By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Stephanie Garcia said she and many other residents from the Santa Rosa community are upset the Santa Rosa ISD Board of Trustees voted not to renew the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Johnny Cipriano at Wednesday night’s school board meeting.

The trustees met via teleconference, and no immediate reason was given for non-renewal of the coach’s contract.

According to sources, the vote was 4-3 with trustees Santos Castaneda, Sandra Rickford, Raul Garza and Rogelio Guerra Jr. opting for non-renewal of Cipriano’s contract. Trustees Cynthia Saldivar, Danny Theys and Juan Manuel Perez voted for renewal.

On Wednesday night, residents lined the main thoroughfare going through Santa Rosa on Highway 107, and some had signs showing support for Cipriano.

“There are many people in our community who are very upset about this (vote),” said Garcia, who has three sons who graduated from Santa Rosa, two of whom played for Cipriano. “It’s devastating news. Coach CP has brought a lot of pride to Santa Rosa because of the success his basketball teams have had. When the Warriors play, we’re all there. We’re a small school, but most of the time we outnumber the opposing team’s fans because our basketball team means a lot to us. Coach CP is the reason for our success. It’s just very sad news.”

Cipriano coached the Warriors in basketball 22 years and captured 16 district titles or co-championships. This season, the Warriors were District 32-3A co-champions with Brownsville Jubilee.

He coached the Warriors to nine Sweet 16 appearances, and his teams made it to the UIL state tournament three times — 2009, 2017 and 2018. That’s a feat not achieved by any other Rio Grande Valley basketball coach.

Cipriano, a native of Santa Rosa who played basketball for the Warriors before his high-school graduation, added the athletic director title in 2017.

On Thursday, Cipriano had a message for the residents of Santa Rosa.

“Stay strong,” he texted. “Much love.”

An attempt to contact Santa Rosa ISD superintendent Angela Gonzalez for comment Thursday by phone was unsuccessful.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Santa Rosa residents say they are concerned the contract of Warriors athletic director and boys basketball coach Johnny Cipriano might not be renewed at today’s Santa Rosa ISD Board of Trustees meeting.

One of the items on the agenda for today’s school board meeting via teleconference involves “Consultation with legal counsel on matters related on recommendation to propose non-renewal of Chapter 21 contract of athletic director Juan Cipriano.”

Three Santa Rosa school board members were sent emails seeking comment, but there was no response.

According to records, Cipriano has coached the Warriors for 22 years and guided them to 16 district championships or co-championships, and taken his teams to the UIL state tournament three times.

Santa Rosa resident Stephanie Garcia said she is the mother of three sons who graduated from Santa Rosa, and two of them played for Cipriano.

“Coach CP was a coach to two of my three sons, and not only was he a coach, he was a father figure and mentor,” Garcia said. “My son is 28 years old now, and Coach CP influenced him so much so that he went on to get his master’s degree and become a teacher and home owner in Austin.

“I can’t really tell you why they would do this, but I’ve heard four board members (comprising a majority) are voting against the renewal of Coach CP’s contract,” Garcia added. “He’s just been a very successful coach here. If they don’t renew his contract, I’m sure he would have a lot of job offers elsewhere, but we want to see him stay here.

“Let me tell you, the folks out here in Santa Rosa are absolutely outraged that this could happen. We’re absolutely devastated that Coach CP would no longer be the coach. I’ve had more than 500 people sign a petition (for Cipriano’s contract renewal) in just a few hours (Tuesday).”

Jacob Garcia, one of Stephanie Garcia’s three sons, is now a teacher in Austin. He played for Cipriano before graduating in 2009. He was a member of one of Cipriano’s teams that made it to state.

“I’m not 100 percent sure why they would do something like this,” Jacob Garcia said. “Having gone to Santa Rosa and having graduated from there, plus playing basketball for Coach Cipriano, I know there is a lot politics involved, especially now that I’m a teacher.

