By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — District 32-6A boys soccer champion Los Fresnos was well-represented on the all-district list for the 2020 season, as voted on by 32-6A coaches.
This year’s most valuable player was Obed Sepulveda. Falcons coach Michael Miller was named coach of the year by virtue of winning the district title.
“I was really happy for my seniors, a lot of them got recognized,” Miller said. “They’re such an awesome class. Obed is such a hard worker and leader. When I told him the news, he was so excited. That gives you that joy that you get from coaching to see your kids excited and happy.”
San Benito’s Senovio Cerdan was the coaches’ choice for offensive player of the year, and Brownsville Hanna’s Roberto Palomo was selected as the defensive player of the year.
Rounding out the superlative awards were Alejandro Sanchez of Harlingen South, who took home the newcomer of the year award, and Brownsville Rivera’s Kevin Zarrazagas, the utility player of the year.
The Greyhounds’ Jaren Cerdan got the nod as the first-team goalkeeper.
The Falcons had four first-teamers: defender Jose Casanova, midfielders Andderson Rocha and Humberto Trinidad, and forward Angel Mancillas.
“Whenever I put on our group chat (announcements about individual awards), the players would always respond ‘I couldn’t have done this without the team,’” Miller said. “The reason we did what we did this year — why we were successful — was because we were a team. No one was worried about minutes, no one was worried about who scored the goals. We were just worried about winning games.”
San Benito’s remaining first-team selections were midfielders David Davila and Jose Lucio, and forward Adrian Martinez.
“Our kids represented their school well,” said San Benito coach William Huerta, who was also the All-STAR coach of the year. “All of the hard work and dedication they put into the program showed. Senovio winning the (offensive player of the year award) was a good honor to our team and to our program, because I did feel he was a very good asset to the team. … The other nominations we had … those guys also, of course, dedicated themselves, and their hard work paid off as well.”
There were five players from Harlingen who made the first team, including Harlingen South defender Joaquin Ovalle, Harlingen High defender Oscar Martinez, Cardinals midfielders Sky Perez and Jacob Garza, and Hawks midfielder Leo Torres.
Also, Brownsville Hanna and Brownsville Rivera were prominently featured on the 32-6A first team. The Eagles’ selections were defenders J. Luis Guajardo and Osvaldo Serna, midfielder Jesus Guerrero and forward Tommy Green. The Raiders had defenders Michael Esquivel and Salvador De Leon, midfielder Juan Diego Ruiz and forward Ryan Macias named to the top squad.
In District 32-5A, champion Brownsville Veterans Memorial took home the MVP award, won by midfielder Albert Maradiaga, the All-Metro offensive player of the year. The program also captured a share of the offensive player of the year award, given to Chargers forward Mark Boswell and Valley View midfielder Pablo Torre.
Brownsville Porter’s Isaac Acevedo was the goalkeeper of the year.
The Chargers led the way with five first-teamers: goalkeeper Alek Medrano, forward Felipe Esquivel, midfielder Cesar Cepeda, and defenders Angel Estrada and Jose Luis Capistran.
The Cowboys had three players named to the top squad: midfielder Brandon Montes, the All-Metro MVP; defender Alan Romero; and forward Xavier Mateos.
“I think the results were fair considering the final standings,” Porter coach Jose Espitia said. “Our district competition is very even. Almost all schools had their share of recognitions, which is good for the student-athletes. I want to congratulate all the students who were recognized in our district and the rest of the Valley.”
Brownsville Lopez also earned three selections, including goalkeeper Angel De La Garza, defender Abraham Salazar, and midfielder Daniel Cruz.
Brownsville Pace had two players named to the first team — midfielder Jose Capistran and forward Erik Chavez.
Mercedes’ Rodrigo Martinez and Arturo Hernandez also received first-team nods.
In District 32-4A, Raymondville’s Saul Garcia was named the MVP. Defensive MVP honors went to Jorge Chavira of Brownsville IDEA Frontier, and Monte Alto’s Deyved Reyes-Martinez was selected as newcomer of the year.
Brownsville Jubilee, the 32-4A champion, also won the team of the year award, and its coach, Roberto Coronado, was voted coach of the year.
The Titans had two first-team selections, including defender Eduardo De Ledesma and midfielder Diego Araujo.
“We had a lot of kids who got individual awards that reflect the team’s success,” Coronado said. “So that was important, and I know the kids feel good about it. At least for me, the important thing was that they succeeded and that they listened to my ideas about how to play the game, and it was reflected in the results. Every game they matured as a team, and obviously I got the award, but I believe it’s more of the kids’ success.”
Luis Ramos of Brownsville IDEA Riverview was named the goalkeeper for District 32-4A’s first team, and the remaining defenders were Antonio Soto of Brownsville IDEA Riverview; Axel Parrazal of Port Isabel, Esteban Sanchez of Rio Hondo and Monte Alto’s Jorge Lugo.
Rounding out the midfielders on the top squad were Angel Fernandez of Port Isabel; Bryan Hernandez of Brownsville IDEA Frontier, Christian Arriaga of Monte Alto and Victor Sanchez of Rio Hondo.
Forwards Cristian Mejia of Brownsville IDEA Riverview, Edgar Cortez of Rio Hondo and Juan Franco of Brownsville IDEA Frontier also earned spots on the first team.
District 32-6A
Most Valuable Player
Obed Sepulveda, Los Fresnos
Offensive Player of the Year
Senovio Cerdan, San Benito
Defensive Player of the Year
Roberto Palomo, Hanna
Newcomer of the Year
Alejandro Sanchez, Harlingen South
Utility Player of the Year
Kevin Zarrazagas, Rivera
Coach of the Year
Michael Miller, Los Fresnos
First Team
Goalkeeper: Jared Cerdan, San Benito
Defenders: J. Luis Guajardo, Brownsville Hanna; Joaquin Ovalle, Harlingen South; Jose Casanova, Los Fresnos; Michael Esquivel, Brownsville Rivera; Oscar Martinez, Harlingen High; Osvaldo Serna, Brownsville Hanna; Salvador De Leon, Brownsville Rivera
Midfielders: Andderson Rocha, Los Fresnos; David Davila, San Benito; Humberto Trinidad, Los Fresnos; Jacob Garza, Harlingen High; Jesus Guerrero, Brownsville Hanna; Jose Lucio, San Benito; Juan Diego Ruiz, Brownsville Rivera; Leo Torres, Harlingen South; Sky Perez, Harlingen High
Forwards: Adrian Martinez, San Benito; Angel Mancillas, Los Fresnos; Tommy Green, Brownsville Hanna; Ryan Macias, Brownsville Rivera
Second Team
Goalkeeper: Alexis Gonzalez, Los Fresnos; Luis Beadle, Harlingen South
Defenders: Adrian Longoria, Los Fresnos; Anthony Enriquez, Brownsville Rivera; Efrain Garcia, Brownsville Rivera; Ignacio Gutierrez, Brownsville Hanna; Juan Lemus, San Benito; Luis Aguilar, Harlingen South; Luis Garcia, Harlingen High; Yahir Reyes, San Benito
Midfielders: Hector Garcia, San Benito; Joseph Garza, Harlingen High; Juan Serrato, Brownsville Rivera; Lucas Zepeda, Harlingen High; Luis Renteria, Brownsville Hanna; Thomas Sauceda, Los Fresnos
Forwards: Axel Guzman, Brownsville Hanna; Dante Esqueda, Los Fresnos; David Villarreal, Brownsville Rivera; Daylon Hernandez, Harlingen South; Ever Cruz, San Benito
Honorable Mention
Goalkeeper: Alex Nunez, Harlingen High; Raul Lopez, Brownsville Hanna;
Defenders: Alberto Garcia, Brownsville Rivera; Andy Mares, San Benito; Ayden Hernandez, Harlingen South; Jose Uribe, Harlingen High; Edwin Segovia, Johnathan Jimenez, Brownsville Rivera; Los Fresnos; Jorge Hernandez, Los Fresnos; Jorge Pineda, Brownsville Hanna; Ricardo Sanchez, San Benito; Ronaldo Zuniga, San Benito
Midfielders: Abelardo Davila, San Benito; Anthony Villines, Harlingen South; Carlos Hernandez, Harlingen South; Javier Gallardo, Brownsville Hanna; Marcos Cruz; Brownsville Rivera
Forwards: Brian Delgadillo, Brownsville Hanna; Erik Rios, Brownsville Rivera
District 32-5A
Most Valuable Player
Albert Maradiaga, Brownsville Veterans Memorial
Co-Offensive Most Valuable Players
Mark Boswell, Brownsville Veterans; Pablo Torre, Valley View
Defensive Most Valuable Player
Adrian Rodriguez, Valley View
Co-Newcomers of the Year
Axel Lopez Bermudez, Edcouch-Elsa; Fernando Diaz, Donna High
Utility Player of the Year
Angel Crispin, Edcouch-Elsa
Goalkeeper of the Year
Isaac Acevedo, Brownsville Porter
First Team
Rodrigo Martinez, Mercedes; Arturo Hernandez, Mercedes; Alek Medrano, Brownsville Veterans; Felipe Esquivel, Brownsville Veterans; Cesar Cepeda, Brownsville Veterans; Angel Estrada, Brownsville Veterans; Jose Luis Capistran, Brownsville Veterans; Erik Chavez, Brownsville Pace; Jose Capistran, Brownsville Pace; Reynaldo Puga, Donna High; Bladimiro Mondragon, Donna High; Carlos Resendez, Donna High; Alan Romero, Brownsville Porter; Brandon Montes, Brownsville Porter; Xavier Mateos, Brownsville Porter; Angel de la Garza, Brownsville Lopez; Abraham Salazar, Brownsville Lopez; Daniel Cruz, Brownsville Lopez; Alex Quinones, Edcouch-Elsa; Carlos Cua, Edcouch-Elsa; Jorge Amaya, Valley View; Cuauhtémoc Gonzalez, Valley View; Christian Gonzalez, Valley View; Cesar Arredondo, Valley View
Second Team
Cesar del Angel, Mercedes; Josue de la Fuente, Mercedes; Alejandro Castro, Brownsville Veterans; Aksel Cabrera, Brownsville Veterans; Javier Ballesteros, Brownsville Veterans; Humberto Sosa, Brownsville Veterans; Osvaldo Cortez, Brownsville Veterans; Yahir Mina, Brownsville Pace; Ignacio Zamora, Brownsville Pace; Alejandro Garcia, Donna High; Abdiel Ramirez, Donna High; Armando Ramirez, Donna High; Jean C. Villegas, Brownsville Porter; Erick Esparza, Brownsville Porter; Julian Gallegos, Brownsville Porter; Diego Anzaldua, Valley View; Carlos Medina, Valley View; Rogelio Saldivar, Valley View; Joaquin Ramirez, Valley View; Nathaniel Navarro, Edcouch-Elsa; Carlos Estrada, Edcouch-Elsa; Milton Solis, Brownsville Lopez; Luis Gonzalez, Brownsville Lopez; Mario Briseno, Brownsville Lopez
Honorable Mention
Irvin Romero, Mercedes; Arnoldo Coronado, Mercedes; Jose Muniz, Brownsville Veterans; Ruben Garcia, Brownsville Veterans; Amado Caballero, Brownsville Pace; Alfredo Gallegos, Brownsville Pace; Sergio Gonzalez, Donna High; Yahir Madrid, Donna High; Elijah Cantu, Edcouch-Elsa; Hector Bautista, Edcouch-Elsa; Wilver Chavez, Brownsville Porter; Rodolfo Armendariz, Brownsville Porter; Jose L. Perez, Brownsville Porter; Benito Leon, Valley View;
Diego Cuellar, Valley View; Juan Magdaleno, Valley View; Adrian Balleza, Brownsville Lopez; Juan Velez, Brownsville Lopez; Aaron Martinez, Brownsville Lopez
District 32-4A
Most Valuable Player
Saul Garcia, Raymondville
Defensive Most Valuable Player
Jorge Chavira, Brownsville IDEA Frontier
Newcomer of the Year
Deyved Reyes-Martinez, Monte Alto
Coach of the Year
Roberto Coronado, Brownsville Jubilee
Team of the Year
Brownsville Jubilee
First Team
Goalkeeper: Luis Ramos, Brownsville IDEA Riverview;
Defenders: Antonio Soto, Brownsville IDEA Riverview; Axel Parrazal, Port Isabel; Eduardo De Ledesma, Brownsville Jubilee; Esteban Sanchez, Rio Hondo; Jorge Lugo, Monte Alto;
Midfielders: Angel Fernandez, Port Isabel; Bryan Hernandez, Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Christian Arriaga, Monte Alto; Diego Araujo, Brownsville Jubilee; Victor Sanchez, Rio Hondo;
Forwards: Cristian Mejia, Brownsville IDEA Riverview; Edgar Cortez, Rio Hondo; Juan Franco, Brownsville IDEA Frontier;
Second Team
Goalkeeper: Mariano Quezada, Rio Hondo
Midfielders: Angel Fernandez, Port Isabel; Christian Herrera, Gustavo Cardenas, Brownsville IDEA Riverview; Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Luis Garza, Brownsville Jubilee; Ricardo Davila, Brownsville IDEA Riverview;
Forwards: Anthony Vega, Rio Hondo; Artemio Guipes, Monte Alto; Fabian Covarrubias, Brownsville Jubilee;
Defenders: Damian Elizondo, Brownsville IDEA Riverview; Juan Ortiz, Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Luis Duron, Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Miguel Vallejo, Rio Hondo; Rogelio Covarrubias, Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Sebastian Pulido, Brownsville Jubilee;
Honorable Mention
Goalkeeper: Cameron Davila, Brownsville Jubilee; Jose Mendieta, Brownsville IDEA Frontier;
Midfielders: Cesar Perez, Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Jesus Belmares, Brownsville IDEA Riverview; Kevin Ramirez, Brownsville Jubilee; Luis Garza, Brownsville Jubilee; Noe Robledo, Brownsville Jubilee; Omar Esparza, Rio Hondo;
Forwards: Alejandro Garfias, Brownsville IDEA Frontier;
Defenders: Carlos Gonzalez, Port Isabel; Frank Hernandez, Brownsville IDEA Frontier; Roberto Campos, Brownsville IDEA Frontier
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information provided to The Brownsville Herald.