2017 High School Sports Magazine Football Preview

RGV Since 1994

FOOTBALL

High School Sports Magazine

30-6A ROWE’S LEADING RUNNING BACK RAUDEL GARCIA

Tddave Makes Bold Predictions TWO-A-DAYS KICKOFF...

HSSM’S TOP 10 1. SAN BENITO 2. WESLACO EAST 3. NIKKI ROWE 4. RIO GRANDE CITY 5. HARLINGEN 6. LOS FRESNOS 7. MERCEDES 8. EDINBURG VELA 9. MCALLEN MEMORIAL 10. MISSION VETERANS

FOOTBALL SCHEDULES TEAM BY TEAM POLLS COACHES PICKS AUGUST 2017 Edition

SCHED

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

2017

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

DISTRICT 31-5A

DISTRICT 31-5A

Mission Veterans Patriots Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Harlingen Mission Laredo Martin Roma Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland Pioneer Laredo Nixon Rio Grande City Sharyland Valley View

Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Aug 31 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 21 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 10

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Aug 31 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 13 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Weslaco East Edinburg North Valley View Laredo Martin Roma Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland Pioneer Laredo Nixon Mission Veterans Rio Grande City

La Joya Zapata Valley View HS Laredo Martin Roma Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland Pioneer Laredo Nixon Mission Veterans Sharyland

CC Veterans Mem Donna North Mission Veterans Rio Grande City Sharyland Valley View Roma Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland PIoneer Laredo Nixon

Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks

Laredo Nixon Mustangs

Sept 1 Sept 9 Sept 15 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 2 Nove 11

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 2 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 3

McAllen Memorial Brownsville Pace Laredo Cigarroa Laredo Nixon Mission Veterans Rio Grande City Sharyland Valley View Laredo Martin Roma

Valley View HS Tigers Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Octo 5 Octo 13 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 2 Nove 10

Donna Hidalgo Rio Grande City Sharyland Laredo Martin Roma Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland Pioneer Laredo Nixon Mission Veterans

RGC Grulla Gators

St. Joe Academy Raymondville PSJA Southwest Lyford Rio Hondo McAllen Nikki Rowe Zapata Kingsville Hidalgo La Feria

PAGE 2

Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home

Zapata Eagle Pass Sharyland Pioneer Laredo Nixon Mission Veterans Rio Grande City Sharyland Valley View Laredo Martin Roma

Aug 31 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Rio Grande City Roma Donna PSJA North Mission McAllen McAllen Memorial LJ Juarez-Lincoln McAllen Nikki Rowe LJ Palmview

McAllen Memorial Mustangs Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 21 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Nove 2 Nove 10

Home Away Away Home HomeAway Home Away Home Away

Aug 31 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 13 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

La Joya Palmview Lobos Roma Economedes Edinburg Brownsville Pace McAllen Memorial LJ Juarez-Lincoln McAllen Nikki Rowe Mission McAllen La Joya

Sharyland Pioneer Weslaco East San Benito Los Fresnos LJ Palmview Mission McAllen La Joya LJ Juarez-Lincoln McAllen Nikki Rowe

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies

McAllen Bulldogs

Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Aug 31 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 12 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 2

Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

Aug 31 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 28 Octo 5 Octo 12 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Nove 3 Nove 10

Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 2 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 26 Nove 3 Nove 10

PSJA Memorial Rio Hondo Donna North Edcouch-Elsa McAllen Nikki Rowe LJ Palmview Mission McAllen La Joya McAllen Memorial

Roma HS Gladiators LJ Palmview La Joya Laredo Nixon Mission Veterans Rio Grande City Sharyland Valley View Laredo Martin Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland Pioneer

Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Home

McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Laredo Cigarroa Toros

DISTRICT 16-4A DI

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 20 Octo 26 Nove 3 Nove 10

CC Tuloso-Midway Laredo Alexander Roma Laredo Cigarroa Sharyland Pioneer Mission Veterans Rio Grande City Sharyland Valley VIew Laredo Martin

DISTRICT 30-6A

La Joya HS Coyotes

Laredo Martin Tigers

Sharyland HS Rattlers Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

DISTRICT 30-6A

Rio Grande City Rattlers

Edinburg Mercedes Brownsville Porter LJ Juarez-Lincoln Grulla HS LJ Palmview Mission McAllen La Joya McAllen Memorial Harlingen South PSJA Memorial Los Fresnos Victoria East La Joya McAllen Memorial LJ Juarez-Lincoln McAllen Nikki Rowe LJ Palmview Mission

Away Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Mission HS Eagles PSJA North Mission Veterans Brownsville Hanna Eagle Pass Winn La Joya McAllen Memorial LJ Juarez-LIncoln McAllen Nikki Rowe LJ Palmview McAllen

Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

Hidalgo HS Pirates Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Santa Rosa Valley View Port Isabel Rio Hondo Rockport-Fulton St. Joe Academy Kingsville La Feria Grulla Zapata

Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away

La Feria HS Lions Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Raymondville Falfurrias CC Veterans Mem Port Isabel Santa Rosa Zapata Kingsville Christian Life Aca Hidalgo Grulla

Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Law Office of

Fa

DULES

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

FOOTBALL

4A, 5A, 6A

DISTRICT 31-6A

DISTRICT 31-6A

Edinburg HS Bobcats

Aug 31 Sept 7 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 12 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 9

McAllen Nikki Rowe Brownsville Lopez LJ Palmview Economedes Edinburg Vela PSJA Memorial PSJA Edinburg North PSJA Southwest PSJA North

Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away

Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 12 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 2 Nove 9

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 22 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 12 Octo 20 Octo 26 Nove 2 Nove 9

Edinburg North Cougars Sept 2 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 28 Octo 5 Octo 12 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 9

Brownsville Veterans Sharyland Harlingen South Edinburg Vela PSJA Southwest PSJA North Economedes Edinburg PSJA Memorial PSJA

Donna North Harlingen South Brownsville Rivera PSJA Southwest PSJA North Economedes Edinburg PSJA Memorial Edinburg Vela Edinburg North

Mission HS Donna HS La Joya HS PSJA Memorial PSJA Edinburg North PSJA Southwest Edinburg Vela Economedes Edinburg HS

Edinburg Economedes Jaguars

PSJA Memorial Wolverines

Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Aug 31 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 28 Octo 5 Octo 12 Octo 19 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 2 Sept 8 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 26 Nove 3 Nove 10

Edinburg Vela Sabercats Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 19 Octo 26 Nove 2 Nove 10

Victoria East Edcouch-Elsa Brownsville Veterans Edinburg North Edinburg PSJA Southwest PSJA Memorial PSJA North PSJA Economedes

LJ Juarez-Lincoln McAllen Brownsville Lopez PSJA North Economedes Edinburg Edinburg Vela PSJA Edinburg North PSJA Southwest

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

Sept 1 Sept 15 Sept 21 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 4 Nove 10

Home Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Away Home

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 16 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 28 Nove 3 Nove 10

Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away

Aug 31 Sept 9 Sept 14 Sept 28 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 4 Nove 10

Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home

Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

abian Guerrero 511 West University Drive Edinburg, Texas 78539 312-609-2040

Good Luck To All Teams...

Weslaco East Wildcats

Edcouch-Elsa McAllen McAllen Memorial San Benito Harlingen South Weslaco East Brownsville Hanna Harlingen Brownsville Rivera Weslaco HS

Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

Sept 2 Sept 9 Sept 15 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away

Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home

Sept 1 Sept 7 Sept 14 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Brownsville Hanna Eagles

San Benito Greyhounds

Port Isabel Tarpons

Brownsville Lopez Hidalgo La Feria St Joe Academy Rio Hondo Orange Grove Progreso Raymondville CC West Oso

Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home

Raymondville Bearcats

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

George Ranch HS SA Marshall HS Mercedes Weslaco East HS Brownsville Hanna Harlingen HS Brownsville Rivera Harlingen South San Benito Los Fresnos

Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home

Mission Veterans HS Laredo United South SA Reagan Harlingen South HS Brownsville Rivera Weslaco HS Weslaco East Los Fresnos Brownsville Hanna San Benito

Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

Harlingen South Hawks

DISTRICT 16-4A DII

Sept 1 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Away

Harlingen Cardinals

Brownsville Porter Brownsville Veterans PSJA HS Brownsville Hanna Harlingen San Benito Weslaco Weslaco East Los Fresnos Harlingen South Laredo United HS SA East Central McAllen Memorial HS Los Fresnos HS Weslaco East Brownsville Rivera Harlingen South Brownsville Hanna Weslaco Harlingen HS

