Mayberry, LB Skylore James, WR 6’1” 205 lbs-CC Miller 5’10” 165 lbs Raymondville

Coach of the Year Alex Leal Raymondville

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(Raymondville, Tx)-2010 RGV Football Preview continues with its 31-3A countdown with the Corpus Christi Miller Buccaneers as the team to beat in 2010. At one time, the Buccaneers were classified in 5A, then moved down to 4A, now reclassified again to 3A. Head coach Remy Rodriguez will have tough shoes to fill when they take the field on Friday nights. The Bucs went 19, 0-6 in district. So how can this team be picked as No.1 in its district? In 2009, the Buccaneers were classified in Class 4A and with the new realignments, they moved down to Class 3A with 986 students. Lyford is the smallest Class 3A school in this district with 446.

More students, means more players.

Miller returns eight starters on offense, including QB Matthew Pena (6’1, 210lbs), and RB Michael Perry (5’9, 175lbs, 4.5). Their line will be just as talented with OL Tyler Price (6’3 265lbs) leading, and on defense LB Shag Mayberry (6’1, 205lbs) will captain his squad. The down side to this Buc team is the 446 points they gave up to the opponents in 31-4A. After 51 years of coaching and teaching, the winningest coach in the Rio Grande Valley is still making waves in football. The Raymondville Bearkats and head coaching legend, Alex Leal. This team could bring Leal and the Bearkats another district championship in 2010 with nine starters back on both sides of the ball. This team had its troubles in 2009 winning only 4 games due to key injuries throughout the season. Thirty-two seniors will make up this team and players to watch are WR Skylore Janes, RB B.J. Flores, and QB Bo Moreno, a 6’2, 190 lbs talent that could lead this team with big

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plays. On defense, Marlo Mungia and Waylon Cortez will play key roles, stopping opponents running games and putting pressure on the quarterbacks. Janes caught 1,270 yards in 2009 and Flores added 1,397 yards on the ground for the Bearkats. This team will be much improved. HSSM picks the Bearkast at No.2.

At No.3, the defending 32-3A Lyford Bulldogs will now compete in 31-3A. Head coach Jaime Infante tried applying for several head coaching positions after his perfect 10-0 season in 2009, but pulled his name out of the hat at Brownvsille Rivera. “I love this community and Lyford is where I belong,” said Infante. In the State 3A playoffs, his Bulldogs lost to Mathis in the first round 41-24 to end its perfect season but capturing a district title crown was priceless. “This town is really a Class 2A school. We are the smallest school in our district with 446 students compared to Miller who has 986,” he adds. “What I like about our athletic program is that more than 200 students play sports.” Infante has led the Bulldogs to the state playoffs in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. With Infante, the Bulldogs will contend for another title and playoff spot with 14 lettermen back. The problem for the Bulldogs will be no starters coming back on offense? After 40 years, the Bulldogs went perfect but expect Infante to continue this tradition and playoff run. Players to watch are RB Aaron Guerra, RB Jacob Esparza, and WR CJ Moreno. Don’t doubt these Lyford Bulldogs in 2010. Their spread passing attack will damage any defense.

At No.4 are the Corpus Christi West Oso Bears who want to make it back to the state playoffs after missing a August 2010

R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010 spot for the past two seasons. New head football coach Joe Salinas takes over a program that went 2-5 in district and this year could prove to be even tougher for the Wes Oso Bears with Raymondville and Lyford moving in from the RGV. The Bears return a more experienced running game behind the leadership of Darnell Butler (5’8, 145lbs) who rushed for 1,000 plus yards in 2009.

He will be joined by Darius Dorsey and Justin Perez.

This trio tandem is good enough to produce 3,000 yards rushing in 2010. Can they do it? They could surprise teams and make the playoffs too.

This district will be tough in 2010 and with only three playoff spots available, teams will scramble to make ends meet on any given Friday night. Orange Grove understands that every game matters. Head coach John Hall lost 23 lettermen last year after a 4-6 season and missing the state playoffs for the third season in a row. The last time the Bulldogs made the playoffs was back in 2006 where they went three deep to the State 3A Division II Regional Finals, losing to Hondo 40-3. Hondo advanced to the state semifinals that season. Players to watch are Caleb Cawyer, a big 6’1 running back and with QB Joseph Sullian, who stands at 6’5, both players could be the key to opening the door to the playoffs in 2010. With only four starters back on defense, the Bulldogs will be playing for pride. HSSM Picks the Orange Grove Bulldogs to finish 5th overall.

At No.6, the Robstown Cottonpickers showed promise last season when they finished 4-3 in district. Head coach Doug Wood led the Cottonpickers to the State 3A Division I playoffs in 2008 for the second time in 66 years.

Wood August 2010

would then see his team lose to La Feria 3-0 in the first round. Can the Cottonpickers clinch a playoff spot in 2010 with three spots available? Eight starters return on offense and nine on defense from a team that went 5-5, 4-3 in district in 2009. Players to watch are QB Randy Flores and OL Issac Tamez. Brothers and Wide Receivers Joseph Gaona and Josh Gaona will be called on to make the big plays from their spread attack. Look for the Robstown Cottonpickers to finish 6th overall.

