Author: Roy Hess

May 12, 2019 by Roy Hess

Chargers lead way in postseason honors

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Postseason honors go beyond all-district for some Brownsville soccer players this year, particularly the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers.

The honors include all-state and all-region.

It was another winning season for the District 32-5A runner-up Chargers, who reached the Region IV-5A final by winning four games in the Class 5A playoffs for the third straight year. They finished 23-3-1 after going 11-3 with 33 points in district.

Leading the way for Brownsville Veterans were junior forward Mark Boswell and senior midfielder Juan Amieva, who were chosen first-team all-state by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches.

Also, for the Chargers, senior goalkeeper Moises Navarro was named second-team all-state by TASCO. Teammate Albert Maradiaga, a junior midfielder, was selected first-team all-region.

The TASCO selections also included three Porter players. Sophomore Brandon Montes, a midfielder, and senior Edward Rodriguez, a defender, were named second-team all-region. Teammate Jose Mateos, a freshman forward, earned honorable mention all-region.

Regarding the All-District 32-5A selections, Boswell was named offensive player of the year, and Navarro was chosen goalkeeper of the year. Mateos earned 32-5A Newcomer of the Year honors.

Porter’s Oscar Garcia, a senior forward, was tabbed the district’s overall MVP.

Meanwhile, Rivera finished as the District 32-6A champion and advanced two rounds in the Class 6A playoffs.

Rivera’s J.P. Garza was a unanimous selection as the district’s offensive player of the year. Teammate Salvador DeLeon was named utility player of the year. Rivera’s Salvador Garcia was selected coach of the year.

Harlingen South, the 32-6A runner-up behind the Raiders, received three of the top all-district honors. They went to Jose Lerma (unanimous choice as overall MVP), Angel Ortega (defensive player of the year) and Joaquin Ovalle (newcomer of the year).

Hanna was 32-6A’s third-place team. The Golden Eagles advanced to the regional tournament for the first time since 2013, the year they made it to the state final. San Benito was 32-6A’s fourth-place team.

The leading all-district selections for Hanna were first-teamers Roberto Paloma and Miguel Payan, both defenders, Hector Quintero, a midfielder, and Marko Garibay, a forward.

Also on the 32-6A first team were Los Fresnos defender Alexis Silva, midfielder Jaime Casanova, forward Julio Solis and goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez.

In District 32-4A for the boys, Port Isabel (9-3, 28 points) was the conference champion for the third time in school history. Raymondville (9-3, 27 points) was the runner-up. La Feria and Brownsville IDEA Frontier were the other two teams from the district qualifying for the postseason.

Saul Garcia of Raymondville was chosen the 32-4A most valuable offensive player. Ricardo Macias of La Feria was named the most valuable defensive player.

The other top all-district honors in 32-4A boys soccer went to Brownsville IDEA Riverview’s Gustavo Cardenas and Rio Hondo’s Edgar Cortez as the co-newcomers of the year.

Chosen to the 32-4A first team from Port Isabel were goalkeeper Adrian Mendoza, defender Carlos Portales, midfielder Angel Fernandez and forward Christopher Mosqueda.

IDEA Frontier’s first-team selections included defenders Alex Saldana and Johan Sandoval, midfielder Miguel Reglado and forward Juan Franco.

District 32-6A

MVP: Jose Lerma, Harlingen South (unanimous)

Offensive Player of the Year: J.P. Garza, Brownsville Rivera (unanimous)

Defensive Player of the Year: Angel Ortega, Harlingen South

Utility Player of the Year: Salvador DeLeon, Brownsville Rivera

Newcomer of the Year: Joaquin Ovalle, Harlingen South

Coach of the Year: Salvador Garcia, Brownsville Rivera

First Team

Defenders: Luis Garcia, Harlingen High (unanimous); Lorenzo Rodriguez, Harlingen High; Michael Esquivel, Brownsville Rivera; Joaquin Hernandez, Brownsville Rivera; Roberto Palomo, Brownsville Hanna; Miguel Payan, Brownsville Hanna; Alexis Silva, Los Fresnos

Midfielders: Leo Torres, Harlingen South (unanimous); Jorge Morales, Brownsville Rivera; Jorge Castillo, Brownsville Rivera; Hector Quintero, Brownsville Hanna; Isidro Najera, San Benito; Jaime Casanova, Los Fresnos; Jesus Berlanga, Harlingen High

Forwards: Jose Garcia, Harlingen High (unanimous); Davi Villarreal, Brownsville Rivera; Isaac Garza, Harlingen South; Marko Garibay, Brownsville Hanna; Senovio Cerdan, San Benito; Julio Solis, Los Fresnos; Jesus Reyna, Harlingen High

Goalkeepers: Danny Esquivel, Brownsville Rivera; Gonzalo Villarreal, San Benito; Alexis Gonzalez, Los Fresnos

Second Team

Defenders: Alejandro Villanueva, Brownsville Rivera; Eric Lopez, Harlingen South; Hunter Massey, Harlingen South; Gustavo Solis, San Benito; Tonny Diaz, San Benito; Adrian Longoria, Los Fresnos; Jacob Garza, Harlingen High

Midfielders: Juan Serrato, Brownsville Rivera; Adrian Salazar, Harlingen South; Jose Guerrero, Brownsville Hanna; Cristian Castillo, San Benito; Obed Sepulveda, Los Fresnos; Ruben Contreras, Harlingen High