Sharyland McAllen Memorial Economedes Weslaco San Benito Los Fresnos Harlingen Brownsville Rivera Harlingen South Brownsville Hanna

Weslaco Panthers

Economedes Brownsville Porter Mission HS Brownsville Rivera Weslaco Harlingen South Los Fresnos San Benito Harlingen Weslaco East

Brownsville Rivera Raiders

PSJA Southwest Javelinas Brownsville Pace Corpus Christi Vets Grulla HS PSJA Edinburg North Edinburg Vela PSJA North Economedes Edinburg PSJA Memorial

DISTRICT 32-6A

Los Fresnos Falcons

PSJA North Raiders

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 29 Octo 5 Octo 12 Octo 20 Octo 26 Nove 2 Nove 10

Brownsville Hanna LJ Palmview Weslaco East Edinburg PSJA Memorial PSJA Edinburg North PSJA Southwest PSJA North Edinburg Vela

DISTRICT 32-6A

PSJA Bears

La Feria Grulla Lyford St. Joe Academy Kingsville CC West Oso Progreso Rio Hondo Port Isabel Orange Grove

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away

McAllen HS PSJA HS Edinburg North HS Harlingen HS Los Fresnos Brownsville Hanna San Benito Weslaco HS Weslaco East Brownsville Rivera

Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

Rio Hondo Bobcats Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 13 Octo 20 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Sinton LJ Juarez-Lincoln St. Joe Academy Hidalgo Grulla Port Isabel CC West Oso Raymondville Orange Grove Progreso

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

Progreso Red Ants Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Octo 6 Octo 13 Octo 27 Nove 3 Nove 10

Santa Rosa Valley View Port Isabel Rio Hondo Rockport-Fulton St. Joe Academy Kingsville La Feria Grulla Zapata

Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away

PAGE 3

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

It’s Been a Great Run...

Since 1994, I have had the opportunity to watch football players and athletes excel to their fullest potentials. I have written thousands of stories and have taken thousands of photos. Throughout this process, I have never experienced what it really feels like to be a fan in the stands. I have decided to become that fan for my family, and most importantly, my son.

After much thought, I have decided to retire as a sportswriter and publisher from the field of sports. This will be my last season. This will be my final issue of HSSM’s Football Preview.

As I put my business up for sale, for future growth for another publishing company or entrepreneur, I am proud of my accomplishments in the media industry.

Looking back, I have had the pleasure of watching football players like Mission High School’s Koy Detmer grow from a teenage quarterback to a top-rated quarterback at Colorado. From there, he was drafted by the NFL Philadelphia Eagles. Today, he is now a head football coach at Mission High School. It seems, that no matter where we go, we somehow end up back in the Rio Grande Valley.

A place many call home.

Throughout the years, it was difficult trying to be a fan for my sons who also played sports. They would watch their “Dad” get criticized for the stories I would publish. In today’s society of social media, many take to heart and write their feelings about what they think without realizing how they may offend the families of media members. The First Amendment calls it “Freedom of the Press” while those who express their feelings, call it “Freedom of Speech.”

As I step away and become the true fan I want to be for my son, I will always cherish the moments of those who made an impact in my life. I thank-you for being part of my life.

In turn, I will miss the University Interscholastic League and what they stand for as the governing body of high school sports in Texas.

I will also miss the great people I have had the opportunity to shake hands with in my career. And moreso, I will miss covering the games as a sportswriter.

By the grace of God, this will be my last season, I will retire in May 2018. But for now, its time to start becoming a true fan for my son.

It’s been a great run. I never thought about retiring..Maybe...

Email story ideas to: hssmonline@Yahoo.com

Parents, Want to see your Athlete Play College Sports?

Rio Grande Valley, we will be coming to your school with seminars!

Create Your Profile. Pick Your Sport. We Can Help You Get Recruited to play College Sports.

www.NCSASports.org PAGE 4

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

TABLE OF

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

18 Bobcats Back

25 Hawks Flying

AUGUST 2017

35 Tigers On Prowl

Wants District Could Be Bettitle next... ter in 2017... ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

32-6A Teams Ready...

tddave@highschoolsportsmagazine.net

Sports Photographer/Editor

We Accept Major Credit Cards

Gonzalo Aguayo

Gonzo@highschoolsportsmagazine.net

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Corporate Offices 4416 South McColl Road Edinburg, Texas 78539 956-929-4700

PAGE 5

GRIDI

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

G

rinding, grueling, gruesome, and those awful gnats. That’s what football players experience in the South Texas heat index of Two-A-Days. Football Two-ADays. Worst, it’s all aboutstaying Hydrated.

The heat index in South Texas quickly climbed to 85 degrees in the early morning hours before Rio Grande City High School’s football team took the field for its first official practice of the

5A All-State LB/DE Roger Adame III will lead his 32-5A Mercedes Tigers this season.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

GRIN

STORY BY DAVID A. AMADOR HSSM SPORTS DIRECTOR

2017 season on Monday.

The Rio Grande Valley’s fartest western team, next to Roma High School, faces the hottest climate in Texas.

Temperatures can rise in August to 110 de-

“TWO-A-DAY

grees and for football players, it’s a grueling test when it comes to “Two-A-Days”.

“We made the choice to practice in the early morning hours as the sunrises,” says second-year head football coach, Aaron Garcia. “It’s cooler and our players enjoy it. Yes, its difficult waking up at 5:30 a.m. every day, but, it beats the hot temperatures.”

The first day of practices started on Monday, August 7th for all Class 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A teams and teams without spring train-

ing in Class 6A and 5A. The University Interscholastic League allows players to wear helmets with shorts and t-shirts during the first week of two-a-days with no contact amongst players. “This allows our players to adjust to the

Rio Grande City Rattlers Luis Salinas ready to lead team in 31-5A. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

IRON

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

NDS

YS IS A BI...!”

physical activitiy before wearing full equipment.”

As the preseason gets underway, athletic directors, athletic trainers, and coaches shared tips for staying safe in the summer heat.

High School athletic trainers and student trainers play a vital role to keeping and maintaining players to stay hydrated inorder to survive the grueling two-a-day temperatures in August. To stay hydrated, athletes must start drinking water before they set foot on the field. Drinking “pedialyte” the day before practices will help prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and loss of nutrients.

Once athletes arrive at practice, they must increase their water intake if they want to stay one step ahead of the heat.

The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee recommends drinking 8-to-16 ounces immediately before physical activity, then 4-to-8 ounces every 15-to-20 minutes during physical activity. Teams can help athletes stay hydrated with frequent water breaks. At McAllen Nikki Rowe High School, second-year head coach Robert Flores will begin twoa-day practices beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the evening. “It’s all about the players and we want to make sure they stay healthy,” adds Flores. “It gets hot during the day and besides it makes more sense Defending 5A DI Area Champions, Mission Veterans Memorial and quarterback Landry Gilpin.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

HIGH

PAGE 7

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

McAllen Memorial HS QB Angel Almaguer will lead the Mustangs in 2017.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

to play in the evening. That’s when w Preparation goes beyond hydration. N impacts how an athlete responds to t Grande Valley. A well-rounded diet no ness level but can help them react be body fat percentages can become de athletes with lower body fat percentag Three-year starter from Mercedes III says it’s a “grind”, while other pla “We have to prepare for the offseaso football season,” says the 5A all-state won the 5A Division II Bi-District title eventual University Interscholastic Lea Under fo the Tiger including plus one our playe and it’s i mer, inor It gets re begin the practices first sess

SU

H

DRI PAGE 8

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

we play football anyway.”

Nutrition and conditioning also the hot, humid weather in the Rio ot only can increase an athlete’s fitetter to the heat. Athletes with high ehydrated and overheat faster than ges, according to the NFHS. High School, lineback Roger Adame ayers say it’s a test of “endurance”. on so that we can be ready for the e linebacker from 2016. The Tigers over Sharyland before losing to ague 5A DII finalist, Calallen. ourth-year head coach, Roger Adame rs have posted a 23-11 record, g two district titles in 2014 and 2016, e bi-district title in 2016. “I remind ers that we play a tough schedule important to stay active in the sumrder to deal with the August grinds. eal hot,” adds Adame. The Tigers will eir Two-a-Days on August 14th with s beginning at 6:45 a.m. with their sion and the second session will re-

sume at 12:00 noon when the scorchering heat really sets in the Rio Grande Valley.

If any team member understands what the hot heat in August really feels like, just ask senior Luis Salinas from Rio Grande City High School. He can attest to what it takes to survive the grinds of two-a-days. “Drink plenty of water,” says Salinas. “You have to stay hydrated.”

