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High School Sports Magazine

Sharyland H.S. Pole Vaulter Augustus Denham Wins 5A Region IV Title!

Edinburg Economedes H.S. Leigha Brown Qualifies in Four State 5A Events!

Headed to

State

RGV Athletes Qualify for State!

UIL Track and Field Championships May 10-11th Austin, Texas

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INSIDE

4 18 22 28

We Just Want To Take it One Step Further from Last Season...

Richard Tressler

Edinburg North Lady Cougars Head Softball Coach

/////////////////////////////////////

Softball Playoffs In the RGV. Which Team

Is Sweet 16?

Baseball Top Teams

by John Cannon HSSM Assistant Sports Director

UIL Track-Field Athletes Ready Who will bring back the gold?

College Signings

David A. Amador Publisher

John Cannon Assistant Sports Director

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Alec Amador Sports Photographer

On The COVER (HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

Since 1997

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McAllen Rowe, Porter, Ed-Elsa Athletes Sign

Edinburg Economedes Leigha Brown and Sharyland HS Pole Vaulter, Augustus Denham both qualified for the State UIL Track and Field Championships on May 10-11th at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin, Tx.

STAFF

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P.4 UIL Softball Playoffs

BEGIN!

Pictured are top left is McAllen HS pitcher Zabannah Sanchez, Mission HS softball coach Iris Iglesias, and Edcouch-Elsa catcher, Reneal Rodriguez. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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UIL 3A Softball Playoffs Highlights

Kingsville King Wins Two; Eliminates La Feria in First Round

Raymondville Advances; Port Isabel, Lyford, Still Alive (La Feria, Tx)- What looked good from the start, ended with inning but then the Lady Brahmas settled down and started a 5-1 win and sweep for the Kingsville King Lady Brahmas playing softball. Kingsville will now play Sinton next week in the Class 3A Bi-District Softball Championships played on in the area playoffs and the winner will meet Port Isabel or Saturday at La Feria. The Lady Lions scored first in the first Robstown in the regional quarterfinals. In more playoff acSafe! La Feria’s Julissa Hinojosa misses her tag on Kingsville King runner in the Class 3A Bi-District Softball Championships on Saturday.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

4 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

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tion in Class 3A, Port Isabel will begins its quest for a state title when they meet Robstown from District 303A. The Lady Cotton pickers defeated Hondo of 29-3A. In District 31-3A, Lyford drew a first round bye after winning their district and will meet Rockport-Fulton from District 30-3A while Raymondville knocked off Rio Hondo from District 32-3A to the right to play Devine in the area playoffs. Should Raymondville and Lyford win, both will meet in the regional quarter finals next week.

Tagged at Home! La Feria’s Annette Ruiz is tagged by Kingsville King catcher in the Class 3A Bi-District Softball Championships on Saturday.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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UIL 4A Softball Playoffs Highlights

Edcouch-Elsa Wins Bi-District Title; Next Medina Valley (Elsa, Tx.)-After their thrilling victory over Alice on Saturday, Edcouch-Elsa Head Softball Coach Joey Palacios dropped down to one knee and couldn’t help but shed a tear. Trailing 6-5 going into the bottom of the eighth, the Lady Jackets scored the deciding two runs in the bottom frame and went on to secure a thrilling 7-6 game two victory over Alice to sweep the series in their Class 4A Bi-District match-up.

Edcouch-Elsa, who won another nail biter on Friday night by a score of 6-5 in nine innings, improves to 18-8 overall and will face Medina Valley in the Class 4A Area Championship round.

“We haven’t advanced out of the Bi-District round in six years and to finally accomplish this feat is amazing,” said

Palacios. “After the game was over, I couldn’t help but tear up because this is such a special group and these girls really deserved this.”

Alice took the early 3-0 lead as two of their runs came in on two bases loaded walks in the top of the first inning.

Edcouch-Elsa was able to tack on their first run of the night as Jacky Flores scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the second inning. The Lady Jackets trimmed their lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the third inning as Amberly Reyes scored on a sacrifice-RBI by Flores.

Edcouch-Elsa took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth as Genevieve Ramirez and Reyes hit back-to-back RBI’s

Tagged at Third Base!

Edcouch-Elsa’s Amberly Reyes tags Alice runner in Class 4A Bi-District Softball Championships on Saturday.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

6 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

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Alice retook the lead 6-5 in the top of the eighth but the Lady Jackets responded in the eighth and sealed the victory. Alice Head Coach April Atterberry, said she was extremely proud of what her team accomplished and really enjoyed her tenure at Alice.

Up next will be Medina Valley, who eliminated Port Lavaca-Calhoun. Both teams will meet on Friday at 7 p.m. at Texas-A&M Kingsville in a one game playoff pairing with the winner playing CC Moody or Tulso-Midway.

No More Looking Back!

Edcouch-Elsa head coach Joey Palacios won his first bi-district title in Class 4A Bi-District Softball Championships on Saturday.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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Mission Lady Eagles Knocks Off Corpus Christi Ray Uvalde Meets Lady Eagles in Class 4A Area Championships

(Mission, Tx.) – Even though the win over Corpus Christi Ray wasn’t pretty, Mission High Head Softball Coach Iris Iglesias will take it.

Mission High took advantage of the various opportunities that Ray gave them and in the end, they were able to escape with a 5-4 win in the Class 4A Bi-District round.

With the win, the Lady Eagles improve to 20-9 overall and will move on to face Uvalde game in the area round.

“Even though it didn’t look pretty, we will definitely take the win,” said Iglesias. “I think we were a little anxious tonight and we struggled to hit the ball.”

“However, we took advantage of the opportunities that were given to us and now we will prepare for our next game.”

Corpus Christi Ray struck first as shortstop Joliza Lopez scored on an RBI-single by pitcher Briana White which gave them a 1-0 lead in the top of the first.

However, Mission took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the second inning as left fielder Jahaira Cardoza scored on an RBI-bunt single by first baseman Amanda Hernandez and Hernandez scored the second run of the inning on a wild pitch.

The Lady Eagles added another run in the bottom of the fifth as second baseman Valerie Puente scored on a throwing error by Lopez.

Lopez made up for the error in the top of the sixth as she nailed a solo shot over left center which trimmed the lead to 3-2.

But the Lady Eagles added a few insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth as Cardoza and center fielder Kazzandra Rodriguez scored on errors.