Forwards: Alex Mendes, Brownsville Rivera; Kevin Ochoa, Brownsville Hanna; Alex Guzman, Brownsville Hanna; Fabian Feria, Los Fresnos

Goalkeepers: Juan Nava, Harlingen High; Jacob Garcia, Harlingen South; Ricardo Sandate, Brownsville Hanna

Honorable Mention

Jamin Muniz, Brownsville Rivera; Ryan Macias, Brownsville Rivera; Carlos Padron, Harlingen South; Carlos Hernandez, Harlingen South; Aldo Gonzalo, Brownsville Hanna; Luis Guajardo, Brownsville Hanna; Sebastian Gonzalez, Brownsville Hanna; Tommy Green, Brownsville Hanna; David Davila, San Benito; Daniel Gamez, San Benito; Andy Mares, San Benito; Dustin Fivel, Los Fresnos; Angel Mancillas, Los Fresnos; Jose Casanova, Los Fresnos; Job Esquivel, Los Fresnos; Humberto Trinidad, Los Fresnos; Sean Handy, Harlingen High; Jose Medina, Harlingen High; Skyln Perez, Harlingen High

District 32-5A

MVP: Oscar Garcia, Brownsville Porter

Offensive Player of the Year: Mark Boswell, Brownsville Veterans

Defensive Player of the Year: Adrian Rodriguez, Valley View

Utility Player of the Year: Aner Gonzalez, Valley View

Newcomer of the Year: Jose Mateos, Brownsville Porter

Goalkeeper of the Year: Moises Navarro, Brownsville Veterans

First Team (positions not provided)

Cuatemoc Gonzalez, Valley View; Jorge Amaya, Valley View; Yonathan Castro, Valley View; Christopher Flores, Valley View; Pablo Torre, Valley View; Juan Amieva, Brownsville Veterans; Albert Maradiaga, Brownsville Veterans; Gary Valle, Brownsville Veterans; Orlando Sanchez, Brownsville Veterans; Edward Rodriguez, Brownsville Porter; Brandon Montes, Brownsville Porter; Luis Romero, Brownsville Porter; Ian Perez, Brownsville Pace; Jose Capistran, Brownsville Pace; Yahir Mina, Brownsville Pace; Alan Reyes, Brownsville Lopez; Raudel Ramirez, Brownsville Lopez; Daniel Cruz, Brownsville Lopez; Rodrigo Martinez, Mercedes; Agapito Ramos, Mercedes; Joel Hernandez, Donna High; Cerardo Cabrera, Donna High; Carlos Cua, Edcouch-Elsa; Alex Quinones, Edcouch-Elsa; Diego Cuellar, Valley View

Second Team (positions not provided)

Joaquin Ramirez, Valley View; Rogelio Saldivar, Valley View; Bryan Obregon, Valley View; Benito Leon, Valley View; Daniel Gutierrez, Valley View; Jose Capistran, Brownsville Veterans; Diego Bernal, Brownsville Veterans; Frankie Moreno II, Brownsville Veterans; Israel Barron, Brownsville Veterans; Daniel Martinez, Brownsville Porter; Jean Villegas, Brownsville Porter; Roy Gavina, Brownsville Porter; Christopher Zapata, Brownsville Pace; Raul Mendoza, Brownsville Pace; Maximiliano Rivas, Brownsville Pace; Abraham Salazar, Brownsville Lopez; Andrew Flores, Brownsville Lopez; Marco Mendoza, Brownsville Lopez; Miguel Resendez, Mercedes; Gerardo Cabrera, Mercedes; Rosendo Rivera, Donna High; Bladimiro Mondragon, Donna High; Marlon Compean, Edcouch-Elsa; Nathaniel Navarro, Edcouch-Elsa; Alfredo Gallegos, Brownsville Pace

Honorable Mention (positions not provided)

Fernando Salinas, Valley View; Eduardo Gonzalez, Valley View; Cesar Cepeda, Brownsville Veterans; Rey Gonzalez, Brownsville Veterans; Rodolfo Armendariz, Brownsville Porter; Ossiris Hernandez, Brownsville Porter; Antonio Gutierrez, Brownsville Pace; Gabriel Gracia, Brownsville Pace; Angel De La Garza, Brownsville Lopez; Guadalupe Sauceda, Brownsville Lopez; Luis Beas, Mercedes; Jonathan Prado, Mercedes; Jorge Lozano, Donna High; Moises Mena, Donna High;Israel Perez, Edcouch-Elsa; Hector Cantu, Edcouch-Elsa; Eloy Lavoignet, Brownsville Porter; Carlos Resendez, Donna High; Isais Reyna, Edcouch-Elsa

Cameron/Willacy County boys soccer all-district teams

District 32-4A

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Saul Garcia, Raymondville

Most Valuable Defensive Player: Ricardo Macias, La Feria

Newcomers of the Year: Gustavo Cardenas, IDEA Riverview; Edgar Cortez, Rio Hondo

First Team

Goalkeeper: Adrian Mendoza, Port Isabel

Defenders: Max Torres, La Feria; Carlos Portales, Port Isabel; Jesus Garay, Rio Hondo; Alex Saldana, IDEA Frontier; Johan Sandoval, IDEA Frontier

