By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
LYFORD — For more than 70 years the Willacy County Cotton Bowl has graced the front pages of newspapers around the Rio Grande Valley.
While Raymondville may lead the series 53-19-1, records of any kind get tossed out the window when these two teams meet up.
“Its been a dream since we were kids to play our senior year in the Cotton Bowl,” said Raymondville senior lineman Jaime Villarreal. “Hopefully the outcome will be in our favor.”
The Lyford Bulldogs enter the annual game with a non-district record of 1-1. After defeating the La Villa Cardinals 29-6 in the season opener, the Bulldogs were hamered 73-22 when st.Joseph’s high octane offense exploded.
John Rivera leads the Bulldog offense for the second year in the row. In the first two games this season Rivera has thrown for more than 400 yards, and expect Rivera to test the Bearkat secondary often tonight.
“Our focus needs to be ‘let’s be ready and let’s stay healthy come district time,” said Lyford head coach Jaime Infante. “Obviously we want to win the Raymondville, Lyford matchup just like they do.
“Its an important game just because the community gets so fired up, but definitely I think we’re in for a major task and we definitely have our work cut out for us.”
Raymondville heads into the game with an unblemished 2-0 record. After winning a thrilling 55-45 game against St. Joseph, the Bearkats were fortunate to escape Rio Grand City with a narrow 28-21 victory. A game in which Raymondville’s defense was exposed by Grulla’s Fabian Anzaldua who carried the ball 27 times for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Anzaldua also threw for 100 yards on 5 of 12 passing attempts.
On the other side of the ball, the young Raymondville offense has had to grow up faster than anticipated. And much to everybody’s surprise the team has risen to the challenges of the new season.
Sophomore quarterback Daniel Gutierrez has not looked his age and has been a pleasant surprise for Raymondville head coach Frank Cantu. Gutierrez has thrown for 355 yards and ran for another 126.
While Gutierrez, David Marroquin and Bert Najara have put up the points, the real story has been the offensive line.
After graduating a slew of seniors last season, Angel Soria was the lone returning starter. However Adrian Rubalcaba, Jaime Villarreal, Daylon Grimaldo, and Christopher Cisneros have done a stellar job protecting their QB.
IN OTHER AREA
SUB-5A ACTION
The Rio Hondo Bobcats face a heavy task in front of them this week when Sinton comes to town.
Last season the Pirates defeated the Bobcats 35-7 and Rio Hondo will be looking for some payback.
Offensively, Sinton is shy of 1,000 yards in its first two games, with nearly 700 yards coming on the ground. Rio Hondo brings its classic Bobcat defense that has only allowed 244 yards total, with 48 coming on the ground.
Santa Rosa welcomes the Progreso Red Ants to Warrior Stadium. After starting the season 0-2 Santa Rosa will be looking to get its winning momentum going against another 0-2 opponent.
The Warriors came close to shocking the Bobcats in week 1 and lost the fitness battle against La Feria in week 2.