At Mission Veterans Memorial High School, head coach Dave Gilpin begins his practices in the early mornings to avoid any health issues. “That’s why we practice in the mornings during the season. Our practices begin at 7:00 a.m. too,” says Gilpin. He also talks about how important is is to have water available to his players at all times. “They carry a gallon of water everywhere they go,” he adds. Gilpin also adds that his team and coaches are at ease when practice is over in the mornings, nothing that they don’t have to stress over the heat in the early afternoons. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association released protocols for helping athletes get used to the heat (heat acclimatization) in 2009. The guidelines were developed by an inter-association task force, which included representatives from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Sports Medicine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other organizations.

The guidelines were developed in response to heat-related deaths in high school athletes. Between 1980 and 2015, there were 44 exertional heat stroke-related deaths during preseason high school football practices. A total of 22 of these deaths occurred in states that eventually went on to adopt the guidelines, the researchers said.

Two-A-Days is a “Bi..” says one player, but that’s what football is all about in Texas. Stay Hydrated and play safe on gamedays.

URVIVING TWO-A-DAYS...Stay

HYDRATED TIPS FOR AUGUST HEAT...

DRINK PLENTY WATER AVOID HEADACHES DRINK PLENTY ELECTROLYTES INK PLENTY PEDIALYTE TELL A COACH HOW YOU FEEL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

McAllen Nikki Rowe QB Jesus Sanchez will lead the Warriors in 2017.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

PAGE 11

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Pre-Season MVPs Offense QB Jesus Sanchez 6’0 180lbs-McAllen Rowe RB Esteban De Leon 6’1 200lbs-Mission HS Defense Moises Morales 6’3 290lbs-La Joya Palmview HS

DISTRICT 30-6A Surprised? Rowe Is the Team To Beat HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 1. McAllen Nikki Rowe 2. McAllen Memorial 3. Mission HS 4. La Joya Palmview 5. La Joya HS 6. McAllen 7. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln

(McAllen, Tx)-Bill Littleton, head coach from McAllen Memorial High School will enter his 17th

2016 District 30-6A Standings McAllen Mem LJ Palmview McAllen Rowe Juarez-Lincoln La Joya Mission McAllen

8-3, 6-0 5-6, 4-2 7-4, 3-3 4-7, 2-4 3-7, 2-4 3-7, 2-4 3-7, 2-4

season as the Mustangs leader. The Mustangs will be sporting new Under Armour uniforms with “Mustangs” displayed across the front of every game jersey. They will be defending their District 30-6A title for the fourth

time this season. The Mustangs started off their season in non-district play at 2-2 with early losses to Weslaco East (37-29) and San Benito (35-7) along with wins over Sharyland Pioneer (40-27) and Los Fresnos (32-30). That

win over Los Fresnos on September 16th sparked a seven game win streak and a third District 30-6A title in a rowe. Rowe?

The Mustangs will be challenged by McAllen Nikki Rowe and their passing attack with second-year

head coach Robert Flores.

The Warriors are excited about 2017. “We like our chances this season and we made the playoffs last year. That was good, “ says Flores.

Both teams will meet on November 10th at McAl-

Frank Opazo MLB McAllen Memorial

Aaron Ramirez G McAllen Memorial

The Playoffs Bi-District Championships

LJ Juarez-Lincoln 17 SA Southwest 33

LJ Palmview 33 United South 54 McAllen Rowe 7 Del Rio 40 McAllen Memorial 21 Laredo United 52

PAGE 12

Sean Skaugen QB, WR McAllen Memorial

Kelechi Nwachuku SS McAllen Memorial

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Most UIL State Football Titles Eight Titles Won Richland Springs 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016 Katy 1959, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015 Southlake Carroll 1988, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011 Celina 1974 (co-champs), 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 Seven Titles Won Aledo 1998, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 Abilene 1923, 1928, 1931, 1954, 1955, 1956, 2009

Plano 1965, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1994

Old Waco High (Tigers) 1922, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1945 (co-champs), 1948

Brownwood 1960, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1978, 1981

Five Titles Won Carthage 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016

Six Titles Won Austin Lake Travis 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016

Ennis 1975, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2014

Daingerfield 1968, 1983, 1985, 2008, 2009, 2010 Converse Judson 1983, 1988 (forfeit), 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002

Mart 1957 (co-champs), 1969, 1999, 2006, 2010 La Marque 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2006 Sonora 1966, 1968, 1970, 1971 (cochamps), 2000

Stamford 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959 (forfeited title), 2012, 2013

Sealy 1978, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Stephenville 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2012

Fort Hancock 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Odessa Permian 1965, 1972, 1980, 1984 (cochamps), 1989, 1991 Wichita Falls 1941, 1949, 1950, 1958, 1961, 1969 Breckenridge 1929 (co-champs), 1951, 1952, 1954, 1958, 1959 (co-champs)

District 5-4A DII Celina Bobcats celebrated their eighth UIL State title in 2007. (HSSMImages/File)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

PAGE 13

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

La Joya Teams Could Surprise 30-6A

(La Joya, Texas)-Go figure. The La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies and La Joya Palmview Lobos both made the University Interscholastic League 6A Football playoffs.

In the state playoffs, the Huskies lost to Southwest San Antonio 33-17 in Division I Bi-District Championships while the Lobos dropped their first round game against Laredo United South 54-33.

Three teams from La Joya ISD could all contend for playoff spots in District 30-6A. The La Joya Palmview Lobos (5-6) finished in second place, ahead of third place McAllen Nikki Rowe (7-4).

Ironically, the Lobos dropped their first three games of the season to Roma (41-7), Economdes (43-13), and Edinburg (19-13) to start 0-3.

Head coach Margarito Requenez remained patient and hopeful despite those three losses and finished the rest of the season at 5-2, clinching the second playoff spot.

The Lobos posted district wins over McAllen, La Joya, Rowe, and Juarez-Lincoln. Players to watch in 2017 are QB Nikk Tovar (6’2”), and linemen Roberto Barba (6’6” 300lbs), Raul Ortiz (6’2 290lbs), Marco Rangel (6’1 285lbs), Moises Morales (6’3 290lbs), and DE Rolando Andrade (6’1 230lbs). If the Lobos can find a quarterback and running backs on offense, these Lobos could be primed to make another run for a playoff bid in 2017.

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln head football coach Tomas Garcia needed a win over sister school, La Joya to make the playoffs in 2016. That they did with a 23-6 defeat of the Coyotes to take the fourth place playoff spot at 2-4 in district play.

The Huskies return eight runningbacks from 2016 that combined for 119.0 rushing yards per game.

Missing the playoffs was La Joya High School (3-7, 2-4) and second-year head coach Reuben Farias. If the Coyotes can get their offense going in 2017 from the 116 points scored in ten games last season, the Coyotes could be another team to watch this year.

The Coyotes finished their season on a four-game losing streak with losses to McAllen Memorial, LJ Juarez-Lincoln, McAllen Rowe, and La Joya Palmview. A win over the Lobos would have put the Coyotes in the post season.

Returning for the Coyotes is quarterback Irving Garcia (6’3 180lbs), WR Omar Gonzalez (6’0 155lbs), T Jerry Casanova (6’4 275lbs), OL Jose Chavez (6’1 280lbs), and RB Jerry Milan (6’0 185lbs), and RB Ryan Leanos (5’10 180lbs).

The Coyotes open their season at Rio Grande City on August 31st followed by at home with Roma on September 7th.

Another Playoff Run? The La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies surprised 30-6A with a fourth place finish under head coach Tomas Garcia. La Joya HS finished in fifth place and returns senior QB Irving Garcia.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Big Dogs! The La Joya Palmview Lobos finished in second place in 30-6A. Can they do it again?

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Lobos Want Another Playoff...

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PAGE 15

len Veterans Memorial Stadium in their season finale and both teams could be playing for the

Adrian Bernal WR Nikki Rowe Warriors

Julian Vela DT Mission Eagles

outright district title. For the Mustangs, it would be their fourth district title and for Flores, it would

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 be his first ever title as a head coach. The Warriors will open at Edinburg High School followed

Chris Neal WR Nikki Rowe Warriors

Hector Ramirez WR Nikki Rowe Warriors

Michael Brasher T Mission Eagles

Javi Gaitan T Mission Eagles

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by a home game against Mercedes in non-district action. The Warriors return senior quarterback Jesus Sanchez (1,372 yards passing) along with RB Raudel Garcia (1,004 yards rushing). Players to watch are WR Adrian Bernal (756 yards), WR Hector Ramirez (645 yards), WR Chris Neal, and punter/ kicker, Edgar Castillo. He also plays linebacker.