The Lady Texans made it interesting in the top of the seventh as right fielder Alexis Chapa scored on a throwing error by Mission pitcher

Gabrielle Castillo and center fielder Marisol Ynfante scored on a wild pitch which cut the lead to 5-4 with only one out. Mission was able to settle down and got the final two outs on a strikeout to preserve the victory. The winner will meet Gregory Portland or Flour Bluff.

Mission Wins Title! Samantha Gutierrez safely returns to first base in the Class 4A Bi-District Softball Championships.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 9

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UIL 5A Softball Playoffs Highlights

McAllen Lady Bulldogs Fall to Los Fresnos Lady Falcons to Play Sharyland in Clas 5A Area Title Game

(McAllen, Tx.)- McAllen head softball coach felt pretty good about her chances of winning two games on Saturday against the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons after dropping a heart breaker the night before, and through five innings, the McAllen Lady Bulldogs were within striking distance of keeping it a game.

However, Los Fresnos opened up the floodgates in the sixth inning as they erupted for four runs and clinched the series after defeating McAllen 5-1 in game two of their Class 5A Bi-District series. The Lady Falcons defeated McAllen 6-5 in eight innings on Friday night.

Los Fresnos got the big inning started after Zoe Castillo scored on an RBI-single

by Lori Espinoza which gave them a 2-1 lead.

After scoring another run which gave them a 3-1 lead, Elena Muniz nailed a 2-run homer over the left field wall

“We have the ability to erupt in big innings and today we did that...”

Los Fresnos H.S. head softball coach Traci Blackman.

“We have the ability to erupt in big innings and today we did that,” said Los Fresnos first year head softball coach Traci Blackman.

Los Fresnos Wins! Lady Falcons Karina Gonzalez is ready as McAllen’s Daniela Diaz waits for throw in the Class 5A Bi-District Softball Championships.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

10 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

which sealed the victory.

“That was our 27th home run of the year,” said Blackman.

The Lady Bulldogs had numerous opportunities to score as they stranded 11 runners on base. But they just couldn’t seem to capitalize.

“We had some clutch hits to-

day and put quite a few runners in scoring position. But we just couldn’t seem to bring them in,” said McAllen head coach Ruth Garcia.

“It was a tough loss, but I am extremely proud of the girls.

They overcame so much this year and finished strong.”

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Edinburg North Lady Cougars Sets Sights Lady Cougars Looking To Get Back to Sweet 16 Round

(Edinburg, Tx)-The 30-5A runner-ups, Edinburg North Lady Cougars (26-4) are headed into the biggest week of softball as they will face San Benito in the State 5A Area playoffs this week. The Lady Cougars will play at San Benito on Friday, May 3rd and then return home on Saturday at 12:00 noon with hopes of sweeping their series.

The Lady Cougars are coming off a two-game sweep of Laredo United South while the Lady Greyhounds blanked the Brownsville Hanna Lady Eagles to advance to the next round. Both teams are ranked in the Top 30 polls in the latest Texas High School Softball Girls Coaches polls.

The Lady Cougars outscored the Laredo United South Lady Panthers 21-8 but head coach Richard Tressler feels that his team has not been challenged. “This will be a great opportunity to play a state-ranked team in the playoffs. This will tell us where we stand,” adds Tressler.

Since March 26th, the Lady Cougars have outscored their nine opponents 116-16.

Edinburg North advanced to the State 5A Region IV Tournament last year and lost to San Antonio Holmes in two games (8-3, 7-6). This year, the North Cougars will play the winner of Brownsville Porter or Eagle Pass in the regional quarterfinals should they defeat San Benito this weekend. The Lady Cougars are young with three freshmen and three sophomores in the line-up. Three juniors and four seniors make up the rest of the team.

Pitchers Ayissa Maldonado and Jacqueline Chapa are under classmen with Faith Escobar listed as the only senior pitcher in the line-up.

This weekend’s match up will show the best two teams in South Texas with only one advancing to the next round.

Class 5A Bi-District Champs! Samantha Cordon will lead Edinburg North against San Benito in Game I of the State 5A Area playoffs .

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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UIL 5A Softball Playoffs Highlights

San Benito Lady Hounds Back On Track 11 RGV Teams Looking to Keep Playoff Run Alive

(McAllen, Tx)-The first round of the playoffs are in the books and there are 11 teams from the Rio Grande Valley still left standing. With the State Area playoffs beginning this coming weekend, the Valley is looking to stay alive and move on in hopes of getting to the round of Sweet 16.

Last year, Edinburg North and Edinburg High made it all the way to the Sweet 16 and should be able to make another run at getting there along with San Benito.

However, the road to the Sweet 16 isn’t as easy as it might have seemed in the past. “The playoff brackets have gotten a lot tougher,” said Lady Bobcats head coach Jesse Banda who’s team has been to the Sweet 16 three years in a row. “When we first made it that far, the road was easier because there weren’t that many tough teams.” But things have changed, and there are so many more teams that can compete and the road is a lot tougher. Looking at the teams are left from the Valley, anyone

Let’s Get Crazy! The San Benito Lady Greyhounds will play the Edinburg North Lady Cougars in the Class 5A Area Softball Championships against.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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of them could get there. “We know we have our work cut out for us,” says Banda.

Edinburg High defeated Laredo United in the Class 5A BiDistrict round and will face Harlingen South in the area round on Friday night at South at 7:30 p.m. “South is a great team and this is going to be a tough game for us,” said Banda. “This is only a one-game playoff contest so we need to play great if we are going to advance.”

Another huge game in the area round will be against the oth-

Great Run! The Edinburg Vela HS Lady Sabercats made their first playoff appearance in the Class 5A playoffs in 2013, before losing to Eagle Pass.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

er two teams who have been to the Sweet 16 before. Edinburg North and San Benito will tangle in the second round and this match-up is one of the most intriguing of them all. Both teams have been two of the toughest in the Valley and bring tons of experience to the table.

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San Benito likes to play small ball and has tons of speed.

Also, the Lady Hounds have one of the best pitchers in the Valley by the name of Amber Jasso who is a force to reckon with on the mound.

San Benito will bring their 10-game win streak into this round and hope to continue their hot streak.

But Edinburg North is no one to sleep on. The Lady Cougars have a very dangerous line-up and when their bats are on, they are tough to beat.

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Also, the Lady Coogs play stellar defense and will counter with their ace Jaqui Chapa who has won some big games for her team this year.

In Class 3A, Raymondville will play Devine at 5 p.m. at Corpus Christi Calallen on Friday while Lyford will travel to Alice to play Carrizo Springs at 7:30 p.m. in the best-of-three series. District 32-3A champions, Port Isabel will meet Robstown on Friday at Raymondville in a one-game playoff.

