FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

Separated by just six miles along road FM506 the La Feria and Santa Rosa football rivalry is one that has stood the test of time, and for La Ferias’ Jacob Garza, it is a game that he has been dreaming of playing in for as long as he can remember.

Last week against the Raymondville Bearkats, Garza intercepted a pass and went the distance for a 60-yard touchdown helping the Lions to a tough 17-7 victory. However, that was last week, this week all Garza can think of is the annual Battle of 506.

The Valley Morning Star had an opportunity to catch up with Garza before today’s game.

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Q: What does the battle of 506 mean to you?

JACOB: The Battle of 506 means a lot to me because they’re our next door neighbors. You want to win every game, but there is an extra bonus when you have the right to say that LF owns the 506.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories from the annual rivalry?

JACOB: My favorite Battle of the 506 memory is last year looking up at the scoreboard at the end of the game to see 47-0. As a defensive player, it’s the ultimate victory when you shut out another team for the whole game.

Q: For people who have not experienced a rivalry like the Battle of 506, what’s the best part of the rivalry?

JACOB: The best part of the 506 rivalry is the atmosphere both fans give off. The fans get extra excited for this heated rivalry which only leads to a better football for both teams.

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

JACOB: Our team’s mentality is to dominate them in every aspect of the game. We are hungry for another strong game, and want to keep the train rolling especially against our rivals.

Q: Growing up did you always see yourself playing in this game?

JACOB: Playing in the Battle of the 506 has been a dream of mine growing up because of all the excitement leading up to the game. It’s surreal that it’s my turn to play and hopefully inspire our future Lions.

Q: Last week you came up with a big interception against Raymondville, where does that moment rank in your football career? What was your reaction after scoring the touchdown?

JACOB: That interception last week has to be atop the list in my football career. With the game on the line and being able to make a big play to help the team win was the ultimate feeling. My initial reaction was, ‘give me some water now or I’ll pass out’, but when I got to the sideline and everyone was cheering I couldn’t help but to get fired up.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — The Bobcats bid farewell to senior quarterback Tyler Bush last school year. Bush, who was a once in a decade QB, passed the torch to the new starting QB, senior Josiah Ortega.

It is safe to say the job is in good hands with Ortega now running the show in Rio Hondo. Ortega made his first regular season start last week at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. Ortega was solid. The senior gunslinger threw for five scores and passed for 215 yards in a 41-21 win.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Rio Hondo’s QB.

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Q: What was is like having your first official start at QB?

Josiah: I really felt comfortable behind my line, even though one of my guys was out with an injury. I know that they’re going to give me the time I need. I have confidence in my line and my receivers.

Q: Walk us through a game day, what are some things you go through on a game day?

Josiah: It’s just another day for me. I can’t over think it. I just need to stay focused and stick to the game plan.

Q: Now both of your brothers are on the varsity, what is that like?

Josiah: Having both of my brothers is really fun and it can also get competitive. Joey which is the linebacker pushes me to find the windows in the defense and hit them on time. He is the best linebacker in our district no doubt. Jonah is a pain but can also do some crazy things by just being himself on the field. It’s funny sometimes when he expects the ball every play. He’s working on his position and will do great things in the future.

Q: How was the transition been moving from safety to quarterback?

Josiah: I feel like it helps me knowing how a safety thinks and how they’re supposed to cover. I also learned from being a backup to Bush.

Q: Do you have any specific songs you listen to get ready for a game?

Josiah: I don’t really listen to music, but whatever the guys have on in the locked room is good.

Q: What is the toughest thing about being a QB that most people might now know?

Josiah: There is a lot of pressure on quarterbacks. I really try to forget about everything as soon as I step on the field with my team. As a quarterback it’s important to keep your guys happy and pull them together.

Q: If you could choose a super power, what would it be?

Josiah: To be able to read minds.

Q: What are you currently binge watching on Netflix?

Josiah : I don’t have Netflix.