Midfielders: Angel Fernandez, Port Isabel; Anthony Vega, Rio Hondo; Jose Guerrero, Monte Alto; Miguel Reglado, IDEA Frontier

Forwards: Christopher Mosqueda, Port Isabel; Jesus Cortez, Raymondville; Juan Sanchez, Rio Hondo; Juan Franco, IDEA Frontier

Second Team

Goalkeeper: Mariano Quesada, Rio Hondo

Defenders: Jesus Guerrero, La Feria; Johan Monroy, Port Isabel; Edgar Tello, Raymondville; Jorge Chavira, IDEA Frontier

Midfielders: Arnold Gonzalez, La Feria; Mariano Romero, Port Isabel; Francisco Lugo, Raymondville; Santos Paz, Raymondville; Jason Rodriguez, Rio Hondo; Artemio Guipes, Monte Alto; Jesus Belmares, IDEA Riverview

Forwards: Angel Garcia, La Feria; Josue Avila, Port Isabel; Jose Silva, Monte Alto

Honorable Mention

Defenders: Jose Salazar, Raymondville; Diego Martinez, La Feria; Carlos Gonzales, Port Isabel; Jose Vega, Rio Hondo; Justin Smith, Raymondville; Jorge Lugo, Monte Alto; Rolando Picon, Monte Alto; Cristian Delgado, Monte Alto; Juan Ortiz, IDEA Frontier; Damian Elizondo, IDEA Riverview; Jorge Saenz, IDEA Riverview; Guadalupe Pruneda, Raymondville; David Resendiz, Raymondville

Midfielders: Johan Marroquin, La Feria; Sergio0 Rodriguez, La Feria; Emanuel Sanchez, La Feria; Axel Parizel, Port Isabel; Alan Hernandez, Port Isabel; Justino Smith, Raymondville; Alexis Cerda, Raymondville; Sage Gutierrez, Raymondville; Juan Trujillo, Monte Alto; Bryan Hernandez, IDEA Frontier; Christian Herrera, IDEA Frontier; David del Bosque, IDEA Fronter; Gael Leduc, IDEA Riverview

Forwards: Erick Alegria, La Feria; Angel Sarabia, Port Isabel; Sage Gutierrez, Raymondville; Jorge Aguirre, IDEA Frontier; Victor Guerrero, IDEA Riverview; Jose Lino, IDEA Frontier

Goalkeeper: Christian Arriaga, Monte Alto; Jose Mendieta, IDEA Frontier; Luis Ramos, IDEA Riverview; Hector Mendez, La Feria; Juan Muniz, Raymondville

May 12, 2019 by Roy Hess

South pulls in postseason accolades

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

The Harlingen South Hawks will remember their 2019 soccer season for quite some time.

For the first time in their 25 years or so of playing UIL soccer, the Hawks won in the playoffs. The District 32-6A runner-up Hawks actually captured two victories in the postseason this year by defeating Edinburg Economedes 3-2 and McAllen Rowe 4-1 during the first two rounds of the playoffs.

South’s success is reflected with its selections on the All-District 32-6A team.

The Hawks’ Jose Lerma, a senior forward, was the unanimous choice as the 32-6A MVP. He scored 22 goals on the season, including eight during South’s 10-game district schedule.

As a team, South, 17-10 overall and 6-4 in district (18 points), scored 62 goals on the season.

The Hawks boasted two more top all-district honorees. Angel Ortega was named defensive player of the year, and Joaquin Ovalle was chosen newcomer of the year.

Rounding out the top honors, it was Brownsville Rivera’s J.P. Garza as the unanimous pick for offensive player of the year, and teammate Salvador DeLeon as the utility player of the year.

Rivera was the 32-6A champion, and its coach, Salvador Garcia, was named coach of the year.

Highlighting the all-district selections for Harlingen High was Luis Garcia. He was a unanimous pick as a first-team defender. Teammate Lorenzo Rodriguez also was chosen to the first team on defense.

Other unanimous selections on the first team were South’s Leo Torres, a midfielder, and Harlingen High’s Jose Garcia, a forward.

San Benito’s selections on the first team included team captains Isidro Najera as a midfielder and Senovio Cerdan at forward. Teammate Gonzalo Villarreal also received a first-team nod at goalkeeper.

While Rivera and South finished as 32-6A’s top two teams, Hanna and San Benito made the playoffs as the third- and fourth-place finishers, respectively.

Saul Garcia of Raymondville was chosen the 32-4A most valuable offensive player. Ricardo Macias of La Feria was named the most valuable defensive player.

The other top all-district honors in 32-4A boys soccer went to Brownsville IDEA Riverview’s Gustavo Cardenas and Rio Hondo’s Edgar Cortez as the co-newcomers of the year.