THE PLAYOFFS 2013 AREA SOFTBALL

Friday, May 3rd Class 5A Los Fresnos vs Laredo LBJ 7 p.m.

(At La Joya Softball Complex) Edinburg vs Harlingen South 7 p.m.

Porter vs Eagle Pass 7 p.m. (at San Antonio ISD) Edinburg North at San Benito 7p.m.

Class 4A Ed-Elsa vs Medina Valley 7 p.m. (at Texas A&M Kingsville) Mission vs Uvalde 7:30 p.m. (at Laredo SAC)

Saturday, May 4th Class 5A Porter vs Eagle Pass 3 p.m.

(At San Antonio ISD) San Benito at Ed North 12 noon Brownsville Porter vs Eagle Pass 7 p.m. (at San Antonio ISD) Class 4A Ed-Elsa vs Medina Valley 4 p.m. (at Texas A&M Kingsville) Mission vs Uvalde 11 a.m. (at Laredo SAC)

Safe! Brownsville Porter will play Eagle Pass in the Class 5A Area playoffs this weekend.

(HSSMImages/Porter Nation)

April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 17

Baseball Playoffs A www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

UIL 5A Baseball Playoffs Highlights

State Ranked No.2 Sharyland, PSJA Leads Pack for State Title

By John Cannon, HSSM Assistant Sports Director

(McAllen, Tx)-Season number one is in the books for the Rio Grande Valley high school baseball schedule and now it’s time to prepare for the second part which is the playoffs.

From here on out, it’s do-or-die for twenty-four teams who are attempting to accomplish their ultimate goal of bringing home a state title to the Rio Grande Valley for the first time. The Valley has some solid representation as two teams could be serious contenders. Sharyland is definitely one of those teams who could very well be hoisting a State 5A championship trophy when it’s all said and done. The last team to emerge in the State 5A title game were the Harlingen South Hawks in 2007 before losing to Houston Cy-Fair 6-1.

Since then, no other team has been back to Dell Diamond Field in Round Rock, Texas. The state tournament will be played June 7-8th at Dell Diamond Field.

The Rattlers, (27-1) who are currently ranked number two in the state in Class 5A and number six in the nation according to Xcellent 25 Writers, brings a wealth of experience into the state playoffs and possess a strong lineup from one to nine as they are hitting a whopping .426 as a team.

Besides their hitting prowess, the Rattlers have dominated in the pitching department as they have one of the best rotations in the state. Coached by Bart Bickerton, the Rattlers will rely on seven pitchers, with seniors Tres Barrera (7-0), Francisco Martinez (7-0), Fabio Gonzalez (1-1), and Marcy Rodriguez (1-0). Junior pitcher Sixto Torres (6-0) and sophomore Lance Madden (40) will also be called on if needed. Sharyland has an ERA of 0.86 and has given up a miniscule 25 runs on the season.

The Rattlers open the playoffs facing Del Rio in the Class 5A Bi-District round and looking at their side of the bracket, they have a good shot of getting to the State 5A tournament. Last year, the Rattlers advanced to the 5A Region IV semifinals and were eventually eliminated by stateranked Corpus Christi Carroll (4-0, 2-1) which ended 31-5A District Champions!

Joey Garza of PSJA will lead his team in the State 5A Playoffs.

(HSSMImages)

18 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

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their run. The favored Rattlers, should they defeat Del Rio of 29-5A, they will then meet the winner of the McAllen or Harlingen next week. Only two teams from South Texas are ranked in the Texas High School Baseball polls from Region IV. The nemis is Laredo United, ranked No.3 with a 27-1 record. The Rattlers lost to Corpus Christi Carroll 6-2 at the Mira’s Classic Finals in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 2nd. The Carroll Tigers are in the playoffs and they will collide with the Rattlers in the upper bracket in the regional semifinals if both continue winning. United also lost to Carroll this season 2-1 in non-district. “It’s a long road to the state playoffs and we just need to stay focus and hit,” says Bickerton. Besides Sharyland, the PSJA Bears are another team that should make a deep run in Class 5A. Like Sharyland, the District 31-5A champions, PSJA Bears (22-4) bring back a wealth of talent and also have a stellar line-up. As a team, PSJA hit .377 overall and averaged just

THE PLAYOFFS 2013 Bi-District BASEBALL

Friday, May 3rd Class 5A Sharyland vs Del Rio 7:30p (At Kreuger Field, Laredo) Edinburg North vs La Alexander (at Alice 8:00 p.m.)

La Joya vs Eagle Pass (Veterans Field, Laredo) La Joya Palmview vs Laredo United (at Unitrade Stadium 7p) Bro Hanna at PSJA North 7p McAllen at Harlingen 7p Harlingen South at Weslaco 7p Class 4A Alice at Mission 7p Class 3A Port Isabel vs Kingsville (at Edinburg Economedes 7p)

Saturday, May 4th Sharyland vs Del Rio 11a (at Krueger Field) La Joya vs Eagles Pass 2p (Veterans Field,Laredo) Laredo United vs Palmview 5p (At La Joya Baseball Complex) Harlingen at McAllen 1p Class 4A Flour Bluff at Mission Veterans 12n CC Ray at Rio Grande City 1p Mission at Alice 12n Class 3A Grulla vs Rio Hondo 1p (at Weslaco East HS) Class 2A Santa Rosa vs Banquete

under 10 runs a game on the season. PSJA also has an impressive pitching rotation as they tore through the opposition averaging a 1.64 ERA and totaled 183 strikeouts on the year.

