FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

RAYMONDVILLE — For the better part of the season, the Raymondville Bearkats have been successful because of their ability to be consistent across the board.

Friday night’s victory over the Kingsville King Brahmas was no different, with the exception of one breakout player: Zaraivion Armendarez. The sophomore standout had two big touchdowns and one interception on defense to lead the Bearkats to a 45-10 victory.

“Offensively we just kept after it, but Zaraivion had a hellacious night,” Raymondville coach Frank Cantu said. “He’s been slowly being put more and more into the offense. Xavier Ledesma caught some great passes and I thought Jacob (Posas) passed the ball really well, and everybody as a whole I think we just played some solid football.”

Armendarez scored on a 37-yard touchdown run and 65-yard touchdown reception before almost returning an interception for another TD.

“Last week he had a big week, and this week he had another,” Cantu said. “When he touches the ball good things happen, so this week we were able to give him the ball a few more times and every time he gets it something exciting happens. We are very happy for the way he is coming along because he is a great asset to have. And then you throw in Marcus Capetillo, who also had a big night as well.”

Armendarez finished the night with 71 yards rushing, 74 yards receiving. Last week against St. Joseph, the sophomore had 100 yards receiving.

The Bearkats’ offense has been consistent this season. Against Grulla, the Bearkats tallied 408 yards of offense, against Lyford they had 488 yards, they put up 471 yards against St. Joseph and, against Kingsville King, the Bearkats again produced a consistent 477 yards.

Defensively, the Bearkats had another impressive night, allowing 134 yards (95 yards during the first half, 39 yards in the second).

“I’m real happy with the way the defense has been playing,” Cantu said. “We have just been tackling well, and I’m super proud of the way these guys are coming out and playing football right now.”

GAME NOTES: Posas again had a big night, passing for 206 yards. The senior started the scoring with a 47-yard touchdown run to put the Bearkats up 7-0. During the third quarter, Posas threw a precise pass to Armendarez to stretch Raymondville’s lead to 31-3. … Capetillo broke a 49-yard touchdown run during the third quarter. The senior running back/cornerback finished with 87 yards and one TD. … Justin Cantu make his biggest mark on the game during the fourth quarter. After the Brahmas scored their only touchdown with 1:41 left in the game, Cantu took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 88 yards for a touchdown.

SAN BENITO—Separated by 586 miles from Midland to San Benito, West Texas meets South Texas in the final week of non-district play.

The Hounds as most of their district will square off against district 2-6A this weekend. San Benito will host Midland Lee at 4 p.m. Saturday at Bobby Morrow Stadium.

Harlingen, Harlingen South Los Fresnos and Brownsville Hanna will also meet teams out of district 2-6A. Ironically, enough both District 32-6A and 2-6A are the only two 6A districts with a six team district.

“At realignment they posted a list of teams that also needed games and for Midland Lee they were in the same predicament as us, with their district also being cut to six teams,” said San Benito coach Dan Gomez. “We started to see teams come up on the board and once we saw that, we got on the phone and worked on getting the games going.”

This will be the first time the Rebels face the Greyhounds. San Benito however is no stranger when it comes to facing a state power. Earlier this season, San Benito traveled to Calallen and took on the Wildcats.

“After we played Calallen, it gave us confidence,” said Gomez. “It is always good to go toe-to-toe with a strong program. Any time you get teams to come down to play in the Valley and experience football here in the Valley it becomes an eye opener,” Gomez said. “Rio Grande Valley football is football, it is Texas high school football and there isn’t any better place than here in the Valley the fans come out and they are passionate about it and when the teams come down here they realize it and see how special it is.”

For senior wide receiver Mitch Guajardo, the thought of playing against Midland Lee never crossed his mind and is taking the opportunity as not only as an experience, but seeing it as an opportunity to get better as a team.

“I’ve seen the movie Friday Night Lights when Odessa Permian plays Midland Lee and I never thought that one day I would be playing them,” Guajardo said. “In the movie you see how good they are and they get after it and that is something that excites us.”

Getting to know the Rebels:

Midland Lee opened their doors in the fall of 1961. The Rebels have won three straight 5A UIL state titles in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Those three titles are the only state titles in program history but have reached the state semifinals four times.

The Rebels became the first 5A program to win three straight state titles. The 1999 season marked a special season for the Rebels. Midland Lee went undefeated and won a national championship that same year. The offense was led by Cedric Benson and coach John Parchmann.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The Hawks ground game has taken a step forward in 2018. South has found their guys in junior running back Corban Hendrick and senior Emilio Quiroz.

