Roma’s Hiram Flores was everywhere for the Gladiators (1-4, 1-0) last Friday night. The senior defensive back/receiver lifted his team to a 21-17 victory in Roma’s District 16-5A DII opener 21-17 against Valley View as Flores finished with 12 tackles, two tackles for loss and three interceptions on defense, and five catches for 71 yards and one touchdown on offense.
After losing 36-35 to Laredo Nixon in Week 3 and 28-21 to Edinburg Economedes in Week 4, Flores came through in the clutch as his touchdown grab against Valley View was the go-ahead score. With the Tigers trying to mount a last minute comeback, Flores’ third interception of the night also sealed the game.
For his play in Week 5, Flores has been nominated by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football for the Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week.
To vote for Flores as Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week, visit texasfootball.com. The voting section can be found on the right-hand side of the homepage.
Next up for Flores and the Gladiators in Week 6 is a road game against Sharyland High as both teams look to move to 2-0 in 16-5A DII play.
FLYING TO THE BALL
Through the years, the Mission Veterans offense has earned a reputation for being fast-paced and high-flying as the Patriots (4-1, 4-0) routinely outscore their opponents. The offense is still doing just that, but the Mission Veterans defense is hitting its stride.
The Patriots’ defense is giving up just 237 yards per game through five weeks of play, which leads District 16-5A DI and is 29 yards less than the next-closest team.
Their last time out, the Patriots went on the road and shut out Brownsville Porter 49-0 in Week 5. Senior linebacker Arath Ibañez picked up a Cowboys fumble and converted it to a defensive touchdown, the fourth such touchdown scored by Mission Veterans this year.
The Patriots are on a bye in Week 6 before hosting Donna High (2-3, 1-3) on Oct. 11.
RATTLERS ARE FOR REAL
Rio Grande City was faced with another tough test in Week 5 as it squared off against Brownsville Veterans in District 16-5A DI, and the Rattlers passed with flying colors.
RGC was dominant in its 36-13 win at home over the Chargers, improving to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in district play.
Quarterback Mario Garza went 25-of-38 with 260 passing yards and two touchdowns to receivers Allan Garcia and Angel Galvan. Garza sits atop District 16-5A DI’s passing leaders with 1,111 yards and 13 touchdown throws. Receiver Aaron Marroquin also has a district-high 36 catches for 265 yards and seven scoring grabs.
After dropping their first game of the year 38-21 to Mission Veterans in Week 4, the Rattlers responded with a win over a perennial playoff team in Brownsville Veterans.
Now, the Rattlers are on a short week as RGC gets set to visit PSJA Memorial (0-5, 0-4) at 7 p.m. Thursday at PSJA Stadium in Pharr.