Cameron/Willacy County boys soccer all-district teams

District 32-6A

MVP: Jose Lerma, Harlingen South (unanimous)

Offensive Player of the Year: J.P. Garza, Brownsville Rivera (unanimous)

Defensive Player of the Year: Angel Ortega, Harlingen South

Utility Player of the Year: Salvador DeLeon, Brownsville Rivera

Newcomer of the Year: Joaquin Ovalle, Harlingen South

Coach of the Year: Salvador Garcia, Brownsville Rivera

First Team

Goalkeepers: Danny Esquivel, Brownsville Rivera; Gonzalo Villarreal, San Benito; Alexis Gonzalez, Los Fresnos

Second Team

Forwards: Alex Mendes, Brownsville Rivera; Kevin Ochoa, Brownsville Hanna; Alex Guzman, Brownsville Hanna; Fabian Feria, Los Fresnos

Goalkeepers: Juan Nava, Harlingen High; Jacob Garcia, Harlingen South; Ricardo Sandate, Brownsville Hanna

Honorable Mention

District 32-5A

MVP: Oscar Garcia, Brownsville Porter

Offensive Player of the Year: Mark Boswell, Brownsville Veterans

Defensive Player of the Year: Adrian Rodriguez, Valley View

Utility Player of the Year: Aner Gonzalez, Valley View

Newcomer of the Year: Jose Mateos, Brownsville Porter

Goalkeeper of the Year: Moises Navarro, Brownsville Veterans

First Team (positions not provided)

Second Team (positions not provided)

Honorable Mention (positions not provided)

District 32-4A

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Saul Garcia, Raymondville

Most Valuable Defensive Player: Ricardo Macias, La Feria

Newcomers of the Year: Gustavo Cardenas, IDEA Riverview; Edgar Cortez, Rio Hondo

First Team

Goalkeeper: Adrian Mendoza, Port Isabel

Defenders: Max Torres, La Feria; Carlos Portales, Port Isabel; Jesus Garay, Rio Hondo; Alex Saldana, IDEA Frontier; Johan Sandoval, IDEA Frontier

Midfielders: Angel Fernandez, Port Isabel; Anthony Vega, Rio Hondo; Jose Guerrero, Monte Alto; Miguel Reglado, IDEA Frontier

Forwards: Christopher Mosqueda, Port Isabel; Jesus Cortez, Raymondville; Juan Sanchez, Rio Hondo; Juan Franco, IDEA Frontier

Second Team

Goalkeeper: Mariano Quesada, Rio Hondo

Defenders: Jesus Guerrero, La Feria; Johan Monroy, Port Isabel; Edgar Tello, Raymondville; Jorge Chavira, IDEA Frontier

Forwards: Angel Garcia, La Feria; Josue Avila, Port Isabel; Jose Silva, Monte Alto

Honorable Mention

Forwards: Erick Alegria, La Feria; Angel Sarabia, Port Isabel; Sage Gutierrez, Raymondville; Jorge Aguirre, IDEA Frontier; Victor Guerrero, IDEA Riverview; Jose Lino, IDEA Frontier

Goalkeeper: Christian Arriaga, Monte Alto; Jose Mendieta, IDEA Frontier; Luis Ramos, IDEA Riverview; Hector Mendez, La Feria; Juan Muniz, Raymondville

May 10, 2019 by Roy Hess

Santa Gertrudis rallies for Game 1 win over Lyford

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

ELSA — The Santa Gertrudis Academy Lady Lions showed why they are defending state champions in Class 3A softball.

They rallied from a 3-2 deficit to capture a 6-3 victory against Lyford on Friday thanks to a four-run outburst during the top of the sixth inning.

It was a matchup between the District 32-3A champion Lady Bulldogs and the District 31-3A champion Lady Lions.

The win in Game 1 of a best-of-three Class 3A regional quarterfinal series at Edcouch-Elsa’s Joey Torres Field improved the Lady Lions to 30-5 on the season. Lyford slipped to 34-1.

Game 2 will be played at 1 p.m. today in Freer. Game 3, if needed, will follow 30 minutes after Game 2.

Lyford coach Joey Rios said Santa Gertrudis is a difficult team to beat.

“Credit to them, they’re a great ballclub,” Rios said of the Lady Lions. “They’re coming out strong as defending state champions. They had their chances and so did we, so give credit to them.”

Lyford trailed 2-0 early but came from behind to take a 3-2 lead by scoring three runs during the bottom of the fourth. A sacrifice play on a throw from shortstop to first base allowed a run to score from third for Lyford to make it 2-1.

With two outs, an RBI single to left field later during the inning by Lyford’s Alyssa Garcia tied the score at 2. Garcia went from second to third on a steal, and the throw to third from the catcher sailed into left field. It allowed Garcia to come home on the play to give the Lady Bulldogs a 3-2 advantage.

Santa Gertrudis rallied for four runs on three hits during the top of the sixth to win the game.

Back-to-back walks opened the door for the Lady Lions during the sixth inning. A two-run double to deep center field by Yadira Lopez put Santa Gertrudis ahead for good, 4-3. Then two more runs scored, one on an infield hit by Kayla Ramirez followed by a single to shallow center field by Alana Benitez for another tally. Those plays made the score 6-3.

Lyford couldn’t muster anything during the bottom of the sixth nor the bottom of the seventh, enabling Santa Gertrudis to take the Game 1 win.

The Lady Lions’ Carissa De Los Santos went the distance for the mound victory. She allowed only three hits, struck out seven batters and walked three.

Lyford’s Jerrica Rojas went the distance in taking the loss. She gave up five hits, struck out five batters and walked three.

“We took a loss, but I’m not going to call it a loss, I’m going to call it a learning experience,” Rios said. “Our girls are human. We’re not perfect. We’re far from it, and we knew that coming into this series.

“I told our girls, ‘Hey, the pressure’s not on us, it’s on them. They’re the defending state champs, not us,’” Rios added. “We’re staying positive as much as we can.

