HSSM 2020 Football Preview Edition-Cameron County Rio Grande Valley

2020 Rio Grande Valley

FOOTBALL PREVIEW $10 Issue

September-November 2020

26th Edition

Inside This Issue...

District By District Features The Predictions by Tddave HSSM’S Top Rankings HSSM’S 2020 Super Team

COVID-19 Delays Football Season

Eddie Lee Marburger Sharyland Pioneer

5A All-State

6’3 Quarterback

Fredy Martinez TE Port Isabel HS

Dylan Ramirez Raymondville HS www.FabianGuerreroLawOffice.com www.FabianGuerreroLawOffice.com

Manny Gomez Harlingen Football

Get Your Copies Now!

3900 3900W WExpressway Expressway83 83 McAllen, McAllen,Texas Texas 956-627-4878 956-627-4878

Contents High School Sports Magazine

6

The

RANKINGS

Who’s Numero Uno?

September-November 2020

10 HSSM

Super TEAM

Pre-Season Picks

13

District by DISTRICT

The Predictions by Tddave

Offices 2416 Frontera Road McAllen, Texas 956-929-1852 dave.amador@yahoo.com

Page 2

Have a Great Season!

s

Mr. Footb COVID19 Coach Calls It on

(McAllen, Texas)-More than 2,545, 250 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in the United States has caused more than 126,369 deaths with more than 561,816 recovered since the outbreak in March 2020.

Schools across the United States were shut down after Spring Break, businesses were closed, governments came to a halt, but, somewhere in a small apartment in Pharr, Texas a COVID-19 hero was born. His name, Marco Regalado.

PSJA Memorial High School Wolverines special teams coach, Regalado was quaratined in his apartment while the COVID-19 pandemic was making its move across the world and like most, or every person, with access to a computer or cell phone, turned to the world-wide web and social media outlets for relief. Marco was one of those individuals who decided to get creative with humor.

“I was bored. We were shutdown. Our team of football players were out.

So I thought about making a funny video about what I saw as a football coach and what we would go through during games and practices,” said Regalado. “So, I turned to TikTok, a social media netwwork, started making short videos, and it blew up.”

The PSJA Memorial assistant coach grew up in Zapata, Texas, where he played football for the Hawks as an offensive linemen. He graduated from

“The Old Timer Coach” as portrayed

by Marco Regalado.

“The Defensive Coach” as portrayed

by Marco Regalado.

(HSSMIMages/Regalado)

Photos By Marcos Regalado/HSSMImages

(HSSMIMages/Regalado)

Texas State University in San Marcos and went on to receive his Masters Degree in education from Texas A&M Kingsville. Regalado served as a graduate assistant coach with the Javelinas football team before moving on to coach at Santa Gertrudis Academy in Kingsville for two seasons. He also coached at Mathis High School. He stayed for one year at Mathis and was offered a coaching position by Dave Brown, the PSJA Memorial High School head football coach in 2018.

Regalado has become a social media sensation by calling it like the way he has seen it or experienced what coaches do and see on gamedays or practices. “We (coaches) have so many different personalities and the next thing I new, I started re-creating those stories,” laughs Regalado. One of his favorites is portraying the “old timer” coach. On TikTok, thousands have seen his parody of videos and while Regalado says that “he is not an actor” many will disagree. “He’s funny,” says PSJA North head coach, Marcus Kaufmann. “He gave us a sense of relief with this COVID-19 lockdown and made us laugh.” His videos has reached the college and professional football levels with NFL, XFL, and NCAA coaches watching, laughing and sharing. “He gave us all a sense of relief and laughter, says David Amador, HSSM Publisher.

Like most coaches, Regalado was offered the same position in Class 6A

Page 4

Find Us On Facebook!

ball?

Region I-District 4 with the V.R. Eaton Eagles, near Dallas, Texas and has relocated since, leaving behind his legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. “I’m just excited being a football coach,” says Regalado.

Videos can be found on social media at @ CoachRegalado on Twitter and TikTok.

“The Headcoach” as portrayed

by Marco Regalado.

(HSSMIMages/Regalado)

“

I LOVE THIS GAME OF FOOTBALL...

SAYS MARCO REGALADO

20202020

The Ran Follow Us!

High School Sports Magazine

GD

POWER RANKINGS Rio Grande Valley Region IV

1 2 PIONEER SAN BENITO 3 MISSION Page 4 6 MERCEDES 5 HARLINGEN 6 LJ Palmview 7 Weslaco East 8 9 HIDALGO EDINBURG

Vela Sabercats

2019 6A DII Regional Finalists 9-4 Record

Diamondbacks

2019 5A DII Regional Finalists 11-2 Record

Greyhounds

2019 6A DI Area Finalists 7-5 Record

Eagles

2019 6A DI Bi-District Finalists 8-3 Record

Tigers

2019 5A DII Bi-District Finals 7-4 Record

(McAllen,Tx)-Every year, every season, many HSSM fans keep guessing which team will be ranked Numero Uno in the HSSM Pre-Season Football Polls. This year is no different. So quit guessing.

The 31-6A Edinburg Vela Sabercats has made it to the University Interscholastic League’s 6A Division II Regional Championships for the past three years in a row, and they keep flirting with the idea of make it to the quarterfinals. Fourthyear head coach, John Campbell has done a sensational job since taking over four years ago. He has led the Sabercats to an impressive 33-6 overall record and this year, the

High School Sports M

Which Team Gets Sabercats could make a run at the State 6A Division II semifinals. “We have a great team returning,” says Campbell. “We just need to keep working harder during practices.”

The Sabercats could make a statetitle run with returning quarterback A.J. Sotello (5,215 passing yards 61 TDs) along with RB Pablo Rivera (1,057 yards rushing), Jiovanny Rodriguez (209 yards rushing), and RB Jhonier Marin (302 yards ). “Sotello has worked hard these past seasons and we are looking forward to his senior year,” says Campbell. One of Sotello’s targets will be junior Justin Vega (733 yards). Oh,

protecting Sotello will be UTSA commit, OT 6’6 290lbs Ronnie Garza; University of Houston Baptist commit, OT Andrew Alvarado (6’5 275lbs); and OT Chris Leal (6’3 265lbs).

Closing in at No.2 are the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks with third-year head coach, Tommy Lee. What a run the D’Backs made in 2019. As a matter of fact, the Diamondbacks left their last game heroics on the playing field with UTSA Commit, quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger in tears and holding on to his injured arm. The Diamondbacks

Cardinals

2019 6A DI Bi-District Finalists 9-2 Record

Lobos

2019 5A DI Bi-District Finalists 7-4 Record

Wildcats

2019 6A DII Regional Finalists 9-4 Record

Pirates

2019 overall 8-3 Record; Bi-District Finals

10

Raymondville Bearkats

2019 overall 9-2 Record; Area Finals

Page 6

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

nkings!

Magazine

Picture are head coaches l-r Dan Gomez, San Benito HS; Manny Gomez, Harlingen HS; Port Isabel HS, Tony Villarreal; and John Campbell, Edinburg Vela.

(HSSMImages)

To Be Numero Uno...

(11-2) lost to Boerne Champion in overtime 45-38 on an interception pass to end their magical season.

“It was a great year and we are looking forward to 2020,” says Lee. “We just need to keep playing.”

The Diamondbacks scored 625 points in 2019 with Marburger (6’3 200lbs) torching their opponents week after week with 58 touchdowns passes in one season and 4,505 passing yards.

He enters the season as the No.1 rated

quarterback from the Rio Grande Valley with 5,541 yards passing in his career with 67 touchdowns passes. He also has rushed for 1,202 yards with 18 TDs. The Diamondbacks will be tough to beat in District 16-5A DII in 2020.

Coming in at No.3 are the San Benito Greyhounds with head coach Dan

Gomez. The Greyhounds will be a team to watch this season and a third round playoff run is possible. At No.4, the Mission Eagles will be talented on offense and this could be interesting for the head coach Koy Detmer as he seeks his third straight playoff appearance in Class 6A. The Eagles will move from District 30-6A to 31-6A after the UIL realigned teams in this past February. This means that a matchup with the Sabercats and Eagles for the outright district title is possible.

And finally, the Mercedes Tigers takes the No.5 spot with head coach Roger Adame.

The Tigers could make things improbable for the Pioneer Diamondbacks since both teams play in 16-5A DII this season.

The Tigers will feature a fiesty defense and a great offense. Returning at quarterback is junior Michael Cisneros (1,905 yards passing) along with 5A All-State defensive player, senior Brandon Adame.

Follow Us!

High School Sports Magazine

GD

POWER RANKINGS Rio Grande Valley Region IV

11 WESLACO 12 MISSION VETS 13 Edinburg North 14 PORT ISABEL 15 LA FERIA 16 Los Fresnos 17 Bro Pace 18 McAllen 19 SHARYLAND Rattlers

2019 5A DII Bi-District Finalists 5-6 Record

Panthers

2019 6A DI Regional Finals 10-3 Record

Patriots

2019 5A DI Area Finalists 8-3 Record

Cougars

2019 6A DI Bi-District Finalists 3-8 Record

Tarpons

2019 4A DII Bi-District Finals 3-7 Record

Lions

2019 4A DI Area Finals 11-1 Record

Falcons

2019 6A DI Bi-District Finals 3-8 Record

Vikings

2019 5A DI Bi-District Finals 6-5 Record

Memorial

2019 6A DI Area Finals 10-2 Record

20 Cougars

Santa Maria 2019 2A DI Bi-District Finals 7-3

Page 7

District b New Realignments, COVID19 Zones in RGV (Rio Grande City, Texas)-What a mess COVID-19 has created for the upcoming 2020 football season! In the Rio Grande Valley, football seasons have been shortened and all 5A and 6A districts have created zone play with less district games to be played this year. Kickoff is set for October 23rd for most teams.

The biggest surprise in 2020 was when the University Interscholastic League announced the shifting of districts and teams, moving some in or out of districts.

Even some teams moved up a classification, or several teams moved down.

The UIL made the move to realign the Rio Grande Valley with surprising adjustments by eliminating one RGV 6A district and handing it to the Laredo schools. The shift by the UIL No Mercy!

Brownsville Porter HS LB Arath De La Torre with Allan Garcia from Rio Grande City.

(HSSMImages/RGCISD)

gives the Rio Grande Valley only two 6A districts comprised of District 32-6A and 31-6A. District 30-6A moves into the Laredo School Districts with seven teams from Laredo Alexander, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo LBJ, Laredo Nixon, Laredo United, and Laredo United South.

This new realignment means that the Top Four teams from District 32-6A will play 31-6A in the first round the state playoffs while District 30-6A will play the Top Four teams from 29-6A (SA Brennan, SA Harlan, SA Holmes, (SA Jay SA Marshall, SA O’ Connor, SA Stevens, SA Taft, and SA Warren). The second round would feature four teams from the Rio Grande Valley playing 29-6A or 30-6A, maybe San Antonio or Laredo-Area teams. “Its a tough bracket,” says PSJA head coach Lupe Rodriguez. “It will be a new challenge”.

In Class 5A, the UIL created a ten-team District 16-5A Division I conference with two zones along

Order Your Class Rings Today!

www.RGVGrad.com 2401 N. 10th McAllen, Texas 956-971-0064

Page 8

www.RGVGrad.com

Call Us! 956.720.2560 Edinburg, Texas

by District with District 31-6A. The top teams from each zone will play for the district title while the second and third place teams will play for the final two playoff spots.

The biggest set back was with the Rio Grande City Rattlers after the UIL sent head football coach Leo Mireles and his team to play in District 14-5A DI with Laredo Cigarroa, Laredo Martin, SA Southside, SA Southwest, SA Southwest Legacy, and Eagle Pass Winn. “This was a big surprise,” says Mireles. “We did not expect this at all.”

Another surprising move was in Class 4A with District 16-4A Division II creating two zone conferences, now, realigned with eight teams from the previous four teams, which now includes Port Isabel, Raymondville, Rio Hondo, Ingleside, Robstown, RockportFulton, Sinton, and CC West Oso. HSSM predicts the following teams to make the playoffs in bold print. Good luck!

THE PREDICTIONS

by HSSM’s Tddave (Bold indicates playoff teams)

District 16-2A DI 1. Santa Maria 201* 2. La Villa 184* 3. Premont 190* 4. Riviera-Kaufer 174* 5. Ben Bolt 178 (Opted to not play) District 16-3A DI Zone A 1. Lyford 483 2. CC London 353 3. Progreso 501 4. Santa Gertrudis 367 Zone B 1. San Diego 380 2. Falfurrias 391 3. Bishop 514 District 16-3A DII Zone A 1. Odem 276 5. Skidmore-Tyan 266 6. Taft 263 Zone B 1. Hebbronville 317 2. Santa Rosa 308 3. Monte Alto 265 4. Banquete 274 District 16-4A DI 1. Hidalgo Early College 1,089 2. La Feria 1,005 3. Grulla 918 4. Kingsville King 884 5. Zapata 946

District 16-4A DII South Zone 1. Raymondville 590 2. Port Isabel 675 3. Rio Hondo 555

District 16-5A DII East Zone 1. Mercedes 1,503 2. Edcouch-Elsa 1,467 3. Valley View 1,455 4. PSJA Southwest 1,837 5. PSJA Memorial 1,852.5

North Zone 1. Sinton 620 2. Rockport-Fulton 875 3. CC Ingleside 641 4. CC West Oso 617 5. Robstown 703.5

West Zone 1. Sharyland Pioneer 1,756 2. Mission Veterans 1,874 3. Sharyland1,760 4. Roma 1,772

District 14-5A DI 1. Rio Grande City 2,160 2. SA Southwest 2,027 3. SA SA Southside 1,864 4. SA Southwest Leagacy 1,927 5. Laredo Martin 2,058 6. Eagle Pass 2,123 7. Laredo Cigarroa 1,591.5 District 16-5A DI East Zone 1. Weslaco East 2,184 2. Brownsville Veterans 2,152 3. Brownsville Pace 2,151 4. Brownsville Porter 2,011.5 5. Brownsville Lopez 2,055.5 West Zone 1. La Joya Palmview 2,195 2. Donna 2,172 3. McAllen 2,201 4. McAllen Memorial 2,115 5. McAllen Nikki Rowe 2,185 *Clinched automatic playoff berths)

District 31-6A West Zone 1. Mission HS 2,339 2. La Joya 2,854 3. PSJA North 2,224 4. PSJA 2,463 5. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 2,285 East Zone 1. Edinburg Vela 2,301 2. Edinburg North 2,763 3. Edinburg 2,565 4. Edinburg Economedes 2,739 District 32-6A SouthEast Zone 1. San Benito 3,074 2. Los Fresnos 3,313 3. Brownsville Rivera 2,504 4. Brownsville Hanna 2,172 NorthWest Zones 1. Harlingen 3,134 2. Weslaco 2,651 3. Harlingen South 2,328 4. Donna North 2,257

www.HaciendaPropertiesRGV.com

Hacienda Hector Guerra Broker/Owner

2201 N. Sugar Road-Pharr, Texas 78577 956.782.9222 Office 956.605.6200 Cell

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

Page 9

////////HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I B HEC The Law

the law office of

HECTOR

BUSTOS

BUS presents

SUPER P.L.L.C.

2020 HSSM’s ALL-SOUTH TEX

Eddie Lee Marburger Pioneer HS QB 6’3 190LBS

AJ Sotelo Edinburg Vela HS QB 6’0 185 LBS

Ronnie Garza Edinburg Vela HS OL 6’6 290 LBS

David Savage Nikki Rowe HS ATH 6’0 175LBS

Zaraivion Armendarez Raymondville HS RB 5’10 190LBS

Carlos Pena LJ Palmview RB 5’10 175LBS

Zac Carrera Hidalgo HS RB 5’10 190LBS

IB

the law of

HECT

Chase Morales Brownsville Pace TE 6’4 240LBS

Dominick Sanchez San Benito HS OL 6’4 295 LBS

IB

the law office of

HECTOR

BUSTOS P.L.L.C.

Quinllion Canada Jr McAllen HS WR 6’3 185LBS

Hayden Mann Harlingen HS OL 6’3 275 LBS

Jermaine Corbin San Benito HS WR 6’2 195LBS

Andrew Alvarado Edinburg Vela HS OL 6’5 275LBS

AJ Gonzaque Mission Veterans WR 6’2 185LBS

Aureliano Martinez Port Isabel HS OL 6’4 285 LBS

220 S Jackson Edinburg, Tx

Tristan Castillo Pioneer HS WR 6’1 185LBS

Eduardo Rosas DONNA HS OL 6’6 330LBS

BUST

Pedro P Weslac OL 6’3 3

the law office of

P.L.L.C

R TEAM P.L.L.C.

XAS PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL

Luis Banda PSJA Southwest HS DB 5’11 180LBS

B

Jeremy Duran Mission HS QB 6’0 195LBS

Bernie CastellanosSanta Maria HS Punter/K 6’1 185LBS

Andres Vargas Edinburg HS DB 6’1 175LBS

Isaac Espino PSJA HS DB 5’10 165LBS

Dylan Ramirez Raymondville HS DB 5’11 195LBS

Mark Champion Mission Veterans LB 6’2 190LBS

Javier Trevino Sharyland HS LB 6’0 195LBS

Daniel Rodriguez Edinburg North HS LB 6’0 210LBS

Brandon Adame Mercedes HS LB 5’10 195LBS

Louis Devries Lyford HS DT/DE 6’3 245LBS

Kyle Perales Hidalgo HS DE 6’4 235LBS

Alan Delgado La Joya HS DB 5’10 170lbs

ffice of

TOR

TOS P.L.L.C.

Posadas co East 315LBS

Dante Lopez Mission HS LB/DT 6’1 235 LBS

Emmanuel Duron Edinburg HS DT 6’1 245LBS

Aryn Solis Pioneer HS DE/DL 6’3 235LBS

Cirr Arredondo McAllen HS DT 6’1 260LBS

956.720.4231

///////////HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

CTOR I B STOS HECTOR BUSTOS Office of

IB

the law office of

HECTOR

BUSTOS P.L.L.C.

///////HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

2020 StatsLeaders HSSM Pre-Season

Rushing Carlos PenaLJPalmview 2,234 yards 30 TDs Zac Carrera-Hidalgo 2,099 21 TDs Zaraivion ArmendarezRaymondville HS 1,745 yards 25 TDs Issac Gonzalez PSJA North 1,418 yards 14 TDs Shandon Woodard Edinburg HS 1,183 yards 13 TDs Chris Resendiz Los Fresnos HS 1,147 yards 12 TDs PJ Rivera Edinburg Vela 1,057 yards 10 TDs

Receiving Josiah Cantu-Mercedes 796 yards 5 TDs Derek Perez-La Feria 756 yards 13 TDs Justin Vega-Vela HS 733 yards 11 TDs

QB Benji Valdivia Sharyland HS

Page 12

Allan Garcia Rio Grande City 714 yards 9 TDs Bernie Castellanos Santa Maria HS 691 yards 13 TDs Tristan Castillo Sharyland Pioneer 679 yards 5 TDs Justin Galvan-Harlingen 624 yards 5 TDs Gavin De La GarzaSharyland Pioneer 586 yards 5 TDs David Savage McAllen Nikki Rowe HS 558 yards 4 TDs Jermaine Corbin San Benito HS 510 yards 3 TDs

Punts Jonathan Valencia McAllen Nikki Rowe HS 14 punts 42.0 avg Bernie Castellanos Santa Maria HS 40.7 15 punts

RB Issac Gonzalez PSJA North HS

Miguel Ramos Sharyland Pioneer 17 punts 34.5

PATs Sergio Rodriguez-La Feria 64-69 attempts 2-2 FG Robelin Montez-RGC 47-59 Yahir Reyes-San Benito 42-45 6-7 5’3 Angel Fernandez-PI 29-33 47 KOs Sack Leaders Dylan RamirezRaymondville HS 13.0 Roan Galvan Mercedes HS 12.0 Kyle Perales Hidalgo HS 9.0 Arath De La Torre Brownsville Porter 7.5 Emmanuel Duron Edinburg HS 7.0 INT Leaders Adrian Hernandez PSJA SouthWest 5

RB PJ Rivera Edinburg Vela HS

Issac Espino-PSJA 4 Michael Pena Mission Veterans 4 Marc Perez-RGC 3 Michael Banda San Benito 3 Allan Garcia-RGC 3 Jay Palacis Sharyland Pioneer 3 Rodney Garza-Weslaco 3 Passing Eddie Lee MarburgerSharyland Pioneer 4,505 yards 58 TDs Anthony Sotello Edinburg Vela HS 3,057 yards 36 TDs Jeremy Duran-Mission HS 2,305 yards 25 TDs Michael Cisneros-Mercedes 1,905 yards 11 TDs Jose Banda Brownsville Pace 1,656 yards 9 TDs Benji Valdivia-Sharyland 1,525 yards 18 TDs

WR Justin Galvan Harlingen HS

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

San Benito HS

Head Coach: Dan Gomez

R/L 20/40 O/D 3/8

Players To Watch Kyler Castilleja RB 5’8 170lbs Jermaine Corbin ATH 6’1 185lbs 4.7 2019 Season 7-5, 4-1 6A DI Area Finalist

Running Faster; Better Too!

(San Benito, Texas)-Many San Benito Greyhound fans will remember the 1961 team that advanced to the UIL State 3A Semifinals.

It was players like Jim Helms, Robert Cortez, Vicente Galvan, and Rey Saldana, who helped lead the Greyhounds to its perfect, undefeated season in District 16-3A and they were ranked No.1 in Texas in Class 3A as well. Those were the days, and today, many Greyhound fans are still waiting for another moment like 1961.

