MARK MOLINA AND KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writers

After a rocky start at Harlingen South in the District 32-6A opener, Los Fresnos freshman quarterback Matthew Padilla bounced back during a 37-7 win against Brownsville Rivera on Friday night.

Padilla threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns on 7 of 18 passing and helped the Falcons rack up 425 yards of offense, the most since Week 3.

The freshman also may have found a favorite target in former starting quarterback Sergio Martinez, as the pair has hooked up for touchdowns two straight weeks.

Against Rivera, Padilla hit Martinez coming across the middle for what turned into a 92-yard touchdown, and the week before they connected for a 37-yarder against Harlingen South.

In two games, Martinez has hauled in four passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

MAKING NOISE

The Hanna Golden Eagles put up plenty of offense in their 44-27 district win over the Harlingen High Cardinals.

Senior receiver Miguel Payan was at the center of it all, as he hauled in eight receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns, drilled a 35-yard field goal and made five extra points.

His efforts not only led his team to victory but gained him state recognition, as he was one of 10 players nominated for Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week.

Payan leads the team in receiving with 22 receptions for 504 yards and seven touchdowns, and leads the district with 73 points.

BOUNCING BACK

Harlingen South will look to rebound Thursday night when it travels to Sams Stadium to take on Rivera.

The Raiders are winless on the year, and the Hawks will shoot for their second district win as teams enter the stretch run. Last year, the Hawks picked up a 31-6 win in the regular-season finale.

Against San Benito, South struggled to generate offense, collecting 262 yards. The Hawks’ strongest drive was on their first drive of the quarter, as David Torres hit Cristian Cortez for a touchdown and the only score the first-team offense generated.

Hawks fans may feel confident heading into Thursday’s matchup. Look for the Hawks to rebound with Emilio Quiroz and Corban Hendrick on the ground.

STOPPING A SKID

Grey skies loom over Cardinal land. Dating to last season, Big Red has lost six straight district games, with the last win coming Oct. 13 against Weslaco High.

Despite the struggles, the Cards still have time to right the wrongs, and it starts with their Week 9 game against Los Fresnos.

Harlingen High has enough firepower on offense behind junior QB Jaime Galvan, as the southpaw again posted strong numbers against Hanna. Galvan threw for 323 yards with three touchdowns and two picks. On the ground, Galvan collected for 91 yards on 21 attempts and one rushing touchdown.

Joe Reyna finished with a season-high seven catches and two scores, which is also a season high. Reyna’s 135 receiving yards is the second most in a game this year.

Harlingen High plays host to Los Fresnos at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

ROLL CONTINUES

The train continues to roll in San Benito. The ’Hounds knocked off Harlingen South and, for a second straight week, the offense scored 40 or more points.

Jacob Cavazos stung the South defense with a strong night under center. Cavazos threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns while going 14 for 16.

Along with Cavazos, Kyler Castilleja ran wild for a season-high 131 yards on 15 carries and two scores.

Friday night will feature two of the top teams in 32-6A. Victor Campos and the high-flying Hanna offense head to Bobby Morrow Stadium for a first-place battle.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — Rio Hondo senior running back Danny Vasquez is in the middle of one of his best years as a Bobcat. Vasquez brings a unique skill set to the Bobcat offense. The senior is as physical a runner as you will see, but also has the ability to make defenders miss in space.

Vasquez leads the back field with 104 carries and 751 yards along with five touchdowns. Rio Hondo will kick off district play tonight at Raymondville.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Vasquez.

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Q: What dose the Raymondville rivalry mean to you?

Vasquez: The rivalry means a lot to me because I have family in Willacy County and it’s always fun for them to go out and watch me and my teammates play.

Q: Talk about your road to recovery and you being able to bounce back your senior year?

Vasquez: My injury held me back from playing most of the season last year, but I was lucky enough to be able to play at least three games. I knew as soon as I got released to play again I wasn’t going to cut myself short on anything I did to better myself. I got to work with constant lifting, running and footwork. I wouldn’t be in the position I am without the motivation of my friends, coaches, and family.

Q: Playing for Rio Hondo, and representing your school what does that mean to you?

Vasquez: It means a lot to me, especially being the last Vasquez of the three that played in the program. It’s always a blessing being able to wake up every morning going to a great school with a great athletic program.