5A State-Ranked No.2 Sharyland Rattlers! Pictured are sitting l-r Raymundo Hernandez, Samuel Garcia, Francisco Martinez, Phyllip Lopez, and Eddie Garza. Middle row l-r are Ivan Zapata, Alejandro Venegas, Daniel Urbina, Lance Madden, Jorge Maldonado, Luis Trevino, Glenn Olazaran, and Mario Vela. Back row l-r are Luis Trevino, Marcy Trevino, Daniel Mangin, Tres Barrera, Fabio Gonzalez, Matthew Hernandez, Joey Esquivel, Wesley Reichle, Santa Barrera, and Sixto Torres. (HSSMImages)

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April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 19

State High School Baseball

TOP TEN POLLS As of April 25, 2013

Class 5A 1. The Woodlands – 27-3 (11-1) 2. Mission Sharyland – 26-1 (15-0) 3. Laredo United – 26-1 (11-0) 4. Southlake Carroll – 25-3 (12-1) 5. Pearland – 25-5 (12-1) 6. Deer Park – 24-3 (11-0) 7. Flower Mound – 28-3 (13-0) 8. Cy Ranch – 24-4 (14-1) 9. Midland – 25-6 (14-1) 10.Klein Collins – 21—7 (13-2) Class 4A 1. Barbers Hill – 28-2 (15-0) 2. Tomball – 26-3 (13-1) 3. Calallen – 27-3 (10-1) 4. Wolfforth Frenship – 27-4 (13-2) 5. Medina Valley – 24-2 (12-0) 6. Corsicana – 24-5 (8-1) 7. Cleburne – 26-5 (12-1) 8. Georgetown – 24-5 (12-0) 9. McKinney North – 23-1 (12-1) 10. Montgomery – 24-4 (13-2) 10. ( tie) CC Moody – 20-5 (12-0) Class 3A 1. Sweeny – 22-2 (8-0) 2. Boerne – 24-3 (13-0) 3. Pleasanton – 21-1 (8-0) 4. Argyle – 25-3 (7-1) 5. West – 22-6 (7-0) 6. Kennedale – 19-5 (9-1) 7. Hudson – 21-6 (10-1) 8. College Station – 23-6 (8-1) 9. Lubbock Cooper – 20-8 (9-0) 10. Sinton – 19-6 (8-1) Class 2A 1. Hughes Springs – 26-0 (14-0) 2. Salado – 26-3 (12-1) 3. Brock – 26-3 (10-0) 4. White Oak – 21-2 (14-0) 5. Refugio – 22-2 (14-0) 6. Sunnyvale – 22-4 (11-1) 7. Hallettsville – 22-2 (10-1) 8. Palmer – 22-4 (10-0) 9. Holliday – 19-5 (11-1) 10. East Bernard – 20-3 (11-1)

32-5A District Runner-Ups! Daniel Anciso of Harlingen will lead his team in the State 5A Playoffs against McAllen in the Best-of-Three series. (HSSMImages)

Class 1A 1. Carlisle – 20-0 (13-0) 2. Sundown – 20-1 (10-0) 3. Bosqueville – 21-5 (10-0) 4. Port Aransas – 20-2 (11-1) 5. Big Sandy – 21-3 (13-1) 6. Miles – 18-5 (8-0) 7. Bremond – 19-4 (8-0) 8. Colmesneil – 21-5 (12-0) 9. Kerens – 16-3 (12-1) 10.Booker – 18-3 (9-1)

Last season, PSJA advanced to the third round of the playoffs and were one step away from going to the Class Region IV-5A Baseball Tournament. However, their season ended at the hands of Laredo Alexander as they were swept in two games.

Players to watch are seniors Jorge Flores, Brandon Barrera, and Erik Barrera who lead the team in batting. Flores also is the ace on the mound (10-0) with Jesse Tovar (3-0) looking on. The Bears feature seven pitchers in their rotation.

In more Class 5A playoff action, Harlingen South head coach Tony Leal is still in the game, still trying to find ways to get back to the state tournament like the Hawks did in 2007. The Hawks will play Weslaco in the first round of the Best-of-Three series. On the West side of the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen head baseball coach Eliseo Pompa returns his Bulldogs back, after 20 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

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Agassi Villarreal Mission Veterans H.S.

missing the playoffs in 2012 like the Harlingen Cardinals.

The Bulldogs will meet Harlingen in the first round with the winner playing Sharyland or Del Rio in the area championships. Pompa

Edward Pena Mission Veterans H.S.

led his Bulldogs to the State 5A Region IV Quarterfinals in 2011 before losing to Laredo Alexander in three games (4-0, 6-9, 5-4).

In Class 4A, head coach Casey Smith will lead his 32-

Julian Fernandez Mission Veterans H.S.

4A district champions Mission Veterans Patriots (26-4) and in Class 3A, 32-3A district champions, Hidalgo (236) could make a deep run in the playoffs under first-year head coach Karlos Carrasco

as both teams dominated during the regular season.

The Patriots and Pirates put together brutal non-district schedules and pulled off some impressive victories against some tough 5A teams along the way.

Veterans begins their playoff journey against Flour Bluff this Thursday in the Class 4A Bi-District round after missing the playoffs in 2012 while Hidalgo has a bye after winning District 32-3A. This year’s playoff bracket somewhat favors Mission Veterans as is the past, when they would face past State 4A champions, Calallen in the first round, just like in 2011 losing in two games.

Looking for a State 5A Baseball Title! Chris Zuniga of McAllen High School will lead his team in the State 5A Playoffs against Harlingen while Mike Jones from Harlingen South will be on the mound against Weslaco in the Class 5A Bi-District Championships. (HSSMImages)

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April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 21

RGV Qualifies for www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

UIL Track & Field Highlights

Mike A. Myers Stadium-University of Texas

UIL State Track and Field Championships

May 10-11th

Austin, Tx

By John Cannon, HSSM Assistant Sports Director (Austin, Tx.) – Now it’s on to the UIL State Track and Field Championships! Los Fresnos’s Aikeem Siemen and Edinburg Economedes High School’s Leigha Brown, could be the ones to bring back gold medals in the high jump for Siemen and Brown, with four events.

As for Brown, she wanted to make her final appearance at the Region IV-5A Track Meet a memorable one. And she did.

Brown qualified for four events and she will lead sixteen Rio Grande Valley athletes at the University Interscholastic League Track

and Field Championships on May 10-11th at the Mike A. Myers Stadium, located at the University of Texas in

Austin. The event is open to all spectators.

To qualify for the state meet, a tired, aching, and

under-the-weather, Brown won the shot put with a personal best toss of 43 feet, 4 inches and added the high

Akeem Simien, senior at Los Fresnos High School will compete in the State 5A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas in the high jump event.

He won the Region IV-5A title with a jump of 6’9”.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

22 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

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State Meet

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jump with a 5’-5” in the field events and finished second in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles at the Region IV-5A Track and Field Meet in San Antonio a few weeks ago.

Lady Jaguars head track coach and mother, Selena Brown said that she was completely surprised to see her daughter, Leigha qualify for that many events.

“I haven’t seen that feat accomplished before,” said Brown. “Normally you will see an athlete qualify for two events and if they are lucky, maybe even three. But four is extremely rare and for

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Leigha to accomplish that is truly amazing.”

