FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — For the La Feria Lions the message heading into tonight’s game against Port Isabel was clear: stay humble and stay hungry.

The Lions are currently on a three-game win streak, however La Feria head coach Oscar Salinas knows there is plenty of room to improve.

“We’ve done well, but we still have to get better each week,” said Salinas. “We have to keep working because we are not there yet. We are not at good as we want to be and as good as we know we can be. We had a good week in practice and I think they understand.

“They understand that it is not going to be a cake walk. They know they are not going to just walk in and win the game and they know they have to get it done in practice and they know they have to come out fired up and ready to play.”

With one year of varsity ball under his belt, quarterback Dorian Hernandez has stepped in and has had an impressive start to the season. This year the junior has passed for 293 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. Another offensive player playing a big role on the team is senior Darius Hernandez who has hauled in 14 receptions for 133 yards with one touchdown.

While players like Dorian Hernandez and Darius Hernandez have played a pivotal in the Lions early success, Coach Salinas believes his offensive line consisting of Jose Lugo, Jonathan Alegria, Nathan Morales, and Alex Yerena have been the real backbone of the offense.

“I think the growth of our offensive line where we had to replace five players has done a real good job,” said Salinas. “They have really done a good job of gelling together and by far the biggest improvement in our offense.”

Tonight’s matchup against the Tarpons is one that goes back at least 60 years. During the 59 times the two sides have met, the Tarpons lead the series with 38 wins, 18 defeats and three ties.

Tonight’s game will be at Lions Stadium at 7:30 pm.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN PERLITA — The question heading into the 2018 cross country season, was who will step in and lead the pack for the Trojans.

San Perlita has won two straight district titles and has their sights on a third. The Trojans lost three of their top runners from last year, but returned a hand full of runners with experience.

“I graduated three seniors, and that was a hole I knew we would have to replace,” said Trojans coach Nataniel Garza. “Coming into this year I was looking for someone to step up and we have some strong freshman that have stepped up and the returning members that returned they have gotten better. The kids have stepped up to the challenge and are ready.”

The Trojans top four runners are freshman Diego Ortiz, sophomore Andrew Reoh and brothers Bryan and James Herrera.

“I worked on something’s over the offseason and coach pushes us to get better each day,” Reoh said. “The preparation this year was a lot tougher, from the work outs to the running, but it has made us better. We have competed in a few meets already and that helps us with the team chemistry, we motivate each other.”

As for the Herrera brothers, James is a sophomore while Bryan is a senior. The two are looking at another successful year and enjoying their final full season together.

“It’s great to be alongside my brother,” James said. “We are always together working out and getting better.”

“We work hard and push ourselves every day,” Bryan added. “It means a lot to our family for them to come out and see us play. Not a lot of people can say they get to play with their family. I love being able to be a long side my brother, I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.”

The Trojans have competed in three different meets this year and will compete in this Saturday’s Meet of Champs in Donna. October 10th will be the district meet for the Trojans.

“When I was in junior high I would watch the varsity compete and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Ortiz said. “I’m glad to be a part of the family now and I have learned so much from the older guys. The tempo and speed was faster when I got here, but I’ve learned and adjusted and I’m ready to help the team succeed this year.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Senior linebacker AJ Garcia has provided just about everything a coach can ask for in a player, a strong work ethic, leadership and a hard-hitting presence at one of the toughest positions on the field.

Garcia is in his final year as a Greyhound and has gotten off to a strong start and is eager to help guide the Hounds to another district title.

The Valley Morning Star got a chance to catch up with Garcia.

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Q: Playing the linebacker position is a physical and demanding position, what is the best part about playing LB?

AJ: When I play linebacker there is a chance for me to be in the play and that motivates me.

Q: What is the toughest part about playing LB that people don’t see?

AJ: Every week is a different offense and as a LB if you want to get the edge on them you have to study that certain offense.

Q: You wear number six, any reason behind that number?

AJ: The first number I wore when I started playing sports was six, now it being my last year in high school I thought it would be pretty cool if I got to wear the number once again.

Q: Where is the toughest place to play in your opinion?

AJ: That’s a tough one, but I would have to say Los Fresnos. It’s a different atmosphere there, but I like it.

Q: Who is your favorite NFL LB and why?

AJ: Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly. He’s an all around LB, he can stop the run and drop into coverage. I try to copy his play style a little bit.

Q: Who do you look up to the most and why?

AJ: I look up to my dad. He’s a hard worker and is well respected too. I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m thankful for having a good role model that I could look up too.