Head coach Dan Gomez keeps teasing fans with his playoff runs, year after year.

Since 2014, he has led the Greyhounds to six playoff appearances, with three third round appearances. It takes five rounds to get to the UIL State 6A semifinals.

In his first season, Gomez posted a 6-5 season with one first round appearance before losing to Weslaco East 42-14. The following season, the Greyhounds finished tied for first place and advanced to the State 6A Regional Championships against Shertz-Clemens, losing 41-15.

LB Aaron Reyes

//////////////////////////////////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////

Greyhounds Student Enrollment: 3,074

The Greyhounds would make another third round appearance, along with a District 32-6A title intact, but the Greyhounds would fall to San Antonio O’Connor in an exciting 52-43 loss. Again, the Greyhounds would make it back to the third round of the state playoffs in 2018, this time, it would be a home game against Converse Judson. The final score: Judson 69 San Benito 18.

So what will it take to make it to the fifth round? “It will take lots of luck,” says Gomez. “This community is ready for a playoff run like that.”

Players to watch in 2020 on offense are senior QB Elijah Hernandez (426 yards passing), QB/WR 6’3 Nick Gonzales, RB Kyler Castilleja (1,004 yards rushing), RB/WR 6’2 Jermaine Corbin (510 yards receiving), WR 6’2 Justyn Martinez, OT 6’4 298lbs) Dominick Sanchez, OT 6’3 260lbs Richardo Garcia, and OG 6’1 275lbs Nate Rodriguez.

On defense, LB 5’10 Aaron Reyes (71 solo tackles 4 QB sacks) returns with DB Michael Banda (54 tackles 3 INTs), Gabe Sandoval (48 tackles 3 QB sacks), and LB Mauricio Padilla (64 tackles 5 QB sacks).

The Greyhounds will announce their 2020 football schedule with revisions due to COVID-19.

Quarterback Elijah Hernandez

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

DB Michael Banda

Page 13

//////////////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020/////////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools

Cardinals Harlingen

Players To Watch OL Hayden Mann 6’3 275lbs WR Justin Galvan 689 yards 5 TDs

Student Enrollment: 3,134

Head Coach: Manny Gomez 6A DI Bi-District Finals

Repeat Champions?

(Harlingen, Texas)-After thirteen seasons as the Harlingen Cardinal head football coach, Manny Gomez will lead his team again with plenty of high hopes in 2020.

The 32-6A defending champions, Cardinals defeated Sharyland Pioneer 42-41 in their season opener in 2019, then lost to Converse Judson 39-0, and ended

their season with a first round 42-35 loss to Edinburg Vela in the Class 6A Division II Bi-District Championship playoffs.

Ironically, all three teams advanced to the third round of the state playoffs, with Judson losing in the State 6A Division I Quarterfinals to Austin Lake Travis 48-35. “It was a tough

schedule,” says Gomez.

After going 9-1 and winning the outright District 32-6A title with a perfect 5-0 record, the Cardinals will now shift their attention to its newly, realigned 32-6A conference.

Senior QB Joe Zuniga could be the guy under center and he will be joined by junior RB Isaiah

!

2019 Season: 9-2, 5-0 O/D 4/5 R/L 20/25

Perales (186 yards rushing), along with QB/WR Justin Galvan (689 yards 5 TDs), and WR Austin Alfaro. On defense, the Cardinals will look to FS Pedro Luna (74 tackles 40 solos), LB JC Moradel (84 tackles 4.5 QB sacks), and DT Ramon Huerta (87 tackles 3.0 QB sacks).

Last year, the Cardinal defense was potent and sacked their opponents quarterbacks thirty times with 92 passes deflectived.

The Cards will open their season against 30-6A Laredo United South followed by a rematch with 31-6A Edinburg Vela and end their non-conference against 30-6A Laredo United in Laredo. HSSM picks the Cards to finish 1st again. This district will be fun to watch in 2020.

Ten District Titles. Harlingen High School head football coach Manny Gomez captured his tenth district career title after going 9-2, 5-0 in 2019.

(HSSMImages/HCISD)

956-929-1852

delante Trave ls www.AdelanteTravels.com

Page 14

MCALLEN, TEXAS 78504

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Players To Watch DE Greg Jones 6’3 240lbs OL Bo Alanis 6’1 280lbs

Los Fresnos

Student Enrollment: 3,313

Players To Watch RB Chris Resendez 5’7 185lbs RB Miles McWhoner 5’6 165lbs 4.6

It’s Time To Fly, Now Head Coach: Patrick Brown 6A DI Bi-District Finals

(Los Fresnos, Texas)-Whew! The Falcons barely clinched a playoff spot last year with a dismal 3-8, 2-3 record under head coach Patrick Brown. The 32-6A Los Fresnos Falcons lost to Weslaco 35-28 in the first round of the Class 6A Division I Bi-District Championships.

Now, entering his fifth season, Brown will be looking to improve his overall record in 2020. Many will remember Brown, in his first season, leading the Falcons to the UIL State 6A Regional finals in 2016 and 2017, losing to twice at home to 25-6A Austin Lake Travis Cavaliers.

The Falcons will feature two quarterbacks vying for the top spot and they are junior, 6’0 180lbs Matthew Padilla and senior, 6’1 185lbs Adrian Longoria.

Both QBs could be throwing to senior 6’3 Alejandro Flores, or juniors Cody Taylor, Padilla, and Miles McWhorter (5’5 150lbs).

Returning at running back are senior Chris Resendiz (1,147 yards rushing 12 TDs), McWhorter (432 yards), Padilla (204 yards rushing), and Longoria (328 yards).

The Falcons will be loaded on offense with plenty of talent.

2019 Season: 3-8, 2-3 O/D 9/3 R/L 33/29

Defensivley, DB Marco Moreno is back along with DB Frankie Melendez, LB Rigo De La Fuente, DE Alan Torres, DE Gregory Jones, DT Steven Atkinson, DB Jonathon Grimaldo, and DL An-

thony Elvir.

Brown loves to compete on Friday nights and the Falcons could be primed for District 32-6A when the Falcons kicks off on a Friday night at home against the San

!

Benito Greyhounds. “This will be an interesting season, “ says Brown. “We will be competing for a district title in 2020.”

The Falcons went 1-4 in their first five games last year but, in the end, Brown found a way of making the playoffs despite their overall record.

The Falcons lost three district games by less than seven points to Rivera (21-20), Hanna (24-17), and San Benito (34-30). HSSM picks the Falcons 3rd in 2020.

Without delays, the COVID-19 season should kickoff if Cameron County health officials gives the Falcons the green light Sept. 28th.

No More Mojo. The Los Fresnos Falcons played the six-time UIL State Champions, Odessa Permian Panthers in 2018 and 2019 in non-district action. (HSSMImages/File)

Start Planning For Summer 2021...

956-929-1852

delante Travels MCALLEN, TEXAS 78504

2021 Orlando, Florida www.AdelanteTravels.com

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

/////////////////////////////////////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////

Falcons

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools

Page 15

////////////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools Players To Watch LB Levi Ince 5’10 220lbs FS Devin Montemayor 5’9 160 4.8 Head Coach: Brian Ricci 6A DII Bi-District Finals

Hawks Student Enrollment: 2,328

Harlingen

South

Players To Watch William Hoelscher OL/DL 6’1 235lbs OL Caleb Davis 5’10 280lbs 2019 Season: 4-7, 2-3 O/D 4/5 R/L 22/38

Wants To Soar Higher

(Harlingen, Texas)-After winning the State 5A title at Richmond George Ranch High School in 2015, then-offensive coordinator Ricci traveled to play Weslaco in a non-district game in 2016 and the rest was

history. “I fell in love with the Rio Grande Valley,” says Ricci. This position opened up and I applied.”

The 32-6A Harlingen South Hawks has qualified for the UIL State 6A Division II play-

offs for the past two seasons under head coach Brian Ricci with identical back-to-back, 4-7 records. The Hawks lost to Weslaco East High School 18-14 in the 2019 Bi-District Championships.

Teammates. Hawks projected QB Chase Roberts talks with OL Francisco Bazaldua.

(HSSMImages)

2019 Class 6A DI GP North Shore 31 Duncanville 17 Class 6A DII Austin Westlake 24 Denton Guyer 0 Class 5A DI Alvin Shadow Creek 28 Denton Ryan 22 Class 5A DII Aledo 45 Fort Bend Marshall 42 Class 4A DI Carthage 42 Waco La Vega 28 Class 4A DII Pleasant Grove 35 Wimberley 21 Class 3A DI Grandview 43 Pottsboro 25 Class 3A DII Gunter 43 Omaha Pewitt 22 Class 2A DI Refugio 28 Post 7 Class 2A DII Mart 25 Hamlin 20 2018 Class 6A DI GP North Shore 41 Duncanville 36 Class 6A DII Longview 35 Beaumont West Brook 34 Class 5A DI Highland Park 27 Alvin Shadow Creek 17 Class 5A DII Aledo 55 Fort Bend Marshall 19 Class 4A DI Waco La Vega 35 Liberty Hill 21 Class 4A DII Cuero 40 Pleasant Grove 28 Class 3A DI Grandview 35 Malakoff 21 Class 3A DII Newton 21 Canadian 16 Class 2A DI Mason 44 New Deal 6 Class 2A DII Mart 76 Gruver 33

This could prove to be an interesting year as the Hawks will play in a newly-realigned eight team conference. The Hawks will add Weslaco and Donna North High Schools to its district schedule. “We just need to remain focused,” says Ricci. “The season just got longer.”

Players to watch on offense are junior RB 6’0 Marcos Gonzales (735 yards rushing), FB 5’11 225lbs Kaleb Blackburn, WR Jacob Carreron (166 yards receiving), and OG Caleb Davis.

On defense, LB Levi Ince (5’11 210lbs), LB Ethan Garcia, DE Aaron Vinson, LB Josh Cantu, SS David Cortez, will be the players that Hawk fans will see on Friday nights.

The Hawks will be tested early on in non-conference play when they travel to play Brownsville Veterans Memorial followed by a home game against Sharyland Pioneer before traveling to meet the Alice Coyotes. “We will be tested early on,’ says Ricci.

The Hawks will look to QB Chase Roberts to lead the Hawks in 2020 along with OL Michael Magana and OL Dexter Delgado.

The COVID-19 pandemic will determine the outcome as most teams will begin practices on September 28th with game shuffles. Stay tuned.

2017 Class 6A DI Allen 35 Austin Lake Travis 33 Class 6A DII Cy-Fair 51 Waco Midway 35 Class 5A DI Highland Park 53 Manvel 49 Class 5A DII College Station 20 Aledo 19 Class 4A DI Carthage 49 Kennedale 21 Class 4A DII Pleasant Grove 41 West Orange S Class 3A DI Rockdale 45 Brock 29 Class 3A DII Newton 40 Gunter 16 Class 2A DI Mart 34 Refugio 21 Class 2A DII Muenster 27 Tenaha 20

UIL State Foo

Class 1A-4A December 16-19th Arlington, Texas AT&T Stadium

Page 16

Class 5A-6A January 11-15, 2021 Arlington, Texas AT&T Stadium

2016 Class 6A DI DeSoto 38 Cibolo Steele 29 Class 6A DII Austin Lake Travis 41 The Woodla Class 5A DI Highland Park 16 Temple 7 Class 5A DII Aledo 24 CC Calallen 16 Class 4A DI Carthage 31 Abilene Wylie 14 Class 4A DII West Orange Stark 24 Sweetwate Class 3A DI Mineola 35 Yoakum 14 Class 3A DII Gunter 43 Boling 7 Class 2A DI Refugio 21Crawford 20 Class 2A DII Bremond 49 Iraan 28

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Players To Watch DT Israel Aguirre 5’6 245lbs DB Elian Rodriguez 5’9 165lbs Head Coach: Roy Stroman 6A DII Regional Finals

Weslaco Student Enrollment: 2,651

Players To Watch RB Jesse Hernandez 5’7 175lbs LB Jesse Perez 5’6 165lbs

Panthers

2019 Season: 10-3, 5-1 O/D 7/8 R/L 27-35

Returns Plenty Experience

(Weslaco, Texas)-The Weslaco Panthers will be vying for it’s third straight UIL State 6A Regional Championship appearance under second-year head coach Roy Stroman in 2020.

“The expectations here at Weslaco are high,” says Stroman. “We set the bar high.”

The Panthers finished 10-3, 5-1 in District 31-6A and since then, the UIL has realigned most districts throughout Texas, including Weslaco, by moving the Panthers to 32-6A. “Its a tough district,” says Stroman.

The Panthers will meet football power-

houses San Benito, Harlingen, Los Fresnos, and Brownsville Hanna.

Other teams includes Brownsville Rivera, Harlingen South, and Donna North.

Players to watch in 2020 on offense are QB Rodney Garza (204 yards passing 84 yards rushing), RB Jesse

Finding A Way. The Weslaco Panthers advanced to the 2019 UIL State 6A DI Regional finals against Austin Lake Travis, losing 52-17.

Hernandez (470 yards rushing), WR Meliton Rodriguez (150 yards), and TE Josh Burket (6’1 175lbs). Defensively, the Panthers will be led

by Jesse Perez (96 tackles 3 QB sacks), Burket (123 tackles), Alexis Munoz (56 tackles), Tre Oliver (2 QB sacks), and Austin Craig (35 tackles). Garza will also play DB and he returns with three interceptions from 2019.

The Panthers advanced to the State 6A Division I Regional Championships in 2019 before losing to Austin Lake Travis 52-17 for the second year in a row. “They are a tough team to beat that’s why they have won five state titles,” says Stroman.

Will a state title come to the Weslaco Panthers in 2020? The Panthers last advanced to the

2013 Class 5A DI Allen 63 Pearland 28 Class 5A DII Cedar Hill 34 Katy 24 Class 4A DI Denton Guyer 31 SA Brennan 14 Class 4A DII Aledo 38 Brenham 10 Class 3A DII Argyle 38 Fairfield 33 Class 3A DI Carthage 34 Kilgore 23 Class 2A DII Cisco 56 Refugio 36 Class 2A DI Cameron Yoe 35 Wall 14 Class 1A DI Stamford 41 Shiner 28 Class 1A DII Wellington 42 Falls City 20 2012 Class 5A DI Allen 35 Houston Lamar 21 Class 5A DII Katy 35 Cedar Hill 24 Class 4A DI Denton Guyer 48 Georgetown 37 Class 4A DII Cedar Park 17 Lancaster 7 Class 3A DII Navasota 39 Gilmer 3 Class 3A DI Stephenville 70 El Campo 35 Class 2A DII East Bernard 56 Mildred 14 Class 2A DI Cameron Yoe 38 Daingerfield 20 Class 1A DI Stamford 35 Mart 28 Class 1A DII Munday 42 Tenaha 14

otball Champions

Stark 21

ands 13

er 6

UIL State 2A semifinals was back in 1955 when then-quarterback legend, Bobby Lackey guided the Panthers against Hillsboro in a 20-7 loss. He went to play for the Texas Longhorns.

The Panthers will scrimmage against Edinburg North at Edinburg North HS and will play three non-conference games against Weslaco East followed

by Mission at home and will then travel to play Laredo Nixon.

The big question remains for Stroman and his coaching staff: Who will be the quarterback?

Who will shine in the backfield. The Panthers lost three offensive players to graduation, who combined for 5,382 yards on offense.

The Panthers will open 32-6A against Donna North followed

by Rivera before meeting Harlingen in a key game at home.

If the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create havoc in South Texas, the Panthers could be looking at less games this season.

(Michelle Ellisor/HSSMImages)

2015 Class 6A DI GP Northshore 21 Austin Westlake 14 Class 6A DII Katy 34 Austin Lake Travis 7 Class 5A DI George Ranch Lake Ridge 0 Class 5A DII Cedar Park 22 Frisco Lone Star 6 Class 4A DI Waco La Vega 33 Argyle 31 Class 4A DII West Orange Stark 22 Celina 3 Class 3A DI Brock 43 Cameron Yoe 33 Class 3A DII Waskom 33 Franklin 21 Class 2A DI Canadian 61 Refugio 20 Class 2A DII Bremond 35 Albany 20 2014 Class 6A DI Allen 47 Cypress Ranch 16 Class 6A DII Cedar Hill 23 Katy 20 Class 5A DI Aledo 49 Temple 45 Class 5A DII Ennis 38 Cedar Park 35 Class 4A DI Navasota 42 Argyle 35 Class 4A DII Gilmer 35 West Orange Stark 25 Class 3A DI Cameron Yoe 70 Mineola 40 Class 3A DII Waskom 41 Newton 22 Class 2A DI Canadian 34 Mason 7 Class 2A DII Bremond 28 Albany 21

“Leaders are made, they are not born...”

Vince Lombardi, NFL Green Bay Packers Head Coach

/////////////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools

2011 Class 5A DI SL Carroll 34 FB Hightower 29 Class 5A DII Dekaney 34 Cibolo Steele 14 Class 4A DI Austin Lake Travis 22 Midway 7 Class 4A DII Aledo 49 Manvel 28 Class 3A DII Wimberely 21 Argyle 14 Class 3A DI Chapel Hill 20 Alvarado 19 Class 2A DII Refugio 36 Cisco 35 Class 2A DI Melissa 28 Hempstead 15 Class 1A DI Mason 62 Stamford 40 Class 1A DII Tenaha 52 Munday 48

2010 Class 5A DI Cibolo Steele 24 Guyer 21 Class 5A DII Pearland 28 Euless Trinity 24 Class 4A DI Lake Travis 27 Denton Ryan 7 Class 4A DII Aledo 69 La Marque 34 Class 3A DII Carthage 47 Coldspring 22 Class 3A DI Henderson 28 Chapel Hill 21 Class 2A DII Idalou 20 Lexington 3 Class 2A DI Daingerfield 33 Cameron Yoe 27 Class 1A DI Falls City 32 Windthorst 7 Class 1A DII Mart 28 Goldthwaite 7

Page 17

//////////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020/////////////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools Players To Watch DE Tony Gandaria 6’0 225lbs Fidel Garcia OL 6’2 245lbs Head Coach: Juan Cuevas

Chiefs Student Enrollment: 2,257

Players To Watch Rigo Rodriguez WR 6’1 175lbs DE Andre Quesada 5’10 165lbs 2019 Season: 0-10, 0-6 O/D 8/8 R/L 20/17

Donna North HS

New Coach, New District

(Donna, Texas)-Longtime Donna ISD coach, Juan Cuevas was named the new Donna North High School head football coach and athletic coordinator for 2020. He takes over a Chiefs football program that has won only six games since 2013 and has posted a record of 1-29 for the past three years.

The Chiefs will move over to District 32-6A after the University Interscholastic League realigned schools throughout the state of Texas this past February.

“Its going to be a challenge but I’m ready to make a difference,” says Cuevas.

The Chiefs will see eight offense and defensive

players returning in 2020 startiong with QB Robert Gomez (130 yards passing), RB Alex Benavides (223 yards rushing), RB Rodriguez Rodrigo, RB Louie Cavazos, WR Aiden Gomez (226 yards), and WR Rodriguez Rigo (257

Fabian Martinez DE Donna North HS

yards).

Defensively, DE/LB Tony Gandaria (29 tackles 6’0 215lbs) returns with LB Raul Colunga (5’11 205lbs), LB Fabian Martinez (5’7 215 lbs), DB Rigo, WR/DB Gomez, to give the Chiefs some balance against their new

32-6A opponents.

The biggest improvement with the Donna North HS Chiefs with be the return of starters and Cuevas feels that they will be able to compete in District 32-6A with powerhouse teams such as Harlingen,

Bruce Trevino QB Donna North HS

Los Fresnos, San Benito, Weslaco, Brownsville Hanna, Harlingen South, and Brownsville Rivera.

“It’s a tough challenge and a tough district,” adds Cuevas. “We will be ready for 2020.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a dampered with health officials in South Texas by putting a halt to practices set by the UIL since August 3rd. The Chiefs will be much improved this season and with plenty of experience. HSSM picks the Chiefs to finish 2-8 this season.

Aiden Gomez WR Donna North HS

Tony Gandaria LB Donna North HS

District 32-6A Football Schedule

www.DonnaISD.net

10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/19 11/27 12/4

Donna (Scrimmage) Harlingen South* @Weslaco* @Harlingen* Bro Rivera* Los Fresnos* Bro Hanna San Benito*

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

*Denotes District games

7250 Val Verde Rd Donna, Texas 78537 956-464-4190

District 32-6A

Page 18

DONNA North HS

Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez Donna North HS Principal Javier Villanueva Football Head Coach Athletic Coordinator Juan Cuevas

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach: Alberto Leal

Student Enrollment: 2,504

District 32-6A Darkhorse

(Brownsville, Texas)-Once a powerhouse, the Brownsville Rivera Raiders has fallen on hard times in Texas football. After five straight seasons, the Raiders are sporting an unimpressive 4-46 won-loss record.

In 2019, first-year head coach Alberto Leal went 2-8 after replacing former head coach, Tom Chavez, hoping to make improvements, but he will continue to work with his team to bring them success in 2020.

The 32-6A Rivera Raiders will kickoff their season at Sams Stadium against 31-6A PSJA North in non-conference action with hopes of making a playoff run, if the COVID-19 restrictions should be Players To Watch FS Diego Escobar 84 Tackles 2 INTs WR Ryan Trinidad 359 yards 4TDs Head Coach: Mark Guess

lifted in Cameron County, allowing the Raiders to play.