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

Josiah: Rugby or Lacrosse.

Q: What is the most expensive thing you have broken?

Josiah: My dirt bike.

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

SANTA ROSA—The Santa Rosa Warriors may not have started the season on the right foot, however with one of the biggest games of the season looming, linebacker Joshua Trevino believes this is the year the Warriors pull out a much needed victory.

In the past 25 years, Santa Rosa has only come away with one victory against the Lions — 2012. That year, the Warriors ended a 20-year losing streak with a 33-21 victory over La Feria. The Warriors will be hoping for another win on Friday.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Trevino before the big game.

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Q: As a Santa Rosa player what does the Battle of 506 mean to you?

JOSHUA: The battle of 506 means a lot to me because it shows which city is better and La Feria has been the winner so far. This week we’re hoping to turn the table around.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories from the annual rivalry?

JOSHUA: Sadly no, but I’m looking forward to making some this year.

Q: The past few seasons have not gone the way the team would have hoped for, what is something the team is doing differently?

JOSHUA: This season we’re mentally stronger and more disciplined than the past few years. We don’t give up instead we fight for all four quarters.

Q: For people who haven’t experienced a rivalry like the Battle of 506, what’s the best part (in your opinion) leading up to the game?

JOSHUA: The best part of it is that you get to see who really wants it more even though La Feria takes it the past few years; the games are really exciting to watch.

Q: What the team’s motto heading into the game?

JOSHUA: We are just going in with that attitude that we’re here for business and that we’re here to win because we’re trying to start something that continues here in Santa Rosa.

Q: Growing up did you always envision yourself playing in this game?

JOSHUA: To be honest, no I never did I never really understood why it was such a big rivalry until my freshmen year, but now that I’m part of it and it’s just crazy.

Q: For those who may not know how what does this game mean for the community?

JOSHUA: It means a lot to the community because it hasn’t been done in a while. So for us to grab a win in this big rivalry it shows that our town is better.

MARK MOLINA AND KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writers

The Hanna Golden Eagles may have opened some eyes following a big 49-28 home win over McAllen Memorial, but coach Mark Guess won’t get ahead of himself.

It was a great showing against a top program in the Rio Grande Valley, but it also was Week 1.

“We definitely saw some of the kids being tested against a team with the history like McAllen Memorial,” Guess said. “It’s good to test yourself against a team like that early, but it is early. We’re still making mistakes we have to clean up; both teams were. We’re both going to get better as the year progresses and, hopefully, in the end, to be in a position to win that district championship.”

The win sets up an early-season showdown between Hanna, which was voted No. 2 in the RGVSports.com football poll, and the No. 1 team Edinburg Vela.

Also, it will be the first meeting between the two since last season’s bi-district playoff, which was won by the Sabercats on a late field goal, so there is much anticipation surrounding the game, though Guess says the teams are much different than last year.

“We’re similar in the fact that we have a lot of returning starters on defense, but we’re still doing some things differently and we had to replace some of those guys that we lost,” Guess said. “(Vela) also lost some kids, so they had holes to fill. Fortunately for both of us, our offseason programs must’ve been on point because we got good kids to fill the spots.

“Vela is a good football team like they were last year and we played with them last year, so we’re hoping that we were able to fill our holes just like they did and that we’ll be able to compete like we did last year.”

The Golden Eagles looked the part against Memorial, as running back Cesar Mancias rushed for 205 yards and three scores, and quarterback Victor Campos threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, both to Miguel Payan.

On defense, Hanna held Memorial to less than 300 yards of total offense.

Galvan, Cards offense erupts vs. D-backs

There was no shortage of firepower when the Harlingen High Cardinals’ offense hit Boggus Field for the season opener against Sharyland Pioneer.

Junior QB Jaime Galvan torched the Pioneer secondary for 376 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Galvan spread the ball around and hit five different receivers. Joe Reyna and Ralph Castellanos each caught five passes. Reyna reeled in a 65-yard score and finished with 161 yards receiving, and Castellanos collected 155 yards and found paydirt three times.