Q: What is the toughest part about playing the RB position?

Vasquez: The toughest part I would say is reading the right holes to run through. When you’re in the moment of everything you can’t be hesitant and make second guesses. Like Coach Alvarez always tells me “Stick your foot in the ground and go!” But every play where my number is called I have complete faith in my lineman. We wouldn’t be in this position offensively without them.

Q: What stadium is the toughest to play in?

Vasquez: The toughest stadium to play in is our own, because it is hard to walk off the field with a loss.

Q: What are your hobbies off the field?

Vasquez: My hobbies are spending time with friends and helping my parents with chores.

Q: What is your favorite cereal?

Vasquez: My favorite cereal is Fruity Pebbles.

Q: Who is your role model?

Vasquez: My dad is my role model.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

Vasquez: My favorite athlete has to be Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen because he’s full proof you can turn nothing into something, as he is now living the dream as a professional football player.

Q: What is your dream ticket?

Vasquez: My dream ticket is to go see a Travis Scott and Drake concert.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Entering tonight’s matchup with San Benito, Harlingen South will do so with a little pep in their step. The Hawks are fresh off a win against Los Fresnos and are looking for a 2-0 district start when the Hounds come to town tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawks are playing with confidence and have shown maturity over the first half of the season.

“In a six team district, winning that first district game is really big and the kids are excited,” said Hawks coach Brian Ricci. “Each game is magnified and the kids had a great week of practice and the kids are feeding off of it.”

South will have their work cut out for them with San Benito’s duel threat QB Jacob Cavazos. The senior creates problems with his legs and has the ability to tuck the ball and run.

“He (Jacob) is a great athlete,” said Ricci. “He has the ability to make people miss so that is one thing we talked about as a defense is to get to the ball quick and make the tackle. Their offense has plenty of speed and Jacob makes that offense go and we have to slow him down or else it will be a long day for us.”

South will counter with their QB David Torres who is putting together a strong junior campaign. The Hawks offense is at its best when they establish a rushing attack with Emilio Quiroz and Corban Hendrick.

“We have to be able to move the chains and get first downs and it’s important for us to keep drives going against a good offense like San Benito. Punting is not always a bad thing, but going three and out is.”

The Hawks have some wins under their belt and have already won more games than they did last year and the confidence is starting to show on the field.

“Obviously our goal is to reach the playoffs and compete for a district title that is something we talked about over the off season and at the start of the year,” said Ricci. “What we are seeing in this years team is they are focused, they have been here before and they know what to do, they know what it takes. The kids are doing a good job on taking it a week at a time.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — The Bobcats will look to keep history on their side Friday night. Rio Hondo has passed every test thrown their way this season and on Friday, the Bobcats will meet their toughest challenge yet in the Raymondville Bearkats. Kickoff is tonight at 7:30 at Burnett Stadium.

Raymondville hasn’t beaten Rio Hondo since the 2013 season and the Bobcats are 9-1 in the last ten years against the Kats.

“We try and bring the same approach each week, but this week does bring a little extra,” said Rio Hondo coach Rocky James. “We finished our non-district schedule unbeaten and now we begin district play. Everyone is 0-0 and it is our goal to go 1-0 regardless of who we are playing.”

The Bobcats are no stranger to the big stage and have flexed their muscles over the first seven weeks of the season.

Through their 6-0 start, Rio Hondo has shown they can win a defensive battle and can go toe-to-toe in a shootout.

“Every game counts, especially in a four team district,” James said. “Against La Feria I thought we would be in a shootout, but it ended up being a defensive game going into tonight this one might end up in a shootout. We both have very good defenses and have plenty of weapons on offense. It can go either way; we are hoping our defense can make some plays.”

Rio Hondo’s aerial attack has been one of the top attacks in the Valley. Senior quarterback Josiah Ortega has slug it around for 1,859 yards with 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions.

Ortega’s leading target, Frank Hernandez, has provided the Bobcats with speed and the ability to stretch the field. Hernandez leads the team in catches with 43 catches and 760 yards along with 12 scores.

“It is going to take teamwork, we have to come together as one,” Hernandez said. “Two weeks ago we played a defensive game against La Feria, but going into tonight’s game I feel we can get things going offensively.”

