2013sept

RGV H.S. FOOTBALL PREVIEW

www.HSSMLive.com

SPECIAL EDITION $5.00 Copies

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

ISAIAH GARZA

MERCEDES QB TRAGEDY WEARING NO.5 FOR THE LAST TIME

1.SHARYLAND 2.HARLINGEN 3.EDCOUCH-ELSA 4.PORT ISABEL 5.DONNA HS 6.EDINBURG NORTH 7.HARLINGEN SOUTH 8.WESLACO EAST 9.MCALLEN MEMORIAL 10.MCALLEN

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO BY

ALEC AMADOR/HSSMIMAGES

36

PAGES OF

SCOUTING

REPORTS...

REPORTS

“

INSIDE

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On the Cover

Anytime tragedies occur like this, it’s tough on any team. Through prayer and faith, Isaiah will get better. He talked about wearing No.5 this season, his favorite number...

-Michael Uribe, head football coach Mercedes High School

www.HSSMLive.com Founded in 1997

High School Sports Magazine 801 East Fern Suite 131 McAllen, Texas 78501 956.631.2005

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Can Sharyland Hold On to No.1? The Rattlers posted an impressive 12-1 season under first year head coach Ron Adame. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

4

7

The RANKINGS

District

by District

New McHi Bulldog Coach Ready for season.

HSSM’s TOP Ten Polls

The Predictions by Tddave.

10

30-5A District by District Preview

Members of the 2011

8

New Head Coaches

18

31-5A District by District Preview

22

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32-5A District by District Preview

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HSSM Football Photoday! On June 8th Mercedes QB Isaiah Garza and his teammates came to McAllen Memorial Veterans Stadium to have their annual photo taken. This would be his last photo in his favorite jersey No.5 he would have worn on gameday. (HSSM IMages/Alec Amador)

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CHA

30-5A

32-4A 32-3A 31-3A 16-2A DI 16-1A DI

COACHING

32-5A 31-5A

New UIL Coaches

Class 5A Changes 41 Class 4A Changes 37 Class 3A Changes 31 Class 2A Changes 40 Class 1A Changes 40 Six-Man Changes 30 New Schools 2 Total: 221

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(McAllen, Texas)-The 2013 University Interscholastic League’s Football Season opens with 221 new head football coaches who will see the sidelines with new teams across Texas High Schools. In the Rio Grande Valley, sixteen football coaches were replaced, retired, or new schools came into town.

Three Rio Grande Valley head football coaches were named at prized school campuses after the 2012 concluded. In Donna, Manny Moreno stepped down as Donna H.S. head football coach to accept the Donna ISD Athletic Director’s position. Moreno wasted no time in finding his replacement as he named longtime assistant Ramiro Leal Jr. to the top spot for the Redskins. At Weslaco East High School, head football coach Armando Cuellar called it quits after 35 years as an educator, and decided to spend more time with his family and grand children. “It’s the best choice I made in my life and I am really enjoying my time with my grand children and family. This is fun,” says Cuellar. The biggest change took place at McAllen High School with 17-year veteran head football coach Tony Harris. The Bulldogs missed the playoffs in 2012, losing their last three district games. McAllen ISD reassigned Harris and opened the job to applicants. The position drew more than 35 applicants. In the end, McAllen ISD Athletic Director, Paula Gonzalez announced that Kevin Brewer, offensive coordinator from Rowlett High School (Dallas-Fort Worth area) would be the next McAllen High School athletic coordinator and head football coach. Overall, Brewer will join three new coaches in District 31-5A. In District 32-4A, Joe Marichalar accepted his first head coaching position at Edcouch-Elsa High School after Joe Solis was relieved as head coach and placed on three-year probation by the U.I.L. for violations with the Yellowjacket football program.

In moves across Texas, Mike Jinks resigned as head football coach at Cibolo Steele to accepted a coaching position with Texas Tech University; Del Rio head football coach Steve Hoffman took over the Corsicana football program; Plano East head coach Johnny Ringo resigned as head coach and Randy Jackson came in from Mesquite Poteet to become the new football coach. In the Class 5A-San Antonio area, seven head coaches were named at San Antonio Jay, East Central, Holmes, Marshall, Roosevelt, Stevens, and Wagner. In Class 2A, Scott Ford left the 3A Hidalgo football program to accept the head football position at Elysian Fields, east of Dallas.

4 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

May-June 2012

Mike Burget Weslaco East H.S.

ANGES

www.HSSMLive.com

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 221 NEW TEXAS HS FOOTBALL COACHES ‘13

Tom Campos Porter H.S.

Ramiro Leal Jr. Donna H.S.

