KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — A mixture of earth wind and fire will take place Friday night in La Feria, as the unbeaten Lions will host the Rio Hondo Bobcats in what is shaping up to be a pistol packing shootout.
The Rio Hondo offense has found their mojo through their core of seniors in quarterback Josiah Ortega, running back Danny Vasquez and wide receivers Frank Hernandez and Cross Gonzalez. The four have all had a hand in their 5-0 start this season.
“This just another game on our schedule,” Vasquez said. “It is important for us not to get lost in the hype, we don’t want to lose our focus throughout the week and we want to be ready come game day. We know what La Feria can do and they are no push over, but we are going into Friday’s game with confidence like we always do.”
Gonzalez has emerged as a legit threat through the air for the Bobcats. As a junior, Gonzalez finished with 223 receiving yards and three scores.
This year, Gonzalez has taken that next step. Through five games, Gonzalez has hauled in six touchdowns and 603 yards. Opposite of Gonzalez is Hernandez. Like Gonzalez, Hernandez brings speed and soft hands to the table.
Gonzalez and Hernandez have hauled in passes from Ortega who is in his first full season as the Bobcats starter. Ortega has been a force with the football. Over the last two weeks Ortega has 10 passing touchdowns and has ran for three scores.
“Everything has been clicking for us, our running game opens up our passing game,” Ortega said. “It is important for us to execute and that is one thing we have done well.
Vasquez has bounced back after a rough junior year. The hardnosed runner has 627 yards and four scores.
The offense is averaging 45 points per game while the Lions are averaging 25 points a game. Rio Hondo’s offense has also scored 50 points or more in three straight games.
“From our practice plan to our chemistry and us trusting our offensive line,” Gonzalez said. “We want to give our quarterback the time he needs to make plays. We come out in the first half with a plan and when we get to halftime we make adjustments and we are all on the same page.”