KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

CORPUS CHRISTI — Rio Hondo overcame a lackluster first half and fed off its defense, which forced five turnovers, en route to a 42-13 win in a Class 4A Division II bi-district playoff game Friday night at Wildcat Stadium in Calallen.

“At halftime, I told our kids we just needed to keep playing. We kept shooting ourselves in the foot with turnovers and penalties,” said Rio Hondo coach Rocky James. “We turned the ball over on two consecutive drives, but our defense kept us in the game.”

The Bobcats held a slim 14-6 halftime lead and with their high-powered offense out of sync, it was the defense that helped fuel the Cats to their first bi-district win since 2011.

“It’s so sweet, it’s unbelievable.” said James on winning the bi-district title.

Rio Hondo will now face Navarro in a Class 4A DII area round contest at 7 p.m. next Friday at Calallen again.

“Navarro is like Aransas Pass. They’re a tough team that also runs a Slot T offense, so it’s back-to-back weeks we’ll see a Slot T offense,” James said. “We don’t see the Slot T offense a lot in the Valley so it’s difficult to prepare for, but I’m happy with what our defense did tonight against that type of offense.”

Trailing 14-6 early in the third quarter, Aransas Pass was on the move and drove to the Bobcats’ 1-yard line. Rio Hondo forced a fumble and recovered it in the end zone setting up the offense at its own 20.

Senior quarterback Tyler Bush responded and led the Cats on their biggest drive of the night. Danny Vasquez’s 34-yard run set up the go-ahead score from Jesus Garay that gave Rio Hondo a 21-6 lead with 2:29 left in the third quarter.

On the night, Rio Hondo forced five turnovers, and a turnover on downs. Two of the turnovers were forced in the red zone wiping away any scoring opportunities for AP. Josiah Ortega was responsible for an interception while Zeke Guerrero recovered two fumbles.

After struggling to find a rhythm early, Bush hit his go-to man Erik Pizarro for a 34-yard score that sealed the deal putting the Cats up 35-6 late in the fourth quarter.

The Bobcats’ offense outscored Aransas Pass 28-7 in the second half.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — It didn’t take long for San Benito’s offense to get rolling. The Hounds scored on every possession but one in the first half en route to a dominating 50-7 win over Edinburg North in a Class 6A Division I bi-district playoff game Thursday night.

The Hounds will now await the winner between McAllen Memorial and Laredo United South. The Hounds will host the winner next Friday in the area round at a time still to be decided.

“We wanted to play on a Thursday and strike the iron while it was hot,” said San Benito coach Dan Gomez. “We carried over the momentum and I’m proud of our team’s effort,”

Running back Tyrone Harper opened up the scoring on the first two possessions with a 5-yard touchdown run and a 19-yard touchdown reception that put the Hounds up 16-0 with 6:07 still left in the first quarter.

San Benito marched up and down the field in the first half with a strong rushing attack, and also leaned on versatile wide receiver Isaiah Trevino, who had a strong first half and added a score to the mix.

“It’s all preparation. Our coaches do an excellent job of preparing the kids and getting them ready to go. Then the kids are ready to go and they trust the system, and believe in themselves and are ready to go each night,” Gomez said.

Quarterback Erick Retta threw for two scores in the first half and hit Jacob Cavazos on a dime from 34 yards out to extend the Hounds’ lead to 23-0.

The highlight of the first half was an 84-yard touchdown run by Harper that put the Hounds ahead for good at 30-0. The 84-yard score was a season long for Harper and was also his third score of the half. Harper finished the night with 13 carries for 175 yards rushing and three scores.

Retta capped off the night with a 57-yard strike to Trevino on the opening possession of the second half that pushed the Hounds lead to 47-0.

The home run ball came a plenty for the Hounds, with two scores coming from 50 yards or more plus a 34-yard score.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

RIO HONDO — At the start of the season, it was for certain that the Rio Hondo offense would be one of the top units in the Valley. The question was on the defensive side of the ball.

Well, that question was answered this season as the Bobcats’ D was rock solid and helped the team roll to a District 16-4A Division II title.

Now the senior-filled squad will look to exorcise last year’s first-round playoff loss and claim the program’s first bi-district title since 2011 as the Cats face Aransas Pass in a Class 4A DII bi-district matchup.

“It’s been a great week of practice,” said Rio Hondo coach Rocky James. “The kids have come out strong and we have added a few things, and hopefully we can get things going early offensively to give our defense a chance to make some plays.”

Aransas Pass comes in as the fourth seed out of what was a tough District 15-4A Division II with Cuero, Sweeny and Sinton all taking the first three playoff spots. The Panthers will present a unique challenge with the Slot-T offense.