“I think it’s important to know that Coach Cipriano is not only a coach, he’s a mentor for every one of those kids,” he added. “He was for me. I don’t think I would have even graduated and gone on to college if it wasn’t for him. It’s devastating and heartbreaking for everybody (that his contract might not be renewed).

“I think if it happens, it gives the school district a bad name. He’s been there for 22 years and had a lot of success. It’s just not good (if it happens).”

Maribel Salinas is a Santa Rosa resident with a son who just completed his eighth-grade school year and is looking forward to becoming a freshman at Santa Rosa High and playing for Cipriano.

“It’s very upsetting to think they wouldn’t renew Coach Cipriano’s contract,” Salinas said. “I would say except for possibly just a few people, our entire community is upset about this. You’re talking about a coach who has been there more than 20 years and has won so many district titles and taken teams to state.

“Coach CP takes under his wing many of his players, especially those who don’t have a father figure in their lives,” Salinas added. “To him, it’s always been grades come first and then your talent (to play on the varsity). He’s a fair man who has given everybody an opportunity. If you make the (varsity) cut, you make the cut.”

Salinas said her son developed an injury during the past track season, and Cipriano called her to recommend the eighth-grader sit out of athletics until he had sufficiently recuperated.

“What coach goes out of his way to do something like that?” Salinas said. “You have to have a leader to go in the right direction, and he’s a great leader. These boys (in grade school and junior high) are saying, ‘I can’t wait ’til I play for Coach Cipriano.’ My eighth-grader has been saying that since the third grade. Coach Cipriano has a lot of support.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Whether it’s as a playmaker or goal scorer, Brandon Montes is one of the main reasons behind the Porter Cowboys’ soccer success, not only this season but in past years as well.

With 24 goals and 19 assists this season, the standout junior attacking midfielder is the top choice as The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Team Most Valuable Player.

Cowboys coach Jose Espitia said Montes, who has started since he was a freshman, embodies what Porter soccer is all about.

“It’s being humble, it’s being coachable, and that’s who Branson is,” Espitia said. “There’s no arrogance, no (overconfident) boldness. He’s a player with great skills who has played since he was very young with some of our current players such as Jose Mateos (a 23-goal scorer this season as a forward). Brandon takes care of business. When it’s time to get working, he’s going to be there giving 100 percent.”

Montes had 17 goals and 14 assists in District 32-5A competition as the Cowboys finished second with a 9-5 record and 29 points. Porter went 22-5-1 overall.

He was the All-Metro newcomer of the year as a freshman and an All-Metro first-teamer as a sophomore.

Montes said the camaraderie on the Cowboys’ squad helps the team win.

“Overall, this team is a very strong, compact family,” Montes said. “We trust each other, and that makes you feel comfortable out there on the field. You know your teammates will always be there to support you. That’s something that has really helped me a lot during my whole three years (on the varsity).

“It means a lot to me to be a Porter Cowboy,” he added. “I have past family members who used to go to Porter, too. When I was younger, I was super excited to be going to Porter and to be on the varsity soccer team. It’s better than I thought it would be. I have enjoyed every moment with the guys. It’s been the same group (of us) since I was a freshman. I’m just grateful for my teammates and everything they’ve done for me in being so supportive.”

Montes appreciates the recognition he is receiving as All-Metro MVP.

“It feels great, and it means all my hard work has been paying off,” he said. “I couldn’t have done this without my family and teammates, and especially my coaches. They’ve been there for me since my freshman year, and I’m just very thankful for them. I’m thankful for all the recognition I’ve gotten these past few years.”

Espitia believes Montes is definitely worthy of receiving the top All-Metro award.

“Brandon is just a different player (on a higher level),” the Porter coach said. “He’s very skilled, very humble and very coachable. He’s very practical with the ball and has great vision of the field. Brandon is a smart player, and believe it or not, he’s got a burst of speed. We’re very blessed to have him on the team.