Last year, the Raiders ended their 20-game losing streak by defeating the Valley View Tigers 32-0 and after that win, the Raiders went 1-6 to finish the season.

Their biggest upset of the year was a 21-20 win over Los Fresnos.

“We have to do better this season,” says Leal. “We are continuing to build our program.”

Players to watch on offense are seniors, WR Issac Reyna (6’5 185lbs), QB Andres Perez, WR Rafael Campos, RB Ramiro Vega, RB Aaron Garza, OC Carlos Benavides, OT 6’1 275lbs Juan Castillo, and OT 6’3 290lbs Marcus Nash. Another player to

Arnold Rodarte, a 6’3 260lbs linemen.

On defense, seniors LB Michael Esquivel will lead the Raiders along with LB Gilibaldo Pena, and CB/Punter Daniel Esquivel all return to stop opponents from scoring 370 points against the Raiders, as stats showed in 2019.

The Raiders were one-game away from clinching a playoff spot last season after they posted that upset win over Los Fresnos.

If they would have defeated Brownsville Hanna (35-14) the week prior, the Raiders could have been making a post season appearance since 2014.

The Raiders will play three

Hanna Brownsville

Student Enrollment: 2,609

Players To Watch DE Manrique Cantu 6’3 245lbs OL German Woo 6’1 285lbs 2019 Season: 3-7, 1-4 O/D 6/9 R/L 22/17

Defense Is Key (Brownsville, Texas)-The Brownsville Hanna High School Eagles could call it a rebuilding year after finishing last in District 32-6A with a 3-7 record. “Our expectations were high last season, “ says Mark Guess. “It just didn’t turn out that way.”

In District 32-6A, the Eagles

Humberto Garcia DT Brownsville Rivera HS

went 1-4 with blowouts losses to Harlingen (42-8), San Benito (4919), and Harlingen South (24-14).

Players to watch on offense this season are QB Manuel Gonzalez (junior 6’1 205lbs), WR Ryan Trinidad (29 catches 357 yards), WR Ethan Pena, RB Brandon Robles, TE Rolando Gonzalez,

Diego Escovar FS Brownsville Rivera HS

OG Miguel Raya, and WR James Atkinson (6’3 180lbs).

On defense, players to watch are DE 6’2 Robert Ruiz, DE Ernesto Gomez, DE Resendo Galaviz (6’1 210lbs), LB John Rios, DB Anthony Ambriz (83 tackles 45 solos 2 INTs), FS 5’10 Diego Escovar (84 tackles 53 solos 2 QB

Hector Barron LB Brownsville Rivera HS

Andres Perez QB Brownsville Rivera HS

sacks 2 INTs), DB Edgar Zertuche (40 tackles 26 solos), DB Ramon Reyes (75 tackles 39 solos), CB Andrick Flores, and SS Freddy Villarreal.

The Eagles will open their season with a non-conference games at Mercedes followed by home opener with Sharyland High School at Sams Stadium. The Eagles will end their non-conference schedule with Corpus Christi Miller should the COVID-19 pandemic eases itself in South Texas.

In this COVID-19 season, what can Eagle fans expect in 2020?

HSSM picks the Eagles to finish fourth overall, good enough for a State 6A playoff spot.

John Rios LB Brownsville Rivera HS

“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it...”

George Halas, NFL Chicago Bears Head Coach

///////DISTRICT 32-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020/////////////////////////////////////////////

Rivera Brownsville

Players To Watch Ramiro Vega RB 1,067 yards 10 TDs Chito Perez QB 1,031 passing 6 TDs

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools straight non-conference home Players To Watch games and will open 32-6A on Issac Reyna WR 6’5 185lbs the road against the Harlingen Marcus Nash OT Cardinals at Boggus Stadium on 6’3 290lbs followed by a home game against 2019 Season: 2-8, 1-4 the Weslaco Panthers.

O/D 8/2 R/L 25/25 But for now, all the District 32-6A schedules are being re-done since UIL schools in 5A-6A will not kickoff their seasons until September 28th with practices. keep an eye on will be sophomore

Brandon Robles RB Brownsville Rivera HS

Page 19

HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020// //////////////////////////////////

Head Coach John Campbell Enters 4th Season

Student Enrollment: 2,301

Sabercats Aiming for Four In A Row 2019 Season: 9-4, 4-2 O/D 6/6 R/L 37/22

Head Coach: John Campbell 2019 6A DII Regional Finals

(Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg Vela Sabercats will be vying for its fourth consecutive Class 6A Division II Regional Championship appearance in 2020 under fourth-year head football coach John Campbell.

The Sabercats lost a heartbreaker to San Antonio Brandeis in the third round last season 21-14. “We were so close to making it to the state quarterfinals last year and we had our opportunities,” says Campbell. “This year will be special. This team could be our best team yet.”

Returning will be senior third-year starter, QB Ivan Mendoza SS Senior

Anthony Sotelo (career 5,215 yards passing 61 TDs) along with junior RB Pablo Rivera (1,057 yards), RB Jhonier Marin (302 yards), and Joivany Rodriguez (209 yards).

All four talented athletes will be led by a mamouth offensive line with UTSA commit OT Ronnie Garza (6’6 290lbs), OT Chris Leal (6’4 280lbs), OT Mark Gomez, and OT Andrew Alvarado (6’5 270lbs).

The Sabercats will also feature 6’3 WR Jonah Martinez, Jestin Gomez (340 yards), WR Justin Vega (733 yards), and WR Carlos Tamez (6’0).

On defense, DB Jaime Perez (56 tackles) with LB Erik Arguello (52 tackles), FS

Ivan Mendoza (54 tackles), along with 19 other lettermen return.

Kicking duties will go to Justin Vega (32 KO 1,509 yards) and he also led the team with punts (25 punts 769 yards). Vega completed 25-of-26 extra points.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabercats will play a revised schedule in District 31-6A Zone play consisting of all four Edinburg schools, meaning that only three district games will be played with the top teams from each zone playing for UIL playoff spots in Class 6A DII. Can the Sabercats make it to the 4th round in 2020.

“It could happen,” says Campbell.

Mark Gomez OL Junior

PJ Rivera RB Junior

HSSMIMages/Alec Amador

DISTRICT 31-6A

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools

Page 20

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach: J.J. Leija

Bobcats Edinburg

Student Enrollment: 2,565

5’10 160lbs

2019 Season: 4-6, 2-4 O/D 6/6 R/L 29/26

Only Thinking Playoffs

(Edinburg, Texas)-Head coach J.J. Leija has led the Edinburg Bobcats to three playoff appearances since he took overall head football coaching duties in 2016.

Last year, his playoff streak ended with a dismal 4-6 record and 2-4 finish in 31-6A. This year will prove to be much better. “We will bring plenty of experience at key positions,” says Leija.

Returning on offense is senior

Andre Vargas DB Edinburg HS

running back Shandon Woodard (205 carries 1,422 yards 15 TDs) along with quarterbacks junior Roland Abrego (598 passing 273 yards rushing) and senior Kaleb Guajardo (113 passing yards). At wide-receiver, Edwin Muniz ( 10 catches 112 yards), Josh Gonzales, and Lucas Rodriguez all return to give their QBs an opportunity to create big plays.

Defensively, senior FS Andres

Angel Sanchez LB Edinburg HS

AJ Trevino RB Edinburg HS

Vargas (6’1 175lbs 50 tackles), LB Aaron Alfaro (58 tackles), LB Angel Sanchez (55 tackles), DT Emmanuel Duron (63 tackles 7 QB sacks), and LB Jaime Zamora (60 tackles 2 INTs) will give the Bobcats probably one of the best defenses in District 31-6A. The biggest task the Bobcats will face in 2020 is COVID19 and surving their new District 31-6A opponents. Joining the Bobcats are

Diego Flores TE Edinburg HS

Luis Trevino OL Edinburg HS

“Always have class, and be humble...”

John Madden, NFL Oakland Raiders Head Coach

“

We will bring plenty of experience at key positions Says JJ Leija

Head Football Coach Edinburg HS

Page 21

//////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////////////////

Players To Watch Rolando Abrego QB 6’0 170lbs Shandon Woodard RB 1,422 rushing 15 TDs

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools PSJA, Mission, PSJA North, La Players To Watch Joya, and Juarez-Lincoln.

Emmanuel Duron The Bobcats will be much 6’1 230lbs improved in 2020.

Rayhan Gudino DB

////////////////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools Players To Watch Nathan Garcia QB 5’10 175lbs Victor Salinas WR 6’1 185lbs Head Coach: Gabe Pena

Jaguars Edinburg Economedes

Student Enrollment: 2,739

Players To Watch Nathan Martinez DB 6’0 170lbs 4.7 Christian Flores LB 5’11 175lbs 2019 Season: 2-8, 1-5 O/D 6/4 R/L 24/26

Needs Great Start

(Edinburg, Texas)-Head coach Gabe Pena, now in his 11th season, has led the Jags to only four playoff berths in 2016, 2015, 2013, and 2012.

The Jags will be in the newly realigned District 31-6A which now includes all four Edinburg CISD schools along with PSJA, PSJA North, Mission, La Joya, and La Joya Juarez-Lincoln.

The Jags will kickoff its season against PSJA Southwest at Richard R. Flores Stadium in non-confernce action and will meet Edinburg North in their district

opener.

The Jags struggled on offense in 2018, scoring only 133 points and they bettered the 2019 season, scoring 141 points on offense.

Last season, in District 31-6A, the Jags

lost to Weslaco 41-7, Vela 45-0, Edinburg 4128, Weslaco East 40-9, and Edinburg North 338. Their only win was to winless Donna North 24-7. “We have to improve,” says Pena. “We have to come togther in

2020.”

Players to watch will be OT/DT senior Jesus Gonzalez (6’2 265lbs), C Guadalupe Vega (5’11 250lbs), junior FB Christian Flores (5’11 175lbs), FB Danys Rodriguez (5’7 195lbs),

Nathan Martinez Edinburg Economedes HS

Raul Aguilar Edinburg Economedes HS

Preston Alvarado Edinburg Economedes HS

and RB Didier Martinez.

The Jaguars will face a stiffer challenge with the newly realigned District 31-6A conference and if Pena expects to see a playoff bid in 2020, they will need to show improvements with early wins over PSJA Southwest and Roma in nondistrict action. The Jags will need to find a quarterback to lead them in 2020, a problem that has hindered the Jags.

Since mid-August, District 31-6A opted to split the district into zone play due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the all four Edinburg schools making up one zone. The top three teams will advance to the 31-6A zone playoffs this season.

Visit Our Website www.CoyoteArmsShootingCenter.com

Range & Service Fess Day Pass: $25 Per Person For Day $20 Per Person for Military/LEO

Pistol-Rifle Bays-Clay Courses-Archery It’s Fun! 12 Station Sporting Clays and Covered Bays with Tables Available.

Our Coyote Arms Team Pictured l-r are Art Salinas (General Manager), Amanda Baker (Manager) and Rene Guevara.

Page 22

Become a Coyote Member with Annual Memberships Available Fundraising Opportunities Available for Booster Clubs!

Shooting Center 8600 North Big Five Rd Edinburg, Texas 956-631-0448 Open Monday thru Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach: Damian Gonzalez 2019 6A DI Bi-District Finals

Cougars Edinburg North

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools 210lbs sophomore, RichPlayers To Watch ard Ruiz. “He’s tall and Trebor Acuna DT 6’2 245lbs athletic,” says Gonzalez.

Richard Ruiz WR The Cougars will open 6’6 210lbs their season against PSJA 2019 Season: 3-8, 3-3 Memorial in non-district O/D 8/10 R/L 33/19 action followed by Mercedes at home. This will be an interesting COVID-19 season.

Another Playoff Bid?

(Edinburg, Texas)-Head coach Damian Gonzalez led his Edinburg North (3-8) Cougars football program to the UIL State 6A Division I football playoffs last season in only his second season. Could the Cougars be much

Ernesto Sustaita Edinburg North HS

improved in 2020 with its newly realigned 31-6A district? “We will be better and I am excited about playing in 2020,” says Gonzalez.

The Cougars return eight starters on offense and ten starters on defense. Players

Isaiah Cepeda Edinburg North HS

to watch on offense are OL Ernesto Sustaita (6’3 300lbs), OL Jacob Paez (6’2 255lbs), and QB Michael Rodriguez (5’8 155lbs). The returning senior quarterback passed for 847 yards with only three interceptions. He

Jacob Paez Edinburg North HS

/////////////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////////

Players To Watch Ernesto Sustaita OL 300lbs 6’3 Aurelio Lozano LB 6’1 220lbs

Student Enrollment: 2,763

also rushed for another 309 yards. Also competing for the QB spot will be Robert Gonzalez (214 passing yards and 99 yards rushing).

The Cougars will be balanced throughout the field, especially with WR 6’6

Trebor Acuna Edinburg North HS

“Adversity is an opportunity for heroism...”

Marv Levy, NFL Kansas City Head Coach

“

We will be better and I’m excited Says Damian Gonzalez

Head Football Coach Edinburg North HS

Page 23

www.LaJoyaISD.com La Joya ISD Superintendent Dr. Gisela Saenz La Joya ISD School Board Esperanza Ochoa-President Mary T. Hernandez-Vice-President Oscar Salinas-Secretary Nereyda Cantu-Member Armin Garza-Member Claudia Ochoa-Member Alejandro Cantu-Member

La Joya ISD Athletic Director Victor Garza 956.323.2031 La Joya High School Principal Antonio Cano Head FootballCoach Reuben Farias *denotes district games

604 Coyote Dr La Joya, Texas 78560 956-323-2870

Alan Delgado

Anselmo Davila

Julian Vasquez

Carlos Valero

Rudy Olivarez

Fabian Moreno

Abelardo Alaffa

Adan Elizondo

2020 District 31-6A Football West Zone Schedule

*District Games

10/16 10/23 10/31 11/6 11/12

Edinburg (scrimmage) @Ed-Elsa (non-district) PSJA North* @PSJA* Mission*

11/20 Juarez-Lincoln* 12/4 Zone Playoffs UIL State Playoffs Bi-District, Area, Regionals, Quarterfinals Semifinals, Finals

Coyotes La Joya HS

Head Coach: Reuben Farias

Student Enrollment: 2,854

Season Put on Halt

(La Joya, Texas)- Playoffs?

Head coach Reuben Farias enters his fifth-year with the La Joya Coyotes and 2020 will put his team in District 31-6A, moving out of 30-6A. The move by the University Interscholastic League will pair the Coyotes with

Mission, La Joya JuarezLincoln, PSJA, PSJA North, Edinburg, Edinburg Economedes, Edinburg North, and Edinburg Vela High Schools. “Its going to be a tough district,” says Farias. “We just need to focus on one game every week.”

The Coyotes like running ball. It’s what they do best.

Returning on offense at running back are seniors QB/RB Carlos Valero (347 yards), Ivan Garces (474 yards), Anselmo Davila (109 yards), and Rudy Olivarez (239 yards).

Other players to watch on

offense are WR Bobby Cantu (5’11 165lbs) and OG Jesus Gonzalez (6’2 275lbs).

The Coyotes had hoped to kick off their season in District 31-6A but have since put a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coyotes would have

Jacob Reyes OL La Joya HS

Juan Cortina OL La Joya HS

Jason Quintana OL La Joya HS

Esquiel Chavez OL La Joya HS

“ We just need to focus...

Says Reuben Farias

Head Football Coach La Joya HS

Follow Us!

High School Sports Magazine

GD

See You On the Sidelines!

“The superior man blames himself...”

Don Shula, NFL Miami Head Coach

////////////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020/////////////////////////////////////////

Players To Watch Ivan Garces RB 812 yards rushing 6 TDs DB Alan Delgado 45 Tackles 2 INTs

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools played Mission, Edinburg Players To Watch Vela, and PSJA North in QB Carlos Valero 6’0 185lbs that order to begin their OL Juan Cortina quest of a possible District 6’1 265lbs 31-6A title in 2020 in 2019 Season: 4-6, 2-5 31-6A Zone play. “We are O/D 8/8 R/L 21/21 canceling and postponing the season, says La Joya AD, Victor Garza.

David “Tddave” Amador Sports Director

Page 25

///////////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools

Juarez-Lincoln

Players To Watch Josh Briones QB 5’10 165lbs Luis Flores WR 6’3 185lbs

Head Coach: Tomas Garcia

Huskies

Players To Watch Albert Barres DB 5’10 180lbs Jose Marquez DB 5’9 160lbs 2019 Season: 2-8, 1-6 O/D 2/7 R/L 23/25

Student Enrollment: 2,285

Will Have to Wait

(La Joya, Texas)-Head coach Tomas Garcia watched his team lose four games in 2019 that proved to be heart-breaking losses.

Losing four games by less than seven points each to Edinburg (20-14), Mission (31-30), La Joya (49-42), and McAllen

(28-27) could have all been wins and a succesful 6-4 season. Instead, the Huskies finished 2-8, 1-6, and a last place finish with the McAllen Bulldogs.

The Huskies will now move to District 31-6A with hopes of making a run in the State 6A

Angel Portillo SS Juarez-Lincoln HS

Jose Marquez FS Juarez-Lincoln HS

playoffs. Garcia will lead his team with non-district games against Rio Hondo and Donna North before kicking off their 31-6A season at home with the Edinburg Bobcats in the delayed COVID-19 season. “It’s a new season and we love playing

football,” says Garcia.

Players to watch in 2020 are seniors QB Josh Briones, QB Benito Elizondo, SS Jose Marquez, FS Angel Portillo, DB Javier Martinez, RB Kenneth Gonzalez, RB Jose Gonzalez, OLB Edgar

Javier Martinez Jr DB Juarez-Lincoln HS

Armando Rivera LB Juarez-Lincoln HS

District 31-6A West Zone

Benito Elizondo QB Juarez-Lincoln HS

La Joya ISD Superintendent Dr. Giselda Saenz La Joya ISD School Board Esperanza Ochoa-President Mary T. Hernandez-Vice-President Oscar Salinas-Secretary Nereyda Cantu-Member Armin Garza-Member Claudia Ochoa-Member Alejandro Cantu-Member

www.LaJoyaISD.com

Good Luck!

Page 26

Guillen, OLB Danny Garcia, DT Erik Flores, DT Alejandro Corona, DT David Mendoza, and LB Frank Reyes. “We are a senior ball club with plenty of experience,” says Garcia. “We are looking forward to 2020.”

The La Joya ISD school district announced that they would wait till 2021 to play their next football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Texas. “We understand the hardships our athletes might endure but their health is more important,” says La Joya ISD AD, Victor Garza.

2020

La Joya ISD Athletic Director Victor Garza 956.323.2031 La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Principal Ricardo Estrada

Head Coach Tomas Garcia

7801 W. 7 Mile Rd Mission, Texas 78574 956-323-2890

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

////////////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////////

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools Players To Watch Jeremy Duran QB 2,450 passing 24 TDs RB Andrew Maldonado 990 rushing 7 TDs

Head Coach: Koy Detmer

Mission HS

Eagles

Student Enrollment: 2,339

Players To Watch LB Luis Balderas 97 Tackles DT Dante Lopez 6’0 265lbs 2019 Season: 8-3, 6-1 6A DI Bi-District Finals

Could Win It All in 2020

(Mission, Texas)-Talk about excitement in 2020!

The Mission Eagles will now play in the newly realigned District 31-6A with teams La Joya, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, PSJA, PSJA North, Edinburg,

Justin Soto LB Mission HS

Edinburg North, Edinburg Economedes, and yes, the Edinburg Vela Sabercats too.

The top two 6A quarterbacks from the Rio Grande Valley will meet for the first time at Tom Landry

Hall of Fame Stadium.

It’s returning Mission QB, Jeremy Duran (6’0 185lbs) vs Sabercats senior, A.J. Sotello (6’1 190lbs).

The Eagles will be favored by HSSM to compete for the district title along

Andrew Maldonado FB Mission HS

Ivan Chavez FS Mission HS

with Edinburg Vela. The Eagles will also be vying for a third straight 6A playoff appearance under head coach, Koy Detmer.

Players to watch are WR Gilbert Bernal, RB Maldonado (990 yards

Julio Reyes CB Mission HS

rushing), NG Dante Lopez, OT Mark Magallan, TE Armando Lopez (6’0 210lbs), OG Gus Pedraza (6’0 275lbs), and OG Issac Moya (6’0 275lbs). “We were so close to advancing to the second round last year,” says Detmer. “It was a tough loss to Laredo United in overtime.”

“

It was a tough loss to Laredo United Says Koy Detmer

Head Football Coach Mission HS

TOP DEFENSES 2020 Most UIL State Titles Lions 46.0 1.

36.0 2.

30.5 3.

4. Jackets’ 28.0 27.0 5.

Rio Grande Valley-Region IV Quarterback Sacks

Aledo Leads with Nine Championships

La Feria

sacks

Mission Vets

Patriots

sacks

Harlingen

Cardinals

sacks

Ed-Elsa

sacks

McAllen

Memorial

Rankings based on 2019 Season

Page 28

sacks

By David “Tddave” Amador

Best In High School Sports!

(Arlington, Texas)-The Aledo Bearcats and Southlake Carroll. Teams with (15-1) made history as they defeated seven titles are Abilene, Brownwood, Fort Bend Marshall 45-42 to captured Carthage, and Plano followed by six its ninth state title in Class 5A Division titles won by Austin Lake Travis, II played at AT&T Stadium on DecemBreckenridge, Daingerfield, Dallas ber 21, 2019.