“We are hoping we can slow them down,” said James. “They’re a very good offensive team and they have grown a lot from the start of the season to now. They have come full circle and we hope to make some stops early and score quickly. Their offense is different. They like to run a slow-pace attack and we need to stop them, and get off the field as soon as we can and get our offense back on the field.”

Sophomore linebacker Joey Ortega has raised his level of play for the Bobcats’ defense. Ortega made his varsity debut in Week 2 against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln and has been a tackling machine with a team-high 107 total tackles.

Offensively, the Cats welcomed back junior running back Danny Vasquez, who will look to find his footing in the offense after an injury early in the season.

Meanwhile, senior quarterback Tyler Bush has directed the offense with strong numbers both rushing and passing. He will have his go-to target Erik Pizzaro, who has put up solid numbers this season. Frank Hernandez and Cross Gonzalez will also figure prominently as through-the-air weapons.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — The Greyhounds are back in the playoffs and are clicking on all cylinders.

San Benito’s 2017 playoff journey begins tonight as they welcome in Edinburg North to Bobby Morrow Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7.

“It’s something we have done before, playing on a Thursday is nothing new for us,” said San Benito coach Dan Gomez. “We know the routine and at this point in the season it doesn’t take much to get the kids ready for a playoff game. They’re excited to be back in the playoffs,”

Edinburg North has had an up-and-down season, but has found its stride as of late. The Cougars are back in the playoffs for a second straight year, but this time there are some new faces leading the offense.

Junior running back Cristian Flores has had a solid season, leading the Cougars rushing attack with 1,177 yards rushing on 230 carries and 13 touchdowns.

The Cougars, who have won two in a row, clinched a playoff berth with a 28-10 win against PSJA in the final week of the regular season that saw Flores rush for 269 yards. Edinburg North finished the season as the No. 4 seed with a 5-5 record.

“They run the ball well and they do a good job up front with their offensive line,” Gomez said of the Cougars. “Defensively, they have some strong linebackers and they run to the ball well, and they cover well. Their defense does a great job on stopping the run.”

The Hounds’ offense will look to keep its up-tempo offense in sync with senior quarterback Erick Retta leading the way.

San Benito’s offense has scored more than 40 points in eight games this season and over the past three games the Hounds have outscored their opponents 168-41.

Senior running back Tyrone Harper capped off a strong regular season with 1,240 yards on 159 carries and 18 touchdowns. Receiver Isaiah Trevino, who is Retta’s go-to target, has also checked in a solid senior season with 35 receptions for 689 yards and eight scores.

Defensively, San Benito prides itself on being the hardest-hitting team on the field and will look to its pass rush led by Ryan Reza and their leading tackler Pedro Gomez.

“I have seen the kids more focused this week and we are hoping that carries into tonight,” Gomez said. “The kids are in tune, their minds are sharp and their bodies are ready. They’re ready to get on the field and play.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

RIO HONDO — Rio Hondo twins Annie and Abbie Alvarado grew up playing softball together, and on Wednesday they ensured that they will continue to play together at the college level as they signed letters of intent to play softball at Sul Ross State University.

The twins are the second signing this season for the Lady Cats. On Tuesday teammate Bianca Cruz signed her letter of intent to play at Prairie View A&M. With the Alvarado signings, Rio Hondo has seen eight of its softball athletes make it to the next level in the last three years.

“Hopefully the younger girls can see how special these moments are and will want to be a part of it one day, and I hope they were able to see our playoff run last year and that will make them want to be a part of it,” Annie said. “Coach (Brett) Esparza has been a big part of why this program has been successful; he pushes us to be our best every day.”

Abbie added, “I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’m just happy our signing day is here. Today is extra special for our family because Annie and I get to sign together and play together at the college level. At first it was just me who took a visit and Annie came with me, and they were interested in her, too, so it worked out for both of us.”

Annie and Abbie have provided the Lady Cats with strong play on the field. Abbie, who plays catcher, and Annie, who plays both third and pitcher, are ready to play at the next level and will take on any position that may come their way.

The chemistry between the two is highlighted when Annie is in the circle and Abbie is behind the plate. The two hope to carry that over into the college level.

“We have always been together and now we don’t have to go to separate schools,” Annie said. “I’m so excited we get to stick together, and especially because we get to be a pitcher and catcher. Not everybody gets an opportunity to play at the college level. We both are blessed to be able to continue to play. Both our parents are proud of us, but our dad is very proud because he sees our work is paying off.”

Sul Ross has become familiar with Rio Hondo as last season the Lady Lobos added pitcher Jennifer Flores and shortstop Alexa Castellanos to their roster. The Alvarados will reunite with their former teammates, which is something special to them.