The Mustangs return plenty of experience too.

Under center, quarterback Angel Almaguer (551 yards rushing/7 TDs), sophomore RB Campbell Speights (1,494 yards rushing), Sean Skaugen (503 yards rushing), with defensive linemen Nathan Sanchez (81 solo tackles), Frank Opazo ( 7 sacks), and Jacob Badstad (67 solo tackles).

If one team could surprise the district and their opponents, that team will be the Mission Eagles and second-year head coach,

Koy Detmer. The Eagles ended their season on a positive note by winning their final two games of the season over La Joya Palmview (38-13) and McAllen (24-21). Returning for the Eagles are running back Esteban De Leon (6’0 215lbs) along with tackles Michael Brasher (6’2 290lbs) and Javi Gaitan (6’2 275lbs).

On defense, Julian Vela will lead his team.

Look for the Eagles to contend for a playoff spot in 2017. The Mission Eagles will open their season on the road against PSJA North on September 1st followed by a possible rivalry game against Mission Veterans at Bennie La Prade Stadium in Donna should their newly remodeled Tom Landry Stadium not be ready for kickoff on September 8th. The Eagles will open their District 306A game against La Joya at home on Sept. 29th.

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(McAllen, Texas)-Many McAllen Bulldog fans are asking what does “TPW” mean? According to McAllen High School head coach Kevin Brewer, it means “Tough Players Win.” That’s the new football jersey name that graces the uniforms for the varsity team. Gone is “McAllen” and “Bulldogs” on the new Under Armour uniforms for the first time in fifty-years.

The “TPW” Bulldogs finished their season in 2016 with a 3-7 record and in 2015, the Bulldogs went 5-6.

The Bulldogs will replace most of their defense and hopefully, the Bulldogs will be primed to make the playoffs in 2017.

Players to watch will be returning junior quarterback J.R. Cortez, senior running back Rogelio Gutierrez, along with WR Kordell Martinez, WR Gunnar Henderson, and Dylan Martinez. The Bulldogs graduated forty-eight seniors in 2016.

Bulldog Woes. Fifth-year head coach Kevin Brewer has led the McAllen Bulldogs to two straight losing seasons with a combined record of 8-13.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

What’s Brewing with McHi “TPW”?

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Pre-Season MVPs Offense QB Nate Garcia Edinburg Vela HS 5’6 145lbs QB Trey Guajardo 5’10 165lbs-PSJA Bears Defense Luis Gutierrez LB Edinburg Vela HS 5’10 190lbs

DISTRICT 31-6A New Sabercat; New Season...

HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 1. Edinburg Vela 2. Edinburg North 3. Edinburg 4. PSJA North 5. PSJA HS 6. PSJA Memorial 7. Economedes 8. PSJA Southwest

(Edinburg, Texas)-His name is John Campbell. He is the newly named head football coach and athletic coordinator at Edinburg Vela High School Sabercats for 2017-18. He will take over duties as the Sabercats go after their third straight district title in 31-6A. The Sabercats won titles in 31-5A and 31-6A and this season looks like the Sabercats could make it three titles in a row.

Returning for the Sabercats will be starting quarterback Nate Garcia (5’6 145lbs) along with WR Eric Lede (6’1 175lbs), WR Bryan Farias (6’1 165lbs), WR Nicolas Gomez (5’10 160lbs), and WR Encina Darreck (6’1 170lbs). Garcia passed for 1,809 yards and 22 TDs but he will have new targets to throw to in 2017. On the ground, the Sabercats lost RB Christian Flores and RB/QB Mark Buhidar as both athletes transferred to other schools. This will leave the Sabercats wondering who will step up in 2017. Garcia rushed for 803 yards as the starting quarterback.

Defensively, the Sabercats will be tough. They return Nick Enriquez (138 solo tackles) along with junior LB Luis Gutierrez (5 sacks/52 solo tackles), Tim Ellington (7 sacks) and Sergio Carrizalez (6 sacks). Last year, the Sabercats had 42 quarterback sacks, including 102 QB Hurries.

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Justin Cantu QB Edinburg Vela HS

Nate Garcia QB Edinburg Vela HS

September 1st followed by another home game against Edcouch-Elsa on September 7th. The Sabercats will open its District 31-6A title defense against rival, Edinburg North on September 28th and then play another fierce rival, Edinburg on October 6th.

If anyone believed that they could make a difference in 2016, that person was first-year head coach J.J. Leija from Edinburg High School.

The Bobcats finished their season in second place after going 3-17 for the past two years in row. Leija will lead his team again in 2017 as they play host to McAllen Nikki Rowe on August 31st at the newly named stadium, Robert R. Flores Athletic Complex. The Bobcats will return QB Abel Alonzo (323 yards passing), RB Angel Salinas (149 yards), and WR Ramon Lopez (216 yards). All three players played limited time in 2016. Twenty-nine seniors graduated from last year’s 7-4 team. “We are excited and this team is hungry,” says Leija.

Last year, all four Edinburg Schools clinched playoff bids in Class

Luis Gutierrez LB Edinburg Vela HS

Julio Cuello OL Edinburg Vela HS

6A and this was a first for the school district. Both Edinburg Vela and Edinburg High School will be challenged again by Economedes and Edinburg North for the top four playoff spots in District 31-6A. Edinburg North head coach Rene Saenz is ready for this season. “This is the best part of the year,” laughs Saenz. “No stress. All teams are 0-0.” The Cougars barely made the playoffs last year with a 4-3 district record by winning their final two games over PSJA Memorial and PSJA. In the playoffs, the Cougars gave Los Fresnos one heck of a battle before losing 19-17 in the Class 6A Division I Bi-District Championships. “That was a heart-breaker,” says Saenz.

The Cougars will be tough on offense. Returning for the Cougars are WR Robert Alaniz, QB Francisco Zuniga, transfer RB Christian Cantu (984 yards from Vela HS), and Ethan Vela (805 yards rushing). The Cougars will open its season on September 2nd at home against Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Joseph Munoz SS Edinburg North HS

Joshua Guerrero G Edinburg North HS

Ricardo Alaniz WR Edinburg North

Ethan Vela RB Edinburg North HS

Manny Salinas SS Edinburg HS

Roli Martinez CB Edinburg HS

Ramon Lopez WR Edinburg HS

Nelson Carillo G Edinburg HS

Oscar Juarez G Edinburg HS

Pete Segura WR Economedes HS

Louie Rodriguez G Economedes HS

Brody Hill DE Edinburg North HS

Rolando Alvizo SS Economedes HS

Ever since Gabe Pena became the new head football coach at Edinburg Economedes in 2010, the Jaguars have remained consistent. The Jaguars have made the state playoffs four times since 2012 and Pena hopes that they can take it a step further in 2017. The Jaguars reeled off three straight wins over Brownsville Hanna, La Joya Palmview, and Weslaco East and stood 5-1 after their first six games in 2016. The Jaguars went to finish their season at 4-3 in league play and a first round loss to Har-

Albert Guerra QB Economedes HS

Brandon Reyna OLB Economedes HS

lingen in the Class 6A DI Bi-District Championships. Players to watch for the Jaguars are QB Albert Guerra, RB Gaberial Ornelas, DT Ernesto Tijerina, DT Fernie Garza, and SS Rolando Alvizo.

The Jaguars will open their season at Brownsville Hanna on September 1st followed by La Joya Palmview at home on September 8th. The Jags end their non-district schedule against Weslaco East on September 15th at home.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Elijaih Lugo FB PSJA North HS

Ryan Reyna LB PSJA North HS

Randy Reyna QB PSJA North HS

Servando Marroquin DL PSJA North HS

PSJA, North, Memorial, Southwest All Looking For Playoff Spots (Pharr, Texas)-For the first time in league play, all four PSJA schools were eliminated from the University Interscholastic League’s State Football playoffs in 2016. PSJA North went 7-3 in District 31-6A and team injuries played havoc for first-year head coach Marcus Kaufmann after a 7-0 start. The Raiders ended their season on a three-game losing streak with losses to Edinburg Vela (30-14), Edinburg Economedes (17-7), and Edinburg (10-7), missing the playoffs.

At PSJA Memorial, head coach Michael Uribe went 0-10 with his Wolverines but he remains optimistic about his 2017 season as they return plenty of players on offense, including QB Orlando Munoz, RB Joaquin Sanchez, WR

David Garner, RB Frank Estrada, and linemen Jose Tovar and Guadalupe Abrego.