The Bearcats rushed for 318 yards on 50 carries, scoring three touchdowns along with quarterback Jake Bishop passing for 244 yards and three more touchdowns. The Bearkats have made 11 state title appearances along with 38 Nine Titles. The Aledo Bearkats from 5A Region II District playoff bids.

5 Division II defeated Fort Bend Marshall 45-42 to win The Bearcats its ninth state title in 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, have made seven Texas. (HSSMImages/Special) straight state championship finals since 2013, winning five titles.

Higland Park, Odessa Permian, and Other Texas High School teams with Wichita Falls. The Bearcats have won eight titles are Celina, Katy, Mart, three state titles in Class 5A.

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach: Lupe Rodriguez

BEARS Student Enrollment: 2,463

PSJA HS

Players To Watch QB Santiago Pena 6’0 185lbs 4.9 QB Austin Flores 5’10 175lbs 2019 Season: 7-4, 6-1 6A DI Bi-District Finals

New District, New QBs

(Pharr, Texas)-Talk about big changes. The PSJA Bears will move over to District 31-6A in the newly, realigned nine-team district consisting of Edinburg,

Santiago Pena, QB PSJA HS Players To Watch RB Issac Gonzalez 1,418 yards 14 TDs Jack Lugo QB/WR 6’2 190lbs

Edinburg Vela, Edinburg North, Edinburg Economedes, La Joya, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Mission, and cross-town rivals, PSJA North. “It will be a tough district

to play in on Friday nights,” says head football coach Lupe Rodriguez. The Bears will open their season at home against the 16-5A DII Region IV Regional

finalist, Sharyland Pioneer and then play PSJA Southwest before entering district play against LJ Juarez-Lincoln Huskies.

Returning for the Bears

Raul Reyes RB PSJA HS

Viggo Lopez WR PSJA HS

Joey Garza LB PSJA HS

PSJA North

Players To Watch OL Ram Martinez 6’2 275lbs DB Christian Ramirez 5’11 180lbs

Raiders

Head Coach: Marcus Kaufmann

Student Enrollment: 2,224

2019 Season: 5-5, 3-4 R/L 20/30 O/D 4/1

Needs to Stay Healthy

(Pharr, Texas)-The PSJA North Raiders will be the team to watch in 2020 with plenty of talent returning on offense. Head coach Marcus Kaufmann returns for his fifth season with hopes of making the playoffs. At quarterback, junior Zac Gonzalez and Jack Lugo (6’2 195lbs) will compete for the starting role with junior RB Issac Gonzalez (1,418 yards 14 TDs), junior Joanthan Arias, and Matt Lopez all returning in the back field.

On defense, the Raiders will be led by junior linebacker 6’0 200lbs Micah Lopez (143 tackles 47 solos), with FS Cookie

Ramirez (99 tackles 40 solos), and DT Angel Navarrete returning.

The Raiders finished 5-5 in 2019, losing to PSJA (20-14), Rowe (24-19), and McAllen Memorial (28-24). “Those were tough losses,” says Kaufmann. “We had our opportunities.” The Men

Darkhorses. PSJA North head football coach Marcus Kaufmann will be looking to lead his Raiders to the UIL 6A Football Playoffs in 2020.

(HSSMImages)

“My philosophy? Simplicity plus variety...”

Hank Stram, NFL Dallas Texans Head Coach

/////////////DISTRICT 31-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////////

Players To Watch WR Viggio Lopez 6’2 180lbs 4.7 DB Issac Espino 5’10 175lbs

6A Enrollments 2220 and Above 245 Schools

are RB Raul Reyes, RB Viggo Lopez (6’2), SS Isaac Espino, WR Noah Aguilar, DT Aaron Noriega (6’1 260lbs), and DE Anthony Santoscoy (6’3 235lbs).

Like many RGV teams, the Bears will be looking for a new starting quarterback. Possible players are Austin Flores, Santiago Pena III, or Noah Aguilar.

Since mid-August, the 31-6A District Executive committee decided to create two zones due to the COVID-19 pandemic with PSJA zoning with PSJA North, La Joya, JuarezLincoln, and Mission.

The top three teams advance to zone playoffs on December 3-5th.

in Black will play host to Edcouch-Elsa High School and will kickoff their district season against the La Joya Coyotes.

The Raiders last won the Class 6A DI Bi-District Championship title in 2018 under Kaufmann.

“

Those were tough losses Says Marcus Kaufmann

Head Football Coach PSJA North HS

Page 29

Records as of July 30, 2020

TOP GRIDIRON Quarterbacks 2020 High School Sports Magazine’s

Eddie Lee

6’3 Senior Anthony 5’11 Senior JEREMY

Passing Yards-Rio Grande Valley

6’0 Junior

Michael

5’9 Junior

J.T.

6’0 Senior

Jose

5’10 Senior

MARBURGER SOTELO DURAN CISNEROS Trujio BANDA yds 5,541 yds 5,215 yds 3,925 yds 1,905 yds 1,813 yds 1,656 One Season 9 TDS Two Seasons 67 TDS Two Seasons 61 TDS Two Seasons 38 TDS One Season 11 TDS One Season 24 TDS Pioneer HS

Vela HS

Mission HS

Mercedes HS

Grulla HS

Pace HS

The Best In Sports!

David “Tddave” Amador HSSM Sports Director

Rio Grande Valley Edition

Willacy-Cameron Counties

Super Top 20 Teams Pre-Season HSSM Team August 2019

2019

TO IN-DEPTH SCOUTING REPORTS BY TDDAVE PLUS GAME SCHEDULES PREDICTIONS STATS

INSIDE Turn The Page Follow Us!

Page 30

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Players To Watch Allan Garcia WR/DB 714 Yards/3 INTs E.J. Perez LB 71 Tackles

Rio Grande City HS

Players To Watch J.J. Bocanegra DT 6’0 210lbs SS Mike Compean 5’11 180lbs

Rattlers New Coach, New District 14-5A Student Enrollment: 2,160

2019 Season: 9-2, 8-1 (Co-Champs) O/D 4/7 R/L 30/23

Head Coach: Leo Mireles III 5A DI Bi-District Finals

(Rio Grande City, Tx)-The University Interscholastic League moved the Rio Grande City Rattlers (9-2) from 16-5A Division I to 14-5A Division I in the 2020-22 realignments this past February. The move surprised the Rattlers after making the playoffs in 2019 and winning a share of the district title.

Second-year head coach Leo Mireles will lead his Rattler team against District 14-5A DI opponents Laredo Cigarroa (1-9), Laredo Martin (6-5), SA Southside (0-10), SA Southwest (7-6), SA Southwest Legacy (6-4), and Eagle Pass Winn (3-7).

Mireles turned around this Rattler program after going 3-7, 5-5, 6-4, and 3-7 from 2015-2018 in his first-year as a head coach.

Mireles penciled in his passing attack as a first-year head coach

and scorched opponents for 34 passing touchdowns and 301.0 passing yards per game in 2019.

With only four starters back on offense, players to watch are two talented quarterbacks, sophomore Kevin Guerra (6’2 185lbs) and senior Mike Ramos (6’1 190lbs).

Both quarterbacks received playing time last year, behind starter,

Zac Compean C Rio Grande City

Mario Garza (2,918 yards 34 TDs). On the ground attack, RB Allan Garcia (139 yards) and Marc Perez (370 yards) both return to give the Rattlers a balanced backfield. Three receivers returning are Garcia (714 yards), Ricky Falcon (280 yards), and junior Jorge Pena will add some spark to a Rattler talented offense. Defensively, LBs

Anthony Ortiz DT Rio Grande City

Jose Vasquez (4 QB sacks), Daniel Falcon (5.5 sacks), and DT JJ Bocanegra (3.5 sacks 32 tackles), will give the Rattlers plenty of reasons their opponents should worry on Friday nights.

If and when this season does kickoff due to health regulations, the Rattlers will be special in this COVID-19 season.

JJ Bocanegra DE Rio Grande City

Devin Gonzalez DT Rio Grande City

https://rhs.rgccisd.org/

District 14-5A DI

Good Luck in 2020!

Superintendent RGCCISD Vilma Garza Athletic Director Rey Ramirez RGC HS Principal Jorge Pena RGC HS Athletic Coordinator Lionel Mireles

5726 N FM 755 Rio Grande City, Tx78582 956-487-7278

Rushing Leaders Texas High School All-Time

1. Kenneth Hall-Sugarland HS 11,232 (1950-53) 2. Johnathan Gray-Aledo HS 10,889 (2008-11) 3. Traylon Shead-Cayuga HS 10,298 (2006-09) 4. Trevor Speights-McAllen Memorial 9,868 (2012-15)

/////////////////DISTRICT 14-5A DI HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools

Page 31

DISTRICT 16-5A DI HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////////////////

DISTRICT 16-5A DI

Head Coach: Patrick Shelby R/L 24/26 O/D 8/4 Student Enrollment: 2,201

Bulldogs McAllen HS

Looking to Improve

(McAllen, Texas)-Secondyear McAllen High School head football coach, Patrick Shelby will kickoff his season with his Bulldogs moving down from Class 6A to 5A with the new UIL realignments.

The Bulldogs finished in last place, tied with La Joya Juarez-Lincoln with a 1-6 record in District 30-6A and 3-7 overall.

McHi will now compete in a five-team District 165A Division I West Zone with Donna, McAllen Nikki Rowe, La Joya Palmview, and McAllen Memorial due to the COVID-19 health restrictions issued by Hidalgo County.

Returning to lead the Bulldogs will be WRs Felipe Magana (6’1), Ethan Noyola, Caleb Killian, and Quinllion Canada Jr. (6’3), along with offensive linemen Trey Santos (6’0 255lbs), Kai Hare (6’0 250lbs), Bryan Hernan-

dez (6’4 275lbs), and Caleb Vega (5’11 255lbs).

On defense, the Bulldogs will be tough with starters defensive end, Cirr Arredondo (6’1 245lbs), newcomer of the year, DE Juan Corpus (6’1 245lbs), K Yael Valero, DT Steven Pedraza, and DB Holden Hood.

The Bulldogs will need to get off to a fast start on offense with only one nondistrict game against 31-6A Edinburg. After that, the Bulldogs will open 16-5A Division I against McAllen Memorial followed by a trip to Bennie La Prade Stadium to take on the 1961 2A State Champions, Donna Redskins. “We need to come ready to play on every night,” says Shelby. “We need to be prepared.”

The biggest question for the Bulldogs will be their backfield. The Bulldogs did not produce the running attack they were hoping to

Players To Watch WR Quinllion Canada 6’3 185lbs 40 catches 565 yards Juan Corpus DE 6’1 240lbs 85 tackles 10 QB hurries TD Cirr Arredondo DE 6’1 255lbs 110 tackles 6 QB sacks TD

see in 2019 and with RB Jahir Meza returning along with QB Hunter Curl, the Bulldogs could see a lot of changes on Friday nights.

At quarterback, the Bulldogs could see speedstersMagna and Canada share QB duties, with sophomore Jack Millian, or Curl competing for the starting role as well. Curl (5’8 180lbs) led the Bulldogs as a sophomore starter last season with a 1-7 record with only 99 points scored on offense.

The Bulldogs last playoff appearance was back in 2017, losing to 29-6A Eagle Pass 52-21.

The McAllen Bulldogs will have to play only four district games this season and Shelby knows that this season is a “do or die” season with the COVID-19 outbreak, scheduled to get started in late October. Will the Bulldogs be playing in December? Stay tuned...

Westin Guzman, DB/RB McAllen Rowe HS

2020 McAllen HS

FB Schedule

2019 Overall Record: 3-7, 1-6 2nd Yr Coach: Patrick Shelby Mascot: Bulldogs 30-6A 7th Place 2020 Football Opponents Oct 23 @ Edinburg 7:30p Oct 30 @ McA Memorial 7:30p Nov 6 LJ Palmview 7:30p Nov 13 @ McA Rowe 7:30p Nov 26 Donna 11:00a (Thanksgiving Day) 16-5A DI Zone Playoffs Dec 3-5th UIL State Playoffs Bi-District Area Regionals Quarterfinals Semifinals State Championships

Trey Santos, OL McAllen HS

Juan Corpus, DE McAllen HS

Adam Sanchez DE McAllen HS

Aizar J. Karam, Jr. ATTORNEY AT LAW akaram@karamlawfirm.com

1722 Pecan Avenue McAllen, Texas 78501

Page 32

Be Safe. Wear a Mask...

///////////////DISTRICT 30-6AAAAAA HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019//////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools on their five returning Student Enrollment: 2,165 Players To Watch Players To Watch starters on offense with TE Gustavo Cruz WR David Savage their running attack of 6’2 210lbs 32-558 yards 4 TDs RBs Joey Partida (385 DB Jason Neal ATH Joey Partida 5’9 175lbs 1,115 total yards yards), Nicolas Meehan (367 yards), and Lorenzo Head Coach: Robert Flores 2019 Season: 7-5, 3-4 R/L 15-12, O/D 5/3 6A DII Area Finals Lopez (684 yards). At QB? Mateo Llanas and James Gamez will battle for the starting “jet-sweep” offense.

(McAllen, Texas)-For the Warriors went 0-2; in gave Flores his first Class In the offseason, the the past three seasons, 2018, it got worst with a 6A Division II Bi-District Warriors hired Robert head coach Robert 1-4 finish; and in 2019, Championship title. “That Bocanegra as their new Flores has scratched the Warriors lost their final was a strong way to defensive coordinator and hopefully, the Warriors his head wondering four games of the season, finish,” says the former 2019 McAllen Rowe HS why his McAllen Nikki barely making the playoffs Nikki Rowe High School will end their 35.0 points Rowe Warriors cannot with a 6-4 record. graduate. “Now, its a new per game allowed on FB Schedule 2019 Overall Record:7-5, 3-4 end their seasons with a Still, it was a great finish season and we need to defense.

Head Coach: Robert Flores strong finish? In 2017, in 2019 as the Warriors move forward.

The Warriors will rely Mascot: Warriors

Warriors McAllen Nikki Rowe HS

Rebuilding in Class 5A

31-6A 4th place 6A DII Area Finalists Lost to Weslaco East 31-10

Pioneer Scrimmage TBA Oct 23 @ Sharyland 7:30p Oct 29 @LJ Palmview* 7:00p Nov 5 @ Bro Veterans 7:00p Nov 13 McAllen* Nov 20 @Donna* 7:30p Nov 27 McA Memorial* 7:30p Dec 3-5 Zone Playoffs

David Savage ATH McAllen Rowe HS

Joey Partida RB McAllen Rowe HS

Gustavo Cruz TE McAllen Rowe HS

State 5A DI Playoffs Bi-District Area Regionals Quarterfinals Semifinals State Championships

Josh Ortiz WR McAllen Rowe HS

TOP OFFENSES 2020 509.4 1.

489.5 2.

3. Bears 449.1 Lions 432.4 4.

422.2 5.

Rio Grande Valley-Region IV

Sharyland

Pioneer

yds

Weslaco

Panthers

yds

PSJA

yds

La Feria

yds

Raymondville

Bearkats

Rankings based on 2019 Season

Single-Game Passing Texas High School All-Time

1. Johnny Manziel Kerrville Tivy vs SA Madison 2010 (75 attempts) 2. Koby Love SA Alamo Heights vs Lockhart 2019 (74 attempts) 3. RJ Martinez RR Westwood vs RR Cedar Ridge 2019 (74 attempts) 4. Koy Detmer-Mission vs Aldine 1990 (73 attempts)

yds

By David “Tddave” Amador

Best In High School Sports!

Page 33

////////////DISTRICT 16-5AAAAA DI HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW2020//////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools Players To Watch RB Michael Lewis 5’10 175lbs 561 yards rushing 3TDs JP Cortez QB 6’1 175lbs Sophomore

Mustangs McAllen Memorial HS

Players To Watch Cristian Sanchez LB 5’11 185lbs 157 tackles 6 QB sacks ATH Sebastian Cortez 5’8 155lbs Junior

Student Enrollment: 2,165

New District, Another Title?

(McAllen,Tx)-Seventeen years ago, head coach Bill Littleton led his 2004 McAllen Memorial Mustangs to a 3-7 overall record and two seasons later, the Mustangs would play host to San Antonio MacArthur in the Class 5A Regional Championships, losing a heartbreaker 35-34.

Littleton has seen plenty of ups and downs throughout his Mustang career.

The Mustangs would take an awful dip in 2007 with a 1-9 record and bounced right back in 2008 with a

perfect 7-0 record to win the outright 30-5A title.

Again, the Mustangs would miss the playoffs with a 6-4 record in 2009 but in 2010, his team would make another Class 5A Regional Championship appearance before losing to Cibolo Steele 48-31 with a 9-4 record. The Mustangs then would make another run in the 2011 Class 5A Regional Championships with a 12-0 record before playing host to San Antonio Reagan at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on November

26th. A game they almost won.

Since then, the Mustangs have won five district titles with eight playoff appearances but, no third round appearances?

It will be interesting since the the Mustangs have moved down in classification from 6A to 5A and will compete in a five-team 16-5A Division I West Zone district.

Players to watch on offense are junior running back Michael Lewis, (5’10 175 yards) who rushed for 561

yards on 80 carries and he will be joined by RB Andrew Salinas (110 yards rushing). At wide-receiver, Sebastian Cortez (5’7 160lbs) could add a spark to the Mustang s as an allpurpose player.

On defense, LB Cris Sanchez (5’11 190lbs) returns after having a great season with 157 total tackles, with 102 solos. He also had six quarterback sacks. Joining Sanchez will be DB Omar Salazar (45 tackles 2 INTs), LB Ethan Pena (45 tackles), and

DT Marcos De Ochoa (74 tackles 2 QB sacks).

The big question in 2020, who will play under center?

The Mustangs are looking at sophomores QB JP Cortez (6’0 175lbs) , Zac Hernandez (5’8 160lbs), and senior Daniel Trevino (5’8 165lbs). If and when this COVID-19 season kicks off, the Mustangs will be on the bubble.

2020 McAllen Memorial

FB Schedule

2019 Overall Record: 10-2, 6-1 Head Coach: Bill Littleton 18th yr Mascot: Mustangs 30-6A District Tri-Champs 6A DII Area Finalists lost to Weslaco 41-34 District 16-5A Division I West Zone 10/15 Edinburg Vela (scrimmage) 10/23 Pioneer 7:30p 10/30 McAllen* 7:30p 11/6 @Donna* 7:30p 11/13 Sharyland 7:30p 11/20 LJ Palmview* 7:30p 11/27 @McAllen Rowe* 7:30p

JP Cortez McAllen Memorial HS

Page 34

Sebastian Cortez McAllen Memorial HS

Michael Lewis RB McAllen Memorial HS

12/4 Zone Playoffs 12/10-12 Bi-District 12/17-19 Area Playoffs 12/24-26 Regionals 12/31-Jan 2 Quarterfinals Jan 7,8,9 Semifinals Jan 11-15 State Finals

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Players To Watch QB Kevin Garcia 807 yards passing 5 TDs 1231 yards rushing 17 TDs Head Coach Carlos Uresti

Brownsville Porter HS

Cowboys Student Enrollment: 2,011

Players To Watch DE Arath De La Torre 5’10 220lbs 34 tackles 8 QB sacks 2019 Season 5-5, 4-5 Missed playoffs

Could Make a Playoff Run

(Brownsville, Tx)-This is it. This will be the year that the Brownsville Porter Cowboys will make it to the 5A Division I playoffs under head coach Carlos Uresti. And why not? The Cowboys are a senior ball club with a four-year starter, returning senior quarterback, Kevin Garcia in District 16-5A Division I. Last year, the Cowboys finished 5-5 and 4-5 in district play and sixth place finish. The Cowboys averaged 23.0 points per game in 2019, including wins over Port Isabel (21Players To Watch QB Tomas Edge 6’0 200lbs 4.9 ATH Marlon Montelongo 419 yards rushing Head Coach David Cantu

14), Brownsville Lopez (48-23), and ended their season on a three-game win streak with wins over PSJA Memorial, Donna,

and PSJA Southwest. Most impressively, the Cowboys lost nailbiters to Brownsville Pace (17-14) and La Joya Palmview (27-26).

“We will be in the hunt for a playoff spot,” says Uresti. “It’s been a while.”

Players to watch are QB Garcia along with RB

Brian Franco, LB Erik Melendez, DE Arath De La Torre (8.0 QB Sacks), and DT Oscar Sauceda (2.0 QB Sacks). The Cowboys open against Grulla H.S.

2020 Porter HS

FB Schedule

2018 Overall Record: 5-5, 4-5 Head Coach: Carlos Uresti Mascot: Cowboys 2020 Opponents 2019 District 16-5A DI Oct 16 Bro Raiders (Scrimmage) Oct 22 Raymondville Oct 30 Bro Vets* Nov 5 @ Bro Lopez* Nov 12 Weslaco East* Nov 21 @ Bro Pace*

Adam Gonzalez TE Brownsville Porter

Victor Ramos G Brownsville Porter

Jose Charles FS Brownsville Porter

Brownsville Veterans Memorial HS

Chargers Student Enrollment: 2,152

Players To Watch LB Gabe Aleman 78 tackles LB Jorge Alvarado 41 tackles 2 QB sacks 2019 Season 7-3, 6-3 Missed playoffs

Chase Begins for the 16-5A DI Title

(Brownsville, Texas)-After missing the playoffs in 2020, the Chargers will begin their chase for the District 16-5A DI title in 2020 under head coach, David Cantu.

With this district now split into East and West Zones, only four games

will be played in district competition. “We need to be ready every week. It’s a short season and every game counts,” says Cantu.