Harlingen High now prepares for a road test Saturday at Laredo United South at 7:00 p.m.

Hawks lose lead against Bobcats

Harlingen South let a 14-0 halftime lead slip away against Edinburg High. The Bobcats outscored South 21-7 during the second half to complete the comeback.

Despite the loss, the Hawks’ offense posted some strong numbers.

Junior QB David Torres threw for 153 yards and one score, going 12 for 28 through the air.

Senior running back Emilio Quiroz ripped off 99 yards on 11 carries, and Corbin Hendrick ran for 58 yards on 16 carries and sniffed the end zone twice.Derrick Delgado hauled in five passes for 100 yards and one score.

The Hawks will shoot for their first win Friday night as they play host to PSJA North. Kickoff is set for 7:30.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — The Hidalgo Lady Pirates rained on the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats’ parade Tuesday night.

The Lady Pirates, led by Barbie Gutierrez, made quick work of the Lady ’Cats 25-17,25-12,25-20. Tuesday also marked the beginning of district play for the squads.

“We know what we have to fix,” Rio Hondo coach Lizzette Esparza said. “We need to play smarter and be more effective. We were excited to have our home opener, the girls were ready to be back home and play on their home court.”

Gutierrez finished with five sets and six kills, Melanie Salinas also finished with six kills.

The Lady Pirates fell behind 9-2 early in the first set but stormed back to take a 16-13 lead and never lost it.

During the second and third set, the Lady Pirates built up an early lead and capitalized on Rio Hondo’s misuses.

Despite the loss, Esparza said there is plenty of optimism to go around for the Lady ’Cats.

“The seniors on this team have stepped up and led the younger girls,” Esparza said. They are molding them and teaching them the ropes. The girls know what they want, and we know what we need to do to get better. The kids are fighters and they continue to fight, and as the season goes on the younger girls are getting more experience.”

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

The Raymondville Bearkats are hoping to rebound after a tough 17-7 loss to La Feria in Week 1.

While the Bearkats’ defense played lights out against the La Feria Lions, allowing 123 yards, Raymondville coach Frank Cantu is hoping to see more from his squad Friday when it takes on Grulla.

“Honestly I think both teams played great defensively,” Cantu said. “We hope to continue playing the tough defense that we have been playing and to come out strong on offense as well. Grulla has a good defense as well, and it’s going to be another very good test for us, we just need to play a complete game.

“But credit to La Feria, they came in with a good game plan and got two key turnovers in the fourth quarter that led to the 10 points and the big difference.”

BIG NUMBERS

There were some pretty big numbers posted on the scoreboards across the Rio Grande Valley, and in the local area some players put up some big individual performances.

For the Rio Hondo Bobcats, three players had big nights during their 41-21 victory over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln.

Cross Gonzalez rushed for 109 yards on 10 carries and hauled in another 46 yards and one touchdown. Teammate Danny Vasquez also had a big night on the ground, rushing for 106 yards on 17 carries and bringing two catches for 43 yards and one touchdown.

But perhaps the Bobcats player with the biggest Week 1 performance was quarterback Josiah Ortega, who completed 15 of 19 passes for 215 yards and five touchdowns.

Another player with a big opening-week performance was Santa Maria freshman Erick Castellanos, who rushed for 175 yards in a 20-8 victory over MMA.

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

For mathematical purposes, 1 plus 1 naturally equals 2, but in sports, can 1 plus 1 equal zero sometimes?

Well, maybe if some cross-cancelling is involved.

Nevertheless, since the La Feria Lions and the Raymondville Bearkats decided to start up their old rivalry again in 2016, the teams have split the wins. But in each of the two games there’s been a common factor: The team that wins has had a nice win streak follow.