Both PSJA and Southwest hired new head football coaches in the off season. The Bears, once the dominant force at PSJA ISD, slipped to 3-7 in 2016 while longtime PSJA Southwest HS head coach Jesus Reyes stepped down and retired. So what’s next for all four PSJA ISD football teams? “We can only get better,” says PSJA Bears new football coach, Lupe Rodriguez. “It will be challenging but I am grateful with this opportunity.” The PSJA Bears dominated the sidelines back in the 1960’s when they made two back-to-back State 3A Championship appearances, losing to Dumas 14-3 in 1962 and the Bears would

return to the UIL State 3A Championship game again in 1963 and lose to Corsicana in a heart-breaking 7-0 loss. Those were the days of football in this tri-city area.

Those days have come and gone.

Today, four high schools make up this tri-city metro-plex. All four head coaches understand the challenges they face on Friday nights, and maybe, just maybe, things are about to change in 2017. The

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Anthony Escalante LB PSJA Memorial HS

excitement of the “spread offense” for PSJA High School could make a difference in 2017 as Rodriguez takes over a traditional rich-running program. The Bears have made the state playoffs just once since 2011 and have gone 4-16 the past two seasons. “We have a lot of work to do this season,” adds Rodriguez, who was the longtime offensive coordinator at Mission Veterans Memorial High School. “The kids

Joaquin Sanchez RB PSJA Memorial HS

are excited and ready to play.”

The Bears return QB Trey Guajardo (5’11 175lbs) along with tackle David Chapa (6’3 280lbs), NG Gilbert Garcia (6’1 250lbs), SS Marcos Pedraza (6’3 205lbs), and RB Joachim Almaguer (704 yards rushing). Nathaniel Miranda also returns at WR with 15 catches for 246 yards from 2016. The Bears could see more points scored in the endzone as

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David Garner WR PSJA Memorial HS

compared to last season’s 12 passing touchdowns in ten games.

The PSJA North Raiders led District 31-6A with the best defense allowing a league-low 110 points. On offense, the Raiders outscored their opponents 209-53 in their first seven games to get off to a 7-0 start. That was their best start under first-year head coach Marcus Kaufmann. Then it happened. One injury after another

Matthew Morquecho WR PSJA Memorial HS

started to richoet their young offense. Three straight losses and only 28 total points scored. Don’t remind Kaufmann of 2016. “It happens,” says Kaufmann. “I’m excited about this season. We have a great team of players.” Returning are quarterbacks Randy Reyna and Arturo Beltran and the Raiders could surprise teams with their passing game.

“We are going to open it up,” says Kaufmann.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Trey Guajardo QB PSJA HS

Jacob Gonzales C PSJA HS

David Chapa G PSJA HS

Nathaniel Miranda WR PSJA HS

The Raiders will begin its quest of a playoff appearance when they play five straight home games at PSJA Stadium against Mission High School on September 1st followed by Donna (9/8), La Joya (9/22), PSJA Mem orial (9/28), and PSJA on October 6th.

At PSJA Southwest, sometimes being a first-year head coach can prove to be ugly. Real ugly. Hopefully, for Marc Evans, he will bring his family inheritance of football to lead the PSJA Southwest Javelinas. In the offseason, Evans was not the recommended choice of the search committee. The PSJA School board passed over the recommendations and instead, went with Evans and paid him over $100,000 annually. The Javelinas finished 4-6 in 2016 and 2-5 in district play. Five straight losses to Edinburg North, Vela, PSJA North, Economedes, and Edinburg ended their playoff hopes.

With Evans, he is young and with no head coaching experience; so he has brought in longtime head coach Carlos Longoria as offensive coordinator and former head coach from Hidalgo, David Duty to watch over the defense. The motto has always been,”if you surround yourself with great people, the end result could be promising.” Returning for the Javelinas are RB Brandon Garcia, RB Bryan Acosta, T Diego Trevino (6’4 285lbs), and MLB Joaquin Perez Jr (6’0 220lbs), and NG Bryan Mosqueda (6’0 205lbs).

The Javelinas open at Brownsville Pace on September 2nd followed by a road trip to play Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial High School on September 8th. The Javelinas will be looking to make their first Class 6A playoff appearance in 2017 since the school opened in 2012.

Marcos Pedraza SS PSJA HS

2016 District 31-6A Standings Edinburg Vela Edinburg Economedes Edinburg North PSJA North PSJA Southwest PSJA PSJA Memorial

9-2, 7-0 7-4, 6-1 7-4, 4-3 4-7, 4-3 7-3, 4-3 4-6, 2-5 3-7, 1-6 0-10, 0-7

The Playoffs Bi-District Championships

Edinburg Vela 28 Weslaco East 31 Edinburg 10 San Benito 47 Edinburg North 17 Los Fresnos 19 Edinburg Economedes 28 Harlingen 43

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

DISTRICT 32-6A Top Six Picks Could All Contend

Pre-Season MVPs Offense QB Erick Retta-San Benito 2,473 yards passing 34 Tds RB Joshua Pedraza-Weslaco East HS 1,922 yards 20Tds Pre-Season Defense MVPs Payne Guarjardo-San Benito HS 13.0 Sacks

HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 1. San Benito 2. Weslaco East 3. Harlingen 4. Los Fresnos HS 5. Harlingen South 6. Weslaco 7. Brownsville Hanna 8. Brownsville Rivera Strong Side! Weslaco East senior quarterback Richard Lefevre (6’5 245lbs) will lead the Wildcats in District 32-6A. The Wildcats advanced to the UIL State 6A DII Regional Championships in 2016. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

For the second time in three seasons, the Weslaco East Wildcats advanced three-rounds deep in the University Interscholastic League State 6A Division II playoffs, along with Los Fresnos High School. Ironically, both teams finished with indentical 8-5 records and tied for third place in District 32-6A in 2016.

In the State 6A Division II playoffs, Weslaco East defeated Edinburg Vela 31-28 and Del Rio 31-13 before losing to eventual State 6A DII finalist, Cibolo Steele 56-0. The Wildcats proved once again, that they would be the “strong-side” in this town of 34,000. Head coach Michael Burget has earned his pay (more than $100,000 annually) and will enter his fifth season as head coach with an impressive 33-15 overall record.

The Wildcats will return senior quarterback Richard Lefevre (6’5” 245lbs) along with running backs Joshua Roy Pedraza (1,922 yards rushing 10 Tds); J.C. Vargas (701 yards 7Tds); and Freddy Gonzales (290 yards). All four players will create probably the toughest backfield in South Texas after rushing for 3,934 yards last year.

It’s what the Wildcats do best.

They run and control the ball.

The Wildcats will open their season at home against Sharyland on September 1st and will begin District 32-6A against Weslaco High School on September 29th.

HSSM picks the Wildcats to contend for the overall district title when they meet San Benito at home on October 6th at Bobby Lackey Stadium.

The Battle of the Arroyo lived up to everyone’s expectations in 2016 when Harlingen played host to San Benito High School in the District 32-6A showdown for the outright district title. More than 12,000 fans paid to watch this epic

match-up at Boggus Stadium and what a battle this game proved to be till the end. The Greyhounds took a 14-5 lead after the first period and Cardinal fans looked shocked. Greyhound quarterback Eric Retta looked real sharp from the start and overall, he ended the night by completing 20-of-29 passes for 158 yards and two touchdown passes. At the half, the Greyhounds led 21-12.

The Cardinals managed to fight back in the second half with head coach Manny Gomez staying patient with his team, just waiting for an opportunity to change the pace of the game. That opportunity came in the fourth quarter with Harlingen trailing 26-27, and on fourth down, kicker Giovanni Guillen (5’7 165lbs) nailed a 52-yard field goal for the game winning score. Expect the same battles to take place again in 2017.

The San Benito Greyhounds will be tough on defense as they return the majority of their players, including Ryan Reza, A.J. Garcia, and Payne Guarjardo. Offensively, two-year starting quarterback Erick Retta will lead the Greyhounds along with running back Tyrone Harper (912 yards rushing), Aaron Medrano (150 yards) with wide receivers, Isiah Trevino (539 yards rec), Tyler Solis, and “Mars” Morales. What made 2016 impressive for the Greyhounds was its passing attack of fourteen players who caught the ball. The Greyhounds will open its season at home against Laredo United from District 29-6A on September 1st followed by San Antonio East Central on September 8th. Head coach Dan Gomez will begin his fourth season (2610) after winning two straight district titles and making a third round State 6A DI playoff appearance in 2015.

