By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
Tonight’s highly anticipated matchup between Raymondville and Rio Hondo will need no build up, no hype, and definitely no motivation.
Both know what’s at stake and both know each other very well.
With two games remaining in the regular season, Raymondville comes into the contest with a record of 5-3, 2-1 and riding a wave of momentum that has seen them breeze buy their last two opponents, outscoring them 88 to 13.
Behind a strong running game the Bearkats have been able to rush for a total of 2338 yards this season with Miguel Tristan leading the charge.
The senior has rushed for a district leading 1203 yards on 109 carries.
“Miguel Tristan has had and incredible year. We’ve had to pull him out early a few times because we’ve gotten ahead,” said coach Cantu. “With him and our quarterback (Christopher Trevino) it gives us a real nice one-two combination.”
Trevino has also put up big numbers on the ground rushing for 741 yards on 100 carries.
However against Rio Hondo, Coach Cantu seems to have a different game plan in mind.
“We feel we can throw the ball as well. Last week we had a few drops so we need to clean that up,” said coach Cantu.
“Against Rio Hondo, who’s a very good defensive team, you have to be able to throw the ball to create yourself some opportunities so we’re looking forward to throw the ball as well.”
“We want to play these kinds of teams because we want to see what we’ve got and we’re looking forward to it.”
Defensively the Bearkats are also solid. The unit has been able to hold opponents to an average of just under 130 yards a game, while intercepting the ball 17 times and sacking the quarterback 15 times.
“Rio Hondo just does a super job of running the ball, and the type of defense that we have is geared towards the run,” said Cantu. “We feel confident in stopping the run, we’ve had some injuries but for the most part we feel confident against the run.”
Over in Rio Hondo every player knows what’s at stake as well. With two games also left in their regular season head coach Rocky James knows his team have looked adversity in the eye and never flinched.
“We’re going through a gauntlet of tough teams but I think it’s great,” James said. “There’s nothing you have to say to these kids. They know that each and every week its “do or die” and looking at Raymondville it’s another great matchup for us.”
“We’ve had our back against the wall each and every week but it’s good. I rather play in these types of games. The ones that have a lot of meaning, where every play is going to matter and every play counts.”
Defensively, everybody knows that Rio Hondo has an incredible defense that has put the brakes on some of the district top offenses.
“Raymondville throws and runs the ball so our defense is going to have a stiff challenge, but my guys will be up for it,” said James. “They’re a lot like us, a finesse type team, we want to lineup and run the ball and they like to do the same.”
Offensively the team has been led by senior Marco Garate who has rushed for 1059 on 172 carries. Quarterback Eli Pitones has also has a solid year passing for 502 yards in a predominately run heavy offense. Pitones has rushed for 318 yards as well, making the senior a dual threat.
“We’ve had playoff implications each and every week and our kids have responded well,” James said. “Raymondville brings a lot to the table. Very well coached, they do a great job, and we’re just looking forward to the challenge.”