By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos is unbeaten and Lopez is looking for its first win as the teams enter the District 32-6A season.
But that doesn’t make any difference to either squad as the Lobos play host to the Falcons in the district opener for both teams at 7 p.m. Saturday night at Sams Memorial Stadium.
“Even though they’re still searching for their first win, they’re still playing hard,” Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said. “I watched them on film and they run around, they play hard, and they’re always dangerous as long as they’re giving good effort. Anybody can beat anybody on given day as long as the effort’s there, and we’re going to have to play very well.”
But Lopez embraces the underdog role and believes in itself.
“Our team still has a lot of confidence,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “It’s kinda like David and Goliath, to tell you the truth. Nobody gave him a chance and the only ones that feel we have a chance is us. These kids have worked really hard, done everything we’ve asked of them in the offseason and in the regular season.
“I’m excited to go out there and start slinging rocks, if you will.”
The stats don’t lie for both teams. The Falcons have the third-best offense and top defense in the district, while the Lobos are at the other end in both offense and defense.
The Lopez defense has struggled against the run but has been outstanding against the pass. Los Fresnos has been more pass heavy this season but likes to run it to keep the chains moving and opponents on their toes.
If the Lobos can somewhat contain the Falcons’ passing game, it could be a much closer game than expected throughout. And Lopez believes in the progress it has made this season even if it hasn’t shown up on the scoreboard or in the win column just yet.
“Anybody can win or lose on any given night, and our kids know that and believe that,” Starkey said.
Each coach was thankful for the extra time off to get certain players healthy and prepare for their first district game. And each was eager to see what his team could do against the other.
Lopez knows that to be successful it has to win the battle in the key areas.
“We have to win the special teams battle in regards to field position,” Starkey said. “We have to take care of the football on offense, maintain drives and get points at the end of the drive. And get the ball away from them on defense.”
Los Fresnos knows it can’t turn the ball over and must continue to get better each game, especially in district.
“We have to play well, take care of the football, and play our ‘A’ game,” Finley said. “Make sure we touch upon these last two weeks of hard work and make sure we got better. That’s what I’m looking to see, I want to see improvement from the last time we played. I feel good about the two weeks we’ve had, but I’m ready to see it show (tonight).”
Starkey and his team remain confident that they can compete with what they consider one of the best teams in the Valley.
“Regardless of how (tonight) turns out, neither team is going to make the playoffs after (the) contest,” Starkey said. “But I believe we can get a lot better and improve, maybe shock the world, and go on from there and move on to our next opponent.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.