On offense, the Chargers return four players and only two on defense. This will be a rebuilding season for Cantu but he remains

optimistic with his teams chances of making the playoffs in 2020.

The Chargers will need to fill some key positions beginning with the quarterback position. Two players could compete for that conveyed spot.

Tomas Edge will be the

front runner along with Marlon Montelongo. In the back field, players to watch are LB Angel Ramirez, DB Emmanuel Vega, DB Daniel Chapa, LB William Wassen, ATH Nathan Fernandez, and Gabe Aleman. Offensively, the Chargers will look to

Tomas Edge QB Brownsville Veterans

Marlon Montelongo Brownsville Veterans

Lucky Edge WR Brownsville Veterans

Nathan John OL Brownsville Veterans

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

Playoffs 12/4 Zone Playoffs 12/10-12 Bi-District 12/17-19 Area Playoffs 12/24-26 Regionals 12/31-Jan 2 Quarterfinals Jan 7,8,9 Semifinals Jan 11-15 State Finals

/////////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020/////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools

RB Brandon Almazan, OL Luis Cacayoren, and RB Jose Moreno.

The Chargers will not feature the size of players that Cantu is used to seeing every season but the Chargers could surprise teams in this rich, talented, realigned District 16-5A DI. “It’s going to be fun,” says Cantu.

“

It’s a short season and every game counts Says David Cantu

Head Football Coach Bro Veterans HS

Page 35

THE BEST CHOICE! 2020 Football Schedules

Denton Ryan, 6-4, 225, jr.; Prince Dorbah, Highland Park, 6-4, 215, sr.; Alec Bryant, Alvin Shadow Creek, 6-4, 240, sr.

FIRST TEAM Linebackers — Jaylan Ford, Frisco Offense Lone Star, 6-3, 215, sr.; Jeremiah Guards — Nathan Deason, Frisco Harris, Alvin Shadow Creek, 6-1, Lone Star, 6-3, 265, sr.; Dorion 195, sr.; Ahmad Terry, Denton 7:30P 8/28 HARLINGEN SOUTH Strawn, Ennis, 6-5, 295, jr.

Ryan, 5-9, 195, sr.; Cole Mixon, Center — Alex Georgetown, 6-1, 215, sr.

9/4Thiel,BRO 7:30P PORTER*Kerrville Tivy, 6-2, 258, sr.; Rafael Zertuche, SA Secondary — Toren Pittman, 9/11 Wagner, 5-8, 270, sr. @WESLACO EAST* Frisco Lone 7:30P Star, 6-4, 185, sr.; Tackles —9/18 Aidan Hayes, Aledo, Dylon Davis,7:30P Abilene Cooper, MCALLEN* 6-3, 240, sr.; Nate Anderson, 5-10, 175, sr.; Jorge Jones, Alvin 7:30P 9/25 @LJ PALMVIEW* Frisco Reedy, 6-5, 272, sr.

Shadow Creek, 5-10, 185, sr.; (tie) 10/9— Marvin BROMims, LOPEZ* Lorando Johnson, 7:00PLancaster, 5-11, Wide receivers Frisco Lone Star, 6-0, 165, sr.; 181, sr.; Kitan Crawford, John 10/15 @NIKKI ROWE* 7:30P JoJo Earl, Aledo, 5-10, 170, jr.

Tyler, 6-0, 195, sr.

10/23 MCA MEMORIAL* 7:00P Tight end — Drew Sanders, DenPunter — Austin Sosa, College ton Ryan, 6-5, 225, sr.@DONNA* Station, 6-0,7:30P 180, sr.

10/30 Quarterback — Garret Rangel, Utility — Kerry Brooks, A&M 11/6 PACE* Consolidated,7:30P Frisco Lone Star, 6-2,@BRO 170, soph.

6-1, 210, sr.

Running backs Head — Devon Achane, David KickCantu returner — Billy Bowman Coach: Fort Bend Marshall, 5-9, 170, sr.; Jr., Denton Ryan, 5-11, 185, jr.

L.J. Butler, San Antonio Wagner, Defensive player of the year 5-9, 200, jr.; (tie) Tahj Brooks, — (tie) Davis, Abilene Cooper; Manor, 5-11, 218, sr.; Noah GarSanders, Denton Ryan cia, Abilene Cooper, 5-9, 180, jr.

SECOND TEAM Fullback — Steve Johnson, Port Offense 7:30P 8/286-2,@MERCEDES Lavaca Calhoun, 210, jr.

Guards — Kade Bond, Magnolia, All-purpose back — Frank Brown, 6-3, 290, sr.;7:30P Harrison Moskal, 9/4 SHARYLAND Houston Sterling, 6-0, 190, sr.

Boerne Champion, 6-0, 235, sr.

9/11 7:00P MILLER Center — Austin Place-kicker — TylerCC Tipton, Markiewicz, Little Elm,9/25 6-1, 170, sr.

McKinney North, 7:00P6-6, 285, sr.

HARLINGEN SOUTH* Offensive player of the year — — Gavin Byers, Col7:30P 10/2 SAN BENITO* Tackles Mims, Frisco Lone Star leyville Heritage, 6-5, 290, sr.; Coach of the year — DONNA Brad Butler, 7:00P 10/9 NORTH* Derek Bowman, Magnolia, 6-4, Alvin Shadow Creek 270, sr.

10/16 7:30P BRO RIVERA* Defense Wide receivers — Billy Bowman 7:00P 10/23 Linemen — Ben Bell,WESLACO* Cedar Park, Jr., Denton Ryan, 5-11, 185, jr.; 6-2, 230, sr.; Ja’Tavion Sanders, 7:30PRichmond 10/30 LOS FRESNOS*(tie) Cody Jackson, 2019 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Football Selections

Brownsville Veterans Memorial H.S.

Brownsville Hanna H.S.

Page 36

11/6 HARLINGEN* 7:00P Head Coach: Mark Guess

Fullback — Isiah Witterstauter, El Foster, 6-1, 175, jr.; Monterren Punter — Chase Allen, Colleyville Paso Austin, 5-11, 159, jr.

Parks, Aledo, 5-11, 175, sr.

Heritage, 6-1, 180, sr.

All-purpose back — Trapper PanTight end — Lavar Lindo, SharyUtility — Jahdae Barron, Pflugernell, Kerrville Tivy, 6-2, 195, sr. land Pioneer, 6-4, 215, sr. ville Connally, 6-0, 180, sr.

DISTRICT Place-kicker *DENOTES — (tie) Justin Bohrer, GAMES Quarterback — (tie) Eddie Lee Kick returner — Sean Fresch, Cedar Park, 5-9, 140, jr.; Josh Marburger, Sharyland Pioneer, Austin LBJ, 5-9, 165, sr.

Click, Frisco Lone Star, 6-2, 6-2, 195, jr.; Dillon Markiewicz, THIRD TEAM 185, jr.

McKinney North, 6-5, 220, sr.

Offense DefenseISABEL 7:30P 7:30P— Austin Leavell,8/28 8/28 backs PSJA Running —NORTH Jase McClellan, Guards Corpus @PORT Linemen — Tre’ Anthony McAledo, 202, sr.; Aubrey Christi Miller, 6-1, 289, jr.; (tie) 9/3 @BRO PACE* 7:00P 9/4 5-11,EDINBURG 7:30P Clenton, Rudder, 6-0, 215, soph.; McDade, San Antonio Harlan, Reuben Fatheree, Richmond 9/11 NIKKI ROWE* 7:30P 7:30P 9/11 RIO HONDO Adrian Sargent, Wichita Falls 5-9, 185, jr.; (tie) Emani Bailey, Foster, 6-8, 285, jr.; Jack Masters, Rider, MEMORIAL* 6-0, 285, sr.; Warren7:00P RobDenton 5-9, 200, sr.; Taye Dripping sr.; 9/17 @MCA 9/25 Ryan, @HARLINGEN* 7:30P Springs, 6-3, 280, inson, Fort Bend Marshall, 6-2, McWilliams, Rosenberg Lamar Phillip Su’e, San Antonio Harlan, 10/9 @BRO VETERANS* 7:30P 10/2 WESLACO* 7:30P 236, sr.; Ronald Triplette, Alvin Consolidated, 6-1, 210, sr.

6-0, 290, sr.

Shadow Creek, 6-2, 230, sr.7:00P 7:00P 10/15 BRO PORTER* 10/9 —@LOS FRESNOS* Fullback Jeremiah Earls, CalCenter — (tie) Hayden Goodlett, Linebackers — Braxton Bailey, lallen, 165, jr. HANNA* College sr.; @WESLACO 7:30P 7:30PStation, 6-0, 250,10/23 10/165-8,@BRO Cleburne, 5-9,EAST* 185, sr.; Cooper All-purpose back — Savion WilSpencer Payne, Medina Valley, McDonald, Justin Northwest, 6-3, 10/23 @HARLINGEN 7:00P 10/29 MCALLEN* 7:00P liams, Marshall, 6-4, 205, sr. SOUTH*6-4, 290, sr.

225, sr.; James McDonald, Manor, Place-kicker — Brock Thompson, Tackles Justin @LJ 11/6 PALMVIEW* 7:30P 10/30 SAN BENITO* 7:30P— Michael Nichols, 6-2, 195, sr.; Alessio Russolillo, Lubbock Cooper, 5-10, 160, sr.

Northwest, 6-5, 260, sr. Trey 11/6 @DONNA NORTH* Zimmerman, 7:30P A&M Consolidated, Frisco Lone Star, 6-0, 220, jr.

Defense Secondary — Bowen Gutierrez Fjord, Linemen — Jarveon Williams, En- Leal 6-1, 260, sr.

Head Coach: Armando Head Coach: Alberto Boerne Champion, 6-2, 195, sr.; nis, 6-3, 210, jr.; DeMarcus HenWide receivers — Ja’Lynn Polk, Bryson Bonds, Crowley, 6-1, 189, dricks, San Antonio Wagner, 6-3, Lufkin, 6-2, 175, sr.; (tie) Mykal sr.; Lee Thomas, San Antonio 240, sr.; Taylor Behl, Georgetown, Blanco, El Paso Hanks, 5-10, 170, Wagner, 6-0, 185, sr.; (tie) Freddy 6-1, 235, sr. Nick Carpin, Frisco sr.; Coby Cavil, Red Oak, 5-9, Flores, La Joya Palmview, 5-10, Independence, 6-4, 245, sr.

170, sr.

185, sr.; Brent Green, Corpus Linebackers — Brandon Adame, Tight end — Christian Lee, Christi Calallen, 6-0, 170, sr.

7:00P 7:30P 6-3, 210, sr.8/27 SHARYLAND 8/28 @GRULLA Mercedes, 5-8, 180, jr.; Fernando Friendswood,

Brownsville Rivera H.S.

Brownsville Lopez H.S.

Brownsville Porter H.S.

Brownsville Pace H.S.

Salcedo, 5-10, 9/4 Sharyland @BRO Pioneer, VETERANS* 200, sr.; Makel Williams, A&M 9/10 BRO PACE* Consolidated, 6-0, 190, sr.; Derrick HarrisWESLACO Jr., New Caney, 6-3, 9/18 EAST* 220, jr.

9/24 @MCALLEN* Secondary — Luke Mabe, Col10/8 Heritage, LJ PALMVIEW* leyville 5-11, 175, sr.; Bryan Allen, Aledo,LOPEZ* 6-0, 185, 10/15 @BRO soph.; Hiram Flores, Roma, 6-0, 10/22 NIKKI ROWE* 160, sr.; Mike DeAnda, Mission Veterans 170, sr.

10/29 Memorial, @MCA 5-10, MEMORIAL*

7:00P BRO LOPEZ* Punter — (tie) Cooper Clemons, @BRO PORTER* Whitehouse, 5-11, 165, sr.; 7:00P Logan Moore, Granbury, sr. @NIKKI ROWE* 6-4, 200,7:30P Utility — (tie) Caleb Camarillo, 7:30P WESLACO EAST* San Antonio Southside, 5-10, 175, jr.; Chase Lowery, Frisco, 5-11, 7:00P @MCA MEMORIAL* 180, jr.

11:00A MCALLEN* Kick returner — Myles Price, The Colony, 5-9, 170, sr.

7:30P @DONNA* 7:00P @LJ PALMVIEW* 11/6 BRO VETERANS* 7:30P Head Coach: Daniel Pardo

Quarterback 7:30P — (tie) Kyron9/3 Drones, Alvin Shadow Creek, 9/10 7:00P 6-3, 200, jr.; Chandler Morris, Highland Jake 9/18 7:30P Park, 6-0, 178, sr.; Bishop, Aledo, 5-9, 180, sr.

10/25 7:00P Running backs — Mitch Hall, 10/9 7:00P 5-9, 185, jr.; Tyvon Magnolia, Hardrick, Victoria West, 5-11, 215, 10/17 7:00P sr.; (tie) Jordan Jenkins, Lindale, 7:00P 6-2, 202, jr.; Carlos Peña, 10/23 La Joya Palmview, 7:00P 5-7, 160, jr. 10/29

@DONNA* 7:30P Call11/6Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas Head Coach: Carlos Uresti

“

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools

Head Coach Armando Gutierrez

Brownsville Lopez HS

Lobos

Student Enrollment: 2,055

Players To Watch OL Diego Castillo 6’4 300lbs WR Jonathon Munoz 6’2 175lbs 2019 Season 2-8, 2-7 Missed playoffs

Hoping to Improve in 2020

(Brownsville, Tx)-Thirdyear head football coach, Armando Gutierrez has led the Brownsville Lopez High School Lobos to back-to-back 2-8 seasons in 2018 and 2019 but, he still remains optimistic about the growth of his football program. “We are still a young squad but have been working hard on our acumen and responsibilities with our young nucleus,” says Gutierrez.

“We play a true underdog role and enjoy that teams overlook us.”

The Lobos will kick off their season in a newly realigned District 16-5A Division I which includes ten teams from McAlPlayers To Watch Jose Banda QB 1,656 yards 9 TDs 715 yards rushing 5 TDs Marc Garcia WR 25-343 3TDs Head Coach Daniel Pardo

len, McAllen Nikki Rowe, McAllen Memorial, and Weslaco East.

The Lobos will return six starters on offense and five on defense with hopes of stopping their opponents from scoring 507 points in

Diego Castillo OT Brownsville Lopez HS

ten games, as it happened in 2019.

Players to watch are WR/ DB Jesus Serrata, QB Jacob Cortinas, WR Jonathan Munoz, OT Diego Castillo, OG Octavio Mata, LB Manny De La Cruz, and

Franky Alvarado RB Brownsville Lopez HS

Brownsville Pace HS

Vikings

Student Enrollment: 2,151

DT Richard Gonzalez.

With the Lobos kicking off their 2020 season, Gutierrez feels that this season could be even tougher with a ten-team district. “We were playing in one of the toughest districts in Texas last year and we amped our district by adding Weslaco East and McAllen ISD into the mix,” adds Gutierrez.

The Lobos have played the McAllen Bulldogs twice and split their series 1-1 in non-conference action and will play each other in district in 2020.

In August, the District 16-5A DI Executive Committee decided to create two zones of play to shorten the football Players To Watch TE Chase Morales 6’4 235lbs LB Andrew Gonzalez 91 Tackles 5 QB sacks 2019 Season 6-5, 6-3 5A DI Bi-District Finals

Vikes to Play in East Zone

(Brownsville, Tx)-Head football coach Daniel Pardo is looking forward to 2020 with returning senior quarterback Jose Banda (1,656 yards passing 9 TDs 715 yards rushing 5TDs), who is

Chase Morales TE Brownsville Pace HS

set to lead a talented Pace squad for his third straight varsity season.

The Vikes will be stacked on offense with six returning starters and plenty of fire power at the receiving corps. All eyes

Jonathon Moody DB Brownsville Pace HS

Career Receptions Texas High School All-Time

will be on junior TE Chase Morales (6’4 245lbs 18 catches 177 yards) and his relationship with Banda on the field. This combo could turnout to be one of the best “Brady to Gronkowski” pairs in the

Oscar Lozano OL Brownsville Pace HS

1. Jared Reagan Booker HS 2011-14 (391) 2. Jake Oliver Dallas Jesuit HS 2009-12 (308) 3. Jordan Shipley Burnet HS 2000-03 (264) 4. Trey Metoyer Whitehouse HS 2007-2010 (259) 5. Nati Valdez Mission HS 1986-88 (252)

state of Texas.

Another player to watch on offense will be senior WR Marc Garcia, who had 25 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Pace Vikings allowed 23.2 points

Marc Garcia WR Brownsville Pace HS

We play a true underdog role Says Armando Gutierrez

Head Football Coach Bro Lopez HS

DISTRICT 16-5A Division I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////////

Players To Watch DB Adan Villa 6’1 185lbs 4.9 OL Luis Garza 6’3 280lbs

season. The Lopez will now play in the East Zone of District 16-5A DI with Brownvsille Porter, Pace, Veterans Memorial, and Weslaco East. The winner from East zone will play the winner from the West zone for the district title.

2020 Bro PACE HS

FB Schedule

2019 Overall Record: 6-5, 6-3 Head Coach: Daniel Pardo Mascot: Vikings 4th place 5A DI Bi-District Finalists lost to Corpus Christi Miller 28-21 2020 Opponents Oct 23rd Weslaco East* TBA Oct 29th Bro Lopez* 7:00p Nov 20th Porter* 7:00p Nov 26th @ Bro Veterans* 2p Dec 3-5th Zone Playoffs UIL State 5A DI Playoffs Bi-District Area Regionals Quarterfinals Semifinals State Championships

scored per game in eleven games after getting off to a 4-1 start in 2019.

In early August, the DEC from 16-5A DI opted to create two zones in District 16-5A DI with Pace, Porter, Veterans, Lopez, and Weslaco East for East Zone.

Page 37

Page 38

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach Magarito Requenez

Student Enrollment: 2,195

La Joya Palmview HS

Lobos

Players To Watch DB Jorge Ortiz 95 Tackles 6 INTs DB Alek Cantu 54 Tackles 3 INTs 2019 Season 7-4, 7-2 5A DI Bi-District Finals

Season Put on hold due to COVID

(La Joya, Tx)-Margarito Requenez enters his sixth season as the La Joya Palmview Lobos head football coach with five playoff appearances.

The Lobos returns 5A All-State running back, Carlos Pena and senior

Cesar Pena WR LJ Palmview HS

Jose R. Flores Felipe Quintanilla Council Member Council Member

quarterback David Gonzalez (5’10 155lbs) from a Lobos team that went 7-4 in 2019.

The Lobos will be favored to make another playoff run or even a possible district title in 16-5A Division I with its power-

Carlos Arjona LB LJ Palmview HS

Rodrigo Lopez Mayor

Ramiro Loya Mayor Pro-Tem

ful Wing-T Offense.

Last year, the Lobos lost in the first round of the UIL State 5A Division I Bi-District Championships to Victoria West 44-7 and Requenez would rather not comment about that game, other than, “we didn’t

show up for that game.”

The Lobos were making plans to play McAllen Nikki Rowe in their district opener if the COVID-19did not play a role this season. La Joya ISD announced that they would sit out this season.

Justin Bueno LJ Palmview HS

Alex Guajardo Council Member

Good Luck To All RGV Teams!

Carlos Pena LJ Palmview HS

////////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools Players To Watch Carlos Pena RB 2,121 yards rushing A.J. Chapa RB 1,034 13 TDs

Players to watch in 2020 are OT Eddie Alonso (6’3 285lbs), OT Alejandro Mendiola (6’2 270lbs), DE Miguel Alanis, FS Freddy Flores, RB Alexis Gonzalez, FB Sebastian Guerra, RB Michael Tamez, LB Aaron Salinas, and RB Pablo Guerrero.

“

We didn’t show up for that game Says Margarito Requenez

Head Football Coach LJ Palmview HS

Page 39

////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools

Donna HS

Redskins Looking for Playoff Drought To End

Players To Watch Luis Frias QB RB Marc Espinoza FS Marco De Los Rios

(Donna, Tx)-New Donna High School head football coach Mike Gonzalez should be smiling in 2020 as he brings his “Wildcat offense and defense” to Donna with returning players, linemen Eduardo Rosas (6’5 335lbs), and

Student Enrollment: 2,172

DT Oscar Sandoval (5’11 260lbs).

What’s even more impressive are the other running backs ready to join 2020 season with QB Luis Frias, RBs Marc Espinoza, Adan Reyes (5’7 175lbs), Jose Guzman (5’11 210lbs),

Ramiro Leal, Redskin Head for 2019.

Matt Coach Perez LB (HSSMIMages) Donna HS

Luis Frias QB Donna HS

www.DonnaISD.net

Osvaldo Rojas, Mario Ramirez (5’9 185lbs), and Christian Trevino could all see action on Friday nights.

Defensively, DBs Ivan Torres (5’11 160lbs), and Emanuel Belmarez both return along with newcomer FS Marco De Los Rios,

Players To Watch Eduardo Rosas OL 6’5 335lbs Oscar Sandoval OL/DL 5’11 260lbs

LBs Marc Espinoza, Ozzie Aguilar, and Matt Perez.

Players to watch will be DE/TE Jacob Olivo, DE Fabian Ayar, DE Aric Singleterry, and DT Guadalupe Ramos. The Redskins will begin its season with new hopes after go-

Eduardo Rosas OL Donna HS

Oscar Sandoval DT Donna HS

ing 3-7 in 2019 in District 16-5A Division I. Early on in 2019, the Redskins suffered three straight district losses to PSJA Southwest 28-14, Brownsville Pace 22-14, and La Joya Palmview 19-16 to start 0-3.