HSSM picks the Greyhounds to win the outright title in 2017. But first, they must beat contenders Weslaco East, Los Fresnos, Harlingen, and Harlingen South.

Harlingen High School head football coach Manny Gomez celebrated his 9th district title in his career and he

Running Greyhounds! San Benito HS senior Erick Retta led his 32-6A Greyhounds to the second round of the state playoffs in 2016. Can the Greyhounds win it all in 2017? Can the Greyhounds go four deep?

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

PAGE 25

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Defending Champions! The Harlingen Cardinals will be chasing its 10th district title in a row under head coach Manny Gomez. The Cardinals will open its season against Mission Veterans on September 1st. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

knows that playing in a tough 32-6A district will only get tougher to repeat in 2017. The Cardinals open their season at the newly remodeled 10,000 seating capacity, Tom Landry

2016 District 32-6A Standings Harlingen San Benito Los Fresnos Weslaco East Weslaco Bro Hanna Harlingen South Bro Rivera

9-3, 7-0 10-2, 6-1 8-5, 4-3 8-5, 4-3 5-5, 3-4 3-7, 2-5 5-5, 2-5 1-9, 0-7

The Playoffs Bi-District Championships

San Benito 47 Edinburg 10 Weslaco East 31 Vela 28 Harlingen 43 Economedes 28 Los Fresnos 19 Ed North 17 Area Championships

Harlingen 26 Laredo United 30 Los Fresnos 27 SA Southwest 19 Weslaco East 31 Del Rio 13 San Benito 21 Laredo United South 28 Regional Championships

Los Fresnos 7 Lake Travis 54 Weslaco East 0 Cibolo Steele 56

PAGE 26

Stadium against the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots on September 1st. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Cardinals will have to replace their quarterback and no matter who seems to take over the top spot, head coach Gomez always manages to find a replacement. On the roster, junior Damon Cantu, sophomore Jaime Galvan (6’0” 150lbs), along with seniors Nathan Martinez (5’7 150lbs), and Daniel Ramirez (6’0 185lbs) will all get a shot at the starting position. Gomez will get a sneak peak on August 25th in their scrimmage against Sharyland.

The Cardinals will begin its quest of a tenth straight district title when they open districtplay against rival, Harlingen South on September 29th at Boggus Stadium. Can the Cardinals repeat and defend their titles? Don’t be surprised.

The Los Fresnos Falcons advanced to the third round under

first year head coach Patrick Brown. In the UIL State 6A DI Regional Championships, the Falcons would lose to eventual state champions, Austin Lake Travis. “They were tough,” adds Brown.

The Falcons will have to go back to their nest and try to find another quarterback in 2017. Back-up quarterback Kike Valencia (6’0 165lbs junior) and senior Chris Caraveo (6’2 200lbs) will be looked at for the top position. Returning at wide receivers will be Carlos Pena (6’1), Nico Valencia (6’0), Andres Martinez (5’7), Jay Ontiveros (5’10), and Daniel Dennie (5’11). “We have more than 250 players coming out for football this season. Hopefully, we can find the right players to fill the vacancies,” says Brown. “We are excited.” The Falcons will open at Edcouch-Elsa on September 1st followed by McAllen at home on September 15th

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

before ending their non-district schedule at McAllen Memorial on September 21st.

The darkhorse from District 32-6A will be the Harlingen South Hawks. Second-year head coach Brian Ricci will lead his team in 2017 after finishing the season with a 5-5 record and 2-5 finish in district play with four straight losses to Hanna, San Benito, Weslaco, and Weslaco East doomed the Hawks playoff chances last year. These Hawks will be much better in 2017.

In deep South Texas, Brownsville Rivera and Hanna will be much improved in 2017.

The Raiders went 1-9 last year while the Eagles finished 3-7 overall. Hanna head coach Mark Guess could have made the playoffs in 2016 if they would have defeated Weslaco East (35-28) and Los Fresnos (34-31). The Hanna Eagles could be the team to watch.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

New Direction. Weslaco HS Panthers will travel to play against George Ranch, near the Houston area on September 2nd under new head coach Michael Salinas. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

PAGE 27

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Pre-Season MVPs Offense QB Jason Perez-Rio Grande City 1,625 yards passing 900 yards rushing Defense MVP Tyger Brigmon-Sharyland HS 6 QB Sacks Joey Garcia-Mission Veterans 122 Tackles

DISTRICT 31-5A Rattlers Look Ready To Contend

HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 1. Rio Grande City 2. Mission Veterans Memorial 3. Sharyland 4. Sharyland Pioneer 5. Laredo Nixon 6. Laredo Martin 7. Valley View HS 8. Roma 9. Laredo Cigarroa (Rio Grande City, Texas)-It was so close. Real close. As a matter improved on offense and defense. Returning will be dual-threat of fact, just ask Rio Grande City head football coach, Aaron Garquarterback, Jason Perez (6’0 185lbs), who passed for 1,625 cia how close it really was making the playoffs in 2016 and even yards and rushed for another 900 yards. In total, Perez scored 11 to this day, he will still shake his head. “It was close,” said GarTds and passed for another 7 Tds. cia. “That loss against Laredo Martin kept us out of the playoffs.” On defense, the Rattlers will feature Jeremy Gorena, Mariano The Rattlers sported a 3-0, 1-0 record in last year and facing Reyes, Abraham Benavides, and Israel Lambert. In 2016, the deLaredo Martin on September 16th seemed to be, another win fense sacked their opponents quarterbacks 18 times and allowed on the books, Right? Not so fast. The Martin Tigers handed the 194 points scored in ten games. Not bad for the first year head Rattlers its first loss of the season, most importantly, a crushcoach who faced a program that went 11-30 the past four seasons. ing loss in district play. Martin went to finish their year at 3-7 The Rattlers will be favored to win the title in District 31-5A, but while Rio Grande City ended their season at 6-4 and watched the on any given Friday night, anything can happen. playoffs from the sidelines. This season, the Rattlers will be much Chasing the Rio Grande City Rattlers will be Mission Veterans

2016 District 31-5A Standings

Laredo Nixon 10-2, 7-1 Sharyland Pioneer 8-3, 7-1 Sharyland 7-4, 6-2 Mission Vets 8-5, 5-3 Rio Grande City 6-4, 4-4 Roma 5-5, 3-5 Laredo Martin 3-7, 3-5 Valley View 2-8, 1-7 Lar Cigarroa 1-9, 0-8

The Playoffs

Bi-District Championships

Mission Veterans 35 Bro Vets 14 Shary Pioneer 28 Ed-Elsa 45 Mercedes 17 Sharyland 7 Area Championships

Sharyland Pioneer head coach Jason Wheeler is pictured with Sharyland HS head coach Ron Adame. Both teams are looking for playoff spots in 2017.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Mission Veterans 28 Flour Bluff 14 Laredo Nixon 6 Eagle Pass Winn 10 Regional Championships

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Memorial and head coach Dave Gilpin. The Patriots made history last year by advancing to its first-ever State 5A Division I Regional Championship game against Dripping Springs. Despite losing against the Tigers 69-35, Gilpin remained optimistic about this upcoming season. “We played a very good team and at that level every team just keeps getting better. We were good, they were better,” says Gilpin.

The Patriots will feature a new quarterback and Landry Gilpin (5’11 165lbs) feels that he will be ready to take over as the starting quarterback. “I’m ready and I’m excited,” says Gilpin. The speedy roll-out QB played receiver last year and caught 61 passes for 851 yards from senior quarterback Diego Hernandez. Hernandez led South Texas in passing with 4,175 yards and 45 touchdown passes.

He rushed for another 11 TDs. So, Landry knows that he has big shoes to fill. This will be a new team with a new look. Fans will get a sneak peak on Sep-

Buda Gonzalez WR Mission Veterans HS

John Aguilar WR Mission Veterans HS

Roger Adame III OLB Mercedes HS

Marc Ledesma WR Mercedes HS

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tember 1st as the Patriots play host to Harlingen at the newly remodeled Tom Landry Stadium. “Hopefully, the stadium will be completed,” says Gilpin.

Sharyland High School head coach Ron Adame tries not to worry about the split between Pioneer High School and Sharyland High School. “It was coming and now, we are adjusting. I’m excited about this season,” says Adame. The Rattlers have made the UIL State playoffs for nine consecutive seasons and Adame is proud to point out that since he became the head coach back in 2012, his teams have gone 50-13 overall. “I’m real proud of that record because we went three rounds deep in three consecutive seasons,” he adds.