Q: What’s your favorite hobby outside of football?

AJ: Outside of football I try to spend as much time with my family and friends.

Q: What is your favorite pre game meal?

AJ: Dominos Pasta.

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — The La Feria Lions have started the season on fire winning their first three games against Raymondville, Santa Rosa, and Mercedes. One reason the Lions have been so successful this season is due to senior Darius Hernandez.

Aside from his responsibilities as a wide receiver where he has hauled in 14 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown, Hernandez has also played a pivotal roll on special teams.

“Darius is our guy, and he’s been a three year starter,” said La Feria head coach Oscar Salinas. “He’s done a great job moving from running back to receiver, he’s been a great teammate and he’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do.

“We wanted to use him in space this year, we tried him at slot toward the end of last year and he did good job so we just kept him there this year.”

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Hernandez before La Feria’s game against Port Isabel.

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Q: It’s your senior season, what are some goals you have set for yourself?

DARIUS: A few goals I have set for my senior year is to win an outright 16-4A DII District Championship, hopefully earn a scholarship to compete at the next level, win offensive MVP, and have my best season with over 1000+ receiving yards.

Q: This season the Lions have played in three straight rivalry games, heading into another this week, do you have any favorite memories from any of the rivalries you have played in?

DARIUS: A few of my favorite memories would firstly have to be being able to come out victorious against our last 3 rivalry games, especially against Mercedes and finally being able to get a victory. Second, being able to keep our win streak against Santa Rosa alive for the past few years. Lastly, scoring my first touchdown of the season against Mercedes and help spark the offense to rack up more points.

Q: What’s the team’s mentality heading into the game against Port Isabel?

DARIUS: We have the mindset to start moving right off the back, get the ball moving offensively, and making big stops on defense. We wanna be able to show that our offense can rack up 40+ points a game along with showing why we are the number one defense in the Valley. This is the type of mentality we have going into every game, especially with coach Salinas always telling us to never let off the gas pedal.

Q: You’ve had plenty of positive moments in your athletic career, but which one stands out the most in your mind?

DARIUS: One major moment that truly will never be forgotten is playing against China Springs in the second round of playoffs my freshman year. It’s something that I look back at a lot due to the fact that I can say I played against big teams like that along with going two rounds deep.

Q: What is your favorite sports quote?

DARIUS: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed,” by Michael Jordan. It showed me that no matter what happens in life, you just have to keep on moving forward, and great things will come.

Q: What is the toughest part of being a wide receiver?

DARIUS: In my opinion, as receiver that plays fullback, tight end, and running back, remembering the blocking schemes, running plays, and routes, make it extremely difficult; especially with a fast pace offense that we have.

Q: It’s your senior season, what are you going to remember most about your time at La Feria?

DARIUS: Two things I’ll never forget about my time here at LFHS are all the great memories that I created from the very start with extracurricular activities and my select few friends. Without those two major factors in my life, my high school year may not have been as memorable as it is today.

Q: What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome this season?

DARIUS: Playing our first game of the season with our second string quarterback who had little to no varsity experience, who was also a sophomore. Although we may have won, it took both sides of the ball to truly come together and win a ball game even without our starting quarterback. But like they say god gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and our first game was truly a tough battle.

Q: If you could have dinner with anybody who would it be and why?

DARIUS: My great grandmother Gela, who passed away a couple years ago. Having dinner with her would be an opportunity of a lifetime, because being able to tell her how everyone is doing back home would bring a smile to her face. Along with sitting next to her and holding her hand just like I used to when she was here with us.

Q: What’s the best advice you would give to the future athlete?

DARIUS: I would first tell them to worry about academics because having a great academic background will go along way if something were to happen. Secondly introducing them to self confidence and how to never give up on their dreams, goals, along with never letting anyone tell them they can accomplish anything in life.

MARK MOLINA AND KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writers

There will be only one matchup in the Rio Grande Valley that will feature two teams ranked in the RGVSports.com Top 10 poll in Week 4.

That game will feature No. 1 Edinburg Vela and the No. 6 Los Fresnos Falcons at 7:30 p.m. this Friday night at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium. It will be the first time the two teams have met in Vela’s seven-year history, and it is slated to be a big one as both teams are riding a wave of momentum.

Los Fresnos Falcons (2-1) has been on a roll as of late with a pair of impressive victories, the latest coming in a dominating 42-13 win at Edcouch-Elsa.