Kevin Brewer McAllen H.S.

Rio Grande Valley Moves District 32-5A Brownsville Lopez Jason Starkey Brownsville Porter Tom Campos

District 31-5A McAllen HS-Kevin Brewer PSJA HS-Steve Marroquin PSJA North-Steve Flores Weslaco East-Mike Burget District 30-5A Donna HS-Ramiro Leal Jr.

District 32-4A Valley View-Baldo Pena Edcouch-Elsa-Joe Marichalar District 32-3A Progreso-Tom Salazar Hidalgo-Taihi Jones District 16-2A Santa Rosa HS-Arturo Garcia District 16-1A Santa Maria-Rolando Aguirre La Villa HS-Joe Salinas Monte Alto HS-Cesar Castillo Independent Donna North HS-Tommy Sauceda HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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www.HSSMLive.com

2013 DISTRICT BY DISTRICT

//How they’ll finish District 30-5A

District 32-4A

9. Edinburg Vela HS (2,257)

District 32-3A

1. Sharyland (3,040) 2. Donna (3,175) 3. Edinburg North H.S. (2,698) 4. Economedes (2,568) 5. LJ Juarez-Lincoln (2,134) 6. Edinburg H.S. (2,455) 7. LJ Palmview H.S. (2,302) 8. La Joya H.S. (2,488)

District 31-5A

1. McAllen Memorial (2,354) 2. Weslaco East H.S. (2,140) 3. McAllen (2,274) 4. Weslaco H.S. (2,544) 5. PSJA (2,398) 6. San Benito (2,904) 7. Nikki Rowe (2,251) 8. PSJA North (2,423) 9. PSJA Memorial (2, 278)

District 32-5A

1. Harlingen (2,826) 2. Harlingen South (2,193) 3. Los Fresnos (2,825) 4. Brownsville Porter (2,219) 5. Brownsville Hanna (3,041) 6. Brownsville Rivera (2,268) 7. Brownsville Lopez (2,328) 8. Brownsville Pace (2,202) 9. Brownsville Veterans (2,495)

1. Edcouch-Elsa (1,357) 2. Mission H.S. (2,084) 3. Mission Veterans (1,902) 4. Mercedes (1,487) 5. Rio Grande City (2,003) 6. Roma H.S. (1,815) 7. PSJA Southwest (1,722) 8. Valley View H.S. (1,302)

EricGONZALEZ

Weslaco High School RB

(HSSMImages/David Amador)

District 31-3A 1. Ben Bolt (199) 2. La Villa (159) 3. Santa Maria (151) 4. Monte Alto (191)

(Denotes Student Enrollment)

1. Port Isabel (617) 2. Rio Hondo (622) 3. La Feria (958) 4. Hidalgo (984) 5. Progreso (482)

District 31-3A

1. Raymondville (609) 2. Kingsville King (981) 3. Grulla HS (968) 4. Lyford (461) 5. Zapata (911)

District 16-2A Division I 1. Aransas Pass (446) 2. Mathis (446) 3. San Diego (383) 4. Odem (311) 5. Santa Rosa (339) 6. Bishop (369) 7. Falfurrias (402)

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REPORTS PREDICTIONS REALIGNMENTS

www.HSSMLive.com

30-5A THEPREDICTIONS BY TDDAVE

1. Sharyland 2. Donna 3. Edinburg North 4. Edinburg Economedes 5. Edinburg 6. LJ Juarez-Lincoln 7. LJ Palmview H.S. 8. Edinburg Vela 9. La Joya H.S. PRESEASON OFFENSIVE MVP: OL David Anzaldua, Edinburg North H.S. 6’7, 310LBS PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP: CB Augustin Cantu, Donna H.S. 5’10”, 7 INTs (2012)

BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR (Edinburg, Tx)-In 2012, District 30-5A featured two teams quali- in a wild 52-49 finish in the quarterfinals. Both Donna and Edfying for the State 5A Division I Regional finals. The biggest third inburg Economedes lost in the first rounds. But for both teams, round surprise were the Edinburg North Cougars, who had fin- it was bittersweet. “We made the playoffs for the second time in ished 3-7 in 2011. But, for the Cougars, it was a huge turn around school history. To bounce back from 0-10 to a playoff spot? I’ll in 2012 as they won 10 games and finished third overall in District take that any day. I’m excited about 2013,” said Economedes head 30-5A behind Donna and district champion, Sharyland. The Rat- football coach, Gabe Pena. But for the Donna Redskins, Manny tlers romped themselves through their season schedule outscoring Moreno had a career decision to make once their state title bid endtheir opponents 717 points on offense and allowing just 212 points ed against Laredo Alexander 35-24. “I made the decision to step scored on defense. In the end, the Rattlers would face San Anto- down and become the new athletic director with Donna ISD. With nio Madison at Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi in the State Donna North High School opening in 2013, we have a lot of work 5A DI Regional finals, losing 40-13 and the North Cougars would to do. It’s the right move but I will always be on the sidelines,” travel to the Alamodome and their season would end too, against said Moreno. HSSM takes a look at the 2013 season in District powerhouse and the former 2010 State 5A Division II Champi- 30-5A. Will the Sharyland Rattlers win another district title? Will ons, Cibolo Steele 38-0. Steele’s bid for another state title ended the Donna Redskins win their last district title in Class 5A before in the semifinals against eventual state champion, Katy 45-33. In dropping down to Class 4A in 2014? Will Edinburg North surprise Division I, San Antonio O’Connor ended Madison’s state title run the district and win an outright title in 30-5A?

10 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Alex Garcia Donna HS

TristianSoto Donna HS

Ezequiel Cruz Donna HS

Eric Garcia Donna HS

Anthony Gonzalez Donna HS

Edward Martinez Donna HS

www.HSSMLive.com If there is one head football coach looking forward to 2013, that football coach is Edinburg Economedes, Gabe Pena. Twenty-nine lettermen return with six starters on both sides of the ball returning from a team that went 6-5 in 2012. “We need to do what we do best and that is run the ball,” says Pena. If the Jags decide to pass, WR Hugo R. Paz (6-3, 180, 4.5) will be the target most defenses would not like to defend.

Lightning Sorrell Donna HS

Ruben Cisneros Donna HS

With a new head football coach taking over the Donna High School football program in 2013, Ramiro Leal Jr knows that District 30-5A will not be an easy task to step right into. On the positive side, twenty-one lettermen return but with only four starters on offense from a team that went 9-2 overall and a State 5A DI Bi-District finals. They lost to only Sharyland to end the season in second place with an impressive 6-1 district record. Players to watch are returning running back Aldo Silva (5-10, 175, 4.6) and on defense, CB Augustin Cantu (5-7, 150, 4.6) returns with seven interceptions to lead the district.

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La Joya

Omar Garza La Joya Palmview

Pascual E Rendon LJ Juarez Lincoln

Elvid Lopez Jr La Joya

Javier Morales La Joya

Freddy Villarreal La Joya Palmview

Robert Riojas La Joya Palmview

Hector Barrera La Joya Palmview

Erik Cleto LJ Juarez Lincoln

Hector Cadena LJ Juarez Lincoln

Aldo Toscano LJ Juarez Lincoln

Omar Ozuna La Joya

www.HSSMLive.com team could probably be even better. Five starters return on offense with Lance Madden, a junior possibly replacing Tres Barrera at quarterback. The Rattlers scored 712 points against their opponents as they advanced to the State 5A Division I Regional finals against San Antonio Madison. Players to watch are OL Richard Cervantes (6-2, 275lbs), DT David Aguayo (6-0, 280lbs), ATH Sean Landez (5-9, 170lbs), along with WR Justin Harris and RB Mike Gonzalez.

At La Joya ISD, all three schools, Palmview, Juarez-Lincoln, and La Joya HighSchool missed the playoffs in 2013. But the expectations are high with the Huskies who finished the season in 2012 with an impressive 5-5 record and tied for fourth 4-4, missing the playoffs by a slim margin. Head coach Tomas Garcia believes in this Huskies team. And they will be even better on the ground rushing with Martin Diaz returning.

As for the Palmview Lobos and Coyotes?

George Espinoza, La Joya head coach does not enjoy losing. His Coyotes went 2-8 in 2013 and finished District 30-5A with a 1-7 record. Palmview returns twenty-six lettermen from last season’s 3-5 district record and head coach Manuel Flores remains positive that his team will make the playoffs. The Lobos will be much improved in 2013.

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If there is one team that could give the Sharyland Rattlers fits, next to Donna, that team will be the Edinburg North Cougars and head football coach Roy Garza.

Michael Gonzalez Sharyland

Rodolfo Tornero Sharyland

The Cougars advanced to the State 5A Division II Regional finals against Cibolo Steele in 2012. The road to San Antonio was exciting and humbling for Garza.

It’s Better at

Sergio Talavera Sharyland

Monte Clair Sharyland

www.HSSMLive.com Guerrero, RB Adrian Alvarez, and HB Matt Whitesides all the protection they will need to plow the field on Friday nights. “David is getting lots of DI attention. The best thing about David is that he is humble and a great student,” adds Garza.