Much like Raymondville, Rio Hondo used their 7on7 season to help build their chemistry within the offense.

Over the summer, it was Raymondville who beat Rio Hondo in the McAllen qualifier that sent the Bearkats to the state tournament and ending the Bobcats summer run.

“We are feeling right now coming off a bye, it all starts with practice and how we practice. One thing we do is we always take the field with a winning mentality.” Hernandez said.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RAYMONDVILLE — As we enter the middle of October, most teams have already gotten district play rolling.

As for Raymondville, district play is just getting under way and it will do so with a bang. Fans from both sides have circled the date, when Rio Hondo pays a visit to Raymondville.

With both teams coming in as favorites to win their district, the two will do battle Friday night at Burnett Stadium with the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

“We always try and win the first game of the season and we want to win the first game of district,” said Raymondville coach Frank Cantu. “This year we open up with Rio Hondo, last year we met them later in district play, but we just need to buckle down and stay focused and play good football.”

After dropping their season opener to La Feria, Raymondville has won five straight. In that streak, the Bearkats have scored forty points or more four different times and are averaging 44 points per game in those wins.

The offensive fire power with senior QB Jacob Posas, wide outs Xavier Ledesma, Justin Cantu and Zaraivion Armendarez along with running back Marcus Capetillo shined at this summers 7 on 7 state tournament in College Station.

The chemistry has carried over to the field where it matters. Posas who played linebacker last year and served as the backup QB has thrived and is in sync with his offense.

“Going through the summer leagues and playing in the state tournament gave us an opportunity to get better and we were able to build our chemistry and all of that work is paying off,” Ledesma said.

Ledesma has been Posas’s top target so far this season. Ledesma leads the team in receptions with 18 and in yards with 313.

“I worked on my route running,” Ledesma said. “That is one thing I worked on in the offseason and I’m willing and ready to do what it takes to help my team.”

The Bearkats defense will be put to the test against a potent Rio Hondo offense. One mainstay for the Bearkats has been their linebacker Noe Zombrano. The hard hitting linebacker is second in the team in tackles with 35 and is second in sacks with four.

“We are feeling good right now and we feel confident,” Zombrano said. “We are thankful that we have no injuries and we feel ready for Friday’s game. We have been preparing for this game and we have played in big games before. Defensively we just need to follow the game plan and I think we will be OK.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RAYMONDVILLE—Senior Marcus Capetillo has become a household name for Raymondville fans over the last few years. Capetillo has provided Raymondville with his ability to play on both sides of the ball. While Raymodville hasn’t beaten Rio Hondo since 2013, Capetillo and company are eager to turn that around.

Capetillo has put together a strong start offensively for the Kats. Through six games, Capetillo has amassed 545 all purpose yards. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Capetillo.

Q: Talk about the rivalry with Rio Hondo what separates this rivalry from others?

Marcus: This rivalry always seems to bring a different type of energy because each of our teams bring plenty of skill along with a winning attitude that losing is not an option. This game has decided who wins district over the last few years.

Q: What are some challenges on playing both corner and running back?

Marcus: Playing both offense and defense keeps me on the field most of the time. It forces me to strategize when to take time a time out to catch my breath, so I can play my 100 percent.

Q: Raymondville hasn’t beaten Rio Hondo since 2013. What will it take for Raymondville to snap that steak?

Marcus: Teamwork. Beating a team like Rio Hondo forces our team on both sides of the ball to play hard, smart and fast. We have to minimize our mistakes and capitalize on every opportunity, and be adjustable to how the game unfolds.

Q: Over the summer you and your team thrived in 7 on 7 how much of that chemistry has carried over?

Marcus: The summer 7on7 brought a winning attitude for our season along with a chemistry and bond that is unmatched by other teams.

Q: You wear the number five, any reason behind that number?

Marcus: As a young football player, I looked up to Reggie Bush because at USC he brought an explosive play capability every time he stepped on the field.

Q: What are the challenges of playing in a four team district?

Marcus: Because of the four team district, each game is more important toward the seeding going into playoffs. A loss could set us back.

Q: If you could go back in time where and when would you go?

Marcus: I enjoy reading history, but I enjoy our current culture and current events.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Marcus: Being woken up early in the morning.