Now, the Arkansas University signee, Brown has her sights set on Austin as she will head to the UIL State Track and Field Championships next weekend.

Last year, Brown went to state as a junior and placed fifth in the 300-meter hurdles.

Coming into the final meet of her high school career,

Leigha Brown, senior at Edinburg Economedes High School will compete in four events at the State 5A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas. Mike Myers Stadium will host all championships.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

Coach Brown said that Leigha has hersights set on accomplishing one thing. “Leigha’s main goal at the state meet is to medal,” said Brown. “So far we have looked at all the events

and they are going to be tight. In the field events, Leigha sits at about fifth or sixth and in the hurdles, she is in the mix.”

“I feel she has a good shot and what will really help her is the fact that she should be a little more healed up and wont be as tired. Leigha hurt her back in the area meet and she was battling a Continue Page 24 with State Track and Field

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UIL Track & Field Highlights

Continue Page 23 with State Track and Field...

cold at regional. Also, she was a little tired because she has been involved in meets each and every weekend. But now she will have two weeks to recuperate and the time off will truly help.” Leigh will be challenged by top 300m hurdler, Ariel Jones from Houston Nimitz High School who has the best clocked time of 41.99 seconds as compared to Brown’s time of 42.98 seconds, ranking her seventh overall. In the shot put, Brown threw a personal best to win the regional title with a heap of 43’04” but that mark ranks her seventh overall at state behind Cion Hicks from Killeen Shoemaker High School with 46’-01.50 feet. Brown also will have her hands full in the high jump and 100m hurdles. Makenzie Smajstrla from Manvel tops all jumpers with 5’10” and Skylar Ross Ransom of Houston Langham Creek High School has a time of 13.95 seconds in the 100m hurdles, as compared to Brown’s time of 14.26 seconds, or half a second behind the leader.

Los Fresnos’s Siemen showed that he could contend for a state title in Class 5A by winning the 5A Region IV title with a jump of 6’9” to win the high jump. Siemen is coached by national high jump and now head coach, Will Littleton. “He can win it. He is poised to clear his heights, said Littleton.

Siemen ranks fourth overall in the state standings and Elton Dyer from Pasadena South Houston comes to Austin as the top high jumper with a crossing of 6’11” followed by Natron Gipson of Arlington Bowie and Cory Scott from Copperas Augustus Denham, senior at Sharyland High School will compete in the State 5A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas in the pole vault event. He won the Region IV-5A pole vault recently.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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Cove High School, both at 6’10”.

Also making quite an impact at the regional meet was Edcouch-Elsa’s Krysta Martinez who qualified for the Class 4A State Track and Field Meet by finishing second in the 1,600 meter run with a time of 5:02.49. Her time achieved at the regional meet was the fifth fastest time in Valley history. “I worked very hard for this and I am extremely happy that I am going to state and came in with a good time,” said Martinez. Her time ranks sixth overall amongst runners at the state meet. The leader, Jessica Prickett from Burleson High School has the best time of 4:47.92 minutes.

In 5A, Brownsville Rivera’s Krysta Martinez also qualified for state as she won the 800 run with a personal best time of 2:14.42. at the Class 5A Region IV Championships. She will be challenged by top runner, Katie Willard of Conroe The Woodlands with the best time of 2:10.13 minutes.

At the Class 5A Area and Region IV meets, Donna’s

Vince Castillo dominated the 300m hurdles, the same event he qualified for in 2012. He will head back to the state meet for the second year in a row after winning the 300-meter hurdles with a personal best time of 37.28. Castillo ranks number one overall, with the state’s best time and he will be challenged by Josh Woods of DeSoto High School with a second best of 37.37 seconds followed by Jammil Peeples from Port Arthur Memorial closing in at 37.54 seconds.

“This race will be at the finish. It will be exciting to be part of,” says Castillo. As for Weslaco East’s Jose Martinez, he moves up to Class 5A from 4A after the UIL realignments and the senior will have his hands full as he will chase Robert Domanic from Lewisville Hebron with a state’s best time of 9:04.70 minutes in the 3200m run. Martinez is clocked at 9:21.84, ranking him seventh overall in the state. Martinez will also try to make his final appearance at state a memorable as he qualified with a personal best time of 4.22:39 in the 1600m run and he ranks ninth, He will need to catch Robert

Top in State! Vince Castillo, sophomore at Donna High School will compete in the State 5A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas in the 300m Hurdles event. He ranks No.1 overall in state.

Vaulting for Gold! Jose Padilla, senior at Edcouch-Elsa High School will compete in the State 4A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas in the pole vault event. He ranks No.8 overall with a vault of 14’06”.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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UIL Track & Field Highlights Domanic again, who boast the best time of 4:11.23. “He will be tough to catch, but that’s the challenge I have ahead me,”says Martinez.

He’s only 5’5” by La Joya Palmview’s Felipe Valencia advanced to the state meet for the second year in a row after winning the shot put event with a winning toss of 62’-0” at the Class 5A Region IV Championships.

The soft spoken Valencia finished second overall in 2012 at the 5A Championship and brought home the silver medal but his mark of 57’02.75 feet was just a few inches away from winning gold.

He was defeated

by Zac Weatherly from Amarillo Tascosa with a mark of 57’-

07”. The Lobo owns the state’s best ranking with a throw of 62’0” ahead of Brownsville’s Hiram Morales with a throw of 60’06.50 feet

who is in second place overall coming into the state meet. The nearest competitor is Tristen Newman from Conroe Woodlands College Park High School with a mark of 58’07.25. The Rio Grande Valley could see two medals in this event.

Throughout the season, Sharyland’s Augustus Denham had one goal in mind. Just qualify for the state championships. He also knew that he needed a mark of 15’0 or better to get to Austin.

The

Texas Tech University signee did just that at the Class 5A Region IV Championships in San Antonio with a vault of 15’0” to win his first regional title. However, his vault ranks him sixth in state behind leader, Paulo Benavides of El Paso Franklin with 16’03” feet.

“I know I can get high but it will be a long meet and I just need to stay focused with my vaults. This is a dream come true now,” added Denham.

Two Valley female athletes could bring plenty of excitement in the discus and shot put events. Sophomore Daniella Murchinson of 3A Port Isabel and Corina Cox of 5A Los Fresnos High School both qualified in both events. Cox ranks third in the state in the discus with a throw of 151’01” and she will be chasing Killeen Shoemaker’s Cion Hicks throw of 158’-8”. Cox has hit 160’0” in previous meets. As for Port Isabel’s sophomore, she could very well win the state title in the discus event, as she ranks third coming into the Class 3A event with a throw of 127’06” as compared to the leader, Falicity Murphree of Levelland H.S. with a 131’09”. In the shot put, Murchinson is the top leader with a throw of 40’11.75 feet.