Coaching Legend. Head football coach Alex Leal will lead his Raymondville Bearkats in 2010 looking for a District 31-3A title. (HSSMImages)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

PREVIEW

Offense MVP Blake Sapp, QB 6’1” 200 lbs-PI

Defense MVP Andrew McGee, ATH 6’3” 190 lbs-Zapata

Coach of the YearMonty Stumabugh Port Isabel

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(Port Isabel, Tx)-The 2010 HSSM RGV Football Preview of 32-3A begins with the Port Isabel Tarpons taking the top spot in 32-3A. This will be a “do-or-die” season for head coach Monty Stumbaugh. Fans are tired of the ups and downs these Tarpons have experienced the past two years. The expectations are always high in this shrimp basin town, regardless. The Tarpons have been to the state playoffs in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. They lost to the State 3A Division II Champions, Bandera 2724 in 2002 in the Regional finals and followed that record all the way to the state semifinals in 2003, before losing to Marlin 41-10.

However, missing two straight playoff runs in a row is unacceptable

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with PI’s playoff his- RB Danny Medina, WR finished its season at 4-6, tory. Players to watch in Andrew Infante, and RB 3-4 overall in district in 2010 are QB Blake Sapp, CJ Barrera. The Tarpons 2009.

Moving westward at No.2, takes us to the hills and deer-hunting grounds of Zapata, Texas.

Head coach Mario Arce should be excited about his chances of winning a 32-3A title in 2010 with eight starters back on offense after finishing the season at 6-1. Players to watch are QB Manuel Salinas, Andrew Magee, RB David Dominguez, WR Luis Gonalez, and TE Joey Saenz. The Falcons would love to redeemed themselves in the playoffs after a slapping from Ingleside 59-19 last year in the Class 3A Division I Bi-District Championships. This was the Falcons second appearance in the playoffs in three On the hot seat? Monty Stumbaugh of Port Isabel should seasons.

At No.3 are Rio Hondolead his team to another District 32-3A title in 2010. Can Bobcats. Many fans now they go further in the playoffs? (HSSMImages)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

know that this is where NFL Chicago Bears player Robert Garza resides and grew up playing for this Bobcat team. His home is right across the football field he played on. Head coach Rocky James led the Bobcats to the State 3A playoffs in 2009 and with ten starters back, the only teams that will give them problems will be Zapata and Port Isabel. If they can contain and win atleast one of these match ups, a co-title could happen. Returning are QB Juan Puga, WRs Shawn O’Brian, Jorge Bermudez, and Mario Rodriguez. Defensively, the Bobcats will have to stop their opponents on key nights if they expect to make it five years in a row on playoff runs.

HSSM likes taking risks and at No.4 is Rio Grande City’s newest school, “La Grulla Gators” as theywill begin its quest for a playoff a spot behind new head coach Abel Gonzalez. Players to watch are QB Jaime Gonzalez, WR Jorge Olivarez, WR Javier Pena, TB Ramon Garza, and OL Adrian Cantu. Can the Gators win in 2010? With Gonzalez at headcoach, he believes in winning. HSSM gives the Gators this edge.

Coming in at No.5 are the La Feria Lions and new head coach Bo Camacho, who moved down from the San Antonio, Texas area. Like Roma, the school board first fired its former head coach Elifonso Esquivel in the spring and then brought him back and then Esquivel retired for good. Throughout this process of school board “grown ups” acting like “children” even after Esquivel led the La Feria Lions to the State 3A QUARTERFINALS at the ALAMODOME a few years ago, the Lions will need plenty of

support to start believing again in the system. Can the Lions make the playoffs in 2010? No. Can they rebuild? Yes. Camacho will need plenty of support from this crazed community of fans. The Lions finished its season at 4-6 and return seven starters on offense. Players to watch are DL Joel White, LB Layton Lawson, QB Justin Rodriguez, and OL Charles Luera.

At No.6 are the Progreso Red Ants, a community north of the Rio Grande River. This past summer, floods overwhelmed the Rio

Grande River from Hurricane Alex to end this drought in these dry fields along the Rio. But, this did not affect this tiny town of 2,000 to who have waddle through their own winning-drought. The Red Ants would love to make the playoffs in 2010, now that Lyford and Raymondville have been reassigned to 31-3A. The Red Ants still need to deal with Zapata, Port Isabel, and Rio Hondo in their quest for a playoff spot. Players to watch are QB Omar Vela, and RB Steve Medrano, and FB Alex Alaniz.

Tough times? The La Feria Lions will begins its season with a new head football coach in District 32-3A. Can they win a playoff spot? (HSSMImages) August 2010

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2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

PREVIEW

Coach of the YearOffense MVP Defense MVP Josh Gonzalez Aaron Ramirez, QB L.T. Alaniz, SS Santa Rosa 6’4” 215 lbs-Santa Rosa 6’0” 175 lbs-San Diego

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(Santa Rosa, Tx)- HSSM’s RGV Football Preview continues with Class 2A and District 16-2A Division I. This district is made up of six teams with populations less than 1,000 in a community. High schools in these areas have an enrollment of less than 420 students from grades 9th through 12th. By comparison, Class 5A Plano East High School’s enrollment is 6,171.

In District 16-2A Division I, Falfurrias moved down from 3A to 2A in 2010-2011 and will now compete with Bishop, Santa Rosa, Taft, San Diego, and Odem.

Only three teams will advance to the state playoffs.

Let’s begin with No.6 Falfurrias Jerseys. They went 010 in 2009 and lost 22 lettermen. Players to watch on this rebuilding year are DT Alex Costilla and QB Matt Morales.

At No.5, the Bishop Badgers return five starters on both sides of the line with Jason Gaona (6’4, 290lbs) getting the spotlight at the line. He will lead a team that went 2-3 in district and head coach Larry Vincent hopes that they will improve in 2010.