Q: If you could play another sport what would it be?

Marcus: Football, baseball, basketball and power lifting have been sports I’m used to, so I would want to attempt boxing to get out of my comfort zone.

Q: Tell us something about yourself the fans probably might not know?

Marcus: Well last year was my first year in power lifting and I obtained the 132lb state champ, so be on the lookout this power lifting season for big things.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

BROWNSVILLE — Despite the chilly temperatures outside, the race for a district title heated up inside the gym for the Brownsville Hanna Lady Golden Eagles.

Hanna picked up a 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 25-18 win over San Benito on Tuesday night in Brownsville. The win completes the regular season sweep over the Lady ’Hounds.

With their playoff ticket already punched, the Lady Eagles have a date with Los Fresnos (8-0) on Saturday at home. With two matches remaining in the regular season, Hanna will have a shot at securing at least a share of the district title.

“Now we can prepare for Los Fresnos. There is no pressure, we have a great team and we are the underdogs, and we will work hard to hopefully get a win on Saturday,” Hanna coach Ansgar Hagemann said.

Hanna has yet to lose a district match at home, with a gym pegged as one of the tougher places to play in the district with its tight confines and rowdy student section.

“You have to love our gym. It’s small, it’s dark and it is crowded, I guess we are just used to playing in it,” Hagemann said. “It can be a challenge for other teams to come in here and play, but at the end of the day the court is the same size as any other.”

Angelina Castillo led the offense with 22 kills, Jenna Otero finished with 14 digs, and teammate Ari Arceneaux finished with 12 kills and five digs. Odalys Gonzalez added 15 kills, three digs and three aces.

“We moved our defense around, and we had to adjust to San Benito,” Hagemann said. “It took us a while to get used to it, but the girls adjusted to it.”

The Lady ’Hounds fell to 3-5 in district play but received some help in the standings. Harlingen South (2-6) thumped Brownsville Rivera (2-6) on Tuesday night to keep the Lady ’Hounds one game ahead.

San Benito will meet Rivera on Saturday, and South will look to sweep Harlingen High, which also is 2-6 and eyeing a playoff spot with two games left in the regular season.

KEVIN NARRO AND MARK MOLINA | Staff Writers

Harlingen High will be at a crossroads this Saturday when the Cardinals travel to face the Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles.

Big Red’s comeback fell short in Week 7 against San Benito in a 42-28 losss. Harlingen High is now 0-1 in district and will continue its gauntlet of a schedule, playing host to Los Fresnos in Week 9 and, in Week 10, meeting crosstown rival Harlingen South.

The time is now for the Cardinals to get things going and set up a potential playoff push.

Against the ’Hounds, junior QB Jaime Galvan ran for 136 yards on a season-high 24 carries along with four rushing touchdowns, also a season high. Joe Reyna caught six passes for 90 yards.

DOING IT ALL

While the Golden Eagles’ 4-1 start has been a team effort, it’s hard to find another player with more fingerprints on the team’s season than Miguel Payan.

Payan is a jack of all trades as he catches, runs and kicks every week for the Golden Eagles. The senior receiver has scored a touchdown in each of Hanna’s last three games and is the team’s leading receiver with 14 catches for 296 yards and five scores.

He caught five passes for 83 yards and one score during a 48-0 win against Rivera. It was his best night since hauling in four passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 against McAllen Memorial.

On the ground, Payan has rushed for 93 yards and is second on the team in all-purpose yards with 403.

As far as kicking goes, the Hanna senior is perfect on extra points. He’s 21 for 21 on point-after attempts and leads District 32-6A in scoring with 53 points.

STATEMENT MADE

For the second year in a row, San Benito will have yearlong bragging rights against longtime rival Harlingen High. The ’Hounds now shift their focus to Harlingen South in Week 8.

San Benito received some late-game heroics from quarterback Jacob Cavazos. The senior converted on a crucial fourth down and scored the go-ahead touchdown, and later found the end zone again to seal the win for the Hounds.

Cavazos ran wild for 181 yards on 25 carries. The last time Cavazos had 20 or more rushes was in Week 4 against Laredo United, when he posted 30 carries.

On the year, Cavazos has run for 792 yards and seven touchdowns on 101 carries.