On to State! Felipe Valencia, senior at La Joya Palmview High School will compete in the State 5A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas in the shot put event. He has the best throw in state with 62’0 feet.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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Going To State!

Class 5A RGV Qualifiers Jose Martinez 1600, 3200 Runs Weslaco East H.S. Keila Rodriguez 800m run Brownsville Rivera H.S. Leigha Brown High Jump, 100 & 300m Hurdles, Shot put, Edinburg Economedes H.S. Vince Castillo 300m Hurdles Donna H.S. Roman Hernandez 300m Hurdles Harlingen Corina Cox-Discus, Shot Put Los Fresnos H.S. Hiram Morales Discus, Shot put Brownsville Pace H.S. Aikeem Simien-High Jump Los Fresnos H.S.

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Augustus Denham Pole Vault Sharyland H.S.

5A Shot put and Discus Qualifiers! Hiram Morales, senior at Brownsville Pace High School will compete in the State 5A Track and Field Championships at Austin, Texas along with Corina Cox of Los Fresnos H.S. (HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

Felipe Valencia-Shot put LJ Palmview H.S.

Class 4A RGV Qualifiers Krysta Martinez-1600m run Edcouch-Elsa H.S. Keilah Garcia-Discus Mission Veterans H.S. Jose Padilla-Pole Vault Edcouch-Elsa H.S. Class 3A RGV Qualifiers Danielle Haas-800m Run Lyford H.S. Andres Galarza-800m Run La Feria H.S. Daniela Murchison-Shot Put, Discus Port Isabel H.S.

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State Farm Lloyds, Dallas, Tx

April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 27

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National College Signings Highlights

Nikki Rowe, Ed-Elsa, Porter Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

(Edcouch, Tx.) – Edcouch-Elsa’s Meagan Cantu loves the sport of golf so much that she is going to play another four years.

Cantu signed her letter of intent to play golf at Texas A&MKingsville at the new Edcouch-Elsa High School.

“I love this game so much and am glad I will get to continue to play,” said Cantu. “I have been playing this sport since I was a child and have worked so hard to perfect my game.”

“Now I get to play at the collegiate level and I am definitely ready for it.”

Cantu was a dominant force in the girls division as she won numerous tournaments during her senior year and became a District champion in 32-4A. At the regional golf tournament, Cantu finished in tenth place and was actually in the mix for a spot at state after day one.

“I was able to beat all of the girls in my group after day one

and was actually in the running for a spot to go to state,” said Cantu. “But one of those girls actually beat me on day two and she qualified for the spot.”

“Even though regionals was the end of my high school career, I am getting ready to open a new chapter of my life and am truly excited about it.”

Two other athletes will be taking their talents to the next level as Nikki Rowe center Aaron Rendon will head to Howard Payne to play football and Adonis Cruz signed to play offensive guard at Texas A&M-Commerce.

“Both these young men were an integral part of our offensive line and will be able to make the adjustment to be playing in college,” said Rowe head coach Paul Reyes.

In Brownsville, Porter Senior Gio Bentancourt also signed a letter of intent to play collegiate basketball at Clarendon College. The Bulldogs are in the National Junior College Athletic Association for Region 5.

Going To College! Top photo is Megan Cantu from Edcouch-Elsa HS; Right photo are McAllen Nikki Rowe HS football players Adonis Cruz and Aaron Rendon; Bottom photo is Gio Bentacourt of Porter HS. All athletes were surrounded by their teachers, athletic directors, family, and friends.

(HSSMImages/John Cannon)

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What a Finish!

State 5A Golf Championships Morris Williams Golf Course, Austin-Tx

Sharyalnd’s Siblings Fall Short Of Titles

(Austin, Tx)-Sharyland High School sophomore Sabina Pena birdied Hole No.4 at the Morris Williams Golf Course in Austin, Texas to take her first lead of the tournament at the University Interscholastic League 5A Golf Championships to create a four-way tie for first. At least for the moment. Earlier, her senior brother had a great finish too. Jose Pena finished 13th

overall in the boys standings after carding six birdies in his final round on holes No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 to card 74-70.

He then hurried off to watch his sister make history. Then disaster struck. On the Par 5 No.11 hole, Sabina finished with a double-bogey which dropped her two strokes back and ended her bid for a state title with a another bogey on No.18.

State 5A Girls Golf Championship Team Results 1. Austin Lake Travis 299-299-598 2. Austin Westlake 302-303-605 3. SA Johnson 312-302-614 4. Coppell 310-310-620 5. Allen 311-309-620 6. Sharyland 315-311-626 7. Southlake Carroll 321-310-631 8. Mansfield 312-324-636 9. SA Reagan 317-321-638 10. Katy Cinco Ranch 324-315-639 11. FB Clements 321-319-640 12. Houston Clear Lake 326-327-653

Great Finish! Jose Pena from Sharyland High School had ten birdies as he would complete his round at the State 5A Boys Golf Championships 13th overall played at the Morris Williams Golf Course in Austin, Texas. His sophomore sister, Sabina placed fourth overall and at the UIL 5A Girls Golf Championships. (HSSMImages)

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April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 29

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UIL Golf Championships Highlights

Edcouch-Elsa Teams Finish in Top 10 at Region IV Golf (San Antonio, Tx)-Edcouch-Elsa High School golf teams both finished 8th overall at the Class 4A Region IV Golf Championships played at the Golf Club of Texas in San Antonio, Texas on April 17-18th. Both Yellowjacket teams also won the 32-4A titles with Megan Cantu placing 10th overall with scores of 80-83 for a 163 total at regional. She also won the 32-4A individual title. The Sharyland girls golf team advanced to the State 5A Golf Championships after their exciting second place finish, tying San Antonio Reagan High School with an overall score of 612. San Antonio Johnson won the Region IV-5A title by one stroke with a score of 611.

