KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
Teams from across the region will compete today in the Division II 7on7 state qualifying tournament at the McAllen Sports Park.
Pool play will begin at 9 a.m.
Rio Hondo, Port Isabel, La Feria and La Villa will all be in Pool A while Hidalgo and Raymondville will be joined by Pleasanton, Ingleside in Pool B.
The Bobcats reached the state tournament for the first time last summer and are shooting for their second straight trip to College Station.
“We have been getting our chemistry down with the receivers and quarterback,” said Rio Hondo receiver Frank Hernandez. “The timing is another thing we have improved on, and our defense is continuing to work on their coverages. We’re ready and excited to get a shot to make it back to state.”
Port Isabel has reached state twice in 2012 and 2013, La Feria went in 2015 and 2016 and La Villa is one small school that has a rich history of reaching state. The Cards went in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Hidalgo punched its ticket in 2010, 2015 and 2017, while Raymondville is looking for their first trip to state.
“We have prepared for this upcoming weekend both mentally and physically,” said La Feria quarterback Dorian Hernandez. “Our key this weekend is to rely on our speed and find mismatches that we like on offense.
“One important key will be to motivate each other and pick each other up throughout the tournament. We have an amazing team and we’re enjoying the 7on7 experience.”