LEGGING IT OUT

Against PSJA North is Week 2, Harlingen South kicker Jose Lerma booted a game-winning field goal to give Hawks their first win of the season.

On Friday, the Hawks needed Lerma again, and he delivered. He went 3 for 3 on field goals from 43, 40 and 36 yards to help South win over Los Fresnos in the teams’ district opener.

South’s defense was another key to the win. The Hawks’ defense yielded 166 yards, allowing 53 yards through the air.

By KEVIN NARRO

Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The 2018 season has reached the midway point and Harlingen South is still in the playoff picture, and it has time to right the ship and peak heading into the second half of District 32-6A play.

One key part will be junior hitter Mikela Mireles. The junior has had a strong season thus far. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Mireles.

Q: We are through the first round of district play, what are some things you all will work on?

Mikela: We will work on finishing games, we have come close a few times, and we will work on our first-ball kill, that will be an important thing we will work on going forward.

Q: Last year your season ended with an ACL injury, this year you are healthy. How has it been for you being fully healthy and back on the court?

Mikela: It is an amazing feeling to know where I came from after tearing my ACL. I wasn’t expecting to be at the point where I am at today.

Q: Talk to us about that comeback against Harlingen High.

Mikela: Coach Lucio wanted us to stay calm and to keep the ball in play. As soon as I got the final kill I started crying, all the emotions just came to me.

Q: What has been the loudest gym you have played in?

Mikela: It has to be the Harlingen game, we were at home and it was loud.

Q: What is the trill of jumping at the net and recording a kill?

Mikela: It is amazing to know I’m able to jump and make a kill against another team.

Q: If you could pick another sport to play, what would it be?

Mikela: I have never thought of that before, but it would probably have to be basketball because I enjoy watching it. I played it for one year, but I also like the competition that is in the game.

Q: What drives you to be a great player?

Mikela: Just knowing that everyone supports me and, no matter what, I have people that are there for me.

Q: Who do you look up to the most?

Mikela: My mom, because she is my role model.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

Mikela: It would have to be UT’s Micaya White. She started as a freshman and has been a really good player for the Longhorns.

Q: What are you currently binge watching on Netflix?

Mikela: I watch One Tree Hill, but I watch it on Hulu because they took it off of Netflix, but that is what I’m currently binge watching.

By KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — The Brownsville Hanna Lady Golden Eagles are heading to the postseason.

Brownsville Hanna secured a 15-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-13 win Saturday against the Harlingen High Lady Cardinals.

“ We are still in the race for a district crown. It feels great to clinch a playoff spot today, I haven’t told the girls yet, but their goal and desire is to win a district title” Hanna coach Ansgar Hagemann said.

After dropping the first set, Hanna went on to win the next three sets behind a 17 kill, seven-dig performance from Odalys Gonzalez.

Hanna has now reached the playoffs for a fifth straight season and next travels Tuesday to San Benito. The Lady ’Hounds won Saturday, putting them at 3-4 on the year. They are still eyeing a playoff spot.

“ This was a close game today against Harlingen (High). It doesn’t matter what place the team is in, it is going to be a tough match and that is just how this district is,” Hagemann said. “Now we have San Benito up next, they just beat Harlingen South, and South took us to five sets. So we will have to prepare for San Benito, they are another tough team.”

Brownsville Hanna managed to fend off a pair of Harlingen High rallies during the second and third sets. Vivian Izaguirre kept the offense going with her 15-kill performance, and Tabitha Fernandez fed the offense with a team-high 40 assists.

During the fourth set, Hanna flexed its muscles and raced out to a quick 12-6 lead, then kept it in cruise control for the rest of the match.

“ We didn’t come out ready to play in the first set,” Hagemann said. “After that first set our intensity picked up and we were able to play our game. We knew Harlingen (High) was going to come in ready, they just came off a big win against San Benito, and that shows their skill level.”

Meanwhile, the Lady Cards are still alive in the playoff picture with a 2-5 record. They will take on unbeaten Los Fresnos before wrapping up their season with Harlingen South and Brownsville Rivera.

In the loss, Taegan Dickey led the team in kills with 25, Desiree Sanchez finished with 21 kills and nine blocks, Alina Prado had eight digs, and Gabby Serna collected nine blocks.