Keith Mora Sharyland

“They were good. Real good,” laughs Garza.

The Knights blanked the Cougars at the Alamodome 38-0. In 2013, this Cougar team could be better than last year’s

David Aguayo Sharyland

team with seven starters back on both sides of the ball. On offense, many fans will notice offensive tackle David Anzaldua (6’7, 320lbs) and he will give QB Alex

That leaves the pride of Edinburg, the Bobcats, wondering how they will fit in District 305A. Head football coach Joey Caceres continues to build a program after the split with new school, Robert Vela High School in 2012.

At Edinburg Vela, head coach Michael Salinas will be doing the same after an 0-10 season in Class 5A.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Michael Harrison Edinburg High

Genaro Cavazos Robert Vela High

Kristov Martinez Edinburg High

Erik Guajardo Robert Vela High

Sammy Jimenez Edinburg High

Steven Guerrero Edinburg High

Adam Garza Robert Vela High

Gerrad Gracia Robert Vela High

Steven De Luna Robert Vela High

Haldo Trevino Edinburg High

Daniel Guerra Edinburg Economedes

Marco Montano Edinburg Economedes

Ramsey Ramirez Edinburg Economedes

Justin Flores Edinburg Economedes

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Adrian Alvarez Edinburg North

Matthew Whitesides Edinburg North

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Alexander Guerrero Edinburg North

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16 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

ECISD

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The Legacy of Excellence Continues

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Good Luck to Our Teams in 2013!

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Edinburg High School

Robert Vela H.S.

Edinburg Economedes H.S.

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REPORTS PREDICTIONS REALIGNMENTS

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31-5A THEPREDICTIONS BY TDDAVE

1. McAllen Memorial 2. Weslaco East H.S. PRESEASON OFFENSIVE MVP: 3. Weslaco H.S. 4. McAllen 5. PSJA RB Trevor Speights-McAllen Memorial H.S. 5’10, 185LBS 6. Nikki Rowe 7. PSJA PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP: DE John Adame 6’0, 230 LBS, Weslaco East H.S. 8.PSJA Memorial H.S. 9. PSJA North

(Pharr, Tx)-The Weslaco East Wildcats surprised District 31-5A by winning their first ever district title and they also made history as the only Rio Grande Valley team to win back-to-back district titles in two classifications in back-to-back seasons. The Wildcats won the District 32-4A title in 2011. For East H.S. head football coach, Armando Cuellar, it was time to call it quits. He felt he had done his job and his Football Friday Nights was now, over. That move seemed to cause havoc in District 31-5A with three more head coaches moving on. At PSJA North, Bruce Bush retired.

PSJA ended Rich Lucero’s bid as Bears head coach after a 1-9 season. And the biggest move came with the McAllen Bulldogs as they replaced Tony Harris with Kevin Brewer (Rowlett H.S. offensive coordinator).

Did the moves make a difference in 2013? Weslaco East new head football coach Michael Burget won his first game as a head coach against Eagle Pass in Week O and his win was followed by first year head coaches Brewer and PSJA High School’s Steve

18 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Marroquin. PSJA North’s Steve Flores watched his team lose against Donna in their season opener.

In the 2012 State 5A playoffs, all three teams, McAllen Memorial, Weslaco East, and McAllen Nikki Rowe lost in the first round of the state playoffs. The Weslaco Panthers advanced to the Area Playoffs after defeating Los Fresnos 28-24 to win their third straight 5A Bi-District title. “I really don’t know how we won that game against Los Fresnos,” says Weslaco H.S. head football coach Tony Villarreal. The Panthers would travel to Kingsville the next Friday to take on Laredo Alexander in the State 5A Division I Area finals at Javelina Stadium. “They were huge and talented. We did the best that we could. We were just outmanned,” said Villarreal in their loss to Alexander 57-21.

So what can fans expect from District 31-5A? McAllen Memorial Mustangs should be considered the kings of football with three straight playoff appearances, which includes two-regional finals, one district title, and a Class 5A Division I Bi-District fi-

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www.HSSMLive.com nals. The Mustangs have made playoff appearances in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Expect the Mustangs to challenge for a district title in 31-5A. The darkhorse? Last year, the Weslaco East Wildcats was the darkhorse, predicted by HSSM. And they proved it too by winning the District 31-5A title. So who’s this year’s darkhorse?

PSJA. Pressure? Nope. Head football coach Steve Marroquin takes over a 1-9 team and he understands pressure. He was the offensive coordiantor at PSJA Memorial and helped Gus Cavazos lead his team to the state playoffs several times.

As for PSJA Memorial and Cavazos? “We are rebuilding this season and we hope that our team stays together and works harder,” says Cavazos.