At No.4, the Taft Greyhounds ended their season at 3-2 in district with a playoff appearance behind head

Markus Flores

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coach Pete Guajardo. Only five players return on offense and the Greyhounds will look to new QB Jonathon Acosta, a sophomore to lead this team.

At No.3, the San Diego Vaqueros experienced what a district title feels like to earn when they finished their season at 4-1 under head coach Ismael Ochoa. The Vaqueros will return eight starters on defense and five on offense. Players to watch are LB Luis Lopez, and L.T. Alaniz SS, who had 9 INTs. At No.2, the Santa Rosa Warriors and head coach Josh Gonzalez return 21 lettermen and eight starters on both sides. This team finished 2-3 in district and will be much improved. At QB, Aaron Ramirez (6’4”, 190lbs) will lead this team. They will contend for a title in 2010.

At No.1 are the Odem Owls and head coach Ray Carroll. These Owls have talent with five starters coming back on offense and six on defense. DE Joseph Chapa (6’2, 205lbs), DE Zach Anderson (6’2, 195lbs), DT Issac Hinojosa (6’1, 215lbs), and FS Greg Martinez (7 INTs) are back with plenty of experience. This district will be competitive and there will be plenty of surprises too. Stay tuned.

Zeke Rosa August 2010

Norby Perez

Aaron Ramirez

2010 R G V H I G H S C H O O L F O O T B A L L

PREVIEW

Offense MVP A.J. Garza, QB 6’3” 185 lbs-La Villa

Defense MVP Aradin Gomez, TE 6’5” 255 lbs-Weslaco

Coach of the Year Eugenio Garza La Villa

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(La Villa, Tx)-HSSM’s RGV Football Preview 2010 ends with Class 1A in District 16-1A Division I featuring only four teams that will go head-to-head in 2010.

Only ONE team will not make the playoffs, while the other three teams advance. Teams competing are La Villa, Ben Bolt, Charlotte, and Kenedy.

At No.4, the Charlotte Trojans, with an enrollment of 156 students return 10 starters on defense and nine on offense. Players to watch are QB Victor Duran and WR Jake Goudeau.

At No.3 and making the playoffs are the Kenedy Lions with seven players returning on offense from a team that finished 1-4 in 2009. Head coach Lin Havron says that the Lions should be more competitive since they dropped down from Class 2A. At No.2, the Ben Bolt Badgers are picked by many polls to win it all in 2010 with seven starters back on offense and six on defense. They won the title last year finishing 5-0 in district and with QB Aaron Bueno (6’2, 210lbs) back after posting almost 2,000 yards passing

Ricky Cantu

A.J. Garza August 2010

4.

with 23TDs and 950 yards rushing and scored another 18 TDs. The Badgers are assured of one person leading this team. Head coach Jeff Lefevre is excited to get the season started, especially when they meet the La Villa Cardinals.

At No.1 are the La Villa Cardinals from the Rio Grande Valley. And why not? They did win the 7-on-7 National Football Championships in Florida this past summer.

Head coach Eugenio Garza returns all 11 starters from 2009, along with ten starters on defense that finished 42 in district. “This team is special,” says Garza.

This town of less than 400 in population seems to be the powerhouse of Hwy 107. Players to watch are QB A.J. Garza (6’3”, 185lbs), WRs Ricky Cantu, Eusatquio Vallejo, and Rico Garcia. All three receivers accounted for more than 2,000 yards caught from their QB. These passing yards will double in 2010. Garza passed for 1,500 yards in 2009 and on defense Cantu added 7 interceptions while playing defensive back.

Can the Cardinals go three-deep in 2010? Yes.

Jacob Garza

George Gonzalez

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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December 10-18, 2010

University Interscholastic League St Rockwall 7 3A - Cuero 14, McGregor 6 2A - Loerna 8, Refugio 7 1A Wheeler 23, Bremond 21 6-Man - Lohn 58, Wellman 30 1988 5A - Converse Judson 1, Dallas Carter 0 (Dallas Carter stripped of title) On-field score: Dallas Carter 31, Converse Judson 14 4A - Paris 31, West Orange-Stark 13 3A - Southlake Carroll 42, Navasota 8 2A - CorriganCamden 35, Quanah 14 1A - White Deer 14, Flatonia 13 6-Man - Fort Hancock 76, Zephyr 30

Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Site of the State Championships Games in 3A, 4A, 5A. 1980 5A - Odessa Permian 28, Port Arthur Jefferson 19 4A - Huntsville 19, Paris 0 3A - Pittsburg 13, Van Vleck 2 2A - Pilot Point 0, Tidehaven 0 (tie) CO-CHAMPIONS 1A - Valley View 7, Rankin 6 6-Man - Milford 36, Highland 16 1981 5A - Richardson Lake Highlands 19, Houston Yates 6 4A - Brownwood 24, Sugar Land Willowridge 9 3A - Cameron 26, Gilmer 3 2A - Pilot Point 32, Garrison 0 1A - Bremond 12, Wink 9 6-Man - Whitharral 56, Mullin 36 1982 5A - Beaumont West Brook 21, Hurst Bell 10 4A - Sugar Land Willowridge 22, Corsicana 17 3A - Refugio 22, Littlefield 21 2A - Eastland 28, East Bernard 6 1A - Union Hill 13, Roscoe 0 6-Man - Highland 60, Mullin 13 1983 5A - Converse Judson 25, Midland Lee 21 4A - Bay City 30, Lubbock Estacado 0 3A - Daingerfield 42, Sweeny 0 2A - Boyd 16, Groveton 8 1A - Knox City 27, Bremond 20 6-Man - Highland 67, Mozella 50 1984 5A - Odessa Permian 21, Beaumont French 21 (tie) COCHAMPIONS 4A - Denison 27, Tomball 13 3A - Medina Valley 21, Daingerfield 13 2A - Groveton 38, Panhandle 7 1A - Munday 13, Union Hill 0 6-Man - Jayton 44, May 28 1985 5A - Houston Yates 37, Odessa Permian 0 4A - Sweetwater 17, Tomball 7 3A - Daingerfield 47, Cuero 22 2A - Electra 29, Groveton 13 1A - Goldthwaite 24, Runge 7 6-Man - Jayton 64, Christoval 14 1986 5A - Plano 24, La Marque 7 4A - West Orange-Stark 21, McKinney 9 3A - Jefferson 24, Cuero 0 2A - Shiner 18, Mart 0 1A - Burkeville 33, Throckmorton 7 6-Man - Fort Hancock 50, Christoval 36 1987 5A - Plano 28, Houston Stratford 21 4A - West Orange-Stark 17,

