By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
One wouldn’t know that Lopez is in the midst of a losing streak the way the team carries itself.
Despite a losing streak that has stretched to 13 games during the past two seasons, the Lobos refuse to hang their heads. Lopez suffered another loss to Los Fresnos on Saturday but felt it continues to play better each game.
“The team that has lost 13 in a row gave the team that went three rounds deep (in the playoffs last season) and was (unbeaten) everything they wanted,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “I’m very proud of the way they played.”
Starkey said most of his team has faced adversity off the field that doesn’t compare to anything else, especially football. He admires his players for some of the hardships they’ve faced and the effort that they continue to give on the field.
“I love being their head coach,” he said. “We’re going to win and we’re going to continue to do it the way I want to do it, and that’s the way we did it (Saturday). We’re confident for a reason. We played a pretty dadgum good football and we’re a tough team.
“I’m excited for our last six games and excited for our chances.”
COMEBACK KID: Brownsville Veterans Memorial has been down early in a few games this season, but it has not panicked because of quarterback Marcus Castillo.
The senior has led them back from first-half deficits in games against PSJA North, Edinburg High and Harlingen South.
After their latest comeback against the Hawks, during which he scored three touchdowns in the second half and the game-winner with just seconds to go, Castillo said he has to keep the team focused.
“I try to stay calm, and I try to convince my team to stay poised, stay up,” he said. “We have all four quarters, and there was a lot of time left (against Harlingen South). We just have to stay calm together, together we will.”
With the first district win out of the way, Castillo said the team is confident.
“Going into district, it’s going to be tough,” he said. “But as a team we’re going to respect all and fear none.”
THROUGH THE AIR: For the first time all season, San Benito threw for more yards than they ran for.
The significance is simple. The Greyhounds like to run the ball and throw when needed. San Benito averages 325 yards rushing and 130 passing per game.
Against Hanna, the Greyhounds got it done through the air as JR Gaitan threw for 285 yards and four touchdowns, all to Armando Medrano. On the flip side, San Benito was quiet with its ground attack, running 28 times for 96 yards.
If the Greyhounds find consistency in the passing game, San Benito could be one of the most dangerous offenses to face not only in District 32-6A but the Valley.
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.