2013 4A Region IV Golf Tournament Boys Results Team Results 1. Alamo Heights 2. Cedar Park 3. Austin Vandergrift 4. C.C. Ray 5. Boerne Champion 6. Victoria West 7. Castroville Medina Valley 8. Edcouch-Elsa 9. Floresville 10. Gregory Portland 11. SA Edison 12. Alice 13. Mission Veterans 14. SA Highlands 15. Austin LBJ 16. Austin McCallum

294-295=589 303-305=608 308-306=614 321-325=646 333-317=650 328-329=657 338-332=670 342-332=674 351-350=701 353-354=707 373-342=715 370-352=722 368-366=734 413-389=802 411-399=810 420-401=821

Individual Results 1. Chase Brincat (Churchill) 2. Jake Goodman (Johnson) 3. C.Schriedel (O’ Connor) 4. Jose Pena (Sharyland) 5. Case Hollenback (Reagan) Nick Duggan (O’ Connor) 7. Sean Meehan (Johnson) 8. K. Ybarra (S.A. Warren) V.Almendarez (S.A, Reagan) Marshall Martin (Johnson) Mason Weld (S.A. Brandeis) Kyle Francis (S.A. Reagan)

329-336=665 340-326=666 342-350=692 353-359=712 355-362=717 372-357=729 384-372=756 381-377=758 384-375=759 403-374=777 399-392=791 450-432=882 461-455=916 460-461=921

Region IV-5A Golf Results Girls Division

Class 5A Region IV Golf Tournament Results Team Results 1. S.A. Johnson 2. S.A. Reagan 3. Helotes O’ Conner 4. SA Brandeis 5. Sharyland 6. CC King 7. New Braunsfels Canyon 8. New Braunsfels 9. Weslaco Harlingen South 11. Edinburg Vela 12. Harlingen 13. Laredo Alexander 14. Laredo United 15. Weslaco East 16. Cibolo Steele

Girls Team Results 1. Austin Vandergrift 2. Cedar Park 3. Schertz Clemens 4. Alamo Heights 5. C.C. Moody 6. SA Southside 7. Victoria East 8. Edcouch-Elsa 9. Castroville Medina Valley 10. CC Ray 11. Calallen 12. Mission 13. SA Brennan 14. SA Burbank

293-302= 595 297-306= 603 302-305= 607 308-309= 617 313-319= 632 319-316= 635 315-330= 645 320-331= 651 328-325= 653 320-333= 653 344-333= 677 343-343= 686 341-354= 695 348-351= 699 352-349= 701 355-348= 703 72-71= 143 72-73= 145 73-74= 147 73-74= 147 70-78= 148 74-74= 148 73-76= 149 76-74= 150 74-76= 150 74-76= 150 74-76= 150 75-75= 150

Team Results 1. SA Johnson 2. SA Reagan 3. Sharyland “A” 4. Smithson Valley “A” 5. Helotes O’ Connor 6. Smithson Valley “B” 7. Sharyland “B” 8. SA Marshall 9. CC Carroll 10. Bro. Vets. Mem. 11. Laredo United 12. CC King 13. Del Rio 14. Harlingen 15. Weslaco 16. PSJA

291-320= 611 304-308= 612 308-304= 612 299-318= 617 311-321= 632 333-355= 688 344-366= 710 355-371= 726 384-345= 729 366-366= 732 361-387= 748 373-391= 765 388-390= 778 401-419= 820 446-434= 880 478-488= 966

Individual Results 1. Taylor Coleman (SA Johnson) 63-73= 136 2. Isabella Johnson (CC Carroll) 70-68= 138 3. Sabina Pena (Sharyland) 69-71= 140 4. Johany Rivera (Smi Valley) 71-76= 147 5. Maggie Byers (SA Churchill) 72-76= 148 6. Kristen Glense (SA Reagan) 76-76= 152 Kelly Contreras (SA Reagan) 74-78= 152 8. Ravin Perrin (CC King) 72-81= 153 9. Megan Woods (Smith Valley) 78-76= 154 Gabby Martinez (SA Reagan) 80-74= 154 Morgan McClaugherty (Harlingen)75-79= 154 Ana Jose Era (Sharyland) 80-74= 154

LA VILLA La Villa Independent School District

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Making a difference in students and athletes every year!

Top10! Megan Cantu from Edcouch-Elsa H.S. finished 10th overall at the Class 4A Region IV Golf Championships in San Antonio, Texas. (HSSMImages) 30 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

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Ohh...So Close!

State Soccer Championships Birkelbach Stadium-Georgetown, Texas

Brownsville Hanna, Valley View Fall Short at State Soccer tournament

(Georgetown, Tx.) – The Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles were oh so close to winning their first ever State title, but fell short. Coppell High School spoiled their chances as they suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in double overtime in the Class 5A State Championship game at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.

Even though the Golden Eagles didn’t bring home a State Championship, first year head coach Reyes Prado said he was extremely proud of what his team accomplished.

“It was a tremendous year

By John Cannon, HSSM Assistant Sports Director

for us,” said Prado. “We had a great season and what the kids accomplished is amazing. I am so proud of them and their efforts.”

Three seniors were rewarded for their efforts as Juanito Garcia, Angel De La Garza and Carlos Acevedo were named to the UIL State AllTournament team.

“The guys on this team are like family to me and this ride we went on was indescribable,” said Garcia. “We built a brotherhood and I will never forget them.”

Hanna’s road to the State Championship was a tough

one as the District 32-5A Champions faced some stiff competition along the way.

In the Bi-District round, they defeated a scrappy Weslaco East team 3-1 and beat a dangerous Donna team 1-0 in the Area round.

In the third round, they had the daunting task of facing La Joya Juarez-Lincoln who was in the Regional Tournament as a member of Class 4A last year and looked to be a front runner to get there as a member of 5A. However, Hanna was able to completely dominate the contest and went on to a convincing 5-1 victory

State 5A Soccer All-Tournament! Brownsville Hanna players Carlos Acevedo, Juan Garcia, and Angel De La Garza were named to the 5A team. (HSSMImages/John Cannon)

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to advance to the Regional Tournament. Hanna defeated San Antonio MacArthur (2-1) and San Antonio Jay (2-0) in the Class 5A Regional Tournament and advanced to state for the first time since 1990.

