The Tigers would not be denied as they marched their way to the semifinals for a second straight season. However, in the semis, the Tigers fell just short against Hutto 39-32. Hutto went on to win the consolation bracket title with a 41-39 win over San Antonio O’Connor.
Mercedes wrapped up tournament play with a 5-2 overall record and a 3-1 record in the consolation bracket. The Tigers’ offense wracked up plenty of points and held their own with some of the top dogs in the state.
The Tigers began their consolation bracket run with a 32-20 win over El Paso Coronado. In Game 2 they locked horns with Corsicana. Both teams swapped leads until a pick-six put Corsicana ahead 19-14.
Before the first half ended, Tigers QB Marc Ledesma lobbed one up for Ryan Reyes, who climbed the ladder and held on for the score that put Mercedes up 28-19 at the break. Reyes hauled in another score in the second half and Mercedes pulled away for the 47-33 victory.
In the quarterfinals, the Tigers met up with Lufkin and gutted out a 27-21 win putting them in the semifinals.
The Tigers jumped out to a 13-6 lead in the semis, but Hutto tied the game twice in the first half and in the second half took a slim 33-26 lead. Mercedes tried battling back, but a late Hutto pick-six sealed the win for the Hippos.
“It was a great tournament overall and another great experience for us,” said Roger Adame III. “Today’s one-and-done scenario helped us because that’s what the playoffs will be like. We know what to expect when we come up here, it’s the best of the best and as a senior this was my last tournament so I’m just thankful for my team and all the support we have gotten.”
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NOTEBOOK: Mercedes’ Ledesma-Reyes combo shines at state
Heading into Saturday’s slate of games at the State 7on7 tournament, most knew that the Marc and Matt Ledesma combo was one not to be taken lightly. However, quarterback Marc may have found himself another trusty target in Ryan Reyes.
Reyes, like Matt, stretched the field and hauled in big play after big play. However, none was bigger than Reyes’ leaping grab in the corner of the end zone that gave Mercedes a 28-19 halftime lead over Corsicana in the second round of the Division I consolation bracket.
In the quarterfinals against Lufkin, Reyes once again displayed his hops and reeled in another TD grab in the corner of the end zone. Once again, Reyes gave Mercedes momentum and helped the Tigers to a 20-14 halftime lead.
Last summer Reyes did not make the trip to College Station due to a knee injury. However, Reyes had surgery last July and is now fully healthy.
“At first it was frustrating because we made state last summer and I couldn’t be out here because of my injury,” Reyes said. “Now that I’m healthy, I was able to come out here and play. Our offense played great and it’s something we have confidence in, and we’re excited for the fall.”
THE BEST OF THE REST: Sharyland Pioneer was the only Valley school outside of Rio Hondo to reach the championship bracket this week. However, its journey was short-lived as the Diamondbacks fell in the opening round to Cinco Ranch 26-12.
Lake Travis went on to win the championship bracket title with a 34-33 win over Waxahachie.
Meanwhile, in the consolation bracket, McAllen Rowe slipped past Lubbock Coronado 41-39 before bowing out to Dickinson in the second round, 40-34.
Edinburg North picked up a 33-27 win against Marshall, but fell to the Woodlands 40-12.
Finally, Weslaco lost to Hutto, 47-27, in the opening round. Hutto won the consolation bracket title with a 41-39 victory over San Antonio O’Connor.