Through four games this year Hendrick has ran for 289 yards and four scores, while Quiroz has rushed for 305 yards on 47 carries and two scores. The duo have made a nice combo of thunder and lighting through the ground attack.

The Star had a chance to catch up with the Hawks running backs.

Q: When you run the ball what is your mentality?

Emilio: It is to seek and destroy.

Q: Walk us through your game day routine, do you keep it the same?

Emilio: I get ready for the day by getting a good breakfast and staying hydrated. Throughout the day I go over a few touches before the game watching film eat a good meal before the game and get ready to go to work.

Q: What where some things you worked on in the offseason?

Emilio: Getting my body ready for the season. I worked on footwork, strength and stamina. I put in a lot of work that people don’t see.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would it be?

Emilio: It would be Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch. I like his style of running and just getting a chance to talk to one of the best in the NFL. It would be cool to ask for tips and getting to know him would be a life time opportunity.

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

Emilio: Everything I do is like a challenge. I do a lot of things on my own time to improve myself and to help my team come out on top. I look up to my uncle Leo Araguz who played in the NFL from 1996-2001 and from 2003-2006. He motivates me to be the best player I can be.

CORBAN

Q: You made the switch from slot WR to running back how was the transition?

Corban: Making that transition from slot receiver to running back wasn’t that difficult. As a freshman I played running back and I loved it and now playing it as a junior I feel like that is the position I belong in.

Q: Talk about the 1-2 punch you and Emilio bring to the offense?

Corban: Emilio and I bring something to the table that no other team has. We both have a lot of power and we both have a lot of speed if we need a first down you can count on either Emilio or I to get that first down, touchdown or anything we need to win.

Q: What is the toughest part about playing running back?

Corban: The toughest part of being a running back is the constant pounding. There is not a play on the field where we do not get hit every single time we get the ball and 11 guys on their defense are trying to tackle us. But being able to take that pounding and still go 100 percent is part of playing the position.

Q: What is the most expensive thing you’ve broken?

Corban: The most expensive thing I have broken would have to be a $400 speed flex helmet.

Q: If you could pick a super power what would it be and why?

Corban: If I could pick a super power it would definitely be to be able to fly, because I would be able to travel anywhere in the world without paying for a plane ticket and it would be way faster.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — “Mean and Nasty,” that is Rio Hondo’s motto on defense. Led by a variety of hard hitters, the Bobcats defense is proving to be one of the Valley’s stingiest defensive units.

Flashback to La Joya Juarez Lincoln in week one, the Bobcats gave up a couple of big plays in the first half and raised some concern. In the second half, all those concerns were put to rest as the defense flipped the switch and pitched a shutout.

Since then, Rio Hondo’s defense has been lights out. Through four games this season, the defense has pitched two shutouts and has recorded three or more turnovers in each of their games. The defense is also yielding just 13 points per game this season and is averaging 5.5 turnovers a game.

“It has been a process from last year. We knew the defense was young, but this year the defense has matured so much and that has been the difference,” said Rio Hondo head coach Rocky James. “We have a lot of seniors on this defense and it is like night and day from last year to now, all these guys have big games under their belt so we are happy on where our defense is at right now.”

Against the Bloodhounds, Rio Hondo forced a season high 10 turnovers while the secondary was all over the field picking off a season high four passes. If that did not stick out, against Hidalgo the defense completely shut down the Pirates.

Rio Hondo allowed just 58 total yards and stuffed the offense for -5 yards in the first half.

The Bobcats are strong up front with Justin Flores and Troy Macias. Flores who is off to a strong start this year brings a physical presence off the edge.

“I have one motor and that is to go,” Flores said. “I play hard and fast and I try and keep that up all year. This year I have really tried to step up and lead my team not just for myself, but for my team.”

The linebacking core is as good as any in the Valley. Gabriel Martinez, Joey Ortega and Jesus Garay make up the three linebackers.

“We kept the mean and nasty mindset whenever we hit the field,” Martinez said. “We want to be and we are the hardest hitting team on the field. We have put in the work over the summer and spend a lot of time together to get things right defensively.”

The next challenge for the Bobcats will be Friday at home against a familiar adversary in the Grulla Gators.

“They are a good team and are very well coached,” James said. The key for the Bobcats is to not overlook the Gators with La Feria looming in week six.

“The kids are looking forward to the La Feria game but they understand that the focus this week is against Grulla. It is homecoming for us this week, but this is why we have home coming in a non district game. But the kids are focused and ready for the Gators on Friday.”

By KEVIN NARRO AND MARK MOLINA

Staff Writers

Harlingen High will hit the road and travel to Midland High. It is the first trip for the Cardinals out west in recent memory. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.

The last time the Cardinals met a West Texas opponent was in 2011, when they beat Abilene High 45-44 at Hero’s Stadium in San Antonio.

Big Red is coming off a tough 7-0 loss to Weslaco East, as their offense struggled to generate yards.

Junior quarterback Jaime Galvan threw for 46 yards and went 5 for 13 through the air. Galvan ran for 11 yards on 12 carries, both season lows for the lefty.

The Cards will look to rejuvenate the aerial attack with wideouts Damon Cantu and Joe Reyna.

VISIT FROM AFAR: Harlingen South saw their two-game winning streak snapped against Weslaco High this past Friday. South will play host to Odessa High at 11 a.m. Saturday.

The Hawks struggled to generate a rushing attack against the Panthers. Corban Hendrick ran for a season-low 32 yards on 15 carries, and Emilo Quiroz rushed for 37 yards on 11 carries.

For the Hawks to be successful Saturday, the rushing attack will need to find its form.

PREP CONTINUES: The Greyhounds dropped their match to Laredo United on Friday at home.

San Benito will be looking for answers on the offensive side of the ball. After rushing for 481 yards against PSJA, the ’Hounds mustered 218 yards on the ground against Laredo United.

San Benito will look to Frankie Garcia and Kyler Castilleja to carry the workload, and senior Jacob Cavazos to guide the offense.

The Midland Lee Rebels will make their first trip to the Rio Grande Valley. It will be the first time the two programs will have met.

AIR PATROL: The Los Fresnos Falcons lost 34-13 to Edinburg Vela on Friday night, but their defense was solid and featured a couple of big plays from defensive back Isaiah Muniz.

Muniz grabbed a pair of first-quarter interceptions off Sabercats quarterback Anthony Sotelo.

The first came on the third play from scrimmage and was returned 62 yards for a score, and the second came three plays later.

Munoz’s pick-six was the second for Los Fresnos in two weeks, with Johnny Cadengo returning an Edcouch-Elsa interception 72 yards during the second quarter of their Week 3 matchup.

In four games, the Falcons’ defense has recorded six interceptions and held opponents to 112 yards passing per game.

Los Fresnos’ next challenge comes from the Odessa Permian Panthers and quarterback Peyton Powell, who went 13 of 19 for 222 yards and one score in an 18-0 victory Friday night at Southlake Carroll.

ROLLING EARLY: The Hanna Golden Eagles’ offense has been moving like a well-oiled machine this season and is a big part of why the team is off to a 2-1 start.

In their two wins this season, Hanna has posted 919 yards of offense.

The Golden Eagles opened the season with a 459-yard performance during a 49-28 win over McAllen Memorial and, during this past week’s comeback win over Sharyland High, they racked up another 460 yards.

During their lone loss at Edinburg Vela, Hanna still managed 346 yards of offense. The Eagles average 421 yards per game, which is good for second in the district behind San Benito (436 ypg).

Running back Cesar Mancias is second in the district with 362 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 58 carries, and quarterback Victor Campos has passed for 546 yards and six touchdowns on 30 of 57 passing.

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

The Santa Rosa Warriors picked up their second consecutive victory of the season with a 21-0 win over Progreso in Week 4.

One reason for the team’s continued success this season is due to senior running back Ryan Mesa, who rushed for an impressive 176 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.

So far this season, Mesa has accumulated 496 yards and five touchdowns on 60 carries through the team’s first four games.

A few other players adding to Santa Rosa attacking threat are Mike Bermea (eight receptions, 132 yards, two TDs), Robert Bentley (seven receptions, 98 yards, Two TDs), Jose Diaz-Mendez (25 carries, 233 yards) and quarterback Jose Ruiz (13 of 28, 266 yards).

While the game against Progreso was another positive sign that the team is headed in the right direction, it also signaled the end of Santa Rosa’s non-district schedule. This week, the Warriors kick off the District 16-3A DII portion of the season at home against Odem.

KEEPING UP

Despite graduating a few key defensive players, the Raymondville Bearkats’ defense seems to not have lost a beat from last season. Through the team’s first four games, the defense has allowed an average of only 173 yards per game.