Meanwhile, Vela (3-0) is coming off a 41-20 win at McAllen Memorial in Week 3.

Elsewhere in District 32-6A, the No. 4 Hanna Golden Eagles (1-1) will be back in action after rain caused their date Weslaco East to be canceled.

Hanna will welcome the 1-1 Sharyland High Rattlers at 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Sams Memorial Stadium.

The Golden Eagles last were in action Sept. 7, when they lost 35-20 at Edinburg Vela, and Sharyland High is coming off a 31-7 drubbing at the hands of La Joya High on Friday night.

The Rivera Raiders hit the road in search of their first win when against Sharyland Pioneer. Rivera sits 0-3 after a 35-3 loss at Valley View Thursday night and has been outscored 129-28 this season.

Sharyland Pioneer is coming in at 1-2 after a close 21-17 loss at Mission High.

That game also is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start.

STAYING HOT

San Benito has now won two in a row. On Friday, the Greyhounds ran their way to a 46-20 win over PSJA High.

The rushing attack for the ’Hounds was the difference. QB Jacob Cavazos ran for a season-high 180 yards on 12 carries and one score. Through the air, Cavazos went 6 for 9 for 224 yards and a pair of scores.

Senior Frankie Garcia was an all-around weapon. Garcia finished with 203 all-purpose yards and sniffed the end zone three times.

Sophomore running back Kyler Castilleja posted his second straight 100-yard rushing performance. After running for 105 yards against Victoria West, Castilleja broke out for 119 yards on 10 carries and two scores.

The ’Hounds next play host to Laredo United at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

FAMILIAR OPPONENT

The Converse Judson-Harlingen High game will have to wait another year as last week’s clash was canceled due to weather.

This week, Big Red plays host to former district rival Weslaco East at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Cards should benefit from the off-week and will look to keep rolling offensively.

Last season, the Cards lost to the Wildcats 20-17.

TOUGH ROAD TEST

Harlingen South is riding high and has won two in a row.

The Hawks now have a tough road test at Bobby Lackey Stadium against Weslaco High. The Panthers’ offense is averaging 36 points per game, and the team is off to a 3-0 start this season.

South’s rushing attack has been key. Through three games, Corban Hendrick has rushed for 257 yards, and fellow back Emilio Quiroz has rushed for 268 yards.

Through the air, senior wide receiver, Derrick Delgado is off to a strong start. He leads the team in catches with 17 and also leads the team in receiving yards with 247.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — The Battle of the Arroyo never disappoints.

The Lady ’Hounds and Lady Cardinals wrote another chapter in that rivalry. Trailing 2-1, Harlingen High rallied behind Taegan Dickey and Elaine Coronado to win 25-18, 23-25, 13-25, 25-20, 15-13 in an instant classic Tuesday night in San Benito.

“Now is the Time” has been the Lady Cards’ motto all year. With a senior-heavy club, Harlingen High took a step forward with a critical win to begin District 32-6A play.

During the fifth set, Harlingen High raced out to 12-7 lead and looked to be in control. It kept its offensive attack going and pushed to earn a 13-9 lead late until San Benito found a late rhythm and trailed 13-12. That was as close as the Lady ’Hounds got.

“We knew what we could do, we saw that in the first set,” Harlingen High coach Joslynn Torres said. “We had a long two weeks off because of different things. So we knew what we had to work on within those two weeks. Going into the fourth set, we told the girls, we have put in the work, and our coaches did their homework and we prepared our kids for what they were going to see tonight.”

The Lady Cards silenced the San Benito crowd with a 25-18 win in the first set. Although they trailed 12-2 early, the Lady ’Hounds found momentum and kept Harlingen High on its toes with a late rally.

Battling their rivals amid a playoff atmosphere, the Lady Cards lost the next two sets as San Benito found its form. After the second and third set, with the momentum back in San Benito’s favor, Dickey was never rattled.

“We have played in big games before, we knew coming into San Benito it was going to be tough,” Dickey said. “This is where our two weeks off came into play. This is district play, and this is where it counts. The last two sets I told the girls we needed to fight with everything we had, there is no more playing around, and tonight we came together.”

Dickey led the offense with 19 kills, Coronado finished with seven kills, and Desiree Sanchez notched nine kills and five blocks.

“We have worked and worked and worked,” Coronado said. “This is us huge for us. We didn’t get off to a great start, but we continued to work. Tonight it took a lot of mental toughness, we fell behind, but we shook it off and kept playing, and picked each other up.”