Now, entering his sixth season as the head coach, Adame and his Rattlers should be primed with three quarterbacks looking for the starting role. Joe Gomez (6’0 160lbs), Edgar Longoria (5’11 160lbs), and Diego Vela (5’11 170lbs) will find out come September 1st as they will travel to meet Weslaco East at Bobby Lackey Stadium. Last year, Longoria passed for 597 yards and eight touchdowns as a back-up sophomore. On the ground, Blake Klein will be the workhorse after rushing for 485 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016. Klein also caught 28 passes for 634 yards. Defensively, Tyger Brigmon will lead the team after recording six quarterback sacks last year. The Rattlers lost to East last season 21-14 and then reeled off five straight wins over Edinburg North, Valley

Abram Martinez DL Mission Veterans HS

Jazz Vallejo RB Mission Veterans HS

Alex De Leon OL Mission Veterans HS

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2017

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Rio Grande City Rattlers-District 31-5A Aaron Garcia-Head Football Coach

2017 Football Schedule Aug. 31 La Joya Away Sept. 8 Zapata Away Sept. 15 Valley View Home Sept. 21 Laredo Martin Away Sept. 28 Roma HS Home Oct. 6 Cigarroa Away Oct. 13 Pioneer HS Home Oct. 20 Laredo Nixon Away Oct. 27 Mission Veterans Home Nov. 10 Sharyland Away

2017

Grulla Gators-District 16-4A Division I Abel Gonzalez-Head Football Coach

2017 Football Schedule Sept. 1 St. Joe Away Sept. 8 Raymondville Home Sept. 14 PSJA Southwest Away Sept. 22 Lyford Home Sept. 29 Rio Hondo HS Home Oct. 5 McAllen Rowe HS Away Oct. 20 Zapata Away Oct. 26 Kingsville Home Nov. 3 Hidalgo Away Nov. 10 La Feria Home

RGCCISD Superintendent-Interim Alfredo Garcia

Director of Athletics-Rey Ramirez

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Blake Klein WR Sharyland HS

Noe Cortez MLB Sharyland HS

Brandon Mireles DE Sharyland HS

Jose Resendez G Sharyland HS

Jeremy Gorena MLB Rio Grande City HS

Jason Perez QB Rio Grande City HS

Mario Pena T Rio Grande City HS

Brando Jimenez T Rio Grande City HS

View, Laredo Martin, Roma, Laredo Cigarroa before falling to Sharyland Pioneer 28-14 and Laredo Nixon 41-21. The Rattlers will contend for a district title and that’s something Adame would love to win this season. If any team surprised the league, that

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team was Sharyland Pioneer. Head coach Jason Wheeler reeled off seven wins in district play to win a share of the 31-5A crown for the first time in school history. Schools like Valley View and Roma are still waiting to win a title, the Diamondbacks did it in their second season as the newest high school in South Texas.

The Diamondbacks will return junior quarterback Jacob Rosales (1,756 yards passing 23 TDs) along with RB Christian Rivera (788 yards 7Tds), and RB Micahel Benavides (589 yards). On the receiving end, William Proctor will give the Diamondbacks plenty of experience on Friday nights. Look for the defending co-champions, Pioneer Diamondbacks to contend for a title they would love to label back-to-back.

The Diamondbacks will open its season at McAllen Memorial on August 25th followed by Brownsville Pace on September 2nd.

Roma, Valley View, Laredo Martin, Laredo Cigarroa, and Laredo Nixon will round out the remaining five spots in district.

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Most UIL State Football Appearances 14 State Appearances Katy High School 1959, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 11 State Appearances Celina High School 1974, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2015 Converse Judson 1983, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2007 Odessa Permian 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1991, 1995 10 State Appearances Cuero 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1998, 2004 La Marque

1986, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2006, 2010 Wichita Falls 1937, 1941, 1949, 1950, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1969, 1971 9 State Appearances Abilene 1922, 1923, 1927, 1928, 1931, 1954, 1955, 1956, 2009 Daingerfield 1968, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1998, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 Mart 1957, 1969, 1986, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 Waco High (Tigers) 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1939, 1945, 1948 Plano 1965, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1978, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1994 Richland Springs 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016 Southlake Carroll 1988, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011 Temple 1940, 1941, 1951, 1952, 1976, 1979, 1992, 2014, 2016 8 State Appearances

District 19-6A Katy High School Tigers have made fourteen University Interscholastic State Final Football Appearances since 1959. (HSSMImages/File) Aledo 1974, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 Austin Westlake 1990, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2009, 2015 Bremond 1981, 1983, 1987, 1993, 2007,

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Pre-Season MVPs Offense QB Zac Gomez-Mercedes HS Defense MVP Robert Cervantes-Edcouch-Elsa HS DT 6’2” 235lbs; Roger Adame III LB Mercedes HS

DISTRICT 32-5A Yellowjackets Bidding for Third Straight...

HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 1. Mercedes 2. Edcouch-Elsa 3. Brownsville Veterans Memorial 4. Donna 5. Donna North 6. Brownsville Lopez 7. Brownsville Porter 8. Brownsville Pace

(Edcouch-Tx)-In this tiny community of less than 8,800 in population, head coach Joe Marichalar has led his Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets to two straight Class 5A Division II Regional Championship games in 2015 and 2016. “It’s amazing with what we do here at Edcouch-Elsa. It’s all about pride,” says Marichalar.

With an enrollment of just 1,401 students, the Yellow-

2016 District 32-5A Standings Mercedes Bro Veterans Ed-Elsa Bro Lopez Bro Pace Donna Donna North Bro Porter

7-5, 6-1 8-3, 6-1 9-4, 5-2 7-4, 5-2 3-7, 3-4 3-7, 2-5 2-8, 1-6 0-10, 0-7

The Playoffs Bi-District Championships

Mercedes 17 Sharyland 7 Shary Pioneer 28 Ed-Elsa 45 Mission Vets 35 Bro Vets 14 Bro Lopez 17 Laredo Nixon 23 Area Championships

CC King 28 Edcouch-Elsa 58 Mercedes 0 Calallen 49 Regional Championships

Edcouch-Elsa 0 Victoria East 48

jackets played Cedar Park on November 27, 2015 at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio, Texas with temperatures as low as 20 degrees and wet. “It was cold but we stood out there,” said Marichalar in their 42-0 loss to the eventual State 5A Champions. “We lost to state champions,” added Marichalar.

Despite not winning the District 32-5A title in 2016, again, the Yellowjackets advanced three rounds in Class 5A Division II and played Victoria East and lost 48-0. “We are working harder to get to state,” says Marichalar.

In 2017, the Yellowjackets will return 35 lettermen and with the loss of quarterback Marco Aguinaga, head coach Marichalar will take a look at prospects juniors Marco Barco (5’7 140lbs), Albert Trevino (5’8 150lbs), junior Christian Maldonado (6’0 145lbs), and senior Alejandro Hernandez (5’9 175lbs). Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Yellowjackets will feature a potent backfield with seniors Jorge Gomez (937 yards rushing), and John Gonzalez (247 yards rushing).

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 The Yellowjackets will be tested early on with non-district game at home on September 1st with Los Fresnos High School, another third round team finalist in Class 6A, followed by a showdown with Edinburg Vela on September 7th. The Jackets lost to the Falcons last season 50-40 but rebounded against Vela with a 34-30 win. That win sparked a four-game win streak.

Last season, the Mercedes Tigers shared the District 32-5A title with Brownsville Veterans Memorial at 6-1. The Yellowjackets finished district play in third place with a loss to Mercedes 27-12.

The Jackets will play host to the Tigers and home field advantage at the “Black Hole” stadium called Benny Layton Sr. Memorial Stadium, brings out the best of fans and players during this annual rivalry match up.

Returning for the Tigers will be senior quarterbacks Zac Gomez (1,235 yards passing), Marc Ledesma (707 yards passing), with all-state linebacker, Roger Adame III (101 solo tackles). The Tigers will bring plenty of experience in the backfield with run-

Mac Lara WR Ed-Elsa HS

PAGE 36

Adam Walle OLB Ed-Elsa HS

ning-backs Fabian Ledesma (486 yards rushing) and Matt Gracia (286 yards rushing). Gomez added another 520 yards on the ground. The Tigers will kickoff their season as the team to beat as they travel to Calallen on September 1st followed by another road game at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium against Nikki Rowe on September 8th. The Tigers will open District 32-5A at Donna on September 29th.