1989 5A - Odessa Permian, 28, Aldine 14 4A - Chapel Hill (Tyler) 14, A&M Consolidated 0 3A - Mexia 22, Vernon 21 2A - Groveton 20, Lorena 13 1A - Thorndale 42, Sudan 24 6-Man - Fort Hancock 48, Jayton-Girard 24 1990 5A Division I - Marshall 21, Converse Judson 19 5A Division II - Aldine 27, Arlington Lamar 10 4A - Wilmer-Hutchins 19, Westlake (Austin) 7 3A - Vernon 41, Crockett 20 2A - Groveton 25, De Leon 19 1A - Bartlett 36, Munday 28 6-Man - Fort Hancock 66, Christoval 17 1991 5A Division I - Killeen 14, Sugar Land Dulles 10 5A Division II - Odessa Permian 27, San Antonio Marshall 14 4A - A&M Consolidated 35, Carthage 16 3A - Groesbeck 7, Burnet 0 2A - Schulenburg 21, Albany 0 1A - Memphis 21, Oakwood 14 6-Man - Fort Hancock 64, Christoval 14 1992 5A Division I - Converse Judson 52, Euless Trinity 0 5A Division II - Temple 38, Houston Yates 20 4A - Waxahachie 28, A&M Consolidated 24 3A - Southlake Carroll 48, Coldspring 0 2A - Schulenburg 35, Goldthwaite 20 1A - Bartlett 33, Sudan 26 6-Man - Panther Creek 54, Fort Hancock 26 1993 5A Division I - Converse Judson 36, Plano 13 5A Division II - Lewisville 43, Aldine MacArthur 37 4A - Stephenville 26, La Marque 13 3A - Southlake Carroll 14, Cuero 6 2A - Goldthwaite 21, Omaha Paul Pewitt 8 1A - Sudan 54, Bremond 0 6-Man - Panther Creek 56, Dell City 28 1994 5A Division I - Plano 28, Katy 7 5A Division II - Tyler John Tyler 35, Westlake (Austin) 24 4A - Stephenville 32, La Marque 17 3A - Sealy 36, Atlanta 15 2A - Goldthwaite 20, Schulenburg 16 1A - Thorndale 36, Crawford 13 6-Man - Amherst 30, Milford 20 1995 5A Division I - Converse Judson 31, Odessa Permian 28 5A Division II - San Antonio Roosevelt 17, Flower Mound Marcus (Lewisville) 10 4A - La Marque 31, Denison 8 3A - Sealy 21, Commerce 20 2A - Celina 32, Alto 28 1A - Thorndale 14, Roscoe 7 6-Man - Amherst 78, Milford 42 1996 5A Division I - Lewisville 58, Converse Judson 34 5A Division II Westlake (Austin) 55, Abilene Cooper 15 4A Division I - Grapevine 34, Hays Consolidated 19 4A Division II - La Marque 34, Denison 3 3A - Sealy 36, Tatum 27 2A - Iraan 14, Groveton 7 1A - Windthorst 41, Tenaha 12 6-Man - Gordon 51, Whitharral 50