In 2016, former La Feria wide receiver Brandon Perez and former quarterback Jonathan Lejia stole the show, and led the Lions to a 47-14 victory over the Bearkats. But rivalries aren’t without emotion, as five players were ejected during the game. The Bearkats had four players ejected, and the Lions had one. The victory paved the way for the Lions to grab six wins during their next seven games.

In 2017, the Bearkats, got some revenge as Raymondville returned the favor and began the season with a win. During that game, former quarterback Daniel Gutierrez threw for roughly 100 yards and rushed for another 128 yards to help the Bearkats cruise to a 22-12 victory, a win that would propel the Bearkats to a seven-game winning streak.

Coincidence? Maybe. But game both coaches will want a win to start the season off on the right foot.

BREAKDOWNS

Offensively, the Lions bring back the attacking pair of Darius and Dorian Hernandez (no relation). Last season, the duo combined for 34 touchdowns, as a then-sophomore Dorian threw for 1,716 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 584 yards and seven TDs.

On defense, the Lions also return a trove of talent beginning with Victor Luna and Aja Hernandez. Last season, Luna led the team with 130 tackles, and Aja had 78 tackles and eight sacks.

The Bearkats also return a bevy of talent. On defense, Raymondville will hope to match last season’s stingy defense, which will be led by Noe Zambrano and Jacob Posas. While the team did lose two key defensive ends on defense, the team also brings back other weapons, namely Thomas Zambrano, Rudy Tijerina and Deion Castillo. That’s without the addition of Harlingen South transfer Cole Cooley, who will only bolster the defense.

Offensively, the team graduated Gutierrez, but with the dual-threat Posas under center, Capetillo in the backfield and Xavier Ledesma at the wide receiver position, the Bearkats have no shortage in attacking weapons.

QUESTION MARKS

However, for all the talent with which the teams come into the contest, each also comes in with question marks. For the Lions, that question comes in the form of a young offensive line that may need time to catch up to the speed of the game.

For the Bearkats, the question mark comes in the form of how well Posas can handle the pressure that being a quarterback entails. He was the team’s No. 2 last season but didn’t get much snaps at the position.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — When people arrive at Harlingen South’s newly added mini stadium on campus, they will notice the brand new turf with a Hawks logo on the 50-yard line along with the orange and green turf.

It’s quite the facility, and observers can catch the Hawks hitting the field bright and early for a morning practice.

Another thing that will stand out is senior fullback Cristian Cortez. The senior fullback is built like a linebacker and has excellent uphill speed. Cortez is a three-year starter and has endured some changes throughout his career.

“Under Coach (Lanny) Wilson, there was no fullback, but with Coach (Brian) Ricci’s offense there is a fullback and I wanted to play that position, I wanted to help my team in any way, so I worked at it and I try my best to perfect the position.”

Motivated would be the one word to describe Cortez.

“I’m ready to take that next step and help lead this team,” Cortez said. “Whatever happened last year, that was last year. We have the potential to make some noise this year, and we’re ready.”

Cortez grew up in Harlingen and always played football, it is just in him to play the game.

“I’m also on the track team, and now we practice in the morning so that is different,” Cortez said. “I like it, though, it wakes you up and we hit the field ready to work. Yes, it is a little hard getting up early, but you get everything done and we can get the day going.”

Wilson was South’s coach until he announced his retirement. Wilson spent four years guiding the Hawks, and Cortez spent his first year under Wilson.

South then went on to hire Ricci. Cortez is one of the few members on the team who has played for Ricci for three years and went through the coaching change.

“Coach Ricci came and we had to learn a new system, and I got moved to fullback. I played defense my freshman year,” Cortez said. “The transition was smooth, learning the offense wasn’t as hard, it is simpler and easier to run. With this offense there isn’t too much thinking, and it allows us to go 100 percent.”

South went 5-5 in 2016 and 2-8 in 2017. This year, however, Cortez feels that dark cloud has passed the Hawks, and that they now have the right pieces in play to turn the corner.