Playoff dreams in 2013? PSJA, San Benito, McAllen Nikki Rowe, PSJA North, and PSJA Memorial.

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32-5A THEPREDICTIONS BY TDDAVE

1. Harlingen 2. Harlingen South 3. Los Fresnos 4. Porter 5. Rivera 6. Lopez 7. Hanna 8. Pace PRESEASON OFFENSIVE MVP: RB Jaedone Taylor, 5’10, 195lbs Harlingen South PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP: LB Gilbert Bermea, 5’10 185lbs Harlingen H.S.

BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

(Harlingen, Tx)-Three 32-5A teams won bi-district titles in 2012. Harlingen, Harlingen South, and Brownsville Veterans Memorial all had great playoff runs with first round wins in 2012. Los Fresnos watched their season end to Weslaco 24-28 in a heart breaker. What can fans expect in 2013? Almost the same playoff teams, with the exception of Brownsville Veterans. Put the Porter Cowboys in that slot. Porter? “The players have predicted this playoff spot,” says first-year head football coach Tom Campos of Brownsville Porter.

The last time the Cowboys made the playoffs was back in 2008 as a Class 4A team. A bold prediction by the Cowboys. “We are a different team in 2013 and our players really want to work hard to make this playoff prediction happen,” adds Campos.

The Harlingen Cardinals have won five straight district titles and have advanced to three Class 5A Division I Regional finals, including one State 5A Division I Quarterfinal appearance back in 2011. This season will not be any different as the Cards will be tested early on against 26-5A San Antonio Johnson from District 26-5A. In their season opener, the Jags defeated the Cardinals in San Antonio in Week O but that does not hinder head football coach Manny Gomez. “We like challenges early on. We want to find out where our football program is at early in the season,” adds Gomez. The Cardinals have made the state playoffs 36 times since 1929 and the Cardinal football program ranks 6th overall in Texas High School Football with school playoff appearances. The Cards also rank eighth overall with 614 wins in

22 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Texas. In Brownsville, Hanna leads with 15 playoff appearances since 1922 and Los Fresnos has made the state playoffs 26 times since 1940. So what can fans expect in 2013 from District 32-5A? “We expect to make the playoffs in 2013. It’s our goal,” says Los Fresnos head football coach Clint Finley.

Teams to watch in 2013 will be the Harlingen South Hawks and Brownsville Lopez. The Hawks return from a 2012 District 32-5A title share with Harlingen under second-year head coach Lanny Wilson. The Hawks defeated McAllen Nikki Rowe 41-21 in the Class 5A Division II Bi-District Championships and then lost to Edinburg North 14-3 in the area finals last season. At Brownsville, more shuffling took place with Brownsville Lopez promoting Jason Starkey, former NFL football player who played for the Arizona Cardinals. At Porter, Campos takes over. Both coaches are young and eagered to find wins in 2013. Lopez opened the season with a win over La Joya H.S. while Porter ran into problems with Edinburg Economedes in Week O. Darkhorse? The Brownsville Rivera Raiders could raid the District 32-5A standings with second-year head football coach Tom Chavez. The longtime head football coach first started his career at Rivera where he led his Raiders to the state playoffs eight times from 1991-2003 before moving on to other coaching opportunties.

Other teams looking to improve will be the Brownsville Veteran Memorial Chargers, Hanna, and Pace. One question remains. Can the Brownsville Porter Cowboys make the state playoffs in 2013? It’s a Porter Nation prediction.

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Jesus Rivera Bro Porter

Marcus Morales Brownsville Porter

Louis Izaguirre Brownsville Porter

Rolando Soto Brownsville Porter

Alex Cisneros Brownsville Pace

Jose Arturo Vilano Brownsville Pace

Christian Resendez Brownsville Pace

Rene Aguilar Brownsville Lopez

Jonathon Quezada Brownsville Lopez

Horacio Salinas Brownsville Lopez

Alex Paz Brownsville Lopez

Aaron Salazar Brownsville Hanna

Travis Grienier Brownsville Hanna

Felipe Ledezma Brownsville Hanna

Jacquil Evans Brownsville Rivera

Christopher Godoy Brownsville Rivera

Manuel Martinez Brownsville Rivera

Chris Montes Brownsville Rivera

Benito Hinojosa Brownsville Rivera

Jose Morva Brownsville Rivera

Kevin Gonzalez Brownsville Rivera

Carlos Del-Angel Harlingen South

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Antonio Champion Brownsville Veterans

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Frankie Almanza Los Fresnos

Dalton House Los Fresnos

Michael Mendez Los Fresnos

Jimmy Cantu Bro Veterans

Jose Ruiz Bro Veterans

Javier Cruz Los Fresnos

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32-4A THEPREDICTIONS BY TDDAVE

1. Edcouch-Elsa 2. Mission 3. Mission Veterans 4. Mercedes 5. Rio Grande City 6. Roma 7. PSJA Southwest 8. Valley View PRESEASON OFFENSIVE MVP: QB Noe Gonzalez-Edcouch-Elsa H.S. PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP: DE Robert Trevino, 6’2, 220LBS-Edcouch-Elsa H.S.

BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

(Mercedes, Tx)-Tragic. The Mercedes Tigers will begin its quest of winning another district title without senior quarterback Isaiah Garza, who was injured in a horrific car accident. He will be out for the rest of the season and for head football coach Michael Uribe, this was not in his plan for 2013. “It’s devastating and this hurts,” says Uribe. “Isaiah was planning on having his best senior year ever,” adds Uribe. On opening day in Week O, the Tigers were shutout by state-ranked Calallen but Uribe also pointed out that “we have to stay together and keep things moving.”

At Edcouch-Elsa, the Yellowjackets defeated the Port Lavaca-Calhoun Sandcrabs in the second round of the state playoffs. In the third round, they lost to San Antonio Brennan 42-0. Now, the Yellowjackets have a new head coach and he is former Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjacket player, Joe Marichalar. “This is unreal and it still has not sunk in. I’m actually coaching the team I played for in high school,” says Marichalar. In their opening game against Weslaco, Marichalar thanked his players for giving him his first career win as a head coach. “To get this win over Weslaco was awesome. They are a good football program,” added Marichalar. Last year, District 32-4A had three teams

share the title. Edcouch-Elsa, Mercedes, and Mission. Can all three teams repeat? Which team will win the outright title? Will there be cochampions? Darkhorse? Head football coach Carlos Longoria of Rio Grande City would like to think so. Longoria had previously applied for the Hidalgo vacancy but pulled his name out of the hat this past summer. Will the Rattlers be much improved from a disasterous 1-9 year? The Rattlers have made the playoffs only nine times since 1982.

With Mission moving down to the 4A classification, the Eagles could reclaim the title again too. The Eagles won the 32-4A title in 2009 with head coach Mario Pena taking over the program and again in 2012.

The Mission Eagles have had a rich playoff tradition since 1936 with 22 appearances. “We will be more experienced in 2013 and I’m looking forward to it,” says Pena.

Many fans are talking about the Roma Gladiators making the playoffs in 2013. Head football coach Max Habecker would love to see this happen too, especially after ending the season tied sixth overall in district at 2-5. On the bright side, the Gladiators return RB Orlando Solis (2,055 yards rushing in 2012). On the downside, The Gladiators opened it season with a loss to Laredo Martin 34-7.

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Isaac Martinez Edcouch Elsa

Eric Ortega Edcouch Elsa

Rigoberto Trejo Edcouch Elsa

Noe Gonzalez Edcouch Elsa

Israel Loredo Edcouch Elsa

David Martinez Edcouch Elsa

Chris Cantu Mercedes

Isaiah Garza Mercedes

Gilbert Vela Mercedes

Brandon Ayala Mercedes

Eric De La Cerda Mercedes

Rick Hinojosa Mercedes

Eddie Garza PSJA Southwest

Carlos Portales PSJA Southwest

Jorge Cantu PSJA Southwest

Carlos Marquez PSJA Southwest

Emmanuel Garza PSJA Southwest

Luis Gutierrez PSJA Southwest

Edelmiro Garcia Mission

Michael Ruiz Mission

Robert Veliz Mission

Steven Cavazos Mission

Adonis Juarez Mission

Santos Villarreal Mission Veterans

Brandon GuevaraMission

Jorge Cavazos Mission Veterans

26 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Steven O’Cana Mission Veterans

Hector Garza Mission Veterans

Andrew Ochoa Mission Veterans

2013

Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets Advertisement paid by Edcouch-Elsa ISD.

State Playoffs Since 2000: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012

2012 State 4A Division II Regional Finalists Isaac Martinez Isaac Martinez

Eric Ortega

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Rigo Trejo

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32-4AAAA Varsity Schedule August 30 Weslaco** Sept 6 PSJA North** Sept 20 @Laredo Alexander** Sept 27 @Roma* Oct 4 Mission* Oct 10 @Mission Veterans * Oct 18 PSJA Southwest* Oct 25 @Mercedes* Nov 1 Valley View* Nov 7 @Rio Grande City*

Edcouch-Elsa ISD Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera Head Football Coach Joe Marichalar Edcouch-Elsa Athletic Director Christian Navarro

P.O. Box 127 Edcouch, Texas 956-262-6000

David Martinez

District 32-4A

Aug 30 Sept 7 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 4

Edinburg North (A) Brownsville Veterans (A) Laredo United South PSJA Southwest (A) Roma*

Game Day Schedules

Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1 Nov 7

Mercedes* Mission*(A) Valley View* Mission Vets* (A) Edcouch-Elsa*

We Support Our Teams!