Serving the Valley with a solid foundation

Weslaco Edinburg San Benito Sullivan Brownsville 787-5518

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787-5518

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

399-8363

485-1310

August 2010

831-3300

tate Football Champions 1980-2009 1997 5A Division I - Katy 24, Longview 3 5A Division II - Flower Mound Marcus (Lewisville) 59, Alief Hastings 20 4A Division I - Texas City 37, Corsicana 34 4A Division II - La Marque 17, Denison 0 3A - Sealy 28, Commerce 21 2A - Stanton 33, Rogers 7 1A - Granger 40, Wheeler 0 6Man - Borden County 48, Panther Creek 16 1998 5A Division I - Duncanville 24, Converse Judson 21 5A Division II Midland Lee 54, San Antonio MacArthur 0 4A Division I - Grapevine 22, Bay City 0 4A Division II - Stephenville 34, La Marque 7 3A Division I Aledo 14, Cuero 7 3A Division II - Newton 21, Daingerfield 0 2A Division I - Omaha Paul Pewitt 28, Brookshire-Royal 26 2A Division II - Celina 21, Elysian Fields 0 1A - Tenaha 20, Wheeler 13 6-Man - Trinidad 62, Borden County 16 1999 5A Division I - Midland Lee 42, Aldine Eisenhower 21 5A Division II - Garland 37, Katy 25 4A Division I - Texas City 27, Hereford 14 4A Division II - Stephenville 28, Port Neches-Groves 18 3A Division I - Liberty Eylau 49, Mathis 6 3A Division II - Commerce 17, Sealy 10 2A Division I - Mart 40, Boyd 7 2A Division II - Celina 38, Elysian Fields 7 1A - Bartlett 35, Aspermont 6 6-Man - Gordon 54, Groom 34 2000 5A Division I - Midland Lee 33, Westlake (Austin) 21 5A Division II - Katy 35, Tyler John Tyler 20 4A Division I - Bay City 24, Denton Ryan 2 4A Division II - Ennis 38, West Orange-Stark 24 3A Division I - Gatesville 14, Wylie (Abilene) 10 3A Division II - La Grange 20, Forney 17 2A Division I - Sonora 27, Blanco 24 2A Division II - Celina 21, Mart 17 1A - Stratford 49, Burkeville 14 6-Man - Panther Creek 42, Highland 36 2001 5A Division I - Mesquite 14, San Antonio Taft 13 5A Division II - Lufkin 38, Westlake (Austin) 24 4A Division I - Denton Ryan 42, Smithson Valley 35 - OT 4A Division II - Ennis 21, Bay City 0 3A Division I - Everman 25, Sinton 14 3A Division II - Commerce 14, La Grange 11 2A Division I - Blanco 16, Van Alstyne 0 2A Division II - Celina 41, Garrison 35 1A - Burkeville 27, Celeste 8 6-Man - Whitharral 27, Richland Springs 20 2002 5A Division I - Converse Judson 33, Midland 32 5A Division II Southlake Carroll 45, Smithson Valley 14 4A Division I - Texarkana 42, New Braunfels 11 4A Division II - Denton Ryan 38, Brenham 8 3A Division I - Everman 35, Burnet 14 3A Division II - Bandera 27, Greenwood 24 - OT(2) 2A Division I - Corrigan-Camden 33, Bangs 14 2A Division II Rosebud-Lott 34, Cisco 0 1A - Petrolia 39, Celeste 18 6-Man - Calvert 51, Sanderson 46 2003 5A Division I - Galena Pk North Shore 23, Conroe The Woodlands 7 5A Division II - Katy 16, Southlake Carroll 15 4A Division I - North Crowley 20, Bay City 6 4A Division II - La Marque 43, Denton Ryan 35 - OT(3) 3A Division I - Gainesville 35, Burnet 24 3A Division II - Atlanta 34, Marlin 0 2A Division I - San Augustine 28, Tuscola Jim Ned 7 2A Division II - Garrison 27, Bangs 0 1A - Windthorst 28, Shiner 27 6-Man - Strawn 67, Fort Davis 62

December 10-18, 2010

2004 5A Division I - Tyler Lee 28, Spring Westfield 21 5A Division II Southlake Carroll 27, Smithson Valley 24 4A Division I - Ennis 23, Marshall 21 4A Division II - Kilgore 33, Dallas Lincoln 27 - OT(2) 3A Division I - Wylie (Abilene) 17, Cuero 14 3A Division II - Gilmer 49, Jasper 47 2A Division I - Boyd 17, Newton 14 2A Division II - Crawford 28, Troup 14 1A - Shiner 33, Stratford 19 6-Man - Richland Springs 58, Turkey Valley 38 2005 5A Division I - Euless Trinity 28, Converse Judson 14 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 34, Katy 20 4A Division I - Highland Park (Dallas) 59, Marshall 0 4A Division II - Lewisville Hebron 28, Calallen (Corpus Christi) 0 3A Division I - Wimberley 21, Gainesville 7 3A Division II - Tatum 38, Hutto 34 2A Division I - Newton 28, Argyle 20 2A Division II - Celina 28, Omaha Paul Pewitt 12 1A - Stratford 21, Big Sandy 20 6-Man - Throckmorton 68, Turkey Valley 22 2006 5A Division I - Southlake Carroll 43, Austin Westlake 29 5A Division II - Cedar Hill 51, Cypress Falls 17 4A Division I - San Antonio Alamo Heights 40, Copperas Cove 28 4A Division II - La Marque 34, Waco 14 3A Division I - Texarkana Liberty-Eylau 35, Robinson 34 3A Division II Liberty Hill 22, Celina 19 2A Division I - Tatum 32, Littlefield 14 2A Division II - Mart 23, Cisco 13 1A Division I - Alto 42, McCamey 13 1A Division II - Chilton 20, Windthorst 10 6-Man Div. I - Richland Springs 78, Rule 58 6Man Div. II - Vernon Northside 60, Jayton 41 2007 5A Division I — Euless Trinity 13, Converse Judson 10 5A Division II — Katy 28, Pflugerville 7 4A Division I — Lamar Consolidated 20, Copperas Cove 14 4A Division II — Lake Travis 36, Highland Park 34 3A Division I — Liberty Hill 38, Gilmer 13 3A Division II — Celina 21, China Spring 14 2A Division I — Farmersville 27, Tatum 24 (OT) 2A Division II — Canadian 40, Elysian Fields 25 1A Division I — Alto 22, Seymour 0 1A Division II — Munday 26, Bremond 6 6-Man Div. I — Richland Springs 98, Rule 54 6-Man Div. II — Matador Motley County 44, Woodson 38 2008 5A Division I — Allen 21, Fort Bend Hightower 14 5A Division II — Katy 17, Wylie 3 4A Division I — Lake Travis 48, Longview 23 4A Division II — Sulphur Springs 69, Dayton 49 3A Division I — Prosper 17, Waco La Vega 10 3A Division II — Carthage 49, Celina 37 2A Division I — Muleshoe 48, Kirbyville 26 2A Division II — Daingerfield 28, Cisco 6 1A Division I — Canadian 38, Mart 7 1A Division II — Stratford 24, Cayuga 13 6M Division I — Strawn 58, Follett 29 6M Division II — Borden County 54, Woodson 8 2009 5A Division I - Euless Trinity 41, Austin Westlake 38 - (OT) 5A Division II - Abilene 28, Katy 17 4A Division I - Lake Travis 24, Longview 17 4A Division II - Aledo 35, Brenham 21 3A Division I - Gilmer 43, Abilene Wylie 26 3A Division II - Carthage 13, Graham 12 2A Division I - Pilot Point 35, Kirbyville 18 2A Division II - Daingerfield 62, Bushland 14 1A Division I - Goldthwaite 29, Canadian 25 1A Division II - Cayuga 38, Albany 24 6M Division I - Garden City 122, Strawn 88 6M Division II - Borden County 28, Roscoe Highland 14 I - SA FEAST Homesch. 57, West Columbia Charter 39