Class 4A All-State Soccer Team Roberto Reyers - El Paso Del Valle Junior - Forward Axel Aguayo - El Paso Del Valle Senior - Midfielder Gerardo Perez - El Paso Del Valle Senior - Midfielder Charles Ojeda - Mesquite Poteet Senior - Forward Carlos Cardenas - Mesquite Poteet - Senior - Forward Jose Soto - Pharr Valley View Junior - Forward Reyes Espino - Pharr Valley View Senior - Forward *Adrian Barragan - Waco University - Junior - Goalkeeper Eli Sanchez - Waco University Senior - Forward Jon Lozano - Waco University Senior - Forward Francisco Ponce’ - Waco University - Junior - Midfielder Class 5A All-State Soccer Team Kayode George - Alief Elsik Senior - Forward Aniekan Williams - Alief Elsik Senior - Midfielder Angel De La Garza - Brownsville Hanna - Senior - Defender Carlos Acevedo - Brownsville Hanna - Senior - Forward Juan Garcia - Brownsville Hanna Senior - Midfielder *Chris Madden - Coppell Junior - Forward Austin Michaelis - Coppell Sophomore - Forward Mitchell Parnell - Coppell Senior - Forward Drake Lovelady - Coppell Senior - Midfielder Joe Decker - Humble Kingwood Senior - Defender Rory Mageean - Humble Kingwood Senior - Defender

April 30, 2013 High School Sports Magazine 31

“There’s no doubt our bracket was a rough one in the playoffs,” said Prado. “We played some very tough teams along the way and lucky for us, we came out victorious and made it to State.”

Prado said that even though his team fell short of their ultimate goal, the experience of getting to the State Championship game is one they will remember for the rest of their lives.

“We have a great team and were able to play in a State Championship game,” said Prado. “We definitely made Hanna High School proud as well as everyone in the city of Brownsville and all over the Valley proud. These kids did something very special and they need to remember that.”

Another team that got to the State Tournament was the Valley View Tigers. Like the Golden Eagles, the Tigers were a heavy favorite to win the state title. However, their dreams were shattered as they fell to El Paso Del Valle 1-0 in the Class 4A State SemiFinals.

Valley View had been dominant in the playoffs as they had outscored their opponents 39-9 along the way.

However, they just couldn’t seem to produce any offense against Del Valle.

“That’s just the game of soccer,” said Senior Reyes Espino. “You’re not always going to win.”

The Tigers had their chances to score as they punched one goal in during the first half and scored another in the second half.

However, the referee waived both of them off due to an offsides call on the two goals.

Besides the goals being waived off, the Tigers filed

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a protest as they noticed that Del Valle’s goalie was wearing a jersey without a number on it as well as the fact that Del Valle had inappropriate

jerseys on since they were the visiting team and the uniforms didn’t match, in which the rules apply to both these incidents in the rule book.

“That’s just the game of soccer...You’re not always going to win.”

Reyes Espino, Valley View HS senior player

However, nothing was done about the protest and the Tigers season was over.

“I am very disappointed with the officiating in this game because they didn’t call it correctly; nor did they even acknowledge our protest,” said Valley View Head Coach Damian Magallan. “But what’s done is done and the season came to an end.”

“But I am happy and content with the season. We had a great season and the kids gave it all they got.”

State 4A Semifinalist! Valley View from District 32-4A won the 4A Regional title and advanced to the State 4A semifinals in 2013. (HSSMImages)

32 High School Sports Magazine April 30, 2013

Congratulations...

2013 State 5A Soccer Finalist

Brownsville Hanna Eagles Season Record: 26-2-3 Team Members Include:

Eduardo Vargas Carlos Acevedo Cristian Delgadillo Damian Guerrero Juan Garcia Enrique Rodriguez Felix Becerra Deigo Acevedo Julio Gonzalez Eleazar Hinojosa Pedro Moreno Luis Troncoso Thomas Cortez Genaro Soto

Senior Goalkeeper Senior Forward Senior Midfielder Senior Forward Senior Midfielder Senior Forward Senior Midfielder Freshman Defender Junior Midfielder Sophomore Midfielder Senior Forward Senior Midfielder Sophomore Midfielder Junior Midfielder

Oscar Cordova Eduardo Cazares Adrian Moncado Daniel Olivares Rafael Gijon Angel De La Garza Adrian Delgado Andres Cervantes Eduardo Villegas

Freshman Midfielder Freshman Goalkeeper Junior Defender Senior Defender Junior Defender Senior Defender Sophomore Midfielder Junior Forward Junior Goalkeeper

Managers: Alexandro Prado and Julian Trevino Head Coach: Reyes Prado Assistant Coach: Juan Huerta

District 32-5AAAAA 2615 Price Road Rene Medrano, Athletic Coordinator 956.548.7600

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Football Stadium News & Highlights

Edinburg CISD Gets Dallas Cowboys Matrix Turf

(Edinburg, Tx.) – Whenever you drive past Edinburg C.I.S.D. CATS Stadium, you might notice something different to it this football season. It will have that Dallas Cowboys feel and play.

Hellas Sports Construction recently completed the resurfacing of the previous turf field at CATS Stadium and installed it with the newest and most reliable turf on the market known as Matrix Turf.

“It’s that same football field that the Dallas Cowboys play on. I’m real proud of it,” says Edinburg C.I.S.D. Athletic Director, Joe Filoteo Jr.

According to Hellas Sports Constructions website, Matrix Turf is a synthetic turf system that is comprised of two mono filament yarns that are manufactured in different sizes and colors.

The configuration creates the best traction and system stability possible and under stadium lights, the color combination provides exceptional light deflection. The environmentally friendly backing and high strength coating provides an unparalleled turf bind and it’s durability and playability is highly superior to other turf products avail-

able in the market.

Conrado “Ito” Alvarado, Business Development Manager for Hellas Construction, talks about how the new turf will make a difference at CATS Stadium.

“The best-in-class Matrix Turf will provide Edinburg C.I.S.D. a more consistent playing surface for their four high schools,” said Alvarado.

“Hellas handled the entire Edinburg CISD project for the sub-base and drainage to the installation of the turf.

The drainage system below the turf will help protect the turf and make the field play-

able within minutes of heavy rain. We were definitely excited to be a part of the reconstruction efforts at Edinburg CATS Stadium and the new Matrix Turf makes it one of the premiere playing surfaces in South Texas.”

Edinburg C.I.S.D. Athletic Director Joe Filoteo Jr. said that one of his first priorities when he came on was to address the turf situation at the field.

“Within my first two years here as Athletic Director, I started to get to work on the field here at CATS Stadium,” said Filoteo. “The field had deteriorated so bad and we had some issues with the drainage as well.”

“We were able to get the approval from the board and the Superintendent and now the project has been completed and I thank them for their support.”

Just Like the Dallas Cowboys! Conrado Alvarado of Hellas Construction congratulates Edinburg CISD Athletic Director Joe Filoteo Jr. on the installation of the Matrix Turf installed at Cats Stadium for the 2013 Football season.

(HSSMImages/David A. Amador)

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In South Texas, Our Name Gets Around!

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