By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
With one simple word former Rio Hondo head football coach Gus Cavazos found a way to unite a team and a community.
Since around 2005 the Bobcats have used the term “Brotherhood” to convey a message of unity, family, and above all else teamwork.
“I think Cavazos brought it in and each and every year the kids have really taken onto the brotherhood and it’s been around ever since,” said head coach Rocky James. “It’s on their jersey, it’s on their helmets and basically they play like brothers and back each other up.”
“They’re good friends on and off the field and to them it’s the unity they have as a team.”
And it’s worked. Brotherhood has gone beyond the football field and into the daily lives of the players.
“We are all in it together and we all have the same idea on winning,” said junior linebacker Daniel Flores. “We’re all like family; we grew up together and have each others back.”
As the old adage goes “A family doesn’t have to be perfect just united”, and for the 6-2, 2-1 Bobcats that message has become self evident by the success the team has had on the field.
On defense the Bobcats have overwhelmed their opponents allowing an average of 189 yards per game, best in the Rio Grande Valley. Against the rush Rio Hondo has been virtually impenetrable giving up an average of just under 75 yards a game.
Anchoring the heart of the defense for Rio Hondo has been its linebacker core composed of Ethan James, Daniel Flores, and Roel Benitez.
The trio have attacked the ball and put up big numbers for the team.
Flores leads the group with 73 tackles, 4 sacks, and two caused fumbles, followed by Benitez with a total of 75 tackles and two sacks, with James rounding out the trio with 39 tackles and one sack.
TOUGH STRETCH
Rio Hondo has been playing their toughest spell of games recently. Playing Port Isabel (7-1, 2-1), Orange Grove (7-1, 3-0) and now they face another harsh test when they travel to Raymondville (5-3, 2-1) to finish the season.
After rising to the occasion against Port Isabel, the Bobcats fell short of a victory against power house Orange Grove team that had been racking up the yards.
“We had a let down against Orange grove so we are that much more motivated to keep our district hopes alive,” said Flores. “We have to stay on top because if P.I. (Port Isabel) beats Orange Grove it’s going to create a three way tie.”
“We know it’s a crucial “make it or break it” game for us. We’re confident; we’re a run “D”, motivated, and ready to go.”