Good Luck to All Teams in 2010!

August 2010

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

August 2010

R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

(All photos by HSSMImages)

Bobby Lackey Stadium Unveiled with New Look (Weslaco, Texas)-The multi-million dollar renovations to Bobby Lackey Stadium is now complete. Weslaco Panther and Weslaco East Wildcat fans will enter a new high-tech athletic stadium complex in 2010 when both teams host a fanfare of events and football games this season. Weslaco ISD added a new seating capacity of 14,200 and will also feature an elevated press box, new seating, new lights, digital scoreboard, artifical field turf, and track field. This project started a few years ago with a Video Scoreboard featuring commercials and instant replays. The following year, new artifical Field Turf was added in 2008. This was the same year the Panthers hosted the San Antonio Madison Mavericks in the State 5A Regional finals. Since then, the home-side will feature more seating capacity and a new press box August 2010

with an elevator. The parking lot has been expand with paving too. “Football is big in Weslaco,” says head football coach Tony Villarreal of the Panthers. “They love winning in Weslaco.” The Weslaco East Wildcats also call this stadium home as the entrance to the homeside reads “Panther/Wildcat Field”. “We play there too,” says Wildcat football coach Armando Cuellar. “This is a state-of-the-art stadium and I’m sure our fans will enjoy it too.” The Panthers will host Mercedes on August 26th to kick off the 2010 season and the Wildcats will host Zapata on August the 27th. Other plans are to add another video scoreboard to double-the-size of the current one standing. The cost of each video board is more than $500,000 plus staffing to operate the hightech billboard for all events. (HSSM IMages) HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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www.hssmo

RGV HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

GAMEDAY SC

District 30-5A Donna Redskins 8/27 at PSJA North 9/2 Bro Rivera (A) 9/10 Edinburg North 9/24 La Joya HS* (A) 10/1 Sharyland* 10/8 McAllen Rowe* (A) 10/15 McAllen* (A) 10/22 LJ Palmview 10/29 McAllen Memorial (A) 11/5 Mission HS

La Joya High School 8/27 Edinburg HS 9/3 Rio Grande City (A) 9/9 Bro Hanna (A) 9/24 Donna* 10/1 LJ Palmview* (A) 10/8 McAllen Memorial* 10/15 Mission* (A) 10/22 McAllen* 10/28 Sharyland* 11/5 McAllen Rowe* (A)

La Joya Palmview HS 8/26 Rio Grande City (A) 9/3 Bro Porter 9/9 PSJA Memorial 9/24 Mission* (A) 10/1 La Joya HS* 10/8 Sharyland* (A) 10/15 McAllen Rowe* 10/22 Donna* (A) 10/28 McAllen* (A) 11/5 McAllen Memorial*

Sharyland HS 9/27 Bro Hanna (A) 9/3 Edinburg North 9/10 Flour Bluff (A) 9/24 McAllen Nikki Rowe* 10/1 Donna* (A) 10/8 LJ Palmview* 10/14 McA Memorial* (A) 10/22 Mission HS* 10/28 La Joya* (A) 11/5 McAllen*

McAllen H.S. 9/27 PSJA Memorial 9/3 Edinburg (A) 9/11 PSJA 9/24 McAllen Memorial* 10/1 McAllen Rowe* 10/8 Mission HS* (A) 10/15 Donna* 10/22 La Joya HS* (A) 10/28 LJ Palmview* 11/5 Sharyland* (A)

District 31-5A PSJA Memorial 8/27 McAllen (A) 9/3 Bro Lopez 9/9 LJ Palmview (A) 9/24 PSJA North* 10/1 Edinburg North* (A) 10/7 Ed Economedes* 10/15 PSJA* 10/22 Har South* 10/29 Edinburg* 11/5 Harlingen HS* (A)

PSJA North 8/27 Donna (A) 9/2 McAllen Nikki Rowe 9/10 Bro Rivera 9/24 PSJA Memorial* (A) 10/1 Edinburg* 10/8 Harlingen* (A) 10/15 Har South* (A) 10/21 Edinburg North* 10/29 Economedes* (A) 11/5 PSJA*

PSJA HS 9/3 Los Fresnos (A) 9/11 McAllen (A) 9/17 McAllen Memorial 9/23 Edinburg North* 9/30 Economedes* (A) 10/8 Har South* 10/15 PSJA Memorial* 10/22 Edinburg* (A) 10/28 Harlingen* 11/5 PSJA North*