The Redskins will be much improved in 2020.

“

I’m excited about coaching this season Says Mike Gonzalez

Head Football Coach Donna HS

116 North 10th Street Donna, Texas 78537

1961 UIL State 2A Football Champions!

2020 16-5A DI West Zone Football Schedule 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/26

Donna North Scrimmage @Valley View HS Ed-Elsa (Indian Sweetheart) *McAllen Memorial (Parents) *@LJ Palmview *McAllen Rowe (Homecoming) *McAllen (Thanksgiving)

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

*Denotes District games

DONNA 16-5A DI

Page 40

Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez Donna HS Principal Dr. Nancy Lopez Castillo Football Head Coach Mike Gonzalez

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach: Michael Burget 2019 Results: 9-4, 6-0 6A DII Regional Finalist

Weslaco

Student Enrollment: 2,184

Players To Watch OL Pedro Posadas 6’3 315lbs RB Giovanni Guerra 732 yards rushing

East Wildcats

Favorites to Win Title?

(Weslaco, Tx)- Weslaco East High School head coach Michael Burget enters his eighth season with seven straight playoff appearances, including four third-round playoff bids.

The East Wildcats will move down to Class 5A Division I and will be teamed

up in a ten-team District 16-5A DI East Zone with Brownsville Porter, Lopez, Pace, and Veterans due to the COVID-19 health regulations. This means that all five teams will play four district games in October followed by the first place teams from the East and

West Zones playing for the district title and the second and third place teams will play each from each zone for the final two playoff spots in 2020.

Opportunity? Maybe, just maybe, the road to the UIL State 5A Division One Quarterfinals just present-

ed itself in 2020. Teams to beat from Class 5A DI Region IV will be Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (10-4), San Antonio Southwest (7-6), or San Antonio Brackenridge (7-5).

The Wildcats will return three quarterbacks, who will give defenses plenty to

6A to 5A. Weslaco East HS will play in District 16-5A DI with the new 2020-22 University Interscholastic League realignments. The Wildcats lost to Austin Westlake in the 6A DII Regional Championships in 2019. The Chaps went on to win the Class 6A DII State Championships at AT&T Stadium. (HSSMImages)

!

Players To Watch DL Leo Guerra 76 Tackles 3 QB sacks DE Jonathon Granados 6’3 190lbs Returning Players R/L 28/21 O/D 4/7

worry about on gamedays.

Seniors Edward Villalobos, Gio Guerra, and junior Javier Garza will battle for the starting position. Guerra rushed for 732 yards in 2019.

The Wildcats passed for only 414 yards and scored seven touchdowns. On the ground, the Wildcats ran wild with 4,250 yards, scoing 41 TDs. It’s what the Wildcats do, they run.

Returning on offense are RBs, Jay Vasquez (101 yards), Johnathon Valadez, and Javier Garza. On the O-line are Pedro Posadas (6’3 315lbs), C Noe Castillo, and Hiram Cantu.

Defensively, the Wildcats will feature LB Jordan Velasquez (122 tackles 63 solos), DB Gianni Barrera (112 tackles 58 solos), LB Johnathon Granados (59 tackles), and DE Leo Guerra (76 tackles).

In the 6A playoffs, the Wildcats defeated Harlingen South (18-14), McAllen Rowe (31-10), and lost to Westlake 45-14.

956-929-1852

delante Travels www.AdelanteTravels.com

Longest FG Return Texas High School All-Time

1. David Gonzalez Sharyland vs La Joya 2011 (109 yards) 1. JC Hickman Fredericksburg vs Wimberley 2008 (109 yards) 1. Kevin Perkins SA Highland vs McCollum 2006 (109 yards) 1. Brent Cooper Crandall vs Palmer 1986 (109 yards)

/////////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////

5A Division I Enrollments 1922-2219 129 Schools

MCALLEN, TEXAS 78504

Page 41

HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////

DISTRICT 16-5A DIV II

Page 42

Sharyland Pioneer HS

Student Enrollment: 1,756

D’Backs Seeking Unfinished Business.

Players To Watch DE Aryn Solis 6’3 245lbs DE Diego Hernandez 6’5 260lbs Head Coach: Tommy Lee

(Mission, Tx)- “This group right here never doubted themselves... we proved that we belong here,” Pioneer head coach Tommy Lee told his team on November 30th as they were set to play Boerne Champion in the UIL State 5A Division II Regional Championships at the Alamodome in San Antonio. “Its just a football game...don’t leave anything on that field tonight.”

Oh, what a football game this one turned out to be as the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks had their opportunities with :17 seconds left to play in regulation with the game tied 38-38 at the Borne Champion 20-yard line.

An interception led the game into overtime. The D’backs lost 45-38.

District 16-5A Division II has since been realigned with a total of nine teams moving in, with two zones, with Mission Veterans, Sharyland, Roma, all listed in the West Zone for 2020.

At quarterback, UTSA commit Eddie Lee Marburger (6’3 190lbs) returns with 5,541 yards passing and 67 touchdowns in two seasons along with 1,202 yards rushing.

He will be joined by RB Tristian Castillo (714 yards rushing 8 TDs), and Taylor Esparza (153 yards). At wide-receiver, Gavin De La Garza (586 yards 5 TDs),

Christian Drozek 6’2, Miguel Ramos (6’1) and Castillo (679 yards 5TDs). On defense, they will look to DB Ryan Bulthuis, DE Aryn Solis (6’3 245lbs), DE Diego Hernandez (6’5 260lbs), LB Guillermo Guerrero, and LB Jay Palacios.

Headcoach Lee is very proud

2019 UIL Playoffs

Players To Watch Eddie Marburger, QB 6’3 190lbs Tristian Castillo WR/RB 5’10 180lbs Returning Players R/L 22/32 O/D 5/5

of his sub-varsity teams and they will be stocked in 2020 with players like DE Trevor Huddleston (6’3 240lbs), WR Cipi Martinez (6’2 190lbs), OL Eric Mata (6’4 260lbs), Shawn Halbritter (6’2 265lbs), Mason Villegas (6’2 270lbs), and Donovan Cottrell (6’4 260lbs). It’s unfinished business for the Diamondbacks in 2020.

5A Bi-District Division II

Pioneer 59 SA Southside 14 Edcouch-Elsa 0 Calallen 35 Sharyland 14 Port Lavaca-Calhoun 70 Mercedes 17 Alice 21 5A DII Area Championships Pioneer 28 Pflugerville Weiss 21 5A DII Regional Championships Pioneer 38 Boerne Champion 45 OT

Gavin De La Garza WR Pioneer HS

Tristian Castillo WR Pioneer HS

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Rattlers Could Surprise District 16-5A DII

Players To Watch Javier Trevino LB 6’0 180lbs Returning Players O/D 3/3 R/L 32/33 Head Coach: Ron Adame

Players To Watch Ben Valdiva QB 6’0 175lbs 1,525 yards 18 TDs 540 yards rushing 7 TDs

(Mission, Tx)-Head coach Ron Adame enters his ninth season with an impressive 73-25 win-loss record, including nine straight playoff appearances, along with three regional championship games in Class 5A. Will this playoff streak continue in 2020?

Call it rebuilding in 2019 as the Rattlers (3-3, 5-6) finished in fourth place in District 16-5A DII and lost to Port Lavaca-Calhoun 70-14 in the 5A DII Bidistrict Championships.

The newly, realigned district featuring nine teams, including PSJA Memorial, PSJA Southwest, and Mission Veterans Memorial will be challenging

but with six-foot senior quarterback Benji Valdivia (1,525 yards passing 18 TDs 540 yards rushing 7 TDs) returning, the Rattlers could make another playoff run. The Rattlers will depend on 6’2 WR/ QB Will Patterson to be the playmaker on offense along with WR Robert Mancha (207 yards) and ATH Rolando Saenz. Paving the wave upfront will be junior OT Oscar Ramos (6’3 275lbs).

The Sharyland defense gave up 31.0 points per game last year with losses to McAllen Memorial (51-10), Pioneer (63-28), Mercedes (35-28), Edcouch-Elsa (34-36), Hanna

(22-17), and the Sandcrabs (70-14).

Linebackers Javier Trevino (6’0 190lbs 84 tackle), Alan Cisneros (24 solo tackles), and Bladimir Cavazos 6’0 200lbs (32 tackles) all return to give their defense the much needed experience to contain their opponents this season. In the flats, Luis Gonzalez (2 INTs) will be looking for interceptions.

Adame had fifteen players carry the football on offense last season with a total of 374 carries with 230 total passes attempted to 14 different receivers.

So what can Rattler fans expect in 2020? “We expect to make another

playoff run,” says Adame.

“With nine teams in our district, every Friday night will be crucial. Injuries will be the key for every team.”

The Rattlers returns only three starters on both sides of the field and Adame knows that getting off to a fast start will be the key in 2020.

The UIL recently announced the COVID-19 football plan to allow all 5A districts in Texas to begin competition, starting September 24th and should the schedule remain intact, the Rattlers will be playing its final district game on Thanksgiving Weekend with playoff hopes on the line?

Rolando Saenz DB Sharyland HS

Will Patterson WR Sharyland HS

Diego Ochoa OT Sharyland HS

Benji Valdiva QB Sharyland HS

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

///////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division II HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////////////////////////

Sharyland HS

5A Division II Enrollments 1230-1921 122 Schools Student Enrollment: 1,760

HSSM’S 2020 Predictions 16-5A DI Zones East 1. Weslaco East 2. Brownsville Veterans 3. Brownsville Pace 4. Brownsville Porter 5. Brownsville Lopez West 1. LJ Palmview 2. Donna 3. McAllen 4. McAllen Memorial 5. McAllen Rowe PREDICTED Finish 16-5A DII Zone East 1. Mercedes HS 2. Edcouch-Elsa 3. Valley View 4. PSJA Southwest 5. PSJA Memorial West 1. Sharyland Pioneer 2. Mission Vets 3. Sharyland 4. Roma

Matthew Worthington Sharyland HS

Page 43

////////DISTRICT 16-5A DI HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////////////////

5A Division II Enrollments 1230-1921 122 Schools Players To Watch Javier Escalante, WR 6’0 175lbs Head Coach: David Brown II Returning O/D 8/8 R/L 29/8

(Pharr, Tx)-Something’s gotta give...The PSJA Memorial Wolverines are currently riding a ten-game losing streak under second-year head football coach, David Brown as the 2020 season is set to kickoff at PSJA Stadium against Edinburg North on September 24th. Maybe.

The UIL made the decision to start all 5A districts on September 24th due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this should buy the Wolverines some more time to prepare for the delayed season.

PSJA Memorial HS Student Enrollment: 1,852.5

Wolverines New District, More Wins?

The last time the Wolverines went winless was back in 2016 and Brown is looking for bigger improvements this season. The Wolverines will need to find a way to stop their opponents from scoring 404 points against their defense.

Offensively? The Wolverines will need to improve from their 14.0 points scored per game if they have any chance of making a run in the 2020 UIL State 5A Division II playoffs.

Defensively, the Wolverines could be

much improved with returning lettermen DB Jayrd Amaro, Samuel Vela (6’0 DE), and John Baldera (5’10 DE).

He led the team with quarterback sacks with 4.5 last season. Look for a much improved team

in 2020.

Since the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 virus that has killed more than 200,000 throughout the United States since March 2020, the District 16-5A DII committee decided

Santos Gomez DE PSJA Memorial HS

Orlando Garcia DT PSJA Memorial HS

Players To Watch Derek Medrano, OL 6’1 270lbs Cesar Bocanegra, RB 514Yds Rushing 6TDs Head Coach: Mike Evans

PSJA Southwest HS

(Pharr, Tx)-Mike Evans will enter his fourth season as the PSJA Southwest Javelinas head football coach and he knows that 2020 will

be the key to his future with the Javelinas.

Under Evans, his teams have gone 0-10, 4-6, and 3-7 with no playoff appearances. Hopefully,

2020 will be the year that his seniors will step it up.

On offense, the Javelinas will feature two quarterbacks Angel

Jesus Santos DB PSJA Southwest HS

Andrew Reyna LB PSJA Southwest HS

Adam Rojas PSJA Southwest HS

Players To Watch Luis Banda, DB 155 tackles 2019 Season: 3-7, 2-7 Returning Players R/L 29/8 O/D 8/8

Javelinas Hogs Returns Plenty of Starters

Page 44

Student Enrollment: 1,837

Hernandez and Ramiro Ramirez. The backfield will return Cesar Bocanegra (514 yards rushing), Hernandez (325 yards), Justin

Josue Reyna PSJA Southwest HS

Players To Watch John Baldera, DE 4.5 QB Sacks 2019 Season: 0-10, 0-9

to shorten the 2020 season by creating two zones, consisting of five and four teams each.

The top finisher from each zone will advance to the state playoffs and will compete for the district title.

The final two playoff spots will be decided between the second and third place teams from each zone.

Both 5A Districts from the Valley have created zones with PSJA Memorial, PSJA Southwest, Valley View, Mercedes, and Edcouch-Elsa will playing in East Zone.

Hinojosa (169 yards), and junior Miguel Garza (469 yards 4 TDs). On defense, Luis Banda will be back after leading his team with 147 tackles (53 solos), including 2 sacks and he will be teamed up with OG Jacob Alvardo, DE Sebastian Sanchez, LB Hinojosa, and DB Max Sanchez. These Hogs could be thinking playoffs in 2020?

District 16-5A DII will consists of two zones with the East Zone made up of PSJA Memorial, Valley View, Mercedes, EdcouchElsa, and PSJA Southwest. The season is scheduled to kickoff September 28th as madated by the county of Hidalgo.

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

www.MISDTx.net

Athletic Director Head Coach Roger Adame

Mercedes ISD Superintendent Carolyn Ann Mediola

2020 Football Schedules Varsity

Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Nov 6

(Scrimmage)

@LJ Juarez Lincoln 6:00p 7:30p Edinburg North 7:30p *@PSJA Memorial *@Mission Veterans 7:30p

Nov 13 *PSJA Southwest Nov 20 *@Edcouch-Elsa Nov 27 *Valley View Dec 4 Zone Playoffs

16-5A Division II EAST ZONE Junior Varsity

Oct 16 Oct 22 Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26

@LJ Juarez Lincoln @Edinburg North PSJA Memorial Mission Veterans @PSJA Southwest Edcouch-Elsa @Valley View

7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p

*District Games

Freshmen 5:30p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p

Oct 16 @LJ Juarez Lincoln 5:30p 6:00p Oct 22 Edinburg North Oct 29 @PSJA Memorial 6:00p Nov 5 @Mission Veterans6:00p 6:00p Nov 12 PSJA Southwest Nov 19 @Edcouch-Elsa Page6:00p 47 6:00p Nov 26 Valley View

////DISTRICT 16-5A DII HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////////////////////////////////////

5A Division II Enrollments 1230-1921 122 Schools

to a gruesome leg injury.

Head coach Dave Gilpin (became head coach in 2009) will lead his Pats as they make a move to District 16-5A Division II to play in the newly-created West Zone due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Gilpin has led the Patri-

ots to ten playoff appearances, along with one 5A Division I Quarterfinals in 2018. The Patriots have played in atleast 12 games every season since 2014 going 8-4, 8-4, 8-5, 10-2, 12-2, before that streak ended last season.

Players to watch on

offense are junior Reyna at quarterback with senior 5A All-State WR, 6’2 AJ Gonzaque ( 1,973 yards 30 TDs), RB Erik Estrada, WR Allen Vasquez (182 yards), WR Jaythan Barrera (389 yards), and WR Justin Rodriguez (239 yards).

Defensively, the Patriots have always proven that they were fiesty on gamedays. Returning are DB Michael Pena (74 tackles), LB Mike De Leon (53 tackles), and DL Sergio Farias (48 tackles 5 quarterback sacks), LB Mark Champion (3 QB sacks), and DT Adrian Garcia (3 QB sacks). .

In 2020, District 16-5A Division II will be fun to watch this season with two zones competing for one district title and four playoff spots. Will this season kickoff in 2020? So far it’s a go.

Isaiah Baker OL Mission Veterans

Mark Champion LB Mission Veterans

Ricky Reyna QB Mission Veterans

Justin Rodriguez WR Mission Veterans

Justin Munoz OL Mission Veterans

2019 6A Texas Sports Writers Association Football Selections (TSWA) FIRST TEAM Offense Guards — Josh Bankhead, The Woodlands College Park, 6-5, 315, sr.; Logan Parr, San Antonio O’Connor, 6-4, 280, sr.

Center — Branson Hickman, Dallas Jesuit, 6-2, 280, sr.

Tackles — Andrej Karic, Southlake Carroll, 6-5, 265, sr.; (tie) Jake Majors, Prosper, 6-4, 290, sr.; Courtland Ford, Cedar Hill, 6-6, 305, sr.

Wide receivers — Jaxon SmithNjigba, Rockwall, 6-1, 188, sr.; Dwight McGlothern, Klein Oak, 6-2, 185, sr.

Tight end — Grayson Sandlin, Austin Lake Travis, 6-4, 205, sr.

Quarterback — Dematrius Davis, Galena Park North Shore, 5-11, 195, jr.

Running backs — Kaedric Cobbs, Denton Guyer, 5-10, 208, sr.; Aaron Dumas, El Paso Americas, 5-10, 190, jr.; Campbell Speights, McAllen Memorial, 5-10, 195, sr.

Fullback — Eddie Villarreal, La Joya, 5-10, 215, sr.

All-purpose back — EJ Smith, Dallas Jesuit, 6-0, 195, sr.

Place-kicker — Carter Brown, Pearland Dawson, 6-1, 175, soph.

Simon, Humble Atascocita, 6-4, 261, sr.; Nicholas Booker-Brown, Spring Westfield, 6-3, 265, sr.; Caleb Fox, The Woodlands, 6-2, 307, sr.

Linebackers — Corey Flagg, North Sore, 6-0, 225, sr.; Josh White, Cypress Creek, 6-1, 220, sr.; James Douglas, Arlington Lamar, 6-1, 189, sr.; Graham Faloona, Southlake Carroll, 6-3, 215, sr.

Secondary — Upton Stout, Galena Park North Shore, 5-10, 180, sr.; Jahari Rogers, Arlington, 6-1, 180, sr.; Chris Thompson Jr., Duncanville, 6-2, 195, sr.; (tie) Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Duncanville, 6-1, 170, sr.; Sage Luther, Austin Westlake, 5-11, 185, sr.

Punter — Connor Dailey, McKinney Boyd, 5-10, 165, jr.

Utility — D.J. Graham, Keller Central, 6-2, 187, sr.

Kick returner — Jaxon SmithNjigba, Rockwall, 6-1, 188, sr.

Defensive player of the year — White, Cypress Creek Coach of the year — (tie) Todd Dodge, Austin Westlake; Jon Kay, Galena Park North Shore

270, sr.

Wide receivers — Loic Fouonji, Midland Lee, 6-4, 192, sr.; Ryan Lindley, Austin Westlake, 5-10, 170, sr.

Tight end — Blake Smith, Southlake Carroll, 6-5, 250, sr.

Quarterback — (tie) Braedyn Locke, Rockwall, 6-0, 180, soph.; Quinn Ewers, Southlake Carroll, 6-3, 195, soph.

Running backs — Braelon Bridges, Klein Collins, 5-9, 183, sr.; Zach Evans, North Shore, 6-0, 205, sr.; L.J. Johnson, Cy-Fair, 5-11, 205, jr.

Fullback — Charles Alia, Kempner, 5-10, 190, sr.

All-purpose back — Greg Eggleston, Smithson Valley, 5-11, 160, sr.

Place-kicker — Fabrizio Pinton, The Woodlands, 6-3, 200, sr.

Darius Snow, Hebron, 6-0, 215, sr.; Malik Cannon, Longview, 5-11, 165, sr.; (tie) Cameron Oliver, Fort Bend Travis, 6-1, 160, jr.; Tyler Ashworth, Rockwall, 5-9, 180, sr.

Punter — Robert Amador III, McAllen, 6-2, 215, sr.

Utility — Emon Allen, Vista Ridge, 5-8, 160, jr.

Kick returner — Jaime Perez Jr., Edinburg Vela, 6-0, 180, jr.

Atascocita, 5-11, 175, sr.

Running backs — Brian Benavides, Laredo United South, 5-7, 160, jr. (tie) Deuce Vaughn, Cedar Ridge, 5-7, 175, sr.; Kendall Thomas, Round Rock Stony Point, 5-9, 180, sr.; Will Nixon, Waco Midway, 5-11, 185, sr.

Fullback — (tie) Pablo Tovar, Laredo Nixon, 5-10, 180, jr.; Mark Patton, Tyler Lee, 6-5, 220, sr.

All-purpose back — DeAndre Exford, Killeen Shoemaker, 5-4, 180, jr.

Place-kicker — David Leadbetter, Austin Westlake, 5-11, 158, jr.

Players To Watch AJ Gonzaque WR 1,973 yards 30 TDs Ricky Reyna QB 1,098 yards 13 TDs 2019 Season: 8-3, 8-1 5A DI Bi-District Finals 16-5A DI Co-Champions

Mission Veterans Memorial HS

Patriots Student Enrollment: 1,874

Players To Watch Mark Champion LB 3 QB Sacks; 36 tackles Michael Pena DB 74 tackles; 4 INTs Head Coach: Dave Gilpin

Another Deep Playoff Possible?

(Mission, Texas)- Fans may call 2019 a “fluke” of a season, but the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots (8-3) still found a way to win the District 16-5A DI title, despite losing their sophomore quarterback, Ricky Reyna (1,098 yards passing six games).