“We took these last few years as an experience and fuel, we’re not dwelling on them, but we remember them and it is fuel for us. The attitude has changed here, we want to win, and the guys are ready and the chemistry is great.”

Harlingen South will begin its season against Edinburg High at 7:30 tonight at Richard Flores Stadium.

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — The Santa Maria Cougars started the season just the way they wanted during a turnover-plagued contest against the Marine Military Academy Bulldogs.

Santa Maria scored twice during the first half and once in the second as the Cougars pulled out a 20-8 victory over the Bulldogs on Thursday evening at General George Bowman Stadium.

“Defensively, we played well,” Santa Maria coach Steve Flores said. “Of course, they have the numbers (squad size) and some speed, but our kids did about as well as I could have expected them to considering the situation, but it could have been a lot worse and it could have been a lot better.”

As early as the second quarter, squad size started to become a factor for the Cougars as injuries began piling up due to dehydration. By the fourth quarter, Flores had to sit as many as three key players due to cramps.

One of Flores’ key players who was forced out was fullback Edward Martinez. Martinez sat out for much of the second half, but not before putting the Cougars on the board first. On the play before, Eric Castellanos broke free for a 50-yard run, taking the ball deep into Leatherneck territory and setting the ball down at the 3.

“The backfield did well, but we just ran out of gas,” Flores said. “All of a sudden, your starting fullback runs out of gas and you have to start shifting people. But our offensive line came through, and they did what they were supposed to do so our backs could have the holes they needed.

Another Cougars player with night to remember was Giovanni Diaz. He had touchdown receptions of 10 and 53 yards on offense, and he added an interception and a forced fumble on defense.

“Gio is coming around,” Flores said. “He didn’t play last year and he didn’t play the year before so he is still learning the game a little bit, but he is talented. Hopefully as we’ll get better he will also get better.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

LA JOYA — Rio Hondo trailed 21-14 at the half against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln and needed a spark, a little something to get the team going.

Well, the Bobcats’ defense forced four second-half turnovers and pitched a second-half shutout, and the offense took full advantage with a 41-21 win at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln in their season opener.

Josiah Ortega hit Frank Hernandez for a pair of scores during the fourth quarter that tied the game and, on the second TD, Hernandez gave the ’Cats a 27-21 lead with 5:22 they did not give up.

The Bobcats avenged last year’s loss.

“We went in and made adjustments at the half, we ran some stuff that wasn’t working, and the kids adjusted to what we went with and we pitched a shutout in the second half,” Bobcats coach Rocky James said.

The Bobcats’ offense caught fire during the final frame thanks to their stout defense. Rio Hondo outscored the Huskies 27-0 during the second half.

“We picked up our intensity in the second half,” linebacker Joey Ortega said. “We made plays defensively, and it helped get our offense going. It’s big for us to pick up a win on the road, last year we barely lost to (Juarez-Lincoln), so it’s great to come on the road and win.”

Midway through the third quarter, Justin Flores recovered a fumble and set the table for the offense.

The fumble was the momentum the Bobcats needed.

Ortega later hit Hernandez to tie the game at 21. After a botched punt, the Bobcats recovered at the Huskies’ 19-yard line and took the lead.

“The kids were unfazed, we went down early and I knew we were going to play good defense, that is what we do here in Rio Hondo,” James said. “On offense, we were able to score after our defense forced a turnover, and those are the things you want.”

Joey Ortega and Christopher Garza each collected an interception during the final minutes of the fourth quarter with the Bobcats leading 34-21.

A 14-yard touchdown from Cross Gonzalez and a 22-yard scamper from Danny Vasquez helped put the icing on the cake.

Hernandez finished the night with three scores.

“Josiah and I are close friends,” Hernandez said. He’s my weight-room partner and our chemistry is there. We knew what we had to do and we talked about it in the second half, and we came out and did what we needed to do offensively.”