“I’m definitely curious to see what Santa Gertrudis does pitching-wise in Game 2. I know they only have one pitcher. We have two, and we’re going to battle. Let’s see what happens.”

May 7, 2019 by Roy Hess

Rio Hondo’s Gonzalez signs with OLLU

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

RIO HONDO — Baseball has been an important part of Cross Gonzalez’s life since age 4.

Thanks to Monday’s college scholarship signing, it will continue to be that way for the standout shortstop/pitcher for the Rio Hondo Bobcats.

Gonzalez, a four-year starter and all-district performer, signed an athletic scholarship agreement to play next school year at San Antonio’s Our Lady of the Lake University, an NAIA Division I school.

The Saints are coached by Bryan Aughney, previously the coach at Harlingen High and also at the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College.

Monday’s signing took place at the high school cafeteria with family members, classmates, coaches and school officials on hand to witness the joyous event.

“This is an opportunity that most kids don’t get, so I’m very grateful for it,” said Gonzalez, whose father, Sergio Gonzalez, is the coach of the Bobcats. “It’s a life-long goal that I’m accomplishing, so I’m very, very thankful, especially to God. I really savor this moment because it’s an opportunity not everyone gets.

“It means a lot,” added Gonzalez, who ranks sixth in his class academically and plans to pursue a degree in business administration in college. “I’m also very grateful to my mom and dad, Marybel and Sergio Gonzalez, who really have kept me going throughout the years, and the rest of my family also.

“I would say my immediate family has been very helpful and supportive throughout this journey (to college).”

Primarily a shortstop who is projected as an infielder in college, Gonzalez batted approximately .430 for the season as a senior for the Bobcats. He had 12 RBIs during District 32-4A competition.

Gonzalez was the 32-4A offensive player of the year as a junior. He is expected to receive another of the top all-district honors this season. The selections for the 2019 season in 32-4A are pending.

Coming into the 2019 season, Gonzalez, who received all-state honors as a junior, was named one of the top 10 players in South Texas to watch as a senior in 4A.

Sergio Gonzalez, who just completed his 11th season as the Bobcats’ coach, said it has been one of his biggest joys to coach his son.

“I’m a very proud coach today, and an even prouder dad,” the Bobcats skipper said. “My son has been playing baseball year-round since he was 4, so it’s been a great investment for my wife and I, getting him to college (on a scholarship). He’s played throughout the Valley and throughout the state. He’s been around my teams since he was 7, so when he entered high school he was already pretty well-groomed (baseball-wise).

“This is a dream come true seeing him get a chance to play at the next level,” the coach added. “My son has a passion for the game. He has a big heart, and he’s always loved the game. He’s played multiple sports, but baseball has always been in him as his favorite.

“With his passion for baseball and academic standing as No. 6 in his class, he has really helped me out as a coach on the field. He’s a smart player. I’m really going to miss having him on the team.”

Cross said there’s a special bond between father and son.

“I played 103 games in four years for my dad here at Rio Hondo,” he said. “I can probably tell you at least one moment from all 103 games. I’ve never called him coach, either at home or on the field, it’s always been dad. Everyone in the district knew that. He’s always been my dad, and he’s always been my coach second.

“I’ve never called him anything but dad,” Cross added. “The expectations (playing for him) were always high, but again, it’s something that doesn’t happen for many kids. It’s been a great blessing to play for him. I couldn’t ask for more.”

May 4, 2019 by Roy Hess

West girls, East boys win all-star soccer games

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

HIDALGO — The 12th annual East-West Senior All-Star Soccer Showcase presented by the Rio Grande Valley Soccer Coaches Organization proved to be quite competitive this year.

Both matches Saturday at Hidalgo’s Bill Pate Stadium went to penalty kicks, with the West girls and East boys triumphing by the same scores of 3-2 in PKs after 80 minutes of regulation. No overtime was played.

It was another split of the games, just like last year at Los Fresnos where the East girls won 3-1 and the West boys prevailed 3-2. In 2017, the event was played at Valley View with Class 6A and sub-6A boys and girls matches, and the West won all four games.

The girls match was played first in the morning Saturday. The East girls led 1-0 at halftime. The West girls went ahead 2-1 during the second half on goals by Sharyland Pioneer’s Olivia Vasquez and PSJA North’s Victoria Trevino.

The East girls evened the score at 2 with 14 minutes left in regulation. Scoring the East’s initial two goals were Edcouch-Elsa’s Jackie Reyes and Harlingen South’s Mellory Grannum. The East girls almost won in regulation as one of their shots went off the crossbar with 11 minutes remaining.

The East girls went first in the penalties. They held leads of 2-0 and 3-1 on goals by Edinburg North’s Dani Ortiz, Brownsville Rivera’s Hailey Pena and Weslaco High’s Dariana Jimenez. But the West girls rallied to win the PKs 4-3 thanks to goals by Vasquez, Trevino, McAllen High’s Miranda Munoz and PSJA Southwest’s Fahtima Rucoba.

Rucoba’s tally was the game-winner after the fifth PK attempt by the East girls was blocked, leaving the score tied at 3.

She knew she had a chance to win it.

“It was really nerve-wracking at first (lining up to take my PK),” said Rucoba, a senior left wing for the Lady Javelinas during the past season. “But I just relaxed and did my thing. The ball went in, so that was very good.

“It was an honor and a great experience (to play in this all-star game),” Rucoba added.