District 31-3A

Aug 30 Sept 7 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 4

La Villa (A) La Feria PSJA SW (A) Rio Hondo Port Isabel

(A)

Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Nov 1 Nov 8

Hidalgo Raymondville* (A) Lyford* Zapata* (A) Kingsville*

Defending District 32-4A Tri-Champions!

2013

Mercedes TIGERS

State Playoffs Since 2000: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Varsity Schedule

August 30 @Calallen Sept 6 @Hidalgo Sept 13 La Feria Sept 26 @Mission Veterans* Mercedes High School Principal Oct 4 PSJA Southwest* Patricia Masso Oct 11 @Rio Grande City * Mercedes ISD Superintendent Dr. Daniel Trevino Jr. Oct 18 @Valley View* Head Football Coach Mercedes Athletic Director Oct 25 Edcouch-Elsa* Michael Uribe Nov 1 @Roma* 1200 South Florida Nov 8 Mission* Mercedes, Texas *Denotes District Games

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31-3A THEPREDICTIONS BY TDDAVE

1. Raymondville H.S. 2. Kingsville King 3. Grulla H.S. 4. Lyford 5. Zapata PRESEASON OFFENSIVE MVP: TB Jesse Valladares, Raymondville H.S. PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP: DE Justin Wickham, Kingsville King H.S.

BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

(La Grulla, Tx)-The Grulla Gators would have made the playoffs in 2012 had there been a four team-playoff system. Grulla Gator head footbal coach Abel Gonzalez likes the system. “It was about time too. Every team likes making the playoffs,” says Gonzalez. The Gators made their debut as a 3A football team in 2010 and the following season the Gators turned heads and won seven games, including a 3-2 finish in District 32-3A. Now, with the new realignments, the Gator program moved to District 31-3A and head coach Gonzalez was puzzled with the new realignments. But that was last year. “We just need to focus and play football every Friday night,” says the Gator head coach.

Playoff teams to look for in 2013? Raymondville proves to be the better team in District 31-3A. As a matter of fact, the Bearkats are picked to win it all in 2013 under head football coach Joe Gonzales. The Bearkats are loaded with plenty of talent too.

30 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In the state playoffs, the Bearkats have made the it to the show 17 times since 1938. But, if the Bearkats expect to win the 313A title, they will have to beat Kingsville King. The Brahamas return eight starters back on offense and seven on defense. Head coach Robert Wilcox believes that his Brahamas can compete for another title. This leaves two playoff slots open in 2013.

Lyford and Grulla. Both teams could make a run at a district title too. The Gators will be led by quarterback Rey Penablanca and bigman, offensive linemen Aaron Barrera (6’1 260lbs).

At Lyford, Jaime Infante made the trip to High School Sports Magazine’s annual photoday at McAllen Memorial Veterans Stadium this past summer and he was able to catch a glimpse of some opponents. “It will be a tough district again in 2013,” says Infante. The Bulldogs have been to the state playoffs 18 times since 1940 and most recently in 2012. The Bulldogs lost to Port Isabel 40-20 in the 3A D II Bi-District playoffs.

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PRESEASON OFFENSIVE MVP: TE/DT Matthew Dillard, 6’6 225lbs-Hidalgo H.S. PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP: DE Jacques Guillot, 6’1 235lbs-Port Isabel H.S.

32-3A THEPREDICTIONS BY TDDAVE

1. Port Isabel 2. Rio Hondo 3. La Feria 4. Hidalgo 5. Progreso

BY DAVID “TDDAVE” AMADOR HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

(Port Isabel, Tx)-The Port Isabel Tarpons have made the state playoffs 34 times since 1952 and rank No.5 overall in Texas with most playoff appearances to go along with one State 3A semifinal appearance in 2002 plus two regional appearances in 2002 and 2004. Add a 2012 State 3A Division II Quarterfinal too. After the 2011 season, head coach Monty Stumbaugh applied for the Sharyland job but that thought ended when his contract was renewed at PI. With his new contract, he led the Tarpons to the quarterfinals in 2012. Now, the Rio Grande Valley is whispering a possible state title in 2013? And it just makes sense too. With seven starters back on offense and six on defense, including all-stater DE Jacques Guillot (6’2 245lbs) to lead his defense, this Tarpon team has all the tools to make a serious state title run. But one question does remain. How did District 32-3A share the title with three teams in 2012? In the playoffs, PI defeated Lyford (40-20), Sinton (53-26), and Navarro (35-28), before losing to Bellville 22-0 in the quarterfinals. Two new head football coaches make their debuts