Offensive player of the year — Smith-Njigba, Rockwall Defense Linemen — LB Moore, Amarillo Tascosa, 6-4, 235, sr.; Asyrus

Page 46

SECOND TEAM Offense Guards — Andrew Salem, Austin Lake Travis, 6-2, 270, sr.; Bryce Foster, Katy Taylor, 6-5, 330, jr.

Center — Addison Penn, Southlake Carroll, 6-3, 285, sr.

Tackles — Connor Halverson, Austin Westlake, 6-4, 270, sr.; Marcus Bryant, Cedar Ridge, 6-7,

Defense Linemen — Carson Byrd, Midway, 6-1, 265, sr.; Austin McClendon, Austin Westlake, 6-3, 235, sr.; Brandon Brown, Katy Morton Ranch, 6-2, 290, sr.; (tie) Elijah Fisher, Allen, 6-3, 255, sr.; Marcus Brown, Houston Lamar, 6-4, 220, sr.

Linebackers — Donnie Moody, Converse Judson, 6-0, 205, jr.; Jayveion Moore, Arlington Lamar, 5-8, 196, sr.; Ethan Barr, Flower Mound Marcus, 6-3, 220, sr.; Miles Skinner, Keller Central, 6-1, 180, sr.

Secondary — Marcus Moore, Spring Westfield, 6-0, 190, sr.;

THIRD TEAM Offense Guards — Pedro Posadas, Weslaco East, 6-3, 315, jr.; (tie) Akinola Ogunbiyi, Fort Bend Kempner, 6-4, 331, sr.; Dawson Weiss, Austin Lake Travis, 6-3, 255, sr.

Center — (tie) Parker Cox, Longview, 6-0, 215, sr.; Brandon Gonzalez, Amarillo Tascosa, 6-1, 295, sr.; Wesley Ndago, Waco Midway, 6-2, 300, sr.

Tackles — Chad Lindberg, Clear Creek, 6-6, 297, sr.; (tie) Gabe Blair, Denton Guyer, 6-2, 290, jr.; Damieon George, North Shore, 6-7, 345, sr.

Wide receivers — Kyle Eaves, Austin Lake Travis, 5-11, 160, sr.; Michael Phoenix, Conroe, 6-1, 180, sr.

Tight end — (tie) Donovan Green, Dickinson, 6-4, 220, soph.; Collin Sutherland, Flower Mound Marcus, 6-5, 245, sr.

Quarterback — (tie) Ja’Quinden Jackson, Duncanville, 6-2, 219, sr.; Brice Matthews, Humble

Defense Linemen — Savion Byrd, Duncanville, 6-6, 280, jr.; Tim Hardiman, Spring Westfield, 6-0, 260, sr.; (tie) Bryson Stewart, Fort Bend Ridge Point, 6-1, 245, sr.; Linebackers — Jadyn Landrum, Arlington Bowie, 6-2, 220, sr.; Derrick Lewis, Schertz Clemens, 6-1, 215, sr.; Dyllon Peavy, Spring Westfield, 5-10, 215, sr.; Jacob Sanchez, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, 6-1, 215, sr.

Secondary — Elliott Davison, Tyler Lee, 5-11, 170, sr.; Diego Villarreal, McAllen Memorial, 5-11, 180, sr.; Savien Arnett, Dickinson, 5-10, 170, sr.

Punter — Eric Abbe, Abilene, 6-1, 197, sr.

Utility — Hector Muniz, Weslaco East, 5-11, 165, sr.

Kick returner — Micah Cox, Copperas Cove, 5-10, 175, sr.

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

YELLOWJACKETS 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4

Economedes Scrimmage La Joya @Donna Valley View* @PSJA Memorial* Mercedes* @PSJA Southwest Zone Playoffs

7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p

2020 16-5A DII East Zone Schedule Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Christian Navarro

P.O. Box 127 Edcouch, Texas 78538 956-262-6000

www.EEISD.org

Edcouch-Elsa ISD Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera

///////////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division II HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////

5A Division II Enrollments 1230-1921 122 Schools Student Enrollment: 1,503

Players To Watch Josiah Cantu, WR 985 yards 9 TDs Michael Cisneros, QB 1,905 passing 11 TDs 2019 Season 7-4, 5-1 5A DII Bi-Dist Finalists Head Coach: Roger Adame

Mercedes HS

Tigers

Players To Watch Brandon Adame LB 175 Tackles 5 QB sacks Roan Galvan, LB 100 tackles 12 QB sacks

On The Prowl. Be Careful.

(Mercedes, Tx)-The Mercedes Tigers will be on the prowl once again in 2020 under 7th year head coach, Roger Adame (44-24 over-

all record).

The Tigers averaged 32 points per game in 2019 and finished in second place in District 16-5A DII.

In the playoffs, the Tigers lost to Alice HS 21-17 in the Class 5A Division II Bi-District Championships.

“We could have won that

The Mercedes Tigers will bring plenty of experience in 2020 on both offense and defense. Can the Tigers win the District 16-5A DII title? (HSSMImages/Mercedes ISD) Players To Watch Shawn Alvarado, RB 749 yards 13 TDs 2019 Season: 6-5, 4-2 5A DII Bi-District Finals Head Coach: Christian Navarro

Returning Lettermen/Starters R/L 22/19 O/D 7/5

game,” says Adame. “We came so close.”

In 2020, the Tigers be playing in the 16-5A DII East Zone with Ed-Elsa, Valley View, PSJA Southwest, and PSJA Memorial dues tothe COVID-19 outbreak. The top two teams will advance to the playoffs.

Pretty good? Fans can expect the Tigers to score plenty of points with returning quarterbacks, junior Michael Cisneros (1,905 yards passing 11 TDs) and senior Horacio Pequeno (837 passing yards 8TDs). The Tigers also returns WRs Josiah Cantu (985 yards 9TDs), Jordan Gonzales (367 yards), Joseph Rocha (333 yards), and Josue Fuentes (143 yards).

Players To Watch Rey Hernandez, DE 8 QB Sacks 50 Tackles

Edcouch-Elsa HS

Jackets Making Noise at the “Black Hole”

(Edcouch, Tx)- Head coach Christian Navarro led the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets to his firstcareer UIL State 5A Division II playoffs last season before losing to Calallen 35-0 in the first round. “It was a great season,” said Navarro. “Now, its time to start planning for 2020.”

The Yellowjackets will return six players on offense and five on defense after finishing 4-2 in District 16-5A Division II in 2019. District losses to Mercedes (31-19) and Pioneer (48-36) kept the Yellowjackets from winning

Page 48

Returning Lettermen/Starters R/L 25/25 O/D 6/4

Third-year head coach Christian Navarro will look to projected QB Mike Davila to lead the Yellowjackets this upcoming 2020 season.

(HSSMImages)

Defensively, the Tigers will be tough on Friday nights with the return of DT Marcus Garcia, 5A All-State LB Brandon Adame (123 solo tackles), LB Roan Galvan (12 sacks 100 tackles), and Ramiro Ortiz 6’2 (79 solo tackles 4 INTs). Get ready for some Tiger football in in this COVID-19 2020 season.

“

We could have won that game Says Roger Adame

Head Football Coach Mercedes HS

the outright title. “We lost to two great programs,” says Navarro.

Probably, his biggest win of 2019 was a 36-34 defeat of the Sharyland Rattlers. “That was a big win for our program,” said Navarro. “We will only get better.”

The Jackets will now play in the newly realigned District 16-5A DII, which now consists of two Zones, East and West. The Jackets will compete in the East Zone with Valley View, PSJA Southwest, PSJA Memorial, and Mercedes.

Players to watch are K Alex Quinones (1721 PATs) , RB Shawn Alvarado (749 yards rushing), SS Ryan Whalen, DE Rey Hernandez, TE Jessie Contreras, and QB Brandon Cortez. Navarro expects Cortez to lead the Jackets in 2020 with kickoff expected in October.

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Head Coach: Elifonso Esquivel Jr. Missed Playoffs in 2019

5A Division II Enrollments 1230-1921 122 Schools Players To Watch in 2019, as the Tigers Brendon Cavazos, LB Student Enrollment: 1,455 struggled on offense, 5’10 175 lbs scoring just 199 points and giving up 315. “It’s going Returning to be a new season with Starters/Lettermen surprises,” says Esquivel.

R/L 10/15 O/D 4/6 If and when the football 2019 Season 3-7, 1-5 season kicks off in 2020 is still a big question for most fans in Texas due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Casillas and Eduardo 3-7 season.

Tigers lost to Sharyland Still, the Valley View 14-10, Mercedes 15-11, So what can fans expect Gonzalez; RB Chris Tigers will be looking Delgado, DE Miguel from the Tigers in 2020? and Pioneer 35-27. They to improve with new Flores, DE Jorge could have gone 10-0, “We should be much faces, especially under Sepulveda, and DB Elian instead, the Tigers finished improved this season. It’s quarterback.

Camarillo. a big district with nine 7-3 that year.

The Tigers will play in Offensively, the Tigers In 2019, their record teams, so we have to be District 16-5A DII East scored 322 points and ready to play each week,” turned opposite. Esquivel Zone with PSJA Memoallowed 144 points scored watched his team close says Esquivel. rial, PSJA Southwest, Merdefensively when the out the 2019 season with Players to watch are cedes, and Ed-Elsa due to Tigers finished 7-4 in junior QBs Emmanuel a 56-21 win over Laredo the COVID-19 outrbreak 2018.

Balderrama and Raul Cigarroa. That was a in the RGV. Stay tuned for Those numbers changed positive way to end their Ramirez; WRs Jose more updates.

Tigers Valley View HS

New District, New Zones for 2020

(Pharr, Tx)-The Valley View High School Tigers finished 1-5 in District 165A DII under head coach Elifonso Esquivel in 2019 after making the playoffs in 2018. The Tigers were superb that season as they reeled off six straight wins, including upset wins over Hidalgo (41-7), Port Isabel (34-7), and Edcouch-Elsa (33-0). In district play, the

Brendon Cavazos LB Valley View HS

Chris Delgado RB Valley View HS

Monica Luna Interim Superintendent

Mariano Martinez Valley View HS

Mosise Aguirre Valley View HS

Freddy Paez OL Valley View HS

www.VVIEWISD.net

9701 S. Jackson Road Pharr, Texas 78577 956.340.1000 Valley View HS Head Football Coach Elifonso Esquivel

*District Games

Valley View ISD Athletic Director Julio Martinez

2020 16-5A DII East Zone Schedule Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Nov 6

///////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division II HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////////////////////////

Players To Watch Chris Delgado, RB 484 rushing yards Freddy Paez, OL 5’6 230lbs

@Roma (Scrimmage) Donna PSJA Southwest @Ed-Elsa*

Texas High School All-Time-RGV (*active)

Coaching Records

7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p

Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Dec 4

1. Bruce Bush PSJA North 34 seasons W-L 271-112-8 2. Alex Leal Raymondville 30 seasons W-L 207-119-4 3. Tony Villarreal Port Isabel HS 27 seasons 198-105-4* 4. Tommy Roberts San Benito 25 seasons 189-77-10 5. Charlie Williams PSJA 24 seasons 186-56-15

Roma* 7:30p PSJA Memorial* 7:30p @Mercedes* 7:30p Zone Playoffs 7:30p

Page 49

BACK TO SCHOOL DISTANCE LEARNING BEGINS AUGUST 24TH!

VALLEY VIEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 9701 S. JACKSON RD PHARR, TEXAS 78577 PHONE: (956) 340-1000 FAX: (956) 843-8688

Players To Watch Esteban Barrera, QB 6’0 180lbs 2019 Season: 2-8, 2-4 Head Coach: Francisco Villanueva

Roma HS

Student Enrollment: 1,722

Gladiators

Players To Watch Fabian Lopez RB 723 yards 3 TDs Returning Lettermen/Starters: 5/9 O/D R/L 20/18

Looking for Opportunities

(Roma, Tx)-The last time the Roma High School Gladiators finished at .500 was back in 2016 at 5-5.

Since then, the Gladiators have seen plenty of windfarms coming up throughout the mesquite

hills, generating the power needed. Hopefully, this growth of generated power will give the Gladiators more fire power in 2020.

The Gladiators have fallen on tough times going 1-9, 3-7, and 2-8 for

the past three years.

In 2020, the University Interscholastic League realigned District 16-5A DII and added PSJA Memorial, PSJA Southwest, and Mission Veterans, creating a nine-team district.

The Gladiators will open its season against longtime rivals, Rio Grande City at home followed by another nondistrict match up against Economedes before opening district play against

Delfino Ramirez P/K Roma HS

Fabian Lopez RB Roma HS

Jose Lopez DL Roma HS

Jesus Garcia DL Roma HS

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

//////////////DISTRICT 16-5A Division II HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020///////////////////////////////////

5A Division II Enrollments 1230-1921 122 Schools

PSJA Southwest.

The Gladiators need to get off to a quick start with three straight home games.

Players to watch are QB Esteban Barrera (6’0 165lbs), NG Antonio Moreno, DE Baltazar Perez, S Alex Perez, CB Daniel Franco, OT David Villarreal, and LB Gabriel Garcia. New changes have been made in District 16-5A DII due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the RGV, by creating two zones. Stay tuned!

Randy Marroquin WR Roma HS

Page 51

DISTRICT 16-4A DIV I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////

4A Division I Enrollments 865-1209 92 Schools

Pirates, Lions, Ga Playing for a District Title

Players To Watch Zachary Carrera, RB Hidalgo HS-4A All State 2,099 rushing yards 21 TDs

(Hidalgo, Texas)-The Hidalgo Pirates are back, on the rise, and head coach Monty Stumbaugh has found a way to turn around a stuggling program, into a winner. In Stumbaugh’s first season

with the Pirates in 2017, his team went 0-10 and this record drew plenty of mixed emotions from this town along the Rio Grande River.

In 2018, the Pirates showed some promise

by winning two games, but struggled in district play by finishing 0-4. “We will be much improved in 2019,” Stumbaugh told HSSM. “We will surprise teams this season.”

The Pirates finished 8-3

Samy Zamorano DE Hidalgo HS

Zac Carrera RB Hidalgo HS

Robert Toledano LB Hidalgo HS

overall in 2019 and made the state playoffs with an impressive 8-2 record before falling to Boerne in the 4A Division I BiDistrict championships 34-7.

The Pirates will be much better in 2020 with all-state players, RB 5’11 Zac Carrera and 6’4 TE Kyle Perales both returning to give their Pirate offense plenty of experience on Friday nights.

Defensively, LB 6’0 Robert Toledando, DE 6’2 Dakoda Cervantes, and LB 6’0 Jonathan Trevino will provide plenty of reasons, opposing teams should worry on gamedays.

The La Feria Lions

2019 Class 4A DI Bi-District Finalists

Explore Hidalgo ISD

2020 Football District Schedule 16-4A DI

October 9 October 16 October 30 November 6

Grulla* @Kingsville* La Feria* @Zapata*

Go Pirates!

7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p

School Board Members Blanca Lara-President Luis Trejo, Jr.-Vice President Yesenia Ayala-Secretary Rafael Garza-Treasurer Raymundo Martinez-Member Benjamin Arjona-Member Carlos Cardoza-Member Hidalgo Early College High School Principal-Mary Gonzalez Head Coach/Athletic Director

956.843-4401 www.Hidalgo-ISD.org 324 E. Flora Street Hidalgo, Texas 78557

Good Luck to our Pirates Football Team!

www.Hidalgo-ISD.org Xavier Salinas-Superintendent of Schools Connect with Us!

Page 52

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Players To Watch Kyle Perales, TE/DT 6’4 245lbs Hidalgo HS

2019 16-4A DI Overall Dist 1. La Feria 11-1 4-0 2. Hidalgo 8-3 3-1 3. RGC-Grulla 4-7 1-3 4. Zapata 2-8 1-3 5. Kingsville 2-8 1-3

232.0 receiving yards 1 TDs 50 Tackles, 10 QB sacks

are still kings in District 16-4A DI under longtime head coach Oscar Salinas.

The Lions roared in 2019 with an impressive 11-1 overall record before losing to Liberty Hill 66-7 in the Class 4A Division I Area Championships.

The Lions will have to replace QB Darion Hernandez but with RB Angel Garcia (884 yards), RB Avishai Dickerson (446 yards), RB Chris Diaz (224 yards), and RB Aaron Trevino (192 yards) all returning, expect the Lions to keep running for daylight on Friday nights.

If the Grulla Gators can find a way to improve their 4-7 playoff finish this season, the Gators

2019 UIL Playoffs 4A Bi-District Division I La Feria 63 La Vernia 42 Grulla 27 Gonzales 48 Hidalgo 7 Boerne 34 Kingsville 7 Beeville 44

16-4A DI HOW They WILL FINISH: 1. Hidalgo Early College 2. La Feria 3. Rio Grande City-Grulla 4. Kingsville-King 5. Zapata HS

4A Area Division I Liberty Hill 66 La Feria 7

will be set to join La Feria and Hidalgo as preseason favorites to make the playoffs. Head coach Abel Gonzales led his Gators to the 4A Division I playoffs before losing to Gonzales 48-27 in the first round.

Returning are QB Jose Trujio, RB Vidal Lopez, and K Angel Garza.

Defensively, LB Derick Amaro, LB Jorge Guerrero, and DTs Jovanny Lopez with Lupe Bazan could spark their team with a playoff finish with a possible late COVID-19 start in South Texas.

https://ghs.rgccisd.org

Top QB in 16-4A DI. Rio Grande City-Grulla HS Jose Trujio will lead his Gators in 2020 with hopes of clinching a playoff appearance.

(HSSMIMages/Grulla HS)

Superintendent RGCCISD Vilma Garza Athletic Director Rey Ramirez Grulla HS Athletic Coordinator Abel Gonzalez Grulla HS Principal Adolfo Pena

District 16-4A DI Football Schedule 10/9 10/16 10/23 11/5

@Hidalgo* La Feria* @Zapata* Kingsville*

*Denotes District 16-4A DI games

2020 UIL State Playoffs Bi District Nov 12-14 Area Nov 19-21 Regionals Nov 26-28 Quarterfinals Dec 3-5 Semifinals Dec 10-12 Championships Dec 16-19

6884 East Hwy 83 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 956-487-7278 956-487-7925

Most State Titles Texas High School All-Time

8 8 8 8 8

Richland Springs (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016) Katy HS (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) Aledo 1998, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018

//////////////DISTRICT 16-4A Division I HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020////////////////////////////////////

ators

4A Division I Enrollments 880-1229 95 Schools

Page 53

HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

DISTRICT 16-4A DIV II

Page 54

PI,BearKats, Could Make a Run

Players To Watch Joey Krieghbaum, QB Port Isabel HS 1,213 passing yards 16 TDs

Zaraivion Armendarez, RB Raymondville HS 1,745 rushing yards 25 TDs

16-4A DII HOW They WILL FINISH: South Zone 1. Raymondville 2. Port Isabel 3. Rio Hondo 829 rushing yards 9 TDs 181 yards receiving; 217 yards 3. Sinton 4. Rockport-Fulton kickoff returns; 40.8 punting avg Division II Enrollments 515-864 92 Schools 5. Rio Hondo4A6.

Ingleside 7. CC West Oso 8. Robstown The Port Isabel Tarpons will now be facing a (Port Isabel, Tx)-Talk about changes. District 164A Division II voted to create two zones because of shortened season and will only play two district games in 16-4A Division II. The Tarpons will the COVID-19 outbreak in South Texas. Now, the return senior QB Joey Krieghbaum (5’10 175lbs) South zone will feature Raymondville, Port Isabel, Ethan Jeradiah, ATH Rio Hondo HS

New Realignments. Port Isabel Tarpons QB Joey Krieghbaum will lead the Tarpons in 2020 with Tony Villarreal, the winningest Hispanic head football coach in Texas. (HSSMIMages/Special)

and Rio Hondo. Only one team will be awarded a third place playoff spot while the North zone will consist of Sinton, Rockport-Fulton, Ingleside, Robstown, and CC West Oso. This zone will be award the first, second, and third place finishers first, second, and fourth place seedings.

Tony Villarreal was hired to lead the Tarpons after Port Isabel stumbled for the past three seasons, producing an overall record of 9-20, with a program that has previously been to the University Interscholastic League State Semifinals in Class 3A and 4A? So what’s the problem? “We just need to get back to playing Tarpon football,” says head coach Villarreal. “Our community does not like losing.”

along with 31 returning lettermen. The Tarpons will be tough on offense with seniors Aureliano Martinez (6’4 285lbs) and Andrew Gallardo (6’3 300lbs) leading up front. On defense, players to watch are LBs Dominik Salazar, Agustin Lopez,

Top PI Tarpons Head Coaches Years

Head Coach

PI Record

2001-2014 Monty Stumbaugh 109-58-0 1990-1995 Tony Villarreal 60-13-4 1978-1981 Tommy Roberts 47-4-1 1982-1984 Alex Leal 32-5 1997-2000 Gabe Pena 32-22-0 1987-1989 Chris Cavazos 24-6-1

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

program,” says Cantu.

“It’s a new district with new teams, but that’s football.”

The Bearkats will feature one of the best running backs in Class 4A, Zaraivion Armendarez (1,745 yards rushing 25 TDs) along with two quarterbacks that could both see a rotating scheme with seniors Jarod Cavazos and Jayson Cantu. Both

4A Division II Enrollments 515-864 92 Schools

combined for 1,007 passing yards as the Bearkats finished 9-2 overall. Offensively, the Bearkats run the ball and with eight possible runners to compliment Armendarez, expect the Bearkats to contend for another district title.