The Donna Redskins and Donna North Chiefs will begin their quest of making the state playoffs in 2017. Both teams did not qualify for the playoffs in 2016 but, Chiefs second-year head coach Matthew Rokovich likes the improvement his team has made in the offseason and says they will “be better in 2017.” At Donna High School, head coach Ramiro Leal hopes to get his program back on track after a dismal 3-7 season.

In Brownsville, the Veterans Memorial Chargers won their firstever district co-championship under head coach David Cantu.

The Chargers could be the team to watch again as they return

Jorge Gomez RB Ed-Elsa HS

Derrick A Cabrera DT Ed-Elsa HS

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Ricardo Estimbo G Ed-Elsa HS

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Gustavo Vasquez at running back. The speedy senior rushed for 1,328 yards last season and scored 19 TDs along with Abel Martinez adding another 1,146 yards on the ground. He scored 13 touchdowns. Overall, Cantu knows that his team will run the ball. He also knows that he has the best two running backs in the league too. On defense, that’s where the big question lies as they will try to repeat the 10 interceptions and 13 quarterback sacks the Chargers accomplished in 32-6A. The defense allowed 200 points scored.

Rounding out the remaining 32-5A teams, Brownsville Porter, Lopez, Pace, could find themselves looking for ways to win on Friday nights. The Lopez Lobos surprised the district by making the playoffs for the first time since 2006. The Porter Cowboys went winless at 0-10 while Pace finished 3-7.

Big Chief. Donna North HS head football coach Matthew Rokovich is optimistic about 2017. The Chiefs play host to PSJA September 1st. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Pre-Season MVPs Offense QB Dillen Salinas-Grulla HS RB Darius Hernandez- La Feria Defense Darian Cortez DE 6’3” 220lbs Raymondville HS

DISTRICT 16-4A Division I & II

Orange Grove; Grulla Favored

HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks DII 1. Orange Grove 2. Rio Hondo 3. Port Isabel 4. Raymondville 5. CC West Oso 6. Progreso HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks DI 1. Grulla 2. La Feria 3. Hidalgo 4. Kingsville 5. Zapata

(Grulla, Tx)-Since 2010 when Abel Gonzales was named the

2016 District 16-4A Div I Standings

Grulla La Feria Kingsville Zapata Hidalgo

7-5, 4-0 7-3, 3-1 5-6, 2-2 2-8, 1-3 1-9, 0-4

2016 District 16-4A Div II Standings Port Isabel Rio Hondo Orange Grove Raymondville Progreso CC West Oso

9-2, 4-1 7-4, 4-1 7-4, 4-1 3-8, 2-3 2-8, 1-5 4-7, 1-5

new head football coach at Rio Grande City CISD newest high school, Grulla, he has led the Gators to three playoff appearances including one district championship in 2016 and two bi-district titles. This school stands on a hill, enroute to Rio Grande City, Texas in probably one of the most scenic areas in South Texas along the Rio Grande River. And yes, “there are plenty of Gators” in the river says Gonzales.

The Grulla Gators surprised District 16-4A DI by going undefeated at 4-0 and 7-5 for the season. The Gators will open their season with six non-district games before beginning 16-4A DI play at

Zapata on October 20th. Players to watch are WR Jay Solis, WR Miguel Flores, WR Edgar Garza, WR Orlando Ramirez, and Dillen Salinas RB/QB. In DII, the Port Isabel Tarpons will see a new offense with new coach, Jaime Infante taking over this season. The Tarpons will go to the air, instead of the run, and hopefully, the Tarpons can execute Infante’s passing offense.

Orange Grove is the clear favorite to win the title, but Rio Hondo and QB Tyler Bush could make some noise after going 4-1 in district play last season. Returning is WR Erik Pizarro, RB Daniel Vasquez, and RB Matthew Cuellar.

Dillen Salinas QB Grulla HS

The Playoffs Bi-District Championships-Division II

Rio Hondo 29 Sinton 30 Raymondville 20 Cuero 59 Port Isabel 21 Sweeney 36

Bi-District Championships-Division I

La Feria 21 Rockport-Fulton 25 Kingsville 0 Somerset 31 Zapata 13 Beeville Jones 62 Grulla 49 Canyon 17 Area Championships

China Springs 55 Grulla 7

Alexis Villegas CB Hidalgo HS

Robert Roel TE Hidalgo HS

Juan Valdez G Hidalgo HS

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Jarek Gonzalez Hidalgo HS

PAGE 37

2017

District 16-4A DI

Hidalgo Early College Pirates

Marco Bella

Alexis Villegas

Juan Valdez

Robert Roel

Napoleon Garza

Jarek Gonzalez

State Playoffs Since 1983, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 99, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013 Season Schedule

Sept 1 @ Santa Rosa Sept 8 Valley View HS Sept 15 Port Isabel Sept 22 @ Rio Hondo Sept 29 @ Rockport-Fulton Oct 6 St. Joe Brownsville Oct 13 Kingsville Oct 27 @ La Feria Nov 3 Grulla HS Nov 10 @ Zapata

Good Luck This Season! www.hidalgo-isd.com Hidalgo Early College High School Principal Judith Dimas Hidalgo ISD Superintendent Xavier Salinas Head Football Coach Athletic Director Monty Stumbaugh 324 E. Flora St Hidalgo,Texas 78557 956-843-4401 Advertisement paid by Hidalgo ISD.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Frank Martinez was named new head football coach at Progreso High School and he will try to lead a team that has posted a 9-49 overall record since 2011 and have not seen a playoff appearance since 2004. The Red Ants are rich in “futbol” or soccer, making two UIL State 4A Soccer Tournament appearances in 2015 and 2016. Martinez hopes to bring that rich tradition of soccer to the footbal field too. Returning for the Red Ants are QB Christian Trevino, FS Joshua San Roman, RB Joshua Rodriguez, and RB Oscar Munoz. The Red Ants open their season at home against Lyford on September 1st followed by Santa Rosa on September 15th. The Red Ants will begin a tough District 16-4A DII schedule on October 13th when they travel to Orange Grove followed by another road trip to Raymondville on October 20th.

The Raymondville Bearkats will open their season against La Feria on September 1st followed by Grulla on September 8th. Two tough nondistrict games should set the tone for the Bearkats early on. The Bearkats return five quarterbacks, including senior Daniel Gutierrez (1,031 yards passing 7TDs 12 Ints). All five look to compete for the starting position.

Anthony Najera, Jacob Posas, Justin Taylor Noyola, and Marco Nieto could all see action in 2017. This will be very interesting too. Marcus Capetillo returns at running back with 934 yards along with Daniel ‘s 680 yards rushing yards.

Edgar Melendez WR Progreso HS

Mac Alvarez LB Progreso HS

Dago Trevino FS Progreso HS

Can Cardinals Fly North?

16-3A, 16-2A

HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 16-3A DI 1. Lyford 2. Bishop 3.

Santa Gertrudis Academy 4. San Diego 5. Falfurrias 6.

Santa Rosa HSSM’s Pre-Season Picks 16-2A DI 1. Freer 2. Ben Bolt 3. Three Rivers 4. La Villa 5. Santa Maria (La Villa, Tx)-The Cardinals are back! And so is Daniel Perez. The former head football coach was rehired this past summer to take over the La Villa Cardinals as athletic director and head football coach.

Perez left in 2012 after leading the Cardinals to a 9-2 record to work as defensive coordinator at EdcouchElsa High School. The Cardinals finished 2016 with a 1-10 overall record with one playoff appearance in District 16-2A DI. The Cardinals return WR Damien Felix, QB Rey Felix, WR Chris Rivera, DE Donald Grant, and DT Joey Ramirez.

Twenty-three players make up the roster in 2017. That could be a great sign of players wanting to compete for a playoff spot again in 2017.

The Cardinals will begin its season against Kaufer on September 1st followed by a road trip to Santa

We Keep South Texas Running

Rosa on September 8th. The Cards will open district play against Ben Bolt at home on October 13th followed by Freer on the road on October 27th.

2016 District 16-3A Div I Standings

Lyford Santa Gertrudis Bishop Falfurrias San Diego Santa Rosa

8-4, 4-1 6-5, 4-1 7-4, 3-2 4-7, 3-2 2-8, 1-4 2-8, 0-5

2016 District 16-2A Div I Standings Ben Bolt Freer Three RIvers La Villa Santa Maria

9-4, 4-0 7-4, 3-1 6-5, 2-2 1-10, 1-3 2-8, 0-4

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