With District 32-6A becoming a six-team district, there is less room for error in what is arguably the toughest volleyball district in the Rio Grande Valley.

“To be able to steal a win on the road and set the tone for district play is huge for us,” Torres said. “We have had a tough non-district schedule, and for us to come out with a win in San Benito is everything for us.”

HARLINGEN — The 2018 season has been a roller coaster for the Harlingen High Lady Cardinals. They have been mixing and matching players, trying to find the right stuff prior to the district season.

But one constant has been senior Taegan Dickey. The senior has provided the Lady Cards with consistency and leadership, and is looking to have a key hand in 32-6A play.

Harlingen High will kick off district at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at San Benito.

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

Q: With district play coming up, how has the team progressed, what are some things that you all have improved on?

TD: I would say with district coming up, our team has progressed so much. We are now communicating and encouraging each other so much better on the court. I think everybody finally knows their role and where they fit on this team.

Q: You are off to a great start, what has been working for you this season?

TD: This season I have been able to push my teammates, and having them look up to me as a leader has helped me want to improve for them. My teammates and coaches always come before me.

Q: Has it hit you yet that this is your senior year?

TD: It has definitely hit me that it is my senior year, but I am excited for what the rest of the season holds and how we will perform in district.

Q: Walk us through your game day. What are some things you do?

TD: I try to keep my game days pretty stress-free. We have volleyball first period, where we just try to relax and play around, then of course I have my very busy day at school, and before our game we set up the game net, go over our rotations and do a few drills to get us ready for the game.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

TD: My pregame rituals consist of me braiding a lot of the girls’ hair and getting a good warmup in. We like to let loose before the game and get all of the pregame jitters out by playing a few games and praying. I do have three superstitions where I can’t use anything of our opponents’ colors throughout the day, let anyone else do my hair, and I also have to stand closest to the net during (the) warmup and when they call for captains.

Q: Once volleyball is over and you get into basketball, how different is the turnaround from playing one sport to another?

TD: The transition into volleyball and basketball is so much different. I go from jumping and timing to hit the ball or setting the ball at a certain place and time, to running up and down the court and working to perfect my shot, which can take a couple of weeks to get back in the groove.

Q: Who is your favorite superhero?

TD: I don’t really have a favorite superhero.

Q: What is your favorite Disney movie?

TD: My favorite Disney movie is a close one between Beauty and the Beast, Coco, and The Little Mermaid.

Q: What is your go-to order at Whataburger?

TD: My go-to order at Whataburger would definitely have to be a No. 1, plain and dry with cheese, fries, spicy ketchup for sure, and a sweet tea for sure!

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

TD: I also do track, but I’ve always wished that my parents would have put me in softball! It looks so fun to me, and I feel like I would have really enjoyed it.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Greyhounds and Bears, oh my.

One of the Rio Grande Valley’s top gunslingers, PSJA High quarterback Trey Guajardo, and San Benito’s rising star, quarterback Jacob Cavazos, went toe to toe during Friday’s primetime matchup, but the night belonged to the running backs.

The ’Hounds overcame a warm, muggy night and used a strong rushing attack led by Frankie Garcia and Kyler Castilleja to steamroll PSJA High 46-20 in San Benito’s 2018 home opener Friday night at Bobby Morrow Stadium.

The ’Hounds (2-1) have won two straight and next play host to Laredo United at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21.

“It feels good to be back home. We had two long road trips to start the season against some really good programs,” San Benito coach Dan Gomez said. “We opened up at home against a strong team in PSJA, and we were able to have some success against them. It’s a good thing.”

San Benito scored on its first two drives, setting the tone for the night. After recovering a fumble, the ’Hounds scored on the next play via a 30-yard touchdown run from Garcia. On the next drive, Castilleja punched it in from 11 yards out, giving the ’Hounds a 12-0 lead late in the first quarter.

The ’Hounds scored often and early during the first half. After a 39-yard pass and catch to Mitch Guajardo, Cavazos ran for his first of two rushing touchdowns on the night. Cavazos’ score made it 19-3 ’Hounds right before the half.

During the second half, Cavazos picked up where he left off. On their first play of the second half, Cavazos dashed down the sideline for a 76-yard score, and if that didn’t dazzle the crowd, on the next drive, Cavazos hit Garcia for a 64-yard strike, putting the ’Hounds in cruise control, 33-6.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Gomez said. “There are some things we need to clean up. PSJA gave us some challenges, but we were fortunate to come out on top and the kids gave it their best tonight.”