“This All-Metro award is just another accomplishment for Brandon,” Espitia added. “Hopefully it will give him extra motivation and drive to come back strong next year. Hopefully we can make a good run in the playoffs next season.”

Montes said it’s regrettable Porter’s season ended before the playoffs began due to the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus, but he remains upbeat about the situation.

“As I always say, things happen for a reason,” Montes said. “It was exciting for us to qualify for the playoffs again, but God decided we had to have this quarantine, so we didn’t get to see how far we might have gone. Hopefully we’ll be successful next year as well and get our chance to go far in the playoffs, and get to reach even greater heights.

“I just wish everybody would stay home and be safe,” he added. “Hopefully this will all be over by next (school) year and everything gets better for everyone. I hope the team continues to be successful.”

The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 Boys All-Metro Soccer Team

MVP

Brandon Montes, Porter

Offensive Player of the Year

Albert Maradiaga, Brownsville Veterans Memorial

Defensive Player of the Year

Roberto Palomo, Hanna

Utility Player of the Year

Andderson Rocha, Los Fresnos

Newcomer of the Year

Alejandro Castro, Brownsville Veterans

Co-Coaches of the Year

Michael Miller, Los Fresnos; Alberto Vasquez, Brownsville Veterans

First Team

Forward: Mark Boswell, Brownsville Veterans; Angel Mancillas, Los Fresnos

Midfielder: Kevin Zarrazagas, Rivera; Obed Sepulveda, Los Fresnos; Jesus Guerrero, Hanna; Cesar Cepeda, Brownsville Veterans

Defender: Jose Luis Capistran, Brownsville Veterans; Abraham Salazar, Lopez; Alan Romero, Porter; Jose Casanova, Los Fresnos

Goalkeeper: Angel De La Garza, Lopez

Second Team

Forward: Jose Mateos, Porter; Alejandro Garfias, IDEA Frontier

Midfielder: Ryan Macias, Rivera; Eduardo de Ledesma, Brownsville Jubilee; Daniel Cruz, Lopez; Tommy Green, Hanna

Defender: Aksel Cabrera, Brownsville Veterans; Angel Estrada, Brownsville Veterans; Sebastian Pulido, Brownsville Jubilee; Osvaldo Serna, Hanna

Goalkeeper: Isaac Acevedo, Porter

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers have had several go-to players in their soccer lineup who they could count on to score goals.

Throughout the 2020 season, Albert Maradiaga was one of the Chargers’ most reliable players on the offensive end of the field, even dating back to past years.

With a team-best 25 goals to his credit this season, the standout senior midfielder is the top choice for The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Offensive Player of the Year award.

Maradiaga, a three-year starter and four-year member of the varsity, led the way for the Chargers, who captured the District 32-5A championship with a 12-1 record and 36 points. They finished 19-2-2 overall.

“Being a part of this team means a lot to me,” Maradiaga said. “Ever since I got there the first day (as a freshman), the team made me feel very welcome. The coach staff and my teammates have made me feel very comfortable. That’s something that works out pretty well at the end of the day.

“To be honest, I don’t think anyone (outside the team) really believed that we would actually come out like we have as district champs,” he added. “It’s really just been our hard work. We have lots of juniors on our team and some sophomores, too, (who have been important contributors). It’s been working hard and playing together (as the key to our success).”

As a team captain, Maradiaga felt it was his responsibility to lead the squad.

“Being a team captain is pretty important because you have a big responsibility, not only on the field, but outside of it as well,” he said. “The underclassmen are looking at you, and anything you do, you pretty much have to be a leader out there, telling the guys to go do something right or correct something so the team can be successful.”

Alberto Vasquez, the 2020 All-Metro co-coach of the year with Los Fresnos’ Michael Miller, said Maradiaga has been an important part of Brownsville Veterans’ team dating back to when he began starting some near the end of his freshman season.

