FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
Separated by just six miles along road FM506 the La Feria and Santa Rosa football rivalry is one that has stood the test of time, and for La Ferias’ Jacob Garza, it is a game that he has been dreaming of playing in for as long as he can remember.
Last week against the Raymondville Bearkats, Garza intercepted a pass and went the distance for a 60-yard touchdown helping the Lions to a tough 17-7 victory. However, that was last week, this week all Garza can think of is the annual Battle of 506.
The Valley Morning Star had an opportunity to catch up with Garza before today’s game.
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Q: What does the battle of 506 mean to you?
JACOB: The Battle of 506 means a lot to me because they’re our next door neighbors. You want to win every game, but there is an extra bonus when you have the right to say that LF owns the 506.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories from the annual rivalry?
JACOB: My favorite Battle of the 506 memory is last year looking up at the scoreboard at the end of the game to see 47-0. As a defensive player, it’s the ultimate victory when you shut out another team for the whole game.
Q: For people who have not experienced a rivalry like the Battle of 506, what’s the best part of the rivalry?
JACOB: The best part of the 506 rivalry is the atmosphere both fans give off. The fans get extra excited for this heated rivalry which only leads to a better football for both teams.
Q: What the team’s mentality heading into the game?
JACOB: Our team’s mentality is to dominate them in every aspect of the game. We are hungry for another strong game, and want to keep the train rolling especially against our rivals.
Q: Growing up did you always see yourself playing in this game?
JACOB: Playing in the Battle of the 506 has been a dream of mine growing up because of all the excitement leading up to the game. It’s surreal that it’s my turn to play and hopefully inspire our future Lions.
Q: Last week you came up with a big interception against Raymondville, where does that moment rank in your football career? What was your reaction after scoring the touchdown?
JACOB: That interception last week has to be atop the list in my football career. With the game on the line and being able to make a big play to help the team win was the ultimate feeling. My initial reaction was, ‘give me some water now or I’ll pass out’, but when I got to the sideline and everyone was cheering I couldn’t help but to get fired up.