KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
MERCEDES — The Tigers are in a familiar spot this time of year. Although this year’s squad doesn’t have the household names like Matt and Marc Ledesma or Roger Adame, this year’s new look 7on7 squad is heading back to the state 7on7 tournament in College Station.
Mercedes will hit the road next week with the tournament slated to start Friday June 29th for division I teams.
“ Reaching the state tournament for a third straight year is a great feeling, we proved the doubters wrong,” said incoming senior linebacker Juan Morales. “It’s an honor for us to represent the RGV and the city of Mercedes and we’re excited to go up there and compete against the best in the state.”
The last two years, Mercedes has had successful runs in College Station. Last summer the Tigers reached the semifinals in the consolation bracket and had signature wins against Lufkin, Corsicana and Timberview.
In pool play, Mercedes went 2-1 but found themselves in the consolation bracket. Despite that, the Tigers went 3-1 in consolation play before bowing out to Hutto in the semis. Over all the Tigers went 5-2 in two days.
The pools for the state tourney won’t be announced until later this week. Five players return from last year’s team highlighted by Sonny Vela and Sammy Galindo.
New starting QB Israel Alegria is getting his shot to lead the offense and has found his stride with his receiving core. Alegria will have a veteran target in Galindo and will also look to Leeroy Garcia as well.
“ We’re all close friends, myself and the receiving core,” Alegria said. “We call each other up and will go run routes and practice our timing. We have worked together since our freshman year, so I have a good idea on what the guys like to run. I know for a fact my guys have confidence in themselves, and as a QB that helps me trust them even more.”