“Alexa and Jennifer already told us that it’s not the same. We have to adjust our schedules and get used to early morning practices, and live without our parents for the first time. But we have each other and we’re excited,” Abbie said.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

RIO HONDO — The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats softball program has risen to new heights and has produced a hand full of athletes that have gone on to play at the college level. On Tuesday, senior outfielder Bianca Cruz joined that list by signing her letter of intent to play softball at Prairie View A&M University.

With the signing, Cruz becomes the first female athlete from Rio Hondo to sign a letter of intent at a Division 1 program. Cruz also plans to major in criminology. Prairie View A&M is a part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

“I’m speechless, I have worked so hard since my freshman year. I remember schools didn’t want to look at me because I was overweight. I used that as motivation to get better and it’s all paying off. My message to the younger girls is to work hard, don’t give up and dreams will come true.”

Cruz had drawn interest from other programs from across the state, but found Prairie View A&M as a perfect fit both in the classroom and on the field with an opportunity to compete at a Division 1 program.

“It’s been very heart wrenching for me,” Cruz said. “I had been applying at different schools, checking my e mail’s to see if I had any offers and for me to find a school and commit just takes a load of pressure off of me. I’m excited and blessed that I have this chance to compete at the college level. I did draw interest from other schools and I liked them, but one of the reasons I chose Prairie View was because of the scenery, it’s a beautiful campus and they really focus on academics.”

Cruz is preparing for her senior season where she has been on the varsity her first three years and has been a force on the field and at the plate.

The southpaw is fresh off a strong junior year where she bated over .500 and collected over 50 hits and RBIs while bating at the top of the Rio Hondo order. Cruz was also a key factor in their latest playoff run and a part of four straight district titles.

“I want the season to come and then I don’t want it to come. It’s one of those things were you just don’t want it to end. I’m excited for my last year and yes, all good things come to an end but I’m blessed to be a part of this program. Right now I’m focused on my school work and continuing to work in the batting cages.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — The 2017 high school basketball season brings a new hope and high expectations for the Harlingen South Hawks, who began their season Saturday against a tough playoff-tested McAllen Rowe squad.

Both teams entered Saturday’s matinee matchup state ranked with South at 25 and Rowe at 24.

The Warriors held a 62-54 lead with 1:37 left when South’s Aaron Briones hit back-to-back threes that cut the lead 62-60 with under a minute left in regulation. However, Rowe answered with a couple of late free throws to seal a 65-61 win.

“That is a very good Rowe team,” said Hawks coach Brian Molina. “They (Rowe) started knocking down shots and we knew they would hit them. In the second half I told our boys we would have to weather the storm better than what we did in the second quarter. But, hey, much credit to Rowe. They adjusted and made some plays.”

The Hawks led by as many as eight points midway through the second quarter until Rowe found its form behind the hot shooting of Gabriel Bautisa, who hit four threes in the second quarter that put the Warriors ahead 31-24 at the break.

In the second half, South continued to chip away at the Warriors’ lead, but for every answer South had Rowe would return the favor and continued to make their shots and outscored the Hawks 24-19 in the third quarter.

Briones checked in a team-high 18 points while Sean Turrubiates finished with 14. The season continues Tuesday when South travels to Sharyland Pioneer. The Hawks tip off district play Dec. 29 at home versus Brownsville Hanna.

Despite the loss, South has four returning starters from last season, including Briones, Turrubiates, Grant Lowery and Brandon Bennett.

“I was proud of the kids’ effort today. We saw some things we liked in the fourth quarter, we just need to improve more on the defensive side. The future looks bright; we will be OK,” Molina said.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

The regular season came and went, and now the time has come for the playoffs. Week 11 saw teams seal district titles and secure a spot in the playoffs. The postseason begins Thursday across the.

Division I pairings: San Benito locked up the District 32-6A title Friday night and will now face Edinburg North, which is also coming off a win against PSJA High. Edinburg North finished the season at 5-5 overall and 4-3 in District 31-6A. The Cougars and are back in the playoffs after falling to Los Fresnos last year 19-17 in the bi-district round.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Thursday at Bobby Morrow Stadium in San Benito. The winner will face either McAllen Memorial or Laredo United South in the area round.

Edinburg High will host a playoff game for the first time in 13 years as the Bobcats will host Los Fresnos at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Richard Flores Stadium.

The Bobcats finished district play with a strong 5-2 record and are in the playoffs for the second consecutive season under second-year coach JJ Leija. Los Fresnos, meanwhile, continues to roll after a solid 5-2 run in 32-6A. The Falcons are no stranger to Flores Stadium as they won their bi-district game last season in Edinburg against Edinburg North.

Division II pairings: Brownsville Hanna has been the surprise team of the 2017 season. The Eagles are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Their first-round opponent, Edinburg Vela, returns to the playoffs under first-year head coach John Campbell.

