For the La Feria Lions, each of the past few weeks has been a rivalry week.
This weekend’s game is no different.
In Week 1, the Lions took on Raymondville and hung on for a 17-7 win. During Week 2, they picked up a 38-6 victory in the Battle of 506, and in Week 3 La Feria defeated rival Mercedes 28-0. This week’s game against the Tarpons is another rivalry that many fans are happy to see on the schedule.
“This Port Isabel game is a rivalry game from the old days,” La Feria Coach Oscar Salinas said. “I don’t have to tell the kids that this is another big game at home for us. Port Isabel and La Feria go back a long ways, and even though we are no longer in the same district it’s going to be a really good game.
“They’re not bad, they really are a good team. They got some speed and they got some size, and talent-wise they’re as good as I remember them. They are just getting used to a new coach.”
During the 59 times the two sides have met, the Tarpons lead the series with 38 wins, 18 defeats and three ties. This year, the Tarpons enter the game with a 1-2 record, and the Lions enter 3-0.
OTHER SUB-5A MATCHUPS
The Raymondville Bearkats take on the Brownsville St. Joseph Bloodhounds. During their past four encounters, the Bearkats have come out on top three times, with an average victory margin of just 6.3 points.
Last week, the Bearkats (2-1) defeated Lyford 49-0, amassing almost 500 yards of offense. Meanwhile, the Bloodhounds (1-2) lost to Rio Hondo 59-33, turning the ball over 10 times.
The Rio Hondo Bobcats take on the Hidalgo Pirates in Week 4. The Bobcats continue to prove they should be considered one of the top teams in the Rio Grande Valley. During the first three games of the year, Rio Hondo has amassed an impressive 1,473 yards of offense and has generated 21 turnovers on defense.
This week, the Bobcats (3-0) look to continue their hot start against Hidalgo (0-3).