32 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

in District 32-3A. At Progreso, Tom Salazar begins his quest for a playoff spot in 2013, now that four teams will qualify in for the state playoffs in Class 3A. “We just need one win gets you in,” says the new Progreso Red Ant coach. The Red Ants last made the playoffs in 1990. The pressure is on at Hidalgo Early College High School with new athletic director Taihi Jones. He will lead the Pirates in 2013 and the expectations are high too. However, the Pirates expectations were high had their standout quarterback Shea Patterson had not left to another school. Now, it’s back to the starting blocks to find a quarterback to lead the Pirates in 2013. In Week O, the Pirates were blanked by Raymondville 50-0 in nondistrict action. On a positive note, the Pirates still have four more non-district games to find what they are looking for before they meet Rio Hondo on October 18th. Jones was hired late in 2013 and barely had enough time to find a coaching staff. No off-season program. Questions and doubts surrounds Jones in his first bid as a head football coach in Class 3A.

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Jacques Guillot Port Isabel

Isaiah Martinez Port Isabel

Louis Bennett Port Isabel

Juan Aguilera Port Isabel

Esteban Ontiveros Progreso

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Dominic Resendez Progreso

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31-5A 31-5A 31-5A 31-5A

3-TIME DEFENDING CLASS 5A BI-DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!

TONY VILLARREAL Head Football Coach

Andrew Aldape, RB

Andrew Cavazos, RB

Eric Gonzalez, RB

Vicktor Cardoza, LB

Jacob Martin, RB

Zach Martin, RB

Robert Lopez, QB

Sonny Oliveira, SM

Michael Torres, LB

Robert Tristan, OL

Jesus Torres, OL

Roy Pedraza, DL

Peter Noriega, DB

Jesse Coronado, OL

Ricardo Garcia, RB

Carlo Serna, OL

Matthew Lopez, DB

STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES 1933, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 52, 53, 54, 55, 69, 70, 87, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 97, 98, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012

Joe Juarez, OL

Conrad Cabrera, OL

Rene Perez, DL

August 30 @Eagle Pass Sept 6 Calallen Sept 13 PSJA North* Sept 27 @McAllen* Oct 4 PSJA* Oct 11 @San Benito * Oct 18 Weslaco* Oct 25 @McAllen Memorial* Nov 1 PSJA Memorial* Nov 8 @Nikki Rowe*

August 30 @Edcouch-Elsa Sept 6 @Donna Sept 14 @McAllen Memorial* Sept 20 PSJA Memorial* Sept 27 @Nikki Rowe* Oct 4 PSJA North * Oct 11 Weslaco East* Oct 18 McAllen* Nov 1 @PSJA* Nov 8 San Benito* Parent’s Night

Darren Rivas, QB

Ciro Rojas, FS

Ricardo Almaraz, DB

Raymundo Flores, DE

Jonathon Banda, RG

Josue Espinoza, OL

Weslaco East H.S.

Weslaco H.S.

Jose Garcia, CB

Joe Margo, OL

Jesus Anaya, DL

Magarito Amaya, OL

Randy De Los Santos, LB

Anthony Esparza, TE

Defending District 31-5A Champions!

State Playoffs Tradition...

‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11, & 2012

Derrick Castillo, SE

31-5A Varsity Schedule

Band Parent’s Night

Brooks Guzman, WR

Robert Noriega, DL

Superintendent of Schools-Dr. Ruben Alejandro Director of Athletics-Oscar Riojas Principal-Yvette Morales Eddie Serna, Athletic Coordinator

Jr. High Night

Homecoming Night

District 31-5A

Ramiro Medoza, LB

Juan Anguiano, OLB

Angel Flores, RB

J.R. Villarreal, WR

*DISTRICT GAMES

Alejandro Flores, RB

Jesus Espinoza, OLB

Ramiro San Miguel, RT

Bryan Sanchez, LB

Chase Lopez, WR

Daniel Meave, DT

Armando Martinez, RG

Jesus Martinez, LT

Sergio Moralez Jr, RT

Ryan Navarro, RB

Hector Decanini, OL

Mike Burget Head Football Coach

German Lopez, DT

Superintendent of Schools-Dr. Ruben Alejandro Director of Athletics-Oscar Riojas Principal-Susan Peterson

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