San Benito scored four times from 50 yards or more Friday night. Later in the second half, Cavazos found Garcia again, this time from 57 yards out, then later hit Castilleja on a 55-yard pass.

“Our passing game and running game were clicking tonight,” Garcia said. “We put in our work and watched film and studied. Right now we are feeling good, we come in to practice and we are ready to work. Tonight was our home opener and as a senior there is emotions, but there is always emotions when we play at home. I love playing for San Benito.”

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

RAYMONDVILLE–Jacob Posas’ 57-yard touchdown scamper down the home side of the field within two minutes of starting the game should have been an indication that the Lyford Bulldogs were in for a long night.

If it wasn’t, the four touchdowns the Bearkats scored during the second quarter did the trick.

Posas passed for 110 yards and one touchdown, and rushed for another 124 yards and two touchdowns as the Bearkats handedly defeated the Bulldogs 49-0 in the annual Cotton Bowl on Friday night.

With the win, Raymondville improved to 2-1 and hits the road to face Brownsville St. Joseph next week.

“ First and foremost, I’d like to give all the glory to God because I feel so blessed to be here, I feel so blessed to have these kids come out here and play with heart and play with class,” Raymondville coach Frank Cantu said. “We said we were going to come out strong and we did. Last week against Grulla we had a bad third quarter, and that was one of our goals to just come out strong in the second half.”

Offensively, the Bearkats amassed a total of 488 yards, with Posas leading the way.

“Jacob is finding his own way,” Cantu said. “He’s been the starting quarterback but he has never really had those kind of reps, and with every game you can see him improve. He’s getting good reads, and he is a hard tough-nosed quarterback that can run.

“Today, we wanted to show that he can also throw the ball. Because of the score we weren’t able to do much throwing, but we did want to come out and throw a bit, and I think we showed today that he can throw and run. I’m just proud of the way that he is coming along.”

If there was any optimism that the Bulldogs could turn things around during the second half, it took less than one minute to think twice. It took Raymondville a handful of plays in the third quarter to add to the score as Posas found Zaravian Aremendarez in the end zone to increase the lead to 42-0.

Defensively, the Bearkats posted another shutdown performance, holding the Bulldogs to 127 yards and two interceptions.

“I’m so happy the way we’ve been coming along,” Cantu said of the defense. “We’re tackling and we’re very aggressive, and the kids are doing a great job. We are filling in really nicely for what we lost last year, but we just have to come out and keep it going.”

Offensively, Lyford produced 79 yards during the first half and just 48 in the second.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 2-1. They head to George West to start the district season Sept. 28.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — With the threat of weather being the talk of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen South brought some thunder and lightning of its own.

The Hawks used a 67-yard touchdown run from Corban Hendrick and a 68-yard pick-six from Isaac Moreno to fly past McAllen High 38-0 on Thursday night at Boggus Stadium.

South improved to 2-1 on the year and next has a date with Weslaco High on Friday at 7:30 at Bobby Lackey Stadium.

“We put it all together tonight,” Hawks coach Brian Ricci said. “On all three phases of the game we didn’t make mistakes like we have in the past. Everything clicked for us tonight. We played a clean game and played like a team tonight.”

The Hawks’ defense pitched the shutout and used Moreno’s interception return for a touchdown to put the team up 14-0 with 7:04 to play in the first quarter.

“The entire week in practice I was dropping interceptions,” Moreno said. “So I owed it to my teammates that I would get an interception. I saw it was a screen pass and the ball was tipped, and I was able to come down with it. Once I had it in my hands I knew I could take it all the way.”

All night, the offense fed off the defense and the defense fed off the offense. The fireworks began with Hendrick’s run to pay-dirt on the Hawks’ opening possession, setting the tone for the night.

“Corban’s run got us going,” Ricci said. “The defense came out and shut them down, and then we got the ball back and scored quickly, and we gained the momentum early and were able to keep it. I told the kids I’m proud of them on how they played and executed all night.”

Along with Moreno’s strong play, corners Kike Alvarado and Kaleb Solis shut down any attempt at a passing attack from the Bulldogs.

Alvarado came down with an interception of his own during the second quarter that gave South a short field.

The turnover led to points. David Torres hit Brady Bennett for a touchdown that put the Hawks in cruise control, 24-0.

“The way last year went, we knew we had to step up,” Moreno said. “We knew we could be better than that, and all offseason we worked together and it is all paying off. Right now it feels great, we want to change the culture around here.”