The boys match also featured a dramatic finish with 12 players — six for each side — taking PKs. Just like the girls, the boys ended regulation deadlocked at 2.

The East boys went first in PKs. The score became 3-3 before Progreso goalkeeper Arturo Gallegos stopped the shot of the fourth player to attempt a penalty for the West boys, and that opened the door to victory for the East.

Arturo Gallegos’ twin brother, Marcos, a senior forward for the Red Ants, made it 4-3 for the East before McAllen Memorial’s Jesus Rodriguez evened the score at 4.

PSJA Southwest’s Luis Gallegos recorded the eventual game-winner for the East by making it 5-4. The sixth and final PK attempt by the West went just outside the right post. On the play, East goalkeeper Jonathan Che of Edinburg High lunged out and got a hand on the ball to nudge it out, just to make sure it wasn’t going in.

So the 5-4 score in PKs wound up providing the East boys’ victory.

The win was set up by Arturo Gallegos’ key save. Like in the girls match, the boys teams alternated their goalkeepers.

“It was just based on working hard on the field,” Arturo Gallegos said of his crucial play during the PKs. “It was an honor to stop that shot to help give us the victory.

“It means a lot to play in a game like this,” he added. “I don’t really have the words to say what it means, but it means a lot to me and the other Progreso players who are here, too.”

The Gallegos brothers hope to play soccer at Laredo Junior College next school year.

Near the end of the first half, Arturo Gallegos recorded back-to-back saves on two rapid, successive shots from close range by the West. Those saves prevented the score from becoming 3-0 for the West.

The West boys, up 2-0 at intermission, were led by first-half goals from Saul Delgado and Francisco Guerrero.

The East boys forced the match to PKs thanks to second-half goals by Donna High’s Joel Hernandez and Donna North’s Rigoberto Escobar.

May 4, 2019 by Roy Hess

Lionettes’ Lowe to attend Dallas Christian

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — The next step in Kayla Lowe’s athletic career came Friday.

The standout senior guard signed an athletic scholarship agreement to play basketball next school year for Dallas Christian College, an NCAA Division II school.

Lowe moved to La Feria with her family as a seventh-grader and has made an impact in her community athletically since her arrival. She began as a standout runner who decided to focus on basketball. The decision led to getting a scholarship to play her sport at the next level.

“This is unbelievable, and it’s a dream come true for me,” Lowe said of her signing. “It’s something I’ve wanted since I was 4 (when I started playing basketball). It’s everything I wanted it to be.”

Lowe signed her scholarship agreement Friday at the high school library in front of family members, classmates, friends, coaches and school officials.

It was a celebratory atmosphere with a few tears of joy appearing on the faces of those present, including the young basketball star.

“I just want people to know they should follow their dreams,” said Lowe, who plans to pursue a degree in sports psychology. “You may have to cancel out or sacrifice some things in your life (to reach your dream), but at the end it’s going to be completely worth it.”

Lionettes coach Angel Martinez appreciates everything Lowe, an all-district first-teamer and an All-Valley all-star pick, has done to help the girls basketball program at La Feria. He said she is a “gym rat” who is always ready to practice, either early in the morning, late at night and at all times in between.

She played on the varsity four seasons and started three of them. As a senior point guard, she scored between 12-15 points per game and averaged about 10 assists per game. She finished with between 25-30 3-pointers her senior season, and hit seven 3-pointers in one of her games.

Martinez said Lowe is an athlete who plays the game with passion.

“Kayla is one of those players you only see every four or five years,” Martinez said. “You feel happy for her (going on to college), but then you feel a little miserable (that she’s ending her high school career). It will take a very special person to fill her shoes now. I tried to move her from point guard to shooting guard, but she just did such a good job (as a ball handler) that I just couldn’t do it. You want the ball in her hands at all times, especially when it’s a crucial part of the game.

“Kayla is a great leader and a great motivator — she loves to win,” Martinez added. “I’m looking forward to seeing her shine at the next level. Not many athletes get a chance to do that, and the fact that she’s doing it and representing La Feria, I’m very proud of her. Basketball is something that has been embedded in her. She always gives it her best.

“She’s got a motor, and she can play the entire game if you need her to. She’s a great young lady and comes from a great family. I think her parents (Carlos and Elena Lowe) are very proud of her, just as much as I am. It will be a big challenge for her at the next level, but knowing her character, I think she’ll do just fine.”

Lowe is eager to face her next challenge on the basketball court as a college student/athlete.

“I expect it to be difficult playing against girls who are bigger and taller than my size,” she said. “It will be a challenge, but I know it will be a challenge that I can overcome. I believe I can show everybody that I can do it.”

May 3, 2019 by Roy Hess

Sabercats rally to finish sweep of Hawks

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — It’s tough to keep a good team down.

The Edinburg Vela Sabercats, ranked No. 1 in the Rio Grande Valley, showed their mettle Friday by rallying from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Harlingen South 4-2 thanks to a three-run outburst in the top of seventh inning at the Hawks’ diamond.

The Sabercats won 8-4 Thursday at home in Game 1 of the Class 6A best-of-three bi-district series, so Friday’s Game 2 victory gives Edinburg Vela a sweep of the Hawks and advances the team to next week’s area round of the playoffs to face McAllen High or Eagle Pass.