“Albert is such an explosive offensive player,” Vasquez said. “He’s able to attack and generate so much out of the midfield position. He’s not a ‘forward-forward,’ he’s an offensive midfielder. The fact that he creates so much offense, either by distributing the ball and creating offensive opportunities for other players or by scoring himself, is impressive. He has been scoring goals for us since he was a freshman, even at the regional tournament.

“He’s just one of those players who has a lot of confidence and is willing to take shots (from anywhere) at the goal,” Vasquez added. “I think that’s one of his strengths. Some players are reluctant to take a shot, but for Albert, it doesn’t matter what side of the field he’s on or whether he uses his right or left foot, he’s willing to create opportunities and be effective.”

Maradiaga, who hopes to play soccer in college, appreciates the recognition he has received. He has 15 games of playoff experience because the Chargers have advanced to the regional final every year since he was a freshman.

“First of all, I’m very blessed and honored (to be the All-Metro offensive player of the year),” he said. “I want to give a big thank you to all my family and friends, who have always been there for me throughout the years. I also want to thank all the coaches and all my teammates for helping me get to where I am right now. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I’d be here right now (receiving honors).

“I’m also proud of myself because in moments like these, it’s when I realize my hard work is paying off,” he added. “I started playing soccer when I was 3, and in my 15 years of playing, this is probably one of my biggest accomplishments.

“Unfortunately our season is over due to the coronavirus. We didn’t really want it to end this way, but we did our best and we won district. I think we pretty much ended the season on a good note.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Hanna’s Roberto Palomo is one of the area’s top defensive soccer players.

Actually, for the second straight year, he’s being recognized as the best.

Palomo, a senior center back and three year-starter, is The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Defensive Player of the Year.

It’s the same award Palomo won last season as a junior when the Golden Eagles advanced to the Region IV-6A Tournament.

Hanna didn’t get a chance to return to the regional tournament this year because its season was cut short by the UIL before the playoffs began due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered what remains of the 2019-20 school year to be canceled, ending all possibility of spring sports continuing.

Still, the Eagles finished second in District 32-6A with a 6-4 record and 20 points. They went 18-6-2 overall.

Hanna coach Reyes Prado said Palomo, who has been on the varsity for four years, is on the same level as some of the best defenders to play for the Eagles and who have gone on to shine in college.

“Roberto has the potential to play at the next level if that’s what he wants to do,” the Hanna coach said, “He has the tools, he has everything. He has improved big-time as a mature player from his sophomore year to his senior year. He’s always there leading by example in practice and games.

“The team was very happy to have him there in the back (defending),” Prado added. “The team depended on him. There were no worries with him there. He has the ability to place himself in the right spot at the right moment 99 percent of the time. He was very good at beating the opponent to the ball and making a play. Technically, he would gain control of the ball and come out to make a play from the back.”

Palomo said playing for Hanna has been an invaluable experience.

“Being there on the varsity all four years has taught me a lot,” he said. “You grow as a team. You get to know everybody, so it takes it deeper (as far as relationships and camaraderie).

“We’re all friends and we’re all close together, not only during the games but outside the field, too,” Palomo added. “We didn’t feel pressured because we were all together, even when the (game) situation was bad, and for the good times as well.”

To receive an award for his standout play on defense is awesome, Palomo said.

“I’m very grateful that people think that about me (as being a top defensive player),” he said. “I believe I’ve put in the work and the time (practicing). I’m just grateful.”

There are many people to thank for helping him develop his soccer skills, the Hanna senior said.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Coach Prado,” Palomo said. “I also thank (club coaches) Letty Capistran, Lalo Mata and Andres Macillas, and all the (other) coaches I’ve had since my childhood and during my teenage years. I’m just grateful for my high school coaches and my coaches from my outside leagues as well.

“I want to thank my family, especially my parents (Roberto Sr. and Dalia Palomo) for their support in everything I do,” he added. “I also want to thank God for helping me.”

Prado said it will not be the same for the Eagles next season without Palomo there to lead the defense.

