By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Never mind that just about everyone has graduated from last year’s 12-1 team, Port Isabel is still the same old Port Isabel on the football field, it seems, even with a host of varsity newcomers in the lineup.
Judging by last week’s score, a 29-9 road victory over Grulla in their season opener, the Tarpons are looking a lot like their predecessors from the school’s many successful teams of the storied past.
But that was just one game. Ranked No. 19 in the state this week among Class 4A teams in the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors poll, the Tarpons find out if they can keep up their momentum at 7:30 p.m. Friday in their 2014 home opener against non-district foe Rio Grande City (0-1).
“We got indoctrinated a little bit last week,” Port Isabel coach Monty Stumbaugh said. “It was the first taste of varsity ball for 29 of our players. We grew up a lot.
“We’re still young, and there are still a lot of mistakes to correct, but effort will overcome a lot of them,” Stumbaugh added. “We played extra hard last week, and I was pleased with our effort.”
With only three starters back on offense and just two on defense, the Tarpons will be going against a Rio Grande City team that is coming off a 5-7 playoff season with three returning starters on offense and four on defense.
The Rattlers lost their season opener 41-14 at home last week against Ingleside.
The head coaches at the two schools boast longevity as each has been at his position for 14 years.
“I’ve been coaching against Monty Stumbaugh since he got hired over there (in 2001), so I’m no stranger to Tarpon football,” Rattlers coach Carlos Longoria said. “I know if you can’t stop the toss sweep that they like and run very well, you’re in trouble.
If it’s a Monty Stumbaugh team, it’s going to be a team that is physical and well-coached,” Longoria added. “They played with some high-level intensity (against Grulla).”
It was a typical performance stat-wise last week by the ground-oriented Tarpons, who rushed for 283 yards and passed for 59 with new starting quarterback Trey Mock at the helm. Tailback J.J. Gonzalez flashed his speed by running for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 16 rushes for a 10.4-yard average per carry. Mock was efficient as a passer, completing three of five aerial attempts for 59 yards and one score that came on a 38-yard TD reception by Gonzalez.
Stumbaugh believes it will take another strong effort by his team against Rio Grande City.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “Their (41-14) score (against Ingleside) was a little misleading. They gave up three quick TDs, and on one a (defensive) player fell down, but after that they gave up only one first down in the second half.
“Their size is worrying me a little,” Stumbaugh added. “They’re big up front, and they’re physical. Their free safety is a hard hitter, and he can bring a punch. They throw the ball well, so we have to do a good job with our coverages and pass rush.”
From his team’s viewpoint, Longoria said, “We’ve got to be able to block, hold on to the football and take away our mistakes against a team that plays hard and is very aggressive.”
The Tarpons and Rattlers each play at home next Friday as non-district action continues. Port Isabel goes against Hidalgo, and Rio Grande City entertains La Joya Palmview.