District 31-6A champion Vela improved to 24-4-1, and District 32-6A fourth-place South ended its season at 18-11.

“(South’s C.J. Grimaldo) was crafty, and he gave us a little bit of trouble (as we fell behind 2-1 through six innings),” Vela coach Jaime Perez said. “But at the end of the day, our team has a lot of experience, and I think that showed in the end. (During the seventh) we got some breaks, hit the ball real hard and we were able to score some runs.”

The Sabercats went into to the top of the seventh down by one run, but a four-hit outburst allowed them to rally and eventually win as Jaime Perez Jr., Justin Gomez, Frankie Zuniga and Nico Rodriguez each singled during the inning, with Gomez and Rodriguez accounting for RBIs. Teammate Ivan Mendoza also brought a run in with a fielder’s choice during the inning.

South only sent three batters to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, and two struck out.

“I saw this game as a real test for us,” said Vela’s Marc Esquivel, a senior right-hander who picked up the win with relief help in the seventh from Ramsey Amador. “We battled to the end, just like we always do. We never gave up, and kept fighting and fighting.

“My teammates gave me a chance on the mound, and we just kept battling to come out victorious at the end,” Esquivel added. “I’ve played with these guys for a while, and having them behind me (on the field) makes me feel real comfortable on the mound. I know I can trust them, and they trust me.

“A win like this is just giving us more momentum as we go into the second round of the playoffs. We just want to build on that and get better and better.”

During his six innings of work, Esquivel gave up six hits, striking out six batters and walking three. He also had a hit batsman.

The Sabercats took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on Eric Martinez’s solo homer over the left-field wall.

An RBI single by Nick Muniz during the bottom of the third enabled the Hawks to tie the score at 1. The Hawks went ahead 2-1 thanks to Luke Castellanos’ RBI single during the fourth.

The Sabercats outhit the Hawks 10-6, and each team committed an error.

May 2, 2019 by Roy Hess

Edinburg North beats Rivera in Game 1

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

BROWNSVILLE — The Brownsville Rivera Raiders just couldn’t get anything going Thursday on their home diamond in Game 1 of a Class 6A best-of-three bi-district series against Edinburg North.

As a result, the Cougars scored two runs in the top of the first inning and never trailed en route to a 5-1 victory over the Raiders.

Edinburg North, the No. 4 playoff seed from District 31-6A, improved to 11-15, while Rivera, the District 32-6A champion, slipped to 22-9.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 7 p.m. today at Edinburg North. If the game needs to be moved because of wet weather, it will take place at Edcouch-Elsa’s artificial turf field tonight.

“That’s a good (Rivera) ballclub over there,” Edinburg North coach Richard Valdez said. “We’re competing and we played great game tonight, but tomorrow might be a different story. That’s what we’re telling our guys, which is just to focus and see what we can do Friday night.

“It’s a best-of-three series for a reason, so let’s see what we can do in Game 2,” Valdez added. “In this Game (1), it was really our timely hits and making the routine plays (that meant the difference). The team making the routine plays is going to be the team to win.

“We set the tone early (by scoring those two runs), and in the playoffs, one or two runs may be all you need (to get the win). We talked to the guys about coming out strong. Scoring those two runs in the first inning turned out to be pretty important for us.”

One of the standouts Thursday for the Cougars was senior right-hander Kenneth Jobe, who went the distance for the mound victory. He threw 82 pitches while striking out three and walking two. He allowed only two hits.

“At first, I was a little nervous, but as we got into the game and the innings went by, I became more comfortable,” Jobe said. “I knew my team was behind me and everything. I (ended up) just having a comfortable game out there.

“It means a lot coming over here and winning Game 1,” Jobe added. “We knew it would be a tough game tonight, but we came out here and took care of business. We got some hits and I did my job on the mound. Now we just have to take care of Game 2 and that will be it (for the series).”

After leading 2-0 early, the Cougars gave up a run to Rivera in the bottom of the second to make it 2-1.

Edinburg North increased its lead to 4-1 in the top of the third before adding a solo tally in the top of the fourth to account for the final score of 5-1.

The Cougars’ first two runs in the top of the first came on a two-RBI single to right-center field by Carlos Acosta. A run-scoring triple to center field by Aurelio Guajardo and an RBI single to center field by Acosta in the third made it 4-1.

Jobe had an infield hit to bring in the Cougars’ fifth run in the fourth.

Acosta and Guajardo each batted 3-for-4 for the Cougars. Guajardo had a single, a double and a triple and finished with one RBI for the Cougars. Acosta had three singles and three RBIs.

The hits for Rivera were an RBI double in the bottom of the second by Raul Rosales and a single in the fourth by Raul Gonzalez.

Rivera’s Jesus Ibarra went the distance in taking the loss. He gave up nine hits while striking out seven batters and walking one as he threw 101 pitches.

April 27, 2019 by Roy Hess

La Feria’s Cortez makes UTRGV signing official

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — Friday marked a very special day for Andy Cortez.

Cortez, a senior golf standout for the La Feria Lions, signed an athletic scholarship agreement to play for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.

Cortez, who earlier this week qualified for next month’s Class 4A state tournament in Kyle, just outside of Austin, became La Feria’s first male golfer to put his signature on a scholarship agreement to play golf in college.

It was a celebratory event for all present Friday as Cortez signed before a host of family members, friends, classmates and school officials at the high school library.

