RIO HONDO — The last few weeks, the Rio Hondo Bobcats have looked like a different kind of team.
Since their Week Three loss to Sinton, the Bobcats (5-1, 1-0) have made a living running the ball, averaging 346 yards on the ground.
Leading the way during that charge has been senior running back Marco Garate.
Just like his varsity career in which he had to wait patiently to get a starting role, Garate had to shake off a personal slow start before his good fortunes came this season.
During the first three weeks of the season, Garate only scored three times and those were all in the same Week Two-blowout win over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln and did not go for over 68 yards in that span.
“I just want to help take my team far. I wasn’t satisfied in the beginning; and I kept telling myself I need to get more and more,” Garate said. “That’s the way I work—it doesn’t matter if I have 200 yards because I want to go for my best. After our loss, the team’s mentality changed; we decided we couldn’t take a loss.”
During the Rio Hondo three-game win streak following their 35-7 loss in Sinton, Garate has averaged 214 yards on the ground per game and has found the end zone five times.
Now, Garate leads the team in rushing with 781 yards and nine total touchdowns on 116 carries.
The senior remains humble and will be the first to give credit where credit is due.
Up front, the Bobcats have one of the toughest offensive lines in the area and tend to win the battle in the trenches.
“This year, the line is a lot faster and they’re very dedicated, but they’re hitting people and going at them,” Garate said. “Overall, they’re doing a great job blocking.”
Also noticing the change in attitude and Garate’s production is head coach Rocky James, who also praises his boys up front despite them having some questions in the preseason.
“The team has gelled together. Marco has been a huge part of it in the running game. However, the offensive line has shined for us,” James said. “A lot of guys graduated last year and it was a question mark coming into the season, but they’re playing fantastic football. We’ve come a long way and I’m happy where our offense is at right now.”
Coming up is a showdown with the No. 12 state-ranked Port Isabel Tarpons (6-0, 1-0), who bring the district’s best running game in 16-4A DII.
It’s a game that James says is one that every player dreams of.
For Garate, facing the Tarpons is a chance to recapture the feeling of victory over their district rivals.
But it’s ultimately about leading by example.
“I want to beat P.I. because I haven’t beat them since my seventh grade year and I just want to win arguably the biggest game of our lives,” Garate said. “If nothing else, I want to lead by example and hope that everyone is working hard and dedicated toward this season.”