Along the bayou, the Rio Hondo Bobcats will find a way to make another playoff run under longtime head coach Rocky James.

“I love this area and I love the fishing,” says James. “Most of all, I love the Bobcats.”

4A All-State Selection. Dylan Ramirez returns on defense to lead the Raymondville Bearkats.

(HSSMIMages/Special)

1. Raymondville 2. Rio Hondo 3. Port Isabel 4. Progreso

9-2 6-5 3-7 3-8

3-0 2-1 1-2 0-3

459 316 275 177

Matthew Trevino (1,149 yards passing 13 TDs) returns at quarterback along with junior runningback Ethan Jeradiah (829 yards rushing). Defense will be the key for the Bobcats this season.

“

We are the defending champions Says Frank Cantu

2019 16-4A DII Overall District PF PA

216 286 306 399

2019 UIL Playoffs 4A Bi-District Division II

Rio Hondo 48 Orange Grove 6 Sinton 50 Port Isabel 30 Progreso 0 Rockport Fulton 61 Raymondville 51 CC West Oso 32

4A Area Division II

Rio Hondo 13 Navarro 42 Raymondville 35 Wimbereley 63

Head Football Coach Raymondville HS

2019 4A DII BI-DISTRICT CHAMPS! 2020 Football Schedule-South Zone 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6

Stetson Roane Superintendent Sandra Nieto Principal Athletic Director Frank Cantu

Mission Vets @Brown Porter Rio Hondo* @Port Isabel*

7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p

4A State DII Playoffs Nov 12-14 Bi-Districts Nov 19-21 Area Nov 26-28 Regionals Dec 3-5 Quarterfinals Dec 10-12 Semifinals Dec 16-19 Finals

601 FM 3168 Raymondville, Texas 78580 956-689-8170

BEARKATS RAYMONDVILLE Early College High School

Be Safe, Wear a Mask...

///////////////DISTRICT 16-4A Division II HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020//////////////////////////////////

David Rosales, Luis Bustamante, with DBs Gilbert Medina, Daniel Zamarron, Jayden Lopez, and Will Camacho.

At Raymondville High, head coach Frank Cantu has plenty of expectations in 2020 after winning the outright district title last season. “We are the defending champions in 16-4A DII and this means a lot to our

www.RaymondvilleISD.org

Page 55

www.PI-ISD.net

PISD Administration

PISD School Board Jimmy L. Vela-President Alicia Baldovinos-VP Cecilia Castillo-Secretary Bertha L. Zamora-Asst Secretary Heather Scott-Member Cynthia Cantu-Member Frank Davalos, Jr.-Member

Superintendent Theresa Alacron Principal Imelda Munivez Athletic Director Tony Villarreal

PORT ISABEL TARPONS 16-4A Division II

2020 Football Schedule

South Zone

OCTOBER 23 @ RIO HONDO NOVEMBER 6 RAYMONDVILLE 4A State DII Playoffs November 12-14 Bi-District November 19-21 Area Playoffs November 26-28 Regionals December 3-5 Quarterfinals December 10-12 Semifinals December 16-19 Finals

Page 56

Port Isabel High School 18001 Highway 100 Port Isabel, Texas 78578 956-943-0030

TOP GRIDIRON Runningbacks 2020 High School Sports Magazine’s

Rushing Yards-Rio Grande Valley

Records as of July 30, 2020

Zachery 5’11 Senior

CARRERA

Carlos

5’10 Junior

PENA

yds 2,099 yds 2,021 2019 Season 23 TDS 2019 Season 21 TDS Hidalgo HS

LJ Palmview

Career Passing Texas High School All-Time

Zaraivion 5’11 Senior

Jose Diaz 5’9 Sr

Shandon 5’9 Senior

Issac

5’8 Junior

Armendarez MENDEZ WOODARD GONZALEZ yds 2019 1,422 yds 1,418 yds 1,745 yds 1,618 2019 Season 24 TDS Season 15 TDS 2019 Season 14 TDS

2019 Season 25 TDS

Raymondville

Santa Rosa

1. Grant Gunnell Houston St. Pius X 2015-18 (16,108 yards) 2. Hunter Lile Booker HS 2011-14 (14,408 yards) 3. Travis Quintanilla Refugio HS 2011-13 (13,832 yards) 4. Nick Gerber Levelland HS 2014-16 (13,100 yards)

Edinburg

PSJA North

/////////////HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

TOP GRIDIRON QUARTERBACKS-RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Page 57

HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

DISTRICT 16-3A DIV I & I

3A Division I Enrollments 350-514

Lyford Ready; Red Ants Moves Down 3A

New Moves District 16-3A DI HOW They Will FINISH:

South Zone 1. Lyford 2. CC London 3. Progreso 4. Santa Gertrudis North Zone San Diego 2. Falfurrias 3. Bishop

(Progreso, Tx)-Plenty of re-shuffling has taken place

in District 16-3A Division I and II as the football season kicks off in 2020. The Progreso Red Ants will move down in classification from 4A to 3A and they will find themselves competing with Lyford, along with teams from the Coastal Bend Area. The Red Ants automatically earned a two-year UIL playoff exemption from 2018-2020 after competing in a fourteam 16-4A DII conference. In 2019, the Red Ants went 0-3 in district play and still qualified for the UIL State 4A playoffs. Now, the Red Ants will compete with no playoff exemptions in a newly, realigned, seven-team district.

District 16-3A Division I, with enrollments between 350-514 students, will consist of Bishop, Falfurrias, Corpus Christi London, Lyford, San Diego, Santa Gertrudis Academy, and now, Progreso. Corpus Christi London is moving up from 16-3A DII to 16-3A DI. Teams to favor in District 16-3A DI will be Corpus Christi London, Lyford, San Diego, and Falfurrias. Since August 15th, this district has split into two zones due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lyford Bulldogs, coached by Israel Gonzalez finished 5-6 overall in 2019 with a first round playoff loss to Marion 56-30. The Bulldogs will return WRs Matthew Sanchez, Justin Vela, Brandon Rocha, and Mark Marroquin. On the front lines, DT Louis Devries will probably play on both sides of the ball because of his (6’3 265lbs) frame along with junior guard Justin Anguiano (6’0 305lbs).

Along the Rio Grande River, this soccer 2019 16-3A DI

1. George West** 2. Mathis** 3. Lyford** 4. San Diego** 5. Falfurrias 6. Aransas Pass 7. Bishop 8. Santa Gertr

Page 58

Overall District PS 12-1 7-4 5-6 7-5 6-4 3-7 1-9 0-10

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

550 332 216 371 217 161 83 73

PA 140 237 309 237 222 227 364 335

powerhouse, Progreso High School, will drop from Class 4A to 3A and head coach Frank Martinez resigned earlier this season and now, first-year coach Jose Meza takes over as a head coach with this struggling football program.

The Red Ants overall record since 2012, is 15-64 with only two playoff appearances in 2018 and 2019. The Red Ants will return 6’2 Quarterback, Elian Rodriguez with TE Jordi Cruz and OG Jerico Martinez.

Progreso HS Players To Watch QB Elian Rodriguez 6’2 170lbs 485 yards passing RB Juan Casares 425 yards rushing 3 TDs 290 yards receiving 4TDs Returning: 7/7 O/D R/L 13/8 Head Coach: Jose Meza 2019 Season: 3-8, 0-3 4A DII Bi-District Finalists Student Enrollment: 501 Lyford HS Players To Watch QB Cayleb Klostermann DT Louis Devries TE Ben Gonzales ATH Osmar Martinez Returning: 7/6 O/D R/L 20/7 Head Coach: Israel Gonzalez 2019 Season: 5-6, 5-2 3A DI Bi-District Finalists Student Enrollment: 483

Go Dawgs! The Lyford Bulldogs will contend for another 3A DI Playoff appearance in 2020. (HSSMIMages/Lyford ISD) 2019 16-3A DII 1. CC London** 2. Odem** 3. Hebbronville** 4. Taft** 5. Santa Rosa 6. Monte Alto 7. Banquete

Overall District 9-2 8-3 6-5 4-7 5-5 3-7 1-9

6-0 5-1 4-2 3-3 2-4 1-5 0-6

2019 UIL Playoffs

**Clinched Playoff Bid

3A Bi-District Division I Mathis 13 SA Randolph 42 Marion 56 Lyford 30 George West 55 Cotulla 6 San Diego 18 Jourdanton 63 3A Area Division I George West 12 Edna 3 3A Div I Regionals George West 21 Hallettsville 28

2019 UIL Playoffs

PS 304 214 297 239 226 117 111

PA 139 140 230 329 209 302 331

3A Bi-District Division II Odem 20 Stockdale 24 Hebbronville 14 Natalia 49 CC London 42 Nixon-Smiley 14 Taft 0 Poth 47 3A Division II Area Playoffs CC London 16 Ganado 23

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

Monte Alto High School

Blue Devils District 16-3A DII HOW They Will FINISH:

Zone North A 1. Odem 2. Skidmore 3. Taft Zone South 1. Hebbronville 2. Santa Rosa 3. Monte Alto 4. Banquete (Monte Alto, Texas)-Head coach Robert Meza will lead the District 16-3A Division II Monte Alto Blue Devils football program in 2020 after ending their season at 3-7 in 2019.

Offensively, the Blue Devils will return WR Ivan Mendez, RB Von-James Cavazos, WR Vince Cavazos, RB Christian Oseguera (750 yards rushing), WR Marcelino Castillo, RB Jonathon Lugo, and senior TB Josue Hernandez.

On defensive, the Blue Devils will be led by MLB Memphis Cook, DE Benito Sarrion, NG Jorge Banda, and DB Juan Trujillo.

The shuffling in the newly realigned District 16-3A Division II will bring in powerhouses, Odem and Hebbronville, along with Skidmore-Tyan, and Taft high schools. The Blue Devils will

www.MonteAltoISD.org

be sporting its best team to date with nine returning lettermen on both sides of the ball after finishing 1-5 in district play last season.

Meza will have his hands full as the UIL will be making changes with the upcoming football season due to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Texas.

Castillo will return as one of the best defensive backs from South Texas with five interceptions in 2019 and he will bring plenty of experience to this Blue Devil defense.

The Blue Devils are set to open with zone play since the COVID19 pandemic has forced Hidalgo County officials to shut down schools as a precaution.

The Blue Devils will now

Players To Watch DB Marcelino Castillo 5 INTs FB Christian Oseguera 750 Yards Rushing TE/DE Benito Sarrion DT Juan Garcia QB Von Cavazos RB Vincent Cavazos TB Josue Hernandez Returning Lettermen/Starters 9/9 O/D R/L 20/25

Head Coach: Roberto Meza 2019 Season: 3-7, 1-5 Missed Playoffs Student Enrollment: 265

play two district games against Banquete on Oct 21st on the road and on October 26th against Hebbronville at home. “We will be ready,� says Meza.

Blue Devils! Pictured L-R are Raul Mancillas, Benito Sarrion, JT Marroquin, and Juan Andy Marroquin.

(HSSMIMages/Monte Alto ISD)

Good Luck Blue Devils!

25149 First Street Monte Alto, Texas 78538 956-262-1381 Dr. Rosie Cobarrubias Superintendent of Schools

2020 Football Schedule

Head Coach: Robert Meza Zone-North Skidmore-Tyan Odem Taft Zone-South Monte Alto Oct 21 @ Banquete 6:30p Oct 26th Hebbronville 7:30p Oct 31 @ Santa Rosa TBA Nov 6 Zone Playoffs *Denotes district games 2-3 3-2

///////////////HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////DISTRICT 16-3A DII//////////////////////////

3A Division II Enrollments 230-349 105 Schools

Monte Alto High School

District 16-3A Division II

Need An Attorney? We Can Help...

Page 59

HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////////////District 16-3A DII

3A Division II Enrollments 230-349 105 Schools

Santa Rosa Ready for Battle

Warriors

(Santa Rosa, Texas)-After missing the University Interscholastic League’s 3A DII state football playoffs in 2019, head coach Hector Ayala hopes that with six returning starters back on offense, this season could prove to be back on track with a possible playoff run in 2020. The Santa Rosa Warriors will be on the bubble, once again.

The Warriors will compete in a new-seven team District 16-3A Division II with Taft, SkidmoreTynan, Odem, Monte Alto, Hebbronville, and Banquete.

In the playoffs, Odem, Hebbronville, and Taft all lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2019 and all three teams are expected to make a another run in this year’s state playoffs.

The Warriors finished last

Players To Watch RB Jose Diaz-Mendez 1,618 yards rushing 24 TDs QB Reese Lara LB Brave Munoz DE Jorge Terrazas Returning: 6/5 O/D R/L 17/9

season with a 5-5 record and 2-4 in district play. Losses to Hebbronville (20-14), Taft (32-6), and CC London (27-20) eliminated the Warriors from the state playoffs.

Players to watch in 2020 are Jose Diaz-Mendez (1,618 yards rushing 24 touchdowns) at running back and he will be joined by Skylar Alaniz, Reese Lara QB, Andrew Ruiz RB, Brave Munoz TE/LB, Caleb Garza OT, Jorge Terrazzas OT, and wide-receiver Isaiah Segundo.

If the COVID-19 continues, the Warriors season could be shortened. The Warriors are scheduled to open against Lyford on August 28th followed by St. Joe on September 4th. The Warriors will kickoff District 16-3A DII against the Odem Owls on the road on September 25th.

Head Coach: Hector Ayala 2019 Season: 5-5, 2-4 Missed Playoffs Student Enrollment: 308

Go Warriors! Pictured is Jose Diaz-Mendez for the Santa Rosa Warriors.

(HSSMImages/Santa Rosa ISD)

Visit Our Website www.CoyoteArmsShootingCenter.com

Range & Service Fess Day Pass: $25 Per Person For Day $20 Per Person for Military/LEO

Pistol-Rifle Bays-Clay Courses-Archery It’s Fun! 12 Station Sporting Clays and Covered Bays with Tables Available.

Our Coyote Arms Team Pictured l-r are Art Salinas (General Manager), Amanda Baker (Manager) and Rene Guevara.

Page 60

Become a Coyote Member with Annual Memberships Available Fundraising Opportunities Available for Booster Clubs!

Shooting Center 8600 North Big Five Rd Edinburg, Texas 956-631-0448 Open Monday thru Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

DISTRICT 16-2A DIV I

Cards, Coogs Looking for Playoffs HOW They Will FINISH: 1. Santa Maria 2. La Villa 3. Premont 4. RIVIERA-Kaufer

(La Villa, Texas)-All four teams automatically qualify for the state playoffs! Not a bad way to start this season. Ben Boly HS opted to not play this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The La Villa Cardinals and Santa Maria Cougars will both be paired in District 16-2A Division I after the University Interscholastic League announced the new 2020-22 realignments in February. The 2019 UIL State 2A DI champions, Refugio will leave 162ADI and move on to 15-2A DI, giving coaches like Israel Gracia plenty of relief in 2020. “The Bobcats were pretty good,” says Gracia after losing to the state champions in district play last season 59-13.

Cardinals head coach Danny Perez will enjoy 2020 with thirty-one returning lettermen after making an appearance in the UIL State 2A DII playoffs in 2019. “We were very young last year with only five seniors on our roster,” says Perez.

The Cards ended its year with three-straight wins over Benavides, Bruni, and Woodsboro, and they will be favored to compete for the district title with nine starting players returning on offense and eight on defense.

Players to watch are returning QB Sebastian Lopez, a 5’11 junior, passed for 677 yards and

2019 16-2A DI Standings 1. Refugio (2A DI State Champions) 2. Three Rivers** 3. Santa Maria** 4. Freer** 5. Ben Bolt 6. Riviera-Kaufer six touchdowns in 2019. He also rushed for another 330 yards and seven scores. Other players looking to lead the Cardinals will be RB Damien Felix, OT Albert Perez, LB Victor Garcia, LB Jerry Reyes (102 tackles) along with WRs Manuel Solis, Jacob Espericueta, and junior LB Jaylen

16-0 8-4 7-4 5-6 5-5 2-8

Players To Watch QB Sebastian Lopez 5’9 180lbs LB Jerry Reyes 102 Tackles 4 TFL 1 Sack OL/DL Albert Perez Returning: 9/8 O/D R/L 32/5 Head Coach: Daniel Perez 2019 Season: 3-8, 3-2 2A DI Bi-District Finalists Student Enrollment: 184

Silguero (67 tackles 4 QB sacks).

Go Cards! Pictured are l-r Albert Perez OT, Damien Felix RB, and Victor Garcia LB. (HSSMImages/La Villa ISD)

La Villa Early College High School 100 W. Hwy 107 La Villa, Texas 78562 956-262-4715 Head Coach Daniel Perez

La Villa ISD Interim Superintendent Paz Elizondo

District 16-2A DI 2020 Football Schedule District 16-2A Division I October 9 @Premont 7:30p* October 23 Santa Maria 7:00p* October 30 @Riviera Kaufer 7:00p* *All games subject to change with dates. All teams have qualified for state playoffs.

Board of Trustees Noe M. Castillo Jr. President Bridget Perez Vice-President Gilbert Hinojosa III Secretary Ramiro Ortiz Assistant Secretary Gilbert M. Hinojosa Jr. Member Marco Romero Member

Good Luck to All RGV Teams!

Antonio Layton Jr. La Villa Early College High School Principal

Page 61

///////////HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

2A Division I Enrollments 165.5-229 97 Schools

HSSM FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 ///////////////////////////////////////DISTRICT 16-2A DIVISION I

2A Division I Enrollments 165.5-229 97 Schools

Santa Maria Cougars Could Be Better

(Santa Maria, Texas)-Coming off a 7-3 season is something that most first-year head coaches would loved to have achieved in their early-start careers. Head coach Israel Gracia led his Cougars to a third place finish and a State 2A playoff appearance in 2019 before falling to Weimar High School in the first round 35-13. “It was a great season and I’m pleased with our staff and team. Now, it’s time to play season 2020,” he adds.

The Cougars were impressive with their seven wins last season,

junior running back Erick Castellanos (477 yards rushing) returning with senior, Gustavo Sandoval (125 yards rushing), the Cougars will be favored to contend for the district title.

If there is one player that the Santa Maria Cougars will have their eyes on, that player is firstteam all-district returnee, WR Bernie Castellanos.

Most fans would think that the incoming senior must have entered

the Punt-Pass-Kicking events early on in his life, because that’s exactly what he will do for the Cougars this season. On special teams, Castellanos had thirty kickoffs for 1,512 yards with eight touchbacks. He also led the district in punting with 18 punts for 729 yards, with five punts landing inside the 20-yard line. He also converted 27-of-33 PATs. Oh, Castellanos also returned kickoffs and punt returns with another 14 TDs scored.

Defensively, the senior also had three interceptions and 18 solo tackles.

The Cougars will

scoring 296 points on offense, including two shutouts over La Villa (36-0) and Premont (34-0). The Cougars also allowed one score against MMA (55-8), Progreso (21-7), and Kaufer (48-7). “Our defense was great last season and now, we will have to rebuild in 2020,” says Gracia.

The 16-2A DI Cougars will attack their opponents with their non-popular running Wing-T offense that rushed for 1,391 yards and with

Players To Watch Bernie Castellanos, WR/P (691 yards receiving) Erick Castellanos, RB Gustavo Sandoval, RB

Returning: 5/5 O/D R/L 15/13 Head Coach: Israel Gracia 2019 Season: 7-4, 3-2 2A DI Bi-District Finalists Student Enrollment: 201

Riviera-Kaufer, Ben Bolt, and Premont. “It will be an interesting season and we should be ready once kickoff is here,” says Gracia.

be competing in District 16-2A Division I with a new realignment of five teams that includes La Villa,

Cougar Leaders! Pictured are l-r RB Gustavo Sandoval, RB Erik Castellanos, and LB Josh Gonzalez. (HSSMImages)

Order Your Class Rings Today!

www.RGVGrad.com 2401 N. 10th McAllen, Texas 956-971-0064

Page 62

www.RGVGrad.com

Call Us! 956.720.4231 Edinburg, Texas

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

K/P Bernie Castellanos

QB Chris Ibarra

Santa Maria High School

District 16-2A DI

2019 Class 2A Division I Bi-District Finalists 2020 Football Schedule August 28 @Marine Military 7:30p District 16-2A DI September 4 Monte Alto 7:30p September 11 16 Premont* TBA October 7:00 p.m.

September 18 October 23 @La@Lyford Villa* 7:30 p.m.7:30p september 25 @Progreso 7:30p November 6 Riviera-Kaufer* 7:30 p.m.

October 9 @Ben Bolt* 7:30p October 16Dates & Games Premont* 7:00p Subject to Change October 23 @La Villa* 7:30p November 6 Riviera-Kaufer* 7:30p

Martin Cuellar Superintendent of Schools Jose Vela Santa Maria HS Principal Israel Gracia Director of Athletics

11119 Military Road Santa Maria, Texas 78592 956-565-6308 www.SMISD.net

School Board Members Adolfo Hinojosa-President Oralia Ortiz-Vice President Miguel Zavala-Secretary Members Noe Aleman Consuelo De La Rosa Jose F. “Frankie” Gonzales Rambaldo Rivera

www.HyundaiofPharr.com

Perfect for Friday Nights with Your Team.

2020

Every New 2020 Hyundai gets

Complimentary Maintenance 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

PALISADE The three-row, upscale SUV.

1.9% APR

1605 W US Expry 83, Pharr, TX 78577 Sales: 888-845-3586 Service: 888-805-1244 Rigo Sarinana, General Manager

Starting MSRP

$31,975 Up to

26 MPG Hwy