This past weekend against Brownsville St. Joseph, the Bearkats held the Bloodhounds to minus-24 yards of rushing and 192 yards passing. This week, Raymondville will hope to continue that trend against a Kingsville King offense that has amassed 941 yards this season.

A few key reason for the Bearkats’ defensive success this season are Cole Cooley (35 tackles), Noe Zambrano (28 tackles), and Thomas Zambrano (23 tackles).

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — The defending district champs have found their groove and are heading into the second round of district play with confidence.

On Tuesday, La Feria swept Rio Hondo 25-17, 25-16, 25-16 and is 6-1 through the first round of 32-4A play.

The Lionettes’ only blemish came against Hidalgo earlier this season. Hidalgo picked up a win Tuesday night and remained in sole possession of first place with a 7-0 district record.

“We are feeling really good right now,” La Feria’s Natalie Gonzalez said. “We had a little bit of a hiccup against Hidalgo, but since then we have re grouped and have studied our opponents better, and we have made adjustments and we are excited for the second round.”

La Feria begins the second round of district play against Progeso on Saturday.

“We are still working on staying consistent, that is always a challenge,” La Feria coach Rebea Fraga said. “Hidalgo is our only loss, so the challenge is to keep pace with Hidalgo, and when that game comes we want to be ready. Now that we are in the back half of district, it’s about seeding and having an opportunity to compete for district.”

La Feria has won four straight and, Tuesday, the Lionettes wasted no time in getting ahead of Rio Hondo.

Sierra Salinas led the offensive attack with a team-high 14 kills along with one block, three digs and one ace. Karina Diaz fed the offense with a team-high 26 assists and finished with nine digs and one ace. Felicity Watson led the team in digs with 11.

“We worked together as a team through the first half, that was big for us,” Diaz said. “We found a rotation that we liked, and we are playing good volleyball right now. We still have some things we need to work on, but we are rotating girls around and whoever is put in, it does not matter, we know we can get the job done.”

Meanwhile, Rio Hondo finishes the first round with a 3-4 record and is in the mix for a playoff bid. Against La Feria, senior Taylor Gomez notched seven kills and 13 digs, and teammate Kelsey Pizarro finished with four kills and 13 digs.

Rio Hondo will travel to unbeaten Hidalgo (7-0) on Saturday.

TEACHER VS. STUDENT

The past four years, Lizzette Esparza patrolled courtside for the Lionettes, serving as an assistant under Fraga.

Esparza is now the head coach in Rio Hondo and, Tuesday, Esparza faced her former team for the first time.

“It was tough, I had to stop and mentally prepare for it, but I told the girls this game was about us and keeping our spot for the playoffs,” Esparza said. “When I left PSJA Memorial and came to La Feria, I grew as a volleyball coach under Coach Fraga, she is phenomenal at what she does. At first we were coworkers, and now over time we became good friends and I talk to her every night, we have a great relationship.”

Fraga also had high praise for her former assistant.

“At first it was really awkward seeing her dressed as an opponent,” Fraga said. “This was the first time I faced her as an opponent. We have seen each other at tournaments but we had not played each other until tonight. Once the whistle blew we led our teams, but of course after the match we were back to being friends.”

HARLINGEN — After an emotional loss earlier in the week to Harlingen High, San Benito needed a win and got one.

Alysa Naranjo led the offense with a team-high 17 digs en route to a convincing 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 win Saturday against Harlingen South.

“ This was such an important win for us today,” Naranjo said. “We fell short against Harlingen (High) and that really hurt us, so we came out today motivated and ready to play.”

The win gives the Lady ’Hounds their first district win of the year, avoiding an 0-2 league start. With the district minimized, there is less room for error. San Benito next plays host to Brownsville Hanna on Tuesday.

Hanna picked up a win against Harlingen High earlier Saturday, improving to 2-0 in league play.

“ I told the girls (that) each week is going to be tough,” San Benito coach Ruby Medina said. “It was important for us to win today. The loss against Harlingen (High) hurt us, but we learned from it and it showed today. The girls came together and communicated well today.”

San Benito came out slow in the first set, falling behind 7-1. Later in the set, the Lady ’Hounds rallied and found their footing, and took the lead and never gave it back. During the second and third sets, San Benito built early leads and kept its offensive attack going behind Naranjo.

Devany Castillo finished with 12 kills, Sarah Garcia notched 27 digs and two aces. Sarah Garcia checked in with 27 digs and two aces, and Hailey Rodriguez had a team-high 33 digs. Teammate Ariel Garcia fed the offense with 33 assists, two aces and 12 digs.