Harlingen South HS 8/27 Victoria East (A) 9/4 Bro Pace (A) 9/10 Weslaco HS 9/24 Ed Economedes* 10/1 Harlingen* 10/8 PSJA* (A) 10/15 PSJA North* 10/22 PSJA Memorial* (A) 10/29 Edinburg North* 11/4 Edinburg HS* (A)

Harlingen HS 8/27 Bro Lopez 9/4 CC Carroll (A) 9/10 San Benito (A) 9/24 Edinburg* (A) 10/1 PSJA Lopez* 10/8 PSJA North* 10/14 Edinburg North* (A) 10/22 Ed Economedes* 10/28 PSJA* (A) 11/5 PSJA Memorial*

District 32-5A Brownsville Hanna 8/27 Sharyland 9/3 Monterrey Tech 9/9 La Joya HS 9/24 Bro Porter* 10/1 Bro Rivera* 10/8 Bro Pace* 10/14 Los Fresnos* 10/22 Weslaco* (A) 10/29 Bro Lopez* 11/5 San Benito (A)

Brownsville Lopez 8/27 Harlingen (A) 9/3 PSJA Mem (A) 9/10 Economedes 9/25 Bro Pace* 10/2 Los Fresnos* 10/8 Weslaco* (A) 10/16 Bro Porter* 10/22 San Benito* 10/29 Bro Hanna* 11/5 Bro Rivera

Brownsville Pace 8/26 Ed North (A) 9/4 PSJA Lopez 9/11 Mission 9/25 Bro Lopez* 10/1 San Benito* (A) 10/8 Bro Hanna* 10/15 Bro Rivera* 10/23 San Porter* 10/30 Los Fresnos* 11/5 Weslaco* (A)

Brownsville Porter 9/3 LJ Palmview (A) 9/11 La Feria 9/17 RGC Grulla 9/25 Bro Hanna* 10/1 Weslaco* (A) 10/8 Bro Rivera* 10/15 Bro Lopez* 10/23 Bro Pace* 10/30 San Benito* 11/5 Los Fresnos* (A)

Brownsville Rivera 9/2 Donna 9/10 PSJA North (A) 9/16 CC Moody (A) 9/23 San Benito* 10/1 Bro Hanna* 10/9 Bro Porter* 10/15 Bro Pace* 10/22 Los Fresnos* (A) 10/28 Weslaco* 11/5 Bro Lopez*

Progreso 8/27 Valley View 9/3 St. Joe (A) 9/10 Falfurrias 9/17 Lyford (A) 9/24 Santa Rosa 10/8 Rio Hondo* (A) 10/15 Zapata* 10/21 RGC Grulla*(A) 10/29 Port Isabel* 11/5 La Feria*(A)

Port Isabel 8/27 Ed-Elsa (A) 9/3 Lyford (A) 9/10 CC Miller 9/17 Raymondville 9/25 Robstown (N) 10/8 Zapata* (A) 10/15 RGC Grulla* 10/22 La Feria* (A) 10/29 Progreso* (A) 11/5 Rio Hondo*

Rio Hondo 8/27 Robstown (A) 9/3 Ed-Elsa 9/10 Sinton 9/17 Falfurrias (A) 9/24 Raymondville (A) 10/8 Progreso* 10/15 La Feria* 10/22 Zapata* (A) 10/29 RGC Grulla* 11/5 Port Isabel* (A)

Zapata HS 8/27 Weslaco East (A) 9/3 Roma (A) 9/10 Ingleside 9/17 George West (A) 9/24 Mathis 10/8 Port Isabel* 10/15 Progreso* (A) 10/22 Rio Hondo* 10/29 La Feria* 11/5 RGC Grulla*(A)

State Football Championships Arlington, Texas

Cowboy Stadium Division I&II

Class 3A, 4A, 5A

Ruben F. Solis Jr. 112 E. Expressway 83

584-3333 www.RubenSolis.com

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online.net

R G V F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W 2010

C H E D U L E S 2010 McAllen Memorial 9/3 Ed Economedes 9/9 Edinburg 9/17 PSJA (A) 9/24 McAllen* 9/30 Mission* 10/8 La Joya* (A) 10/14 Sharyland* 10/22 McAllen Rowe* 10/29 Donna* 11/5 LJ Palmview* (A)

McAllen Nikki Rowe HS 8/27 Ed Economedes (A) 9/2 PSJA North (A) 9/10 Los Fresnos 9/24 Sharyland* (A) 10/1 McAllen* 10/8 Donna* 10/15 LJ Palmview* (A) 10/22 McAllen Memorial* 10/29 Mission* (A) 11/5 La Joya*

Mission HS 9/27 Ed-Elsa 9/3 Mission Veterans 9/11 Bro Pace (A) 9/23 LJ Palmview* 9/30 McA Memorial* (A) 10/8 McAllen* 10/15 La Joya* 10/22 Sharyland* (A) 10/29 McAllen Rowe* 11/5 Donna* (A)

District 32-4A Mission Veterans Memorial 8/28 Port Isabel 9/3 Mission 9/10 Hidalgo* (A) 9/17 Juarez-Lincoln* 9/24 Mercedes* (A) 10/1 Valley View* 10/8 Roma* (A) 10/14 RGC* 10/21 Weslaco East* (A) 11/5 Ed-Elsa*

District 32-4A Hidalgo 8/27 La Feria 9/3 Raymondville (A) 9/10 Miss Veterans* 9/17 Ed-Elsa* (A) 10/1 LJ Juarez-Lincoln* 10/8 Mercedes* (A) 10/15 Valley View* 10/22 Roma* (A) 10/29 Rio Grande City* 11/4 Weslaco East*(A)

