By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
PORT ISABEL — It’s not exactly a two-quarterback system, but it seems to work well for the Port Isabel Tarpons.
The Tarpons began the football season not quite sure just who would be the starting quarterback among three candidates — senior Javier Hernandez Jr. and juniors Omar Silva and Carlos Orduna.
The way things have evolved, Silva has become the starter at QB with Hernandez coming in to take over signal-calling duties when Silva switches to running back, which now happens on a fairly regular basis during the course of a game. Also, Orduna has found a spot on offense at running back. Moving Silva back and forth between QB and running back has helped increase the Tarpons’ offensive effectiveness.
There’s no lack of playing time for the three athletes as they all play in the defensive secondary as well.
The Tarpons (6-3) take on Cuero (5-5) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Cabaniss Field in the Class 4A Division II bi-district playoffs.
“Javi has some experience at quarterback from last year, and then you’ve got Omar, who’s a pretty good runner either as a quarterback or a running back,” Tarpons offensive coordinator Al Senteno said. “It kind of gives us a little change of pace and gives Carlos a little breather (by moving Silva to running back). It follows the formula we’ve had here the last couple of years where we bring in different running backs to give (the ones who come out) a rest. This year it’s a little different, though. We can’t really rest any of them too much because they play defense.
“It’s nothing new for Javi because he played QB last year and he brings a lot of experience to the position,” Senteno added. “Omar had never played QB before this year, so that was something new for him. He’s matured in that role and as a leader for the team. He’s an athlete with good vision. He sees the hole and he’ll hit it. Omar only knows one way, and that’s running downhill. That’s what we do here. Our philosophy is to run downhill.”
Silva leads District 16-4A Division II in rushing by a good margin with 978 yards on 150 carries for a 6.5-yard average per carry. He has rushed for nine touchdowns while passing for 179 yards and four scores.
“I think it’s been working out pretty good,” said Silva, a 5-foot-9, 155-pounder, of his duties playing dual spots on offense. “Either way, it doesn’t matter to me which position I play. I just do what the coaches tell me to do.
“I’ve gained confidence through the season,” he added. “Everybody improves as the season goes on, and I can tell you from the first week until now, we’ve gotten a lot better as a team. I’m happy with how I’m doing, but I’m not satisfied. There’s still a lot more for me to improve on.”
Added Hernandez, a 5-4, 150-pounder who was named Homecoming King last month, “It’s working out pretty well. Omar’s a good runner (whether he’s at QB or running back). It’s pretty neat seeing him run. He may look like he’s trapped, but then he breaks some tackles and takes off (for a big gain).”
Tarpons coach Monty Stumbaugh said his team has found some momentum going into the playoffs, with Silva and Hernandez playing important roles along with everyone else on the team.
“Omar has come on, and it’s been huge for us,” Stumbaugh said. “Whether it’s playing quarterback or running back, he’s running the ball better and making some big plays. Javi can throw the ball, also. It gives us another dimension at running back (by moving Silva there). With Javi coming in, we can go with two backs or even a spread look. We’re confident in Javi at quarterback as well. It’s something that’s working out well for us.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess.