By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

SAN ANTONIO — After a slow start to the season, St. Joseph Academy has been rolling of late, but it gets a big challenge in the TAPPS playoffs against All Saints Academy (Fort Worth).

The Bloodhounds started the season 1-3, but have since won 6 of 7, their only setback a 42-8 loss to the Saints in Week 10. St. Joseph has a chance for redemption when it faces All Saints in a TAPPS Division I playoff game at 6 p.m. Friday at Bob Benson ‘66 Stadium.

St. Joseph (7-4) has found its stride and its playing well on both sides of the ball, but it faces All Saints (10-0) who is not only unbeaten but has already beat the Bloodhounds once this season.

St. Joseph coach Tino Villarreal said his team played the Saints this season with the chance that they could see them again. In the first meeting, the Bloodhounds didn’t show all of their cards and expect to show what they really can do. And with the experience St. Joseph has earned against playoff opponents in the past few seasons, including against eventual state champion Bishop Lynch (Dallas) a year ago, the Bloodhounds are confident and up to the challenge.

“We saw that as a test to size them up,” Villarreal said of the two team’s first meeting. “This in another opportunity for us to do what we’ve done good all year and see if can execute it at this level.”

For St. Joseph, it starts with its offensive production. The team averages 471 yards and a little less than 41 points per game. The catalyst is senior quarterback Kai Money, who has thrown for 2,272 and 33 touchdowns and run for 1,385 and 11 touchdowns. Senior running back Anthony Cantu has added 798 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground for a Bloodhounds’ squad that tends to run a little more than pass.

“How we win this game is Kai Money is the ‘X’ factor,” Villarreal said. “Getting him in a position to do what he does is definitely the key … how to get Kai into space with a run/pass option.”

The Saints’ defense will have its hands full with Money, Cantu and several playmakers on the St. Joseph offense, but the unit knows how to get to the quarterback. It has 44 sacks and eight interceptions on the season while allowing less than 20 points per game this year.

The Bloodhounds will have their work cut out for themselves on the defensive side of the ball. All Saints average 502 yards on offense and nearly 47 points per game. Led by senior quarterback Shaun Taylor, who has thrown for 3,452 yards and 51 touchdowns, the Saints will aim to pick apart the St. Joseph secondary. The Bloodhounds can’t forget about the run as sophomore running back Jacob Matlock has run for 1071 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Saints.

The Bloodhounds are confident that if they can avoid turnovers, they have a chance for the upset.

“Everyone in football knows its an old cliché, but it rings even louder against good teams … you can’t make mistakes and expect to beat a good team,” Villarreal said. “If we get into the rhythm of the game and not make turnovers, that may give us a chance to make it interesting and when you do that in the playoffs, anything can happen.”

As in all big games for St. Joseph, senior quarterback Kai Money seems to be a key factor, as he seems to shine brightest on the biggest stages. Last season, Money had over 400 yards of offense against Bishop Lynch (Dallas), the eventual state champion. Unfortunately last year, turnovers were key as St. Joseph had four that took away scoring opportunities. As long as the Bloodhounds can cut down the turnovers and Money shows what he can do, St. Joseph could pull the upset, but it might be a shootout before it’s all said and done. Prediction: St. Joseph 35, All Saints 31

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

SAN ANTONIO — This game may be a rematch of last season’s area round game, but it’s a different Los Fresnos team that faces Southwest (San Antonio) this week.

The Falcons are a more complete, experienced team on both sides of the ball and are quite familiar with a Dragons’ squad they’ll face for the third time in two years when they match up in a Class 6A Division I area round playoff game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Alamo Stadium.

Last season, Los Fresnos defeated Southwest 27-19 in its area round game after taking an early lead and not letting up in the second half. The Falcons (8-3) faced the Dragons (9-2) again during a preseason scrimmage and now meet one another once again in the same round and same stadium in which they battled a year ago.

“We’ve had a good week of practice,” Los Fresnos coach Patrick Brown said. “Our kids have been locked in pretty good … I’m very pleased about where we’re at. We know each other … we know what they want to do and they know what we want to do.”

Los Fresnos hasn’t lost in a month and it has played well on both sides of the ball. The offense has scored nearly 30 points per game during that time and have been led by the outstanding play by senior quarterback Charles Chapa, who has accounted for 2,500 yards of offense and 25 touchdowns this season.

The Southwest defense allows less than 18 points per game. Senior linebacker Bostin Crisp leads the team with 108 tackles and has two of the team’s 16 sacks. Junior defensive back Cade Stott has five interceptions for the Dragons on the year.

But it’s the Southwest offense that is of the upmost concern for the Falcons, with an average of nearly 27 points and 359 yards per game, the majority of those from its rushing attack. Led by senior running back Sean Ruiz, who has rushed for 1,141 yards and 19 touchdowns and junior quarterback Damian Lopez has run for 506 yards and five touchdowns. Lopez also has 589 yards passing and three touchdowns, but doesn’t throw that often in the run-heavy offense.

“What they do (on offense) you just don’t see anymore,” Brown said. “The old single wing, two big fullbacks and a tailback … they’re trying to pound you with multiple players. This is a type of offense you only see once every several years and for us, luckily this is our third time now.”

The Falcons’ defense has allowed less than 13 points per game during the last month of the season. Led by Cristian Pena, who has 124 tackles and three and a half sacks on the year, the team has totaled 14 and a half sacks and 13 interceptions this season.

The unit has been a big part of the team’s success, holding opponents in check and giving more opportunities to the offense, which have in turn capitalized.

Brown will again rely on his defense to set the tone in the game.

“We have to stop their run and if we can do that we may have some success,” he said. “I think if we can have some success early and force them out of what they want to do, maybe throw the ball a little bit, that would definitely benefit us. I like how our defense is playing … I think they’re playing as well as anyone in the Valley.

“When you have a good defense going into the playoffs, you have a shot in every game.”

This looks to be a physical game with a run-heavy Southwest offense going against the Los Fresnos defense. If the Falcons can get a couple stops, force a turnover or two and get the Dragons out of their element, it could be a good day for the Los Fresnos offense. The Falcons have been playing well on both sides of the ball and if they do their season should continue to the third round.
Prediction: Los Fresnos 31, Southwest 24

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

EDINBURG — Sometimes, football is a cruel game.

Hanna can attest to that after its season ended abruptly against Edinburg Vela.

The Sabercats hit an improbable 54-yard field goal with 24 seconds left to play to take the lead and held on for a 34-32 win over the Golden Eagles in a Class 6A Division II bi-district playoff game Friday at Richard R. Flores Stadium.

“Their kicker had the wind and made a 54-yarder … what more can you say?” Hanna coach Mark Guess said. “A high school kid making a 54-yarder at the end of the game to win it … kudos to him. Their kids played hard, too, but they weren’t a better team than us, I’ll tell you that.”

After the wind-aided field goal by Edinburg Vela senior kicker Austin Garza, Hanna had one last chance. Sophomore quarterback Victor Campos promptly hit senior receiver/running back Joe Cavazos III on a 41-yard pass play to get the ball to the Sabercats’ 36-yard line with just four seconds to play. After Campos spiked the ball to stop the clock, the Eagles had a shot for a 53-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the Hanna kicker slipped during the attempt and the kick felt short.

“Austin is as cool as the other side of the pillow,” Edinburg Vela coach John Campbell said of his kicker. “When they called timeout he smiled at everybody, got a splash of water and told them, ‘I’ve got this.’ He’s that kind of guy … he’s a collegiate type kicker, not just because he has a big leg, but because he has ice water in his veins.

“I don’t want to say I had any doubts, but I was pretty confident in his ability to hit it.”

The Eagles (7-4) gave the Sabercats (11-0) all they could handle through four quarters, but a pair fourth quarter field goals by Garza turned out to be the difference.

After trailing 28-14 at the break, Hanna got back into the game with a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter. Junior running back Aaron Frausto found the end zone after a 3-yard run, but the extra point was blocked and the Eagles cut the deficit to 28-20 with 9:44 left in the third. After the Hanna defense got an interception by junior defensive back Andres Sustaeta, the Eagles capped it off with a 64-yard touchdown pass from Campos to Cavazos III, but a bad snap forced a run conversion and it was stopped as Hanna pulled within 28-26 with 32 seconds left in the third.

Edinburg Vela answered with a 36-yard field goal by Garza to take a 31-26 lead with 8:59 left in the game.

On Hanna’s ensuing drive, junior running back Cesar Mancias scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to give it a 32-31 lead with 5:11 left.

The Eagles defense did its job with three turnovers and forced the long field goal from the 37-yard line, but the kick had enough leg from Garza and enough wind to help push it through the uprights.

“All credit to the Sabercats, they made plays when they had to make plays,” Guess said. “Whether you win by one or 100, a win is a win. They had to make that 54-yarder and they executed.

“Hats off to my kids, they left it all on the field and I love every one of them … I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of kids.”

It was a back-and-forth game throughout as Hanna’s defense helped get it on the board first in the opening quarter. Eagles junior defensive back Bryan Duran got the interception and returned it to the Edinburg Vela 3-yard line. One play later, senior running back/defensive back Matthew Garcia found the end zone on a 3-yard run to give Hanna a 7-0 lead with 10:23 left in the first.

In the second quarter, the Sabercats tied the game at 7 with a 65-yard punt-return touchdown by junior safety Daniel Enriquez with 9:47 left to play in the second.

Hanna answered on its next drive as Campos found senior receiver Rolando Ramirez in the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown pass and a 14-7 lead with 7:15 left in the half.

Edinburg Vela answered with a 4-yard touchdown run by junior running back Aaron Alvarez to tie the game at 14 with 4:26 left in the second.

On the ensuing drive, Hanna threw an interception off a tipped pass deep in its own territory as senior cornerback Bryly Medina had it at the Eagles 14-yard line. The Sabercats took advantage with a 5-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Nate Garcia to junior tight end Nico Rodriguez and a 21-14 lead with 1:22 to play in the half.

Hanna got the ball back and threw another interception, this one by Enriquez who returned it 30 yards for a score and Edinburg Vela took a 28-14 advantage with 45 seconds to go in the first half and took the edge into the break.

“We made it easy for them in the first half with a short field after a couple turnovers,” Guess said. “We gave up a pick-six and a punt return, its just football, but those are things we shouldn’t allow to happen.”

The win keeps the Sabercats unbeaten on the year, but more importantly, advancing to the next round.

“We wanted to get the “monkey” off our back from last year’s disappointing loss,” Campbell said. “It was a little more dramatic than we wanted, but that’s what Texas football playoffs are all about. Hats off to Hanna and their staff, they had a tremendous year. I was nervous all week … they’re a scrappy, explosive team, and they’re well coached.

“Sure enough it was every bit the ball game we thought it was going to be.”

Despite the loss, Hanna built something this season. It started with a group of seniors and continued through the juniors and sophomores that were willing to do what it took to win. For the Eagles, it paid off in the present and made the future look even more promising.

“We’ve been talking since last year, we knew what we had and what we were going to do,” Guess said. “We knew we were going to get into the playoffs, there was never any doubt in the kids or coaches minds. Everyone else out there doubted us except for us and we played that role well. I told the seniors, ‘you started the legacy.’ They were going to start the legacy of the new Hanna football … and they started it. Now it’s up to the current juniors and sophomores to continue that legacy.

“If we didn’t get any respect this year, there’s something wrong with people around here.”

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

EDINBURG ­— Los Fresnos senior quarterback Charles Chapa has stepped up in big moments this season and he did it again against Edinburg High.

Chapa threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for two others to lead the Falcons to a 34-14 victory over the Bobcats in a Class 6A Division I bi-district game Thursday night at Richard R. Flores Stadium.

“We came in with a lot of fire, we knew we had to perform,” he said. “It feels really good … as a senior I get at least one more week of football.”

The senior signal caller piled up 264 yards of offense — 139 yards on the ground and 125 through the air — and the defense took care of the rest with a pair of forced fumbles and a sack to help Los Fresnos (8-3) advance to the area round. Edinburg High finished the season with a 6-5 record.

“I don’t know what he does … he mesmerizes people with his crazy legs,” Los Fresnos coach Patrick Brown said. “He does such a good job with our tailback (Albert Banuelos) where he reads the defender and lulls him to sleep and then he’ll get down field and make a play. He did a great job (Thursday).”

Los Fresnos got on the board first when Chapa hit sophomore wide receiver Nico Valencia in stride on a 40-yard pass for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead (after the extra point was blocked) with 1:30 to go in the first quarter.

After the teams traded punts, the Falcons extended their lead to 13-0 with an 8-yard run by senior Adrian Alaniz with 4:40 remaining in the second. After Los Fresnos’ defense forced a fumble, the offense capitalized. Chapa did it almost all by himself with 67 yards rushing on the ensuing drive, including a 59-yard scamper. He finished it with an 8-yard scoring burst (pass failed on a two-point conversion) and the Falcons took a 19-0 edge with just 17 seconds left before halftime.

“Our defense, boy they played lights out,” Brown said. “We live and die with our defense and they gave us so many opportunities … luckily we were able to help them out this week. Edinburg High was playing its first playoff home game in 13 years and they came out fired up and they were playing hard … luckily we were able to match their intensity and there’s no question that extra score going into the half started the nail in the coffin process and gave us a lot of confidence going into halftime.”

Edinburg High had a tough first half with two turnovers on downs, three punts and a fumble that Los Fresnos turned into points.

“That was hard for us because of bread and butter plays weren’t working for us,” Edinburg High coach JJ Leija said of his team’s offensive struggles. “We’re a running team and we had to rely on the pass, we put in our second quarterback Danny Shawnee and he did well …. but these kids never stopped fighting. Defensively, we gave up some big plays in the first half, but I thought we played well.”

Chapa continued his impressive night in the second half. He found sophomore receiver Eddie Uribe on a 35-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown to give Los Fresnos a 27-0 lead with 2:45 to go in the third quarter.

Edinburg High, which struggled mightily on offense in the first half, finally got on the board with 1:04 left in the third. Junior running back Hearlin Benavides found the end zone after a 3-yard touchdown run to make it a 27-7 ballgame.

But Chapa wasn’t finished. Two plays later, on the Falcons’ next drive, he scored on a 62-yard run to give Los Fresnos a commanding 34-7 advantage with 11:46 to play.

Benavides added another touchdown run for the Bobcats with 1:27 left on the clock, but it wasn’t enough as the Falcons were too much on both sides of the ball.

Benavides finished with 83 yards and the pair of scores and quarterback Danny Shawnee had 193 yards on 10-of-21 passing for Edinburg High.

The Bobcats didn’t get going enough offensively until late in the second half and Los Fresnos had built too great of a lead by then.

“(Los Fresnos is) a talented ballclub,” Leija said. “Penalties killed us, turnovers killed us … you can’t do that against a great ball club. We told our kids all week we’ll have to play perfect football … and you can’t (make those mistakes) in the playoffs.”

Once the Falcons got going, they never took their foot off the gas. Call it a hard lesson learned last season when they had to hold off Edinburg North during a bi-district playoff game.

“Last year, we barely scrapped by Edinburg North and I think our kids and even our coaches got caught looking at records and who played who … this week we had a laser focus,” Brown said. “We used last year as an example and our kids had one of their best week’s of practice; that definitely correlates to the way we play every week.”

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM, MARK MOLINA AND ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

LOS FRESNOS (7-3, 5-2 DISTRICT 32-6A) AT EDINBURG HIGH (6-4, 5-2 DISTRICT 31-6A)

When & Where: 7 p.m., tonight at Richard R. Flores Stadium, Edinburg

How They Got Here: Los Fresnos — It opened the season with a loss to Edcouch-Elsa, defeated McAllen High and McAllen Memorial in consecutive weeks before losing to eventual District 32-6A champion San Benito to open district play. After the 2-2 start, the Falcons went 5-1 the rest of the way, including winning 3 of its last 4 to clinch a postseason berth. Los Fresnos only loss during that stretch was a 10-7 defensive battle on the road against Hanna, who also playoff bound. The Falcons best win came against Harlingen High in Week 9, a game in which they trailed 20-3 before making a comeback that included tying the Cardinals by halftime and shutting them out in the second half. Los Fresnos scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter; Edinburg High — It started out the season 0-2 to eventual playoff teams McAllen Rowe and Lopez before turning it around going 6-2 to finish the season. The Bobcats only two losses in district play were to the top two teams in District 31-6A, unbeaten Edinburg Vela and PSJA High, who finished 8-2. After losing to PSJA High in Week 8, Edinburg High won three straight to finish the season and clinch its playoff spot.
Analysis: The Falcons are strong on both sides of the ball, the offense averaged 327 yards and nearly 27 points per game. Led by senior quarterback Charles Chapa, who threw for 1,583 yards and 10 touchdowns with just four interceptions on the season. His favorite target, sophomore receiver Nico Valencia finished the season with 52 catches for 719 yards and seven touchdowns. Chapa was also the team’s top runner with 644 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. The Edinburg High defense, which allows 296 yards and 22 points per game, will look to contain or limit Chapa, although that’s been tough for most of the Falcons opponents this season. The Bobcats had 15 sacks and three interceptions and held teams to 14 points or below in four games this season and will need to keep up the pressure on Chapa to give themselves a chance. Edinburg High, who averages 303 yards and nearly 25 points per game, counters with a run-heavy offense led by junior running back Hearlin Benavides. The junior led District 31-6A in rushing with 1,417 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Los Fresnos’ defense will certain have its hands full trying to contain Benavides. The Bobcats don’t throw the ball as much, but junior quarterback Matt Cruz finished the season with 770 yards and four touchdowns. The Falcons defense was quite stingy, it allowed 270 yards and less than 15 points per game. The unit also had 12 sacks and 12 interceptions on the year and getting takeaways against Edinburg High could be a key in this game.
Quotable: “We haven’t blown anyone out and all of our games have been close. I’ll take those ugly wins over beautiful losses any time. Probably the most important one for us was the Harlingen game where we were down 20-3 … no one panicked and everyone got it together and we came back and won that game. If we do get down in this game, I don’t think our kids will flinch. Our coaches won’t flinch because we’ve been there before and we’re confident.”
— Los Fresnos head coach Patrick Brown
Prediction: Los Fresnos 27, Edinburg High 17

Hanna (7-3, 5-2 district 32-6A) at Edinburg Vela (10-0, 7-0 district 31-6A)

When & Where: 7:30 p.m., Friday at Richard R. Flores Stadium, Edinburg

How They Got Here: Hanna — The Golden Eagles opened the year confident that they had what it took to compete in District 32-6A and proved it by going 7-3 overall, including 5-2 in district play. After a Week 1 loss to Edinburg Economedes, Hanna bounced by winning six in a row. During that span, they upended Weslaco 38-35 on the road and Los Fresnos 10-7 at home After falling to San Benito 51-27, Hanna bounced back with a statement 32-6 win over Harlingen High. it was their first win over the Cardinals since 1993. Hanna has lost two of it’s last three coming into bi-district; Edinburg Vela — Edinburg Vela ran through the regular season with ease, going a perfect 10-0 to capture the District 31-6A title. Vela averaged 48 points per game this season. The Sabercats’ average margin of victory was 34 points per game, with their closest win coming in a 34-20 over Brownsville Veterans. Vela scored more than 50 points in half its game this season, including a 70-22 drubbing of an 8-0 PSJA High team win Week 10.
Analysis: Hanna brings a power running game and a playmaking defense. On offense, Cesar Mancias eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last week and finished the regular season with 1,048 yards and nine touchdowns, while Victor Campos has played well at quarterback with 999 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air. The defense has come up with 38 sacks and 21 turnovers. In the secondary, Alcee Flores and Matthew Garcia have a combined seven interceptions. The unit will be tested against a Vela team averaging 422 yards of offense per game thanks to a well-balanced offensive attack. Vela quarterback Nathan Garcia leads the Sabercats, completing 69 percent of his passes for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Aaron Alvarez and Sam Valenzuela lead the run game with 648 and 554 yards, respctively and a combined 23 touchdowns.
Quotable: “It’s a place we expected to be and the kids are upbeat about it because we’ve proved everybody wrong. We were picked second to last in the district and here we are in the dance. We just want to do the best we can to make sure we move on to the next round.”
— Hanna head coach Mark Guess
Prediction: Edinburg Vela 42, Hanna 28

Lopez (8-2, 5-2 District 32-5A) AT Mission Veterans Memorial (9-1, 7-1 in District 31-5A)

When & Where: 7:30 p.m., Friday at Tom Landry Stadium, Mission

How They Got Here: Lopez — It opened the season with six straight wins, including a 3-0 start in District 32-5A before losing back-to-back games to Brownsville Veterans Memorial, the eventual district champion and Mercedes, who finished second. The Lobos rebounded for back-to-back wins against Edcouch-Elsa and Pace and their second consecutive postseason berth. Lopez’s 23-14 win against Edcouch-Elsa not only avenged a tough 33-6 loss on the road last season in the “Black Hole,” but it knocked the Yellowjackets out of the playoff mix; Mission Veterans — It has played every game technically on the road this season after work being done to Tom Landry Stadium this season, but it still started the season 8-0, including a 6-0 mark in District 31-5A. The Patriots only blemish was a 48-42 district loss to Sharyland High where it couldn’t reach the end zone despite having the ball inside the 10-yard line with less than a minute to play. Mission Veterans regrouped and won in Week 11 to clinch a share of the district crown with Sharyland High and Laredo Nixon.
Analysis: The matchup between the stingy Lopez defense and the potent Mission Veterans offense is one between what each team does best. The Lobos’ defense allows 224 yards and less than 16 points per game. The Patriots average 502 yards and score 39 points per game. Junior quarterback Landry Gilpin leads Mission Veterans with 2,566 yards passing and 23 touchdowns and 1,547 and 20 touchdowns on the ground. Lopez must find a way to limit Landry as other opponents have had trouble doing this season. The Lobos are aggressive, use a lot of blitz’s and like to keep the pressure coming at the quarterback, so if they can rattle Gilpin and get him to force a few turnovers, it may be the tide that can turn this game for Lopez. On the other side of the ball, the Lobos average 314 yards and nearly 30 points per game. Senior running back Jose Echavarria reached the 1,000-yard plateau this season and scored eight touchdowns. But Lopez has a few other backs as well that helped the team pile up over 2,200 yards on the ground. If the Lobos can control the line of scrimmage, that also might help them to continue to move the chains and put points on the board. Mission Veterans isn’t as strong defensively as Lopez, but it only allowed 269 yards and less than 23 points per game. While the Patriots have been better against the run this year, they’ve given up more through the air than nearly every team in their district. If the Lobos need to throw it, they can with over 900 yards passing this season between quarterbacks Alex Ramirez and Marcos Solis.
Quotable: “Last year against Laredo Nixon, we felt like we should have won that game. That disappointment drove us through our offseason and our regular season to get us to this point. Our goal was to never make the playoffs; our goal was to win a playoff game. We believe that defense wins championships; we hang our hat on playing an aggressive style of defense. I’m excited to see how our defense performs against their offense. It’s a classic matchup … the best offense in the Valley versus one of the top defenses in the valley.”
— Lopez head coach Jason Starkey
Prediction: Mission Veterans 28, Lopez 20

Sharyland High (8-2, 7-1 DISTRICT 31-5A) at Pace (5-5, 4-3 DISTRICT 32-5A)

When & Where: 7:30 p.m., Friday at Sams Memorial Stadium

How They Got Here: Pace — After losing at home to Mercedes, 61-21, on Oct. 14, the Vikings put together a three-game winning streak with victories against Donna North (34-27), Edcouch-Elsa (34-17) and Donna High (35-31) that enabled them to clinch their first playoff berth since 2011. The Vikings never led until the final minute or so in defeating Donna North and Donna High, both games at Bennie LaPrade Stadium. With the win against the Redskins on Nov. 3, the Vikings, behind first-year head coach Danny Pardo, clinched a spot in the postseason, so it didn’t matter all that much that Pace lost to fellow playoff qualifier Lopez, 14-7, in both teams’ regular-season finale; Sharyland High — The Rattlers’ high expectations quickly took a big hit in their season opener on Sept. 1 when they lost at Weslaco East, 62-0. But the Rattlers rebounded starting the next week and won five straight District 31-5A games. Then came their only district loss, a 49-14 setback at home against Laredo Nixon on Oct. 27. After that, Sharyland High won its final two regular-season games against Mission Veterans (48-42) and Rio Grande City (32-24) to end up as a 31-5A tri-champion with Laredo Nixon and Mission Veterans. Sharyland High is accustomed to qualifying for the postseason and this year has been no exception.
Analysis: On paper, this game certainly looks like it could be a shootout as both teams have put up points in bunches many times this season. Conversely, in three of their games earlier this year, the Rattlers have allowed 62, 49 and 42 points. Pace gave up 61 points against Mercedes and its defense has been somewhat porous at times. Nonetheless, the Vikings have made stops at the most timely of moments. Pace’s offense is piloted by senior quarterback Randy Aguilar, who has thrown for 1,661 yards passing and 17 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Top receiver Gabriel Zapata (46 catches, 802 yards and nine TDs) is out for the season with an injury, but the Vikings still have capable receivers in Carlos Pulido, Misael Monsivais, Ilijah Solis and Brandon Zapata. Last week, Sharyland is directed by QB Oscar Valdez, who threw for 197 yards and three TDs in the win against Rio Grande City. The Rattlers have at least three capable receivers in Blake Klein (37 catches, 647 yards), Ruben Davila (39 for 385) and Gabriel Tamez (28 for 373). Each of them has hauled in five touchdown passes. Friday’s winner faces Alice or Floresville in the area round.
Quotable: “We’re all excited because Pace hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2011. None of us have been here before. It’s all for these coaches, especially coach (Art) Cantu (who died in August during a scrimmage against PSJA Memorial). It’s for everybody.”
— Pace senior quarterback Randy Aguilar
Prediction: Sharyland High 38, Pace 34

John Paul II (2-8, 0-7 TAPPS Division I, District 1) at St. Joseph Academy (6-4, 2-0 TAPPS Division I, District 2)

When & Where: 11 a.m., Saturday at Canales Field

How They Got Here: St. Joseph — It’s been an up-and-down season for the Bloodhounds, but they came through when it mattered most by winning their two TAPPS district games. SJA started the year 1-3 before winning four straight against Port Isabel (62-20), Hidalgo (42-10), Marine Military Academy (56-16) and Central Catholic (San Antonio) (45-21). After a 42-8 non-district loss at powerhouse All Saints Episcopal (Fort Worth), the ‘Hounds upended Antonian Prep (San Antonio) 55-31 that clinched a long-awaited district title for SJA and rewarded it with a home contest to start the postseason. John Paul II — The Cardinals are directed by first-year coach George Teague, a former player for the Dallas Cowboys. In September, John Paul won its second and third games of the season against Legacy Christian (Frisco) (28-24) and Grace Prep (Arlington) (41-7), but haven’t won since. In going 0-7 in district competition, the Cardinals were outscored 383-44 in an eight-team district.
Analysis: SJA has learned in the past that opponents from North Texas may have losing records, but often turn out to be pretty strong. That is likely the case again for the Bloodhounds. While John Paul is doing the traveling, SJA can expect a test from its northern visitors. The strongest part of John Paul II’s team may be its defense. Standout players include MLB Julio Ontiveros and FS Adam Barnes. On offense, RB Jackson Garrett is a player to watch. He leads the Cardinals with 707 yards rushing and seven TDs. SJA is led by four-year starter at QB Kai Money, who has passed for 2,026 yards and 29 TDs this season while rushing for 1,279 yards and 10 TDs with an 8.7-yard average per rush. RB Anthony Cantu is the next best rusher with 759 yards and seven TDs. The SJA receiving corps has some good ones and is led by Pablo Zolezzi with 30 catches for 687 yards and 11 TDs and Andres Martinez (30 for 516, 10 TDs).
Quotable: “If we can jump on them early, we should be OK. If we don’t, we may find ourselves in a big dogfight. They love to run and throw the ball vertically, so we have to be ready for that. I see John Paul II as being the same caliber of team as San Antonio Central Catholic (which is our big district rival).”
— St. Joseph Academy coach Tino Villarreal
Prediction: St. Joseph 31, John Paul II 24

Laredo Nixon (8-2, 7-1 DISTRICT 31-5A) vs. Brownsville Veterans Memorial (9-1, 7-0 DISTRICT 32-5A)

When & Where: 6 p.m., Saturday at Alice Memorial Stadium, Alice

How They Got Here: Brownsville Veterans — The Chargers’ only hiccup came in a 34-20 Week 3 loss to Edinburg Vela. After that, the Chargers they rattled of seven straight wins en route to an undefeated District 32-5A title. It was Brownsville Veterans’ first-ever outright championship in school history. Led by senior quarterback Gustavo Vasquez and a stingy defense, the Chargers emerged as the class of the district with wins over Edcouch-Elsa and Lopez in consecutive weeks. The Chargers finished the season with three straight shutouts, which is a school record. Brownsville Vets seeks its first playoff win since 2012 when it beat Weslaco East 21-18; Laredo Nixon — Like the Chargers, the Mustangs also went on a but of a run following a 34-13 Week 1 loss to Edinburg Vela. The Mustangs earned a share of the District 31-5A title by winning eight of their next nine games, falling only to Mission Veterans Memorial 48-17 in Week 7. In that span, Nixon picked up a couple impressive wins as they defeated 6A Laredo Alexander 19-14 in Week 2 and routed Sharyland 49-14 in Week 9.
Analysis: It’s no secret the Chargers’ offense goes as Vasquez goes. The senior QB led the team in rushing with 1,307 yards and 21 touchdowns and passed for 956 yards and six scores. Running back Alexis Gomez has picked up some of the slack since a leg injury shelved starter Abel Martinez. Martinez is cleared and will be available to play after full-speed practices this week. BVM’s defense has been a force this season and is coming off three consecutive shutouts. They have forced 16 turnovers this season and sacked the quarterback 11 times. They will have their hands full against a Nixon running game that has racked up more than 2,600 yards on the ground, led by Emil Olivia’s 947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Nixon has shown the ability to get to the quarterback this season, recording 34 sacks on the year, which should prove for an interesting matchup with BVM’s Vasquez.
Quotable: “I don’t think anyone is satisfied with what we’ve accomplished this year. Veterans hasn’t won a playoff game since 2012. it’s important to us that we go out there and play to win. I feel (Nixon) is hard-nosed and I feel we’re hard-nosed, so it should be a good clash.”
— Brownsville Veterans coach David Cantu
Prediction: Brownsville Veterans 38, Laredo Nixon 31

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Lopez senior Alex Olguin always wanted to play baseball at the next level.

Next year, he’ll get that chance.

Just a few months before his senior season begins, Olguin made his college aspirations a reality when he signed his national letter of intent to play baseball for Texas Southern University, the NCAA Division I school in Houston, during a signing ceremony Tuesday at Lopez High School.

“It’s kind of overwhelming, this is all new to me,” he said. “But it feels really good. I remember (setting a goal) my freshman year about putting in the all that work … nothing has changed in the past four years, I’m working hard and setting an example.”

Olguin is a standout shortstop and pitcher for the Lobos who hit .368 in District 32-5A games in 2016 with 14 hits (including a double, three triples and two home runs), 19 runs, 15 RBIs and 19 walks. He also struck out just four times with 14 stolen bases during 14 32-5A games last season. He was also 3-2 with a 2.79 earned run average. In eight appearances (seven starts), he had two complete games, a save, allowed 18 earned runs on 31 hits, walked 11 and struck out 48 in 45.1 innings while opponents hit just .235 against him.

“It’s nice to see their son be successful educationally and on the field,” Lopez coach Victor Martinez said of Olguin’s parents, who both attended and graduated from Lopez with Martinez. “It’s been a great experience (coaching Alex). It’s a reflection on our program, it means its going in the right direction. It’s a good example for the younger kids for them to set goals and they too could play at the next level.

“It’s very exciting to see him sign and to play at the next level.”

Outside of the baseball season, Olguin plays in different leagues to continue to improve. During one such tournament in Houston, Texas Southern coach Michael Robertson saw him play and was very interested. According to Olguin, he received six or seven offers from other coaches and schools, but it was the Tigers coach that kept in touch and showed the most interest.

“He fell in love with the kid,” Martinez said of Robertson. “It’s not hard to fall in love with a kid that talented, he was interested and kept in touch with the family. He wanted to make sure he got Alex signed before he had other choices.”

After Robertson kept asking for him to make a visit, Olguin went and felt at home.

“I just fell in love with it,” Olguin said. “My family is in Houston, so I liked that. It’s a small campus, it’s a good atmosphere … I’m just excited for the opportunity. They’re a good team, coached really well, and they were (Southwest Athletic) conference champions last year.”

Olguin was recruited as a shortstop, but with a good arm on the mound, that also could have been a big part of Robertson’s pursuit. Olguin has earned several honors in his first three years, including The Brownsville Herald’s Newcomer of the Year after his freshman season, a part of The Herald’s All-Metro team in each of his first three seasons and Olguin has earned district awards as well.

“He’s a five-tool player,” Martinez added. “He’s an overall great player.”

Olguin plans to study kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer.

Martinez has no doubts that Olguin will make an impact at the next level.

“He’s going to be successful because he has a great IQ on the game,” Martinez said. “It’s like having a coach on the field every time we play, so that’s a plus for us. He’s very committed, humble, dedicated to his goals. He’ll put in the work and at the next level. It’s also about the grades and he’s always had top grades in our school and I know he’ll be able to manage his time … I’m sure he’ll be successful.”

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Lopez, Pace gets defensive

In Week 11, Lopez (8-2, 5-2 District 32-5A) and Pace (5-5, 4-3) didn’t play for much more than pride after both had wrapped up postseason berths in Week 10. In a playoff tune-up, Lopez outlasted Pace 14-7 in a game that showed how good both defenses can be. The Lobos and Vikings were scoreless through three quarters before Lopez scored first in the fourth. The Lobos added another touchdown after a Pace turnover about five minutes later. The Vikings found the end zone with over a minute to play, but couldn’t get the ball back after an onside kick. The tilt was good for each team heading into the playoffs as each waited patiently for an opportunity to score while the defenses did their part. In the postseason, points sometimes come at a premium. For both teams, Thursday showed that if the offense isn’t clicking, the defense has the ability to survive in a tight game. In the Class 5A playoffs, Lopez faces an explosive offense in Mission Veterans Memorial and Pace battles a Sharyland High team that also lights up the scoreboard. Both the Lobos and Vikings will have their hands full, but defense could determine the outcome if they play well this week.

St. Joseph Academy captures district title

St. Joseph Academy (6-4, 2-0 TAPPS Division I, District 2) did something in Week 11 that it hasn’t done in nearly four decades when it won a district title. The Bloodhounds earned the crown with a 55-30 road win over Antonian Prep (San Antonio). After a tough 1-3 start to the season, St. Joseph finished its campaign 5-1, including a district win over Central Catholic (San Antonio), a team that had the Bloodhounds’ number for the past three years. St. Joseph persevered over the second half of the season as the offense continued to flourish and the defense improved as well. For the second straight year, St. Joseph earned a home playoff game and faces John Paul II (Plano) on Saturday at Canales Field. The Bloodhounds hope to continue their momentum and advance to the second round like they did a season ago.

Chargers go unblemished through District 32-5A

Brownsville Veterans Memorial (9-1, 7-0 District 32-5A) also earned a district title, rolling past Donna High, 27-0, to finish 32-5A unscathed. But it wasn’t the only milestone the Chargers earned in Week 11. With the shutout win, Brownsville Veterans finished the season with three straight shutouts, which according to head coach David Cantu, is a school record. The Chargers outscored their opponents 146-0 over that span, an average of nearly 49 points per game. It also marked the 50th career win for Cantu, who had plenty to celebrate as his team finished with the program’s first outright district title. Brownsville Veterans won a share of the district championship last year, splitting it with Mercedes. With a consistently good offense and a defense that has made significant strides, both units seem to be firing on all cylinders. With the postseason starting this week, one couldn’t ask for anything more. The Chargers are rolling but still have more boxes to check off, the first of which comes against a tough Laredo Nixon ballclub Saturday in Alice.

The Falcons’ defense steps up

Los Fresnos (7-3, 5-2 District 32-6A) had already earned a playoff berth heading into Week 11, but the Falcons used their game against Weslaco High as a tune-up and looked ready for the playoffs with a 29-2 win. The offense was quite balanced as 167 of its 347 yards of offense were gained on the ground while the other 180 came through the air. The Falcons four touchdowns were also split evenly between rushing and passing. The defense showed it was playing at the top of its game, as well. The unit — which has allowed less than 15 points per game this season — didn’t allow a point (Weslaco High earned a safety with a tackle of a Los Fresnos running back in the end zone), and forced six turnovers, two fumbles and four interceptions. All four picks came from senior defensive back JJ Sanchez. Both units for the Falcons are showing a confidence that has been evident in three straight wins to finish the season. The team hopes to better its 2016 postseason run (three rounds deep) and starts its journey Thursday when it faces Edinburg High in a bi-district playoff game on the road.

Hanna shows offensive prowess, now it needs to get defensive

In Week 11, Hanna (7-3, 4-3 District 32-6A) showed how much its offense has improved down the stretch, putting 35 points on the board against Weslaco East. Unfortunately, the Wildcats used a fourth-quarter rally to upend the Golden Eagles, 42-35. Hanna scored 94 points during its final three games (31 per game). While the offense has shown it can put up the points, it may be facing a potential shootout against Edinburg Vela (48-point average) in a Class 6A bi-district playoff game Friday. The Eagles’ defense will get its toughest test of the season in trying to slow down the Sabercats. Hanna allows 21 points per game, but will need to play its best game of the season against Edinburg Vela. The Eagles have 11 interceptions 10 forced fumbles this season and will need to win the turnover battle to give their team a better chance against the Sabercats.

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE

PORT ISABEL — It had been a tough season for Port Isabel, but the Tarpons had a chance to earn a playoff spot against West Oso in the fourth quarter on their season finale.

Although Port Isabel erased a halftime deficit and led after three quarters, the Bears seized opportunities over the final 12 minutes of play and held on for a 35-30 victory in a District 16-4A, Division II game Friday night at Tarpon Stadium.

“I thought our guys gave a great effort,” Port Isabel coach Jaime Infante said. “It came down to the team that executed in the end. We came up short, but it surely wasn’t due to lack of effort … the kids played hard.”

Port Isabel (2-7, 1-4 in District 16-4A, Division II) had momentum and a 24-13 lead with 2:59 to play in the third quarter.

But West Oso (6-4, 2-3) turned the tide with three straight scoring drives, including a pair in the fourth quarter to regain a lead it wouldn’t relinquish and seal the game. But more importantly it clinched a postseason berth as the Bears outscored the Tarpons 22-6 down the stretch to hold off the home team in the regular-season finale.

“We’ve been trying to build on not putting your head down and trying to fight,” West Oso coach Pete Guajardo said of his team’s deficit in the second half. “A lot of it was a lack of execution on our part mentally, we were losing focus, then we put it together. We have some good kids and they’ve been working hard and working towards this goal.

“I think the kids decided to not go the other direction and go forward.”

It was a back-and-forth game throughout, but Port Isabel got on the board first. The Tarpons’ defense forced a fumble and the offense turned it in points as senior kicker Jair Prieto hit a 26-yard field goal to give Port Isabel a 3-0 lead with 4:52 left in the opening quarter.

West Oso answered on its next drive with a 2-yard run by senior quarterback Daniel Roberson and a 6-3 lead (after the extra point was blocked) with 2:54 left in the first.

In the second quarter, the Tarpons regained the lead with a 40-yard sprint to the end zone by senior running back Travis Camacho to give Port Isabel a 10-6 edge with 5:55 left in the half.

The Bears would answer again after Roberson found junior receiver Jose Hernandez on a 7-yard strike for a touchdown and a 13-10 advantage with 4:05 left to go in the half and West Oso would hold onto the lead at the break.

Port Isabel opened the second half with a 33-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Jeremy Martinez to take a 17-13 lead with 7:56 to play in the third quarter. The Tarpons extended their lead to 24-13 with 2:59 to play in the third after Martinez hit sophomore running back Bryan Medina on a 23-yard screen pass that went for a touchdown.

The Bears answered just 31 seconds later as Roberson and Hernandez hooked up for another touchdown, this one was a 29-yarder and they added the two-point conversion to pull within 24-21.

In the fourth, junior back Craig Clemons gave West Oso a 28-24 lead after a 2-yard touchdown run with 9:15 to play. The Bears then surprised Port Isabel with an onside kick and recovered it at the Tarpons 33-yard line. West Oso finished the short field with another touchdown, a 1-yard plunge into the end zone by Roberson for a 35-24 lead with 5:05 remaining.

“I thought it swung momentum their way … I thought it was the big play of the game,” Infante said of the onside kick. “I thought we had it, but it got away from us and that’s just the game, those are the breaks of the game.”

The Tarpons weren’t finished as Medina scored on a 5-yard run and pulled Port Isabel within 35-30 after the two-point conversion failed. Port Isabel tried an onside kick of its own, but the Bears grabbed it and ran out the clock.

Martinez finished with 111 yards and a touchdown on the ground and 54 yards passing and a score for the Tarpons. Camacho added 109 yards and a touchdown for the P.I. rushing attack.

Roberson finished with 184 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns and he also ran for 83 yards and two scores for West Oso.

The moment was a long time coming for West Oso.

“I’m proud … I’m happy for the kids, happy for the seniors because they’ve wanted this forever,” Guajardo said. “I talked about what it was going to take and we had adversity throughout the whole year … the kids didn’t quit and they stuck with it.

“They worked and reached this goal. It’s a big step moving forward for us.”

Despite the loss and a tough season, Infante said his team would use this as motivation.

“A tough loss like this in a hard-fought game, these kids learned great lessons from that,” he said. “Those guys coming back learned a lot this year, you definitely take a lot from a game like that.”

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Through three quarters, the Lopez Lobos and Pace Vikings remained locked in a scoreless battle as each team waited for its offense to break through.

Lopez scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns and held off Pace, 14-7, for a District 32-5A win in The Brownsville Herald’s Game of the Week on Thursday at Sams Memorial Stadium.

Lopez senior running back JD Diaz scored what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown with 4:53 left in the fourth quarter. Lopez (8-2, 5-2 in District 32-5A), behind a defense which had a sack and two interceptions (one apiece by junior defensive back Leo De La Torre and junior linebacker Carlos Arellano), held off Pace (5-5, 4-3) in a tough, district finale. Both teams are headed to the postseason with their opponents to be determined after games conclude this weekend.

“It all goes to the O-line, we can’t do anything without the O-line, they’re my security … they lead the way for me,” Diaz said. “(This win) gives us a boost (heading to the playoffs), but we can’t be overconfident. Whomever we play, they’re going to be a good team and they’re going to put up a good fight. It’s going to come down to the fourth quarter and whomever wants it most.”

After a defensive struggle in the first half and through the third quarter, the Lobos finally broke through on the scoreboard in the final quarter. Lopez senior running back Jose Echavarria took the handoff and ran through traffic and sprinted to the right sideline and into the end zone for a 44-yard touchdown to give his team a 7-0 lead with 10:29 left in the fourth.

After the Lobos’ defense got its second interception of the game, Lopez started its drive from the Vikings 24-yard line. Two plays later, Diaz capped off the drive with a 23-yard run to the end zone and gave the Lobos a 14-0 lead with 4:53 to play.

“It’s good to win before we go into the dance; it’s good to be a playoff team,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “It’s always nice to be a playoff team, it’s always nice to beat a Brownsville opponent and it’s always nice to beat Pace.”

On the next Pace drive, junior running back Brandon Zapata made sure the Vikings wouldn’t be denied, using a 58-yard run to put his team at the 1-yard line. Two players later, he scored on a 1-yard run to end the shutout with just 1:19 to play.

Pace had one last chance with an onside kick, but Lopez was able to recover and ran out the clock to seal the district victory.

“It’s unfortunate, we had our chances, but didn’t take advantage of them,” Pace coach Danny Pardo said. “We took a chance (on defense) and they broke it on us. That’s the way it goes, that’s the way the game is.”

The Lobos’ defense held the Vikings to 184 yards and nearly earned a shutout.

“Our defense always takes care of business,” Starkey said. “Our defensive staff is disappointed and so is our defense because we expected a zero and that should have been the second one this year. Coach Ramirez really prides himself on being the best defense in the Valley. We were very disappointed to see that Edcouch-Elsa is about 30 yards better than us on defense right now … but they’re staying home and we’re going to continue playing football so that’s got to count for something.”

Zapata led the offense with 72 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown for the Vikings.

Lopez totaled 224 yards on the ground as Diaz finished with 38 yards and a score. Echavarria had 57 and a touchdown and senior quarterback Marco Solis added 74 yards for the Lobos.

Despite the loss, Pardo and his team are going to the postseason with both sides of the ball playing well.

“We’ve got some kids back on defense so they’re playing better … we’ve got some more confidence,” he said. “Offense has never really been a problem, I’m proud and grateful that our defense is coming around at the right time.

“We can at least help out the offense a little more than before.”

Lopez has plenty to be proud of as the regular season ends, but the Lobos are now looking toward the postseason.

“Winning eight games is a big deal anywhere you’re at,” Starkey said. “I think a lot of teams in the Valley would take eight wins right now, but we’re on of the few that’s got them. The history of this program isn’t great, but the future is pretty dag gum bright because of this staff and these kids … we won eight games and haven’t done that in 16 years. Our whole objective was to be better than we were yesterday and right now we are.

“We didn’t win a playoff game last year, but we didn’t get back to the playoffs to just lay down. So we’re pretty excited to see who our opponent is going to be because we can’t wait to go and play some playoff football.”

Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @andrewmcrum.

By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

What a difference a year makes.

Last season, the Lopez Lobos and Pace Vikings were playing for a playoff berth in the season finale. This season, both teams enter Week 11 having already clinched a playoff spot, so this year’s finale will be a battle for pride and act as a tune-up for next week’s bi-district playoff round.

The two teams battle in The Brownsville Herald’s Game of the Week tonight at 7 p.m. at Sams Memorial Stadium.

Lopez (7-2, 4-2 in District 32-5A) clinched its berth with a 23-14 win over Edcouch-Elsa, while Pace (5-4, 4-2) earned its spot with a 35-31 comeback victory over Donna High.

Even if there isn’t as much on the line one year later, both teams still want to win.

“The playoff spots are wrapped up so this game has nothing to do with seeding, all that has been set,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “It doesn’t matter to us … as Herm Edwards once said, ‘if you put the ball down, you play to win the game’ … and that’s what we plan on doing (tonight). Any time you put a football down, Lopez is going to show up and play their tails off and do whatever we can to win the game … and I’m sure they are too.”

It’s the same view on the other sideline.

“There’s not a lot of meaning except for pride,” Pace coach Danny Pardo said. “We’re going to get some kids some more playing time. We don’t any more injuries going into the playoffs, I’m sure Lopez doesn’t either. We’re going to go out there and try to make it a game … like any game, we want to win.”

The Lobos’ offense averages 323 yards and nearly 32 points per game. Senior running back Jose Echavarria leads the team with 976 yards and seven touchdowns and junior running back Christian Gamez has added 418 yards and seven scores.

But Lopez scored in all three phases last week and Starkey would like to see more of that.

“They do some things well offensively, defensively and on special teams,” he said. “We’re preparing to do what we do … run the football … seek and destroy on defense and special teams and score in all three phases like we did last week. We need to do that again this week and it could be key for us to be successful against Pace.”

The Vikings’ offense averages 367 yards and 29 points per game. Junior running back Brandon Zapata has rushed for 590 yards and senior quarterback Randy Aguilar has thrown for 1,568 yards and 17 touchdowns. Their balanced attack has been a strength, as their defensive play has as well during the three-game win streak.

“We know what to expect from Lopez and try to match up to what they do,” Pardo said. “We have four backs, so each will get a chance. Defensively, we’re getting back to form, we want to polish it up.

“We’re still going to keep trying to get better, especially on defense.”

On the other side of the ball, Lopez is near the top of the district at 228 yards and less than 17 points per game. Pace, who is further down the list, allows 366 yards and less than 29 points. It seems though when two Brownsville schools play one another, stats, records and the like don’t matter.

“When Brownsville plays Brownsville, you don’t need anything else on the line rather than pride,” Starkey said. “I love watching these kids compete against each other … I think it’s going to be a fun environment that night and I’m excited for our chances.”

Don’t expect much difference from what either team has done all season, other than two strong teams with the postseason in the back of their minds, trying to finish the season strong before another challenge awaits next week.

“We’re still going to run the ball and throw the ball like as much as we need to,” Pardo said. “Defensively, we’re trying to get the guys we just got back (from injuries) some reps and get a little momentum. Just play polished and get ready for next week.”

For the Lobos — win or lose — they want to keep getting better, every week.

“We’re just trying to play our best football and we’ve yet to play our best football this year,” Starkey said. “Our focus is on what we do, not what they do. That won’t change next week … we’re focused on being the best version of ourselves.”

Since Lopez and Pace have both earned postseason berths already, this game becomes more about pride than anything else. But regardless, both teams want to win and take that momentum into the playoffs next week. The Lobos and Vikings are similar on offense in yards and points per game, although Lopez prefers to run the ball more and Pace has a balanced attack. The game could hinge on the way the defense plays. The Lobos allow fewer yards and points than the Vikings do, but both teams will try to win the turnover margin and get the offensive units more opportunities. The defense that plays better could be the edge in this game.

PREDICTION: Lopez 27, Pace 20

Friday’s Games
District 32-6A
WESLACO EAST AT HANNA
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Sams Memorial Stadium
RECORDS: Weslaco East (6-3, 4-2); Hanna (7-2, 5-1)
GAME NOTES: With both teams already locked into a playoff spot, Hanna and Weslaco East play for seeding and a possibly more. Weslaco East can go into the Division II bracket with a win. Hanna will do the same with a win, but could clinch a share of the District 32-6A title if San Benito falls to Harlingen. … Hanna is coming off one of the program’s biggest wins, defeating Harlingen 32-6. … The Eagles’ offense ranks fourth in 32-6A, averaging 316 yards and 28.5 points. … Hanna running back Cesar Mancias is looking to get to the 1,000-yard mark this week as he sits second in the district in rushing with 957 yards on 126 carries and eight touchdowns. … Hanna’s defense held Harlingen to just one score and 195 yards of offense in last week’s win. That was Harlingen’s lowest total of the season. The Eagles are fifth in the district in total defense (315 ypg) and have forced 19 turnovers and sacked opposing quarterbacks 38 times.
PREDICTION: Hanna 24, Weslaco East 21
— Mark Molina

RIVERA AT HARLINGEN SOUTH
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Boggus Stadium, Harlingen
RECORDS: Rivera(1-8, 0-6); Harlingen South (1-8, 0-6)
GAME NOTES: Rivera gave Los Fresnos a run for its money in Week 10, playing the Falcons to a tie through three quarters before falling 28-14. … Raiders quarterback Nico Blanco is looking to wrap up his high school career with a win. … Blanco threw for two touchdowns against Los Fresnos and went 7 for 19 through the air. … Both Harlingen South and Rivera haven’t won since Week 1 and are winless in district play. … South, meanwhile, looks to build on its young stars in sophomore QB David Torres, sophomore tight end Brady Bennett and junior running back Emilio Quiroz. … Look for the Hawks rushing attack to pick up the pace and Torres to have another solid outing through the air. … Seniors Brandon Bennett and Sky Tatum have anchored the defense all season, look for the duo to end their prep careers with a bang.
PREDICTION: Harlingen South 33, Rivera 26
— Kevin Narro

LOS FRESNOS AT WESLACO HIGH
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Bobby Lackey Stadium, Weslaco
RECORDS: Los Fresnos (6-3, 4-2); Weslaco High (3-5, 2-4)
GAME NOTES: Weslaco High is coming off a 64-14 loss at San Benito and had won twice prior to that setback. Los Fresnos has won two in a row, including Saturday’s 28-14 road triumph over Rivera … Weslaco High’s last win against Los Fresnos was a 49-28 triumph in Weslaco in the 2015 bi-district playoffs … Los Fresnos has a capable QB in Charles Chapa, who is a threat as a passer and runner. Chapa has passed for more than 1,200 yards with six TDs and has rushed for more than 500 yards with eight TDs … The Panthers boast a pair of reliable receivers in Devin Dena (25 catches, 296 yards, two TDs) and Jaden Cavazos (19 catches, 297 yards, three TDs) … Regardless of the outcome, the Falcons are locked into 32-6A’s No. 2 playoff spot in 6A Division I behind San Benito … The Falcons average 324.4 yards per game on offense, while the Panthers generate 265.5 yards. per contest.
PREDICTION: Los Fresnos 24, Weslaco High 17
— Roy Hess

District 32-5A
Porter at Edcouch-Elsa
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Benny Layton Sr. Memorial Stadium, Elsa
RECORDS: Porter (0-9, 0-6); Edcouch-Elsa (4-5, 1-4)
GAME NOTES: Porter was outscored 124-0 combined in their last two games against Brownsville Veterans and Mercedes. … If Porter loses again, it will be the Cowboys’ second straight winless season. The last time the Cowboys went winless in consecutive seasons dates back to the early 1990s when they went 0-40 between the 1991 and 1994 seasons. … Porter’s last regular-season victory came in 2015, which was a playoff year. … Edcouch-Elsa was eliminated from playoff contention with a 23-14 loss to Lopez last week. … This is the first time the Yellowjackets will miss the playoffs in coach Joe Marichalar’s five years at the helm of the program. E-E last missed the playoffs in 2009. … Friday’s game will be the last for E-E senior running back Jorge Gomez. Gomez rushed for 2,339 and 25 touchdowns over 21 games during his junior and senior years.
PREDICTION: Edcouch-Elsa 31, Porter 0
— Nate Kotisso

TAPPS Division I, District 2
ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY AT ANTONIAN PREP (SAN ANTONIO)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Ferrara Stadium, San Antonio
RECORDS: St. Joseph Academy (5-4, 1-0); Antonian Prep (4-4, 0-1)
GAME NOTES: St. Joseph lost to All Saints Academy (Fort Worth) 42-8 on the road in Week 10. … The Bloodhounds’ offense average 451 yards and 39 points per game. Senior quarterback Kai Money leads the team with 1,744 yards and 24 touchdowns and has rushed for 1,060 yards and eight scores. Junior receiver Pablo Zolezzi has 24 catches for 517 yards and eight TDs. … SJA’s defense has allowed less than 25 points per game. … Antonian Prep (San Antonio) lost to Central Catholic (San Antonio) 41-20 in Week 10. The Apaches’ offense averages 36 points per game. … The Antonian defense surrenders less than 19 points per game. … SJA can earn a district title with a win. … Both teams can light up the scoreboard. This could be a back-and-forth shootout, but it could come down to which offense gets a quick start and makes the most of its opportunities.
PREDICTION: St. Joseph Academy 37, Antonian Prep 34
— Andrew Crum

District 16-4A DII
WEST OSO AT PORT ISABEL
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Tarpon Stadium, Port Isabel
RECORDS: West Oso (5-4, 1-3); Port Isabel (2-6, 1-3)
GAME NOTES: West Oso defeated Progreso 47-7 in Week 10. … The Bears’ offense averages 26 points per game. … The West Oso defense allows less than 24 points per game and has 14 sacks and 12 interceptions. … Port Isabel lost to Raymondville 22-7 on the road in Week 10. … The Tarpons’ offense averages 315 yards and nearly 21 points. Sophomore running back Bryan Medina leads the way with 633 yards and seven scores on the ground while senior tailback Travis Camacho has 352 yards and seven TDs. Senior quarterback Jeremy Martinez has thrown for 644 yards and five scores. … Port Isabel’s defense allows 32 points per game, but it has seven sacks, eight fumble recoveries and six interceptions on the year. … West Oso’s defense has allowed less than 10 points in four games this season.
PREDICTION: West Oso 27, Port Isabel 21
— Andrew Crum

Saturday’s Game
District 32-5A
DONNA HIGH AT BROWNSVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL
WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Sams Memorial Stadium
RECORDS: Donna High (4-5, 2-4); Brownsville Veterans (8-1, 6-0)
GAME NOTES: The Chargers host the Redskins in the regular-season finale with a chance at an outright district title. … BVM has been on a tear the last couple of weeks after beating Porter and Donna North by a combined score of 119-0. … QB Gustavo Vasquez has been a force this season, rushing for 1,198 yards and 19 touchdowns while passing for 840 yards and five scores. … In the last two outings alone, the Chargers’ offense has posted 1,049 yards of offense. … BVM has forced 14 turnovers this season, sacked the quarterback 11 times and have recorded 45 tackles for loss. … Donna was eliminated from the postseason last week in its 35-31 loss to Pace. Donna has averaged 20.5 points per game this season and are averaging 223 yards of offense per game. … Donna has been solid on defense at times, holding opponents to under 300 yards of offense per contest this season.
PREDICTION: Brownsville Veterans 42, Donna High 21
— Mark Molina