Edinburg Economedes 8/27 McAllen Nikki Rowe 9/3 McA Memorial (A) 9/10 Bro Lopez (A) 9/24 PSJA Lopez* (A) 9/30 PSJA* 10/7 PSJA Memorial* (A) 10/15 Edinburg* 10/22 Harlingen* (A) 10/29 PSJA North* 11/5 Edinburg North*

Edinburg HS 8/27 La Joya HS (A) 9/3 McAllen 9/9 McA Memorial (A) 9/24 Harlingen* 10/1 PSJA North* (A) 10/8 Edinburg North* 10/15 Ed Economedes* 10/22 PSJA* 10/29 PSJA Memorial* (A) 11/4 Har South*

Edinburg North HS 8/26 Pace HS 9/3 Sharyland (A) 9/10 Donna (A) 9/23 PSJA* (A) 10/1 PSJA Mem* 10/8 Edinburg* 10/14 Harlingen* 10/21 PSJA North* (A) 10/29 Har South* (A) 11/5 Economedes*

LJ Juarez-Lincoln HS 8/26 Raymondville 9/2 Lar Johnson HS (A) 9/10 Weslaco East* 9/17 Miss Veterans*(A) 9/23 Ed-Elsa* 10/1 Hidalgo*(A) 10/14 Mercedes* 10/22 Valley View*(A) 10/29 Roma* 11/4 Rio Grande City*(A)

Mercedes HS 8/26 Weslaco (A) 9/3 La Feria (A) 9/10 Rio Grande City* 9/17 Weslaco East* (A) 9/24 Miss Veterans* 10/1 Ed-Elsa*(A) 10/8 Hidalgo* 10/14 Juarez-Lincoln* 10/29 Valley View* 11/5 Roma*(A)

Los Fresnos 8/28 Del Valle (A) 2p 9/3 PSJA 9/10 McAllen Rowe (A) 9/24 Weslaco* 10/2 Bro Lopez* (A) 10/8 San Benito* 10/14 Bro Hanna* (A) 10/22 Bro Rivera* 10/30 Bro Pace* (A) 11/5 Bro Porter*

San Benito 9/3 Weslaco East 9/10 Harlingen 9/17 Flour Bluff 9/23 Bro Rivera* (A) 10/1 Bro Pace* 10/8 Los Fresnos* (A) 10/15 Weslaco* 10/22 Bro Lopez* (A) 10/30 Bro Porter* (A) 11/5 Bro Hanna*

Weslaco 8/26 Mercedes 9/3 Alice 9/10 Har South (A) 9/24 Los Fresnos* (A) 10/1 Bro Porter* 10/8 Bro Lopez* 10/15 San Benito* (A) 10/22 Bro Hanna* 10/28 Bro Rivera* (A) 11/5 Bro Pace*

Valley View HS 8/27 Progreso (A) 9/3 Laredo Nixon 9/10 Roma* 9/17 RGC* (A) 9/24 Weslaco East* 10/1 Miss Veterans*(A) 10/8 Ed-Elsa* 10/15 Hidalgo*(A) 10/22 Juarez-Lincoln* 10/29 Mercedes*(A)

Roma HS 8/27 Laredo Martin (A) 9/3 Zapata (A) 9/10 Valley View*(A) 9/24 Rio Grande City* 10/1 Weslaco East*(A) 10/8 Miss Veterans* 10/15 Ed-Elsa*(A) 10/22 Hidalgo* 10/29 LJ Juarez-Lincoln* (A) 11/5 Mercedes*

La Feria 8/27 Hidalgo (A) 9/3 Mercedes 9/10 Bro Porter 9/17 Santa Rosa (A) 10/1 La Villa 10/8 La Grulla* 10/15 Rio Hondo* (A) 10/22 Port Isabel* 10/29 Zapata* (A) 11/5 Progreso*

Rio Grande City La Grulla 8/27 La Villa 9/10 Raymondville (A) 9/17 Bro Porter (A) 9/24 Lyford* 10/1 MMA (A) 10/8 La Feria* (A) 10/15 Port Isabel* (A) 10/21 Progreso* 10/29 Rio Hondo* (A) 11/5 Zapata*

Edcouch-Elsa HS 8/27 Mission (A) 9/3 Rio Hondo (A) 9/17 Hidalgo* 9/23 Juarez-Lincoln*(A) 10/1 Mercedes* 10/8 Valley View* (A) 10/15 Roma* 10/22 RGC* (A) 10/29 Weslaco East* 11/5 Miss Veterans*(A)

Weslaco East HS 8/27 Zapata 9/3 San Benito (A) 9/10 Juarez-Lincoln* (A) 9/17 Mercedes* 9/24 Valley View* (A) 10/1 Roma* 10/8 RGC* (A) 10/21 Miss Veterans* 10/29 Ed-Elsa* (A) 11/4 Hidalgo*

Rio Grande City HS 8/26 LJ Palmview 9/3 La Joya HS 9/10 Mercedes*(A) 9/17 Valley View* 9/24 Roma*(A) 10/8 Weslaco East* 10/14 Miss Veterans*(A) 10/22 Ed-Elsa* 10/29 Hidalgo* (A) 11/4 LJ Juarez-Lincoln*

ve Up To 40% on Car Insurance Open Monday -Friday 8:30a-5:30p Saturdays 9:00-1:00p August 2010

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Weslaco McAllen Mission Edinburg Alamo Port Isabel Coming Soon to Pharr & Rio Grande City!