“ I’m happy with the way the girls came out and played,” Medina said. “That is my team, and today they played like I knew they could. I told the girls whoever has fewer errors will win, because each week is very tough, everyone in this district is really good. There is no room to relax.”

The Lady Hawks, meanwhile, will regroup and travel to Brownsville Rivera for a game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Rivera and South are 0-2 in district play and will be looking for their first district win of the year.

Mikela Mireles led the Lady Hawks with 19 kills, Mya Aguirre and Allyah Guevara each finished with 18 digs, and Dolores Mendoza ended with 15 assists.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — In what was one of the more odd endings to a game fans could see, Weslaco East picked up a gut-check 7-0 victory over Harlingen High on Friday night at Boggus Stadium.

With less than two minutes to go, Cardinals wide receiver Joe Reyna took a 50-yard punt return for what looked to be the potential tying touchdown.

The officials overturned the call, saying Reyna did not have full possession of the ball when he crossed the goal line. The call ended up in a touchback, giving East the ball at the 20-yard line.

“It is a bang-bang play,” Cardinals coach Manny Gomez said. “But I will go in and watch the film, and watch that play over again.”

The Cardinals’ offense was stymied all night. It generated two solid drives, one during the first quarter and one on its final drive of the first half.

Weslaco East’s special teams came up with a blocked field goal and kept the Harlingen High offense outside of the red zone for the rest of the first half.

“You got to give credit to Weslaco East,” Gomez said. “They play hard and that is what they do, they pound the ball. I told the kids you have non-district games for a reason, and we play certain teams for a reason and that is to make us better.”

The game’s only score came on a 2-yard touchdown run from quarterback Vladimir Cedeno that put East up 7-0 with 6:37 remaining in the first quarter.

East (1-2) picked up its first win of the year and next meets Donna North in Week 5. Harlingen High (2-1), meanwhile, will regroup and hit the road for a Saturday matchup at Midland High.

“We did not slow (East) down enough, but it is what it is and that is how their offense works. That is the whole thing about facing an offense like that, you overshift one way and something can happen, but, hey, that’s football,” Gomez said.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Both the Cardinals and Hawks will take on a familiar opponent in week four. Harlingen High will host Weslaco East, while South will hit the road and take on Weslaco at Bobby Lackey stadium.

Both games are set for a 7:30 kickoff.

The Hawks have won two straight and will be on the road for the first time since week one. Over the last two weeks, South has found their form on the ground with their rushing attack. Both Emilio Quiroz and Corban Hendrick have provided the Hawks offense with a strong one-two punch.

Last year the Hawks fell short against the Panthers falling 28-25, at the time, the two were district opponents, now in 2018, Weslaco is now a part of District 31-6A.

The Panthers are under second-year head Coach Michael Salinas, and in year-two, the Panthers seem to have a firm grip of Salinas’ system.

“Coach Salinas does a great job with his kids, he has another year with his kids in the system and I’m familiar with that,” said Hawks coach Brian Ricci. “I know what that is like when I first got here I was teaching a new system to the kids.”

Panthers quarterback Jacob Cavazos is off to a hot start in 2018. The senior has thrown for 387 yards and has thrown for nine scores. Cavazos is just as effective on the ground. Cavazos has ran for 267 yards and three scores.

“He (Jacob) is someone we have to keep an eye on,” Ricci said.” He is a great athlete and can run the ball very well. We have watched the film and have been preparing for it all week.”

Big Red eager to get back to work

After their highly anticipated matchup against Converse Judson was called off due to weather, the Harlingen Cardinals will get back to work tonight at home against Weslaco East.

Like the Hawks, the Cardinals will face a former district opponent in the Wildcats.

“The juice is always flowing here at Harlingen, the kids are ready to go,” said Cards coach Manny Gomez. “We are ready for the challenge and we know it will be a physical game and that is what we train for.”

Anytime you get a Gomez, Mike Burget squad there will be some heavy hitting. The Wildcats defense is led by linebacker Freddy Cardenas and defensive lineman Jacob Banda.

“Coach Burget and his staff do a great job and they go hard and they do it well,” said Gomez. “It will be a nice evening for some physical football. Every Friday night is different, sometimes a player has a good game sometimes they will have a bad game, but we are going to approach it like we always do.”

The Cardinal offense will be up for the challenge, with junior quarterback Jaime Galvan who has impressed over the first few weeks of the season. Galvan will look for senior wide out Joe Reyna and running back Ralph Castellanos.