Fans of high-flying offenses will enjoy this contest as both teams’ quarterbacks, Victor Campos and Nate Garcia, are poised to let it fly. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Richard Flores Stadium.

Weslaco East will travel to PSJA Stadium to face Trey Guajardo and the PSJA Bears. Kickoff is scheduled 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Wildcats overcame a bevy of injuries and clicked at the right time. Meanwhile, the Bears are on a two-game losing skid and look to shake off the rust as they face a playoff experienced Wildcats team.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — The San Benito Greyhounds put a stamp on their District 32-6A run with a dominating 53-0 win over Harlingen in the 89th Battle of the Arroyo.

With the win, San Benito completed a 10-0 regular-season run and are locked up as the No. 1 seed out of 32-6A and will face Edinburg North in a Class 6A bi-district playoff game next week with the time and place still to be decided.

“The kids were a little juiced up early on,” said Hounds coach Dan Gomez. “I think once they got settled into the atmosphere and got some hits in, everything worked out.”

Senior running back Tyrone Harper got the Hounds’ offense on the board on their opening possession with a 7-yard score. San Benito led 7-0 after one quarter.

It was the second quarter that saw the Hounds open up their up-tempo offense and drop 29 second-quarter points.

Harper ran through and around the Cardinals’ defense with another dominating night on the ground with 153 yards and four touchdowns, which is a season high. Harper’s 153-yard performance was the fourth time this season he has eclipsed the 150-yard mark.

Harper put the Hounds ahead 15-0 followed by a 15-yard touchdown run from quarterback Erick Retta that extended the lead 21-0 late in the second quarter.

Retta accounted for three of the Hounds’ touchdowns and hit two different teammates for scores.

“This win feels amazing. I want to thank my offensive line for protecting me tonight and our defense played amazing,” Retta said. “Our goal was to win district and we did it. Now we can focus on the playoffs. Tonight we left everything on the field. I blocked out everything tonight and kept my focus.”

The Greyhounds’ defense flexed its muscles and pitched the shutout. The last time the Battle saw a shutout in favor of the Hounds was in 2006 with a 29-0 win and in 1999 with an 8-0 win.

“Anytime you go up against a tradition-rich program like Harlingen and come out successful, it shows how successful our program has come along in a short period of time, and it’s a testament to the kids’ hard work and the coaches’ commitments,” Gomez said.

CLAIRE CRUZ | Special to the Star

HARLINGEN — From outside Boggus Stadium, one never would’ve guessed the celebration inside was coming after a team finished its season at 2-8.

The small but faithful Harlingen South crowd was loud and proud after their Hawks defeated Brownsville Rivera 31-6 to close out a tough season on a high note.

“You play hard for your school and you play hard for your community,” Hawks head coach Brian Ricci said. “Our kids have character. They’re going to come out and play hard every night whether they’re 0-10 or 10-0. The group that’s here tonight stuck it out through the good and the bad so I’m happy for them.”

Running backs Corban Hendrick and Jaime Belmontes helped pace the Hawks in the first half. Midway through the opening quarter, Hendrick notched a 31-yard punt return that later resulted in his first score on a 5-yard run. The sophomore found the end zone again in the waning minutes of the second quarter on a strong 31-yard rush.

Belmontes used his speed and followed the protection of the sturdy Hawks offensive line to record two of his own rushing touchdowns between Hendrick’s. He broke free for scores of 86 and 57 yards and was instrumental in extending drives.

Sophomore quarterback David Torres turned in a solid game for the Hawks before being pulled late in the third quarter. He delivered strikes to his receivers and looked poised in the pocket, making good decisions on reads and scrambling well enough to avoid Rivera’s pressure.

“David got better every game at quarterback. Corban and Jaime, it seemed like every week they got better and better. We’re excited about it,” Ricci said.

Harlingen South extended its lead on a 41-yard field goal by junior Carlos Guajardo to start the fourth quarter. Junior running back Sebastian Garrett was a workhorse in the second half, rushing for 62 yards and helping to set up the field goal.

The Raiders leaned heavily on senior quarterback Nicholas Blanco, who led the offense with 73 rushing yards and 100 yards through the air. He scored Rivera’s only touchdown on a 1-yard dive to cap off a tough battle in the trenches, but the ensuing point-after was blocked. The Raiders ended their season at 1-9 after failing to earn a victory following the season opener.

Though Harlingen South’s season didn’t go as planned, Friday’s victory was a step in the right direction and gives the Hawks hope heading into 2018.

“We’re going to lose some really good seniors, but we do have a lot of younger kids that got a lot of experience this year so we’re looking forward to that,” Ricci said. “We’re excited about offseason and next year hopefully we turn things around.”