“Thank you for giving a 3-year-old boy with a rusty golf club a dream (of playing the sport in college),” Cortez told the applauding audience. “Now I’m achieving that dream of playing at the next level.”

The La Feria senior will be playing golf for an NCAA Division I program in nearby Edinburg.

“It means the world to me, knowing I’m putting all my hard work and my future into place, and that I’ll be joining a Division I school and that they’re giving me this opportunity,” said Cortez, who plans to pursue a sports medicine or physical therapy degree in college or possibly opt for a major in the criminal justice/law enforcement field. “It just means the world.

“I started with the game (of golf) around 3 or 4, and I’ve just loved it ever since,” he added. “My dad (Juan Cortez) introduced it to me and took me out to the golf course with his friends (as a youngster), and I just never put down the golf club.”

La Feria golf coach David Briones said Cortez’s success for the Lions has helped the golf program at the school grow. Briones said it’s going to feel like something is missing once Cortez graduates, and he wishes his star golfer nothing but the best in college.

“It’s been wonderful to coach someone like Andy with his work ethic who is that caliber of player,” Briones said. “It’s made my life (as a coach) a little bit easier. If I could just have four more Andys (to form a team of players like him), I’d appreciate it.

“I’m looking forward for his success at the college level,” Briones added. “I know he’ll do great. I wish him the best. We have one more tournament for him (at state) this school year, and hopefully we can come out successfully.”

Qualifying for state Tuesday at the Region IV-4A Tournament in Corpus Christi as the runner-up medalist and then signing with UTRGV on Friday has made it quite an eventful couple of days for the young golf standout.

He’s become the only Cameron County golfer from a Class 6A, 5A or 4A school to qualify for UIL state competition this school year.

“It’s been an amazing week,” Cortez said. “Knowing that I’ve qualified to go to state for the second time in my high school career and having signed with UTRGV in the same week, it just means the world to me.”

April 25, 2019 by Roy Hess

Regional golf tournaments wrap up

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The golf season came to an end Thursday for the Harlingen High Cardinals and Harlingen South Hawks at the Region IV-6A Tournament in San Antonio.

The Cardinals wound up in ninth place with a 649 team score after the two-day tournament at Republic Golf Club.

Individual scores for the District 32-6A champion Cardinals were Mikey Bullock (79-71 — 150), Nate Newman (85-77 —162), Larry Bolt (88-82 — 170) and Nicholas Galvan (85-87 — 172).

Harlingen South was the runner-up team from 32-6A playing in the 6A regional tournament. The Hawks finished in 13th place with a 680 team total.

Individual scores for the Hawks were Jimi Abbott (83-81 — 164), Zach David (81-85 — 166), Malachi Pena (87-90 — 177) and Nolan Garrison (90-92 — 182).

“ I’m really proud of these guys,” South coach Larry Kruse said of his squad. “Where we finished the season is a lot better than where we started. I’m proud of their hard work.

“ It’s a young team,” Kruse added. “We have one freshman and four sophomores.”

The best finish by a Valley team at the Region IV-6A event was McAllen High in eighth place with a 637 team total.

The 6A regional boys team champion was Austin Westlake No. 1 with a 286-290 — 576. Austin Westlake No. 2 was second at 294-289 — 583 and San Antonio Johnson was third at 301-288 — 589.

Golfers qualified for state from this week’s regional competition by finishing as one of the top three teams or finishing as one of the top three individual golfers not on a state-qualifying team.

The three individual state qualifiers not on a team bound for state were Austin Lake Travis teammates Trey Bosco (70-64 — 134) and Nathan Petronzio (70-68 — 138), who were the top two medalists, along with San Antonio Clark’s Garrett Endicott (72-70 — 142).

Meanwhile, the Region IV-5A Tournament for boys was played Wednesday and Thursday at McAllen’s Palmview Golf Course.

Sharyland High’s Jun Min Lee was the top medalist with a two-day score of 69-67 — 136, which was six strokes under par.

It took a four-hole playoff to determine the second medalist as Zach Heffernan of Boerne Champion Navy defeated Jake Sitterle of Dripping Springs. Both finished at 1-under 143 after 18 holes.

Besides Lee, individual qualifiers to state that were not on a state-bound team included L.J. Chavez of Sharyland Pioneer (76-73 — 149) and Ethan Ming of Flour Bluff (78-74 — 152).

The top three teams at the Region IV-5A event were Boerne Champion Navy (304-308 — 612), Dripping Springs (314-314 — 628) and Alamo Heights (333-298 — 631).

Donna High (11th with a 725 score) and Brownsville Veterans Memorial (14th with a 759 score) were the two teams in the tournament representing District 32-5A.

Brownsville Veterans was led by Daniel Yznaga, the 32-5A medalist earlier this month in a playoff. He shot 85-86 — 171 at the regional. Jonathan Del Bosque led Donna High by shooting 84-90 — 174.

Chargers coach Thomas Abete said he was pleased with the efforts of his boys.

“ I’m proud of the boys for making it to the regional tournament this year,’ Abete said. “Nobody expected us to get that far, and I’m really happy the boys were able to experience playing with the best from our region.

“ The boys worked hard all (school) year long, and it sure paid off,” he added. “I’m proud of each and every one of my players for putting in work and dedication to this difficult game. We wish the best of luck to all Valley players and coaches who are advancing to the state tournament.”