BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
The last time Weslaco High didn’t make the playoffs was in 2005.
This year, the Panthers are fighting for the final playoff spot in District 32-6A.
The Panthers had hoped to be a little higher in the standings at this point in the season, but they have embraced their position and are happy to be in the hunt in a very tough district.
“The kids want to keep it going, they want to keep the fire burning,” Weslaco High coach Eddie Serna said. “They know what’s at stake, and they don’t want to be the team that drops the ball.”
The Panthers (9-12, 7-5) got a big win that boosted the confidence of the team on April 4. Weslaco High topped Weslaco East 11-0.
“Anytime you play the local team here, there is always a big crowd in the stands,” Serna said. “The kids were excited about that game. That was probably the first time this year that we really put a good game together, offensively, defensively and pitching.”
The Panthers got a good start from sophomore Jon Castillo, who went five innings and struck out nine.
“He kept the ball down,” Serna said. “His changeup was perfect, it had good movement, and of course his curveball is his bread and butter. He had a lot of confidence, and it helps when your team is hitting, as well.”
The Panthers hope to be able to duplicate that performance down the stretch to secure a playoff spot and keep the postseason streak alive.
BRIGHT FUTURE
Sharyland Pioneer has not had the season it envisioned coming into the year.
The Diamondbacks sit at 7-15 overall and 3-8 in district.
“Our district is tough,” Pioneer coach Wade McDaniel said. “Everybody can hit, and then most of these teams seem to have that one dominant pitcher. Noel (Vela) over at Vets, (Chezzarre) Gonzalez at Valley View, and then (Jon Michael) Roberson and (Ruben) Sepulveda over in Starr County. They all have those guys that have had success over the last few years.”
The Diamondbacks team is full of sophomores and juniors, and those younger players have picked up experience playing against top competition this year. McDaniel says that experience, combined with the growth and development the players will have over the summer, could make Pioneer a real threat next year.
One of the big reasons for optimism at Pioneer is sophomore pitcher Jacob Rosales. Rosales, who also plays quarterback on the football team, has been stellar this year. Going up against the lineups in the district has taught him how to pitch smarter, McDaniel said. Rosales’ fastball is fast enough to throw past hitters, but also accurate enough to freeze batters when he puts it low and inside.
“He will be the horse for sure next year,” McDaniel said.
This year, he has had the opportunity to learn playing beside senior Andrew Ogletree. Ogletree is the leading hitter for the Diamondbacks and, despite having his season shortened by a deep playoff run with the basketball team, he has been dominant in his four starts.
Ogletree has been the horse this year, but he has also been an example for Rosales, so that Rosales can take the role next year.