“Roberto is a tremendous asset to have, and I know we’re going to miss him,” Prado said. “He has the potential (to play in college) as a defender or midfielder. He’s very good with his feet (dribbling the ball). He’s just a real humble player. I wish I had him for another year, but that’s the way it is. I wish him all the best in the future.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Andderson Rocha played a variety of positions this season in helping the Los Fresnos Falcons capture their first district championship in boys soccer.

Rocha, a standout senior who played primarily in the midfield, is The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Utility Player of the Year.

He also played some on defense and a little at forward, and even scored a few goals.

The Falcons won District 32-6A with an 8-2 record and 24 points. They finished with a 20-8-2 overall mark.

It felt pretty good to be a part of the Los Fresnos team capturing the school’s first district title in boys soccer.

“I’m just amazed with how everything turned out for us,” said Rocha, a first-year starter for the Falcons this season. “(It was) all the effort we put into it during the offseason and in the summer, working hard and hitting the weight room, and with my teammates always pushing me — all of that paid off.

“We were determined, and we had certain goals in mind for the season,” he added. “For example, at the beginning of the year we had it in mind that we wanted to win district. That was our first goal. No matter what, that’s what we wanted to do.

“This team had a lot of communication, and we felt like a family. (Actually) we are a family.”

Los Fresnos coach Michael Miller is grateful for Rocha’s ability to do well wherever he was asked to play.

“He’s really a midfielder, but he played defense some, too,” Miller said. “He goes and plays anywhere he is needed. He even scored four or five goals this season. He’s just that player you put in anywhere, and he’ll try his best to help you win the game. He has improved every year he’s been in our program.

“Andderson barely sat on the bench, this season,” Miller added. “I think in district he played every game, started every game, and maybe sat on the bench for a total of 10 minutes. He sold out (to doing his best for the team), even when there were formation changes.

“He knows exactly what to do (regardless of the position he’s playing). That’s why I consider him our utility player. He does whatever it takes to win. If we needed a goal, he’d score it. He was adaptable to wherever he was playing in helping us win. Andderson was our most disciplined player this season and our smartest player on the field as well.”

Rocha appreciates being recognized for his efforts.

“It’s just an honor to be named the utility player on the All-Metro team,” he said. “It was a challenge, for sure (to play different positions), because whenever they needed me at a certain position, I had to play well no matter what. I always tried to do my best. Yes, it was a challenge, because not everyone on the team could handle something like that.”

He said there are a number of people to thank for his and the team’s success.

“I thank my parents (Javier Rocha and Claudia Villeda), my coaches and my teammates for helping me get this award,” Rocha said. “Without them, it wouldn’t be possible to do well. I’ve always had my parents’ support and love, plus my overall family’s (backing). My parents always went to see my games and took me to practices on Saturdays and things like that.”

Rocha believes the 2020 Falcons won’t soon be forgotten, even though their season was cut short.

“With the circumstances of the coronavirus (halting the season just before the postseason was to begin in late March), I think our team could have gone far in the playoffs,” Rocha said. “We have an awesome, hard-working and dedicated team that stayed healthy (throughout the season). We made history at our school.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Coming to Brownsville Veterans Memorial as a freshman, Alex Castro never imagined he would be a member of the varsity boys soccer team, let alone become a starter.

After two games were played in the 2020 season, Castro got his opportunity in the varsity lineup as a defensive midfielder. He did so well that he remained in the starting lineup the rest of the season and wound up being one of the players logging the most minutes on the field.

Castro surprised even himself with his contribution to the team on the varsity level as the Chargers won District 32-5A with a 12-1 record and 36 points. They went 19-2-2 overall.

The standout freshman is The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Newcomer of the Year.

“My first two games I wasn’t a starter because I was still new to the team,” Castro said. “After those first two games I started playing as a starter. When the (district) season started, I was injured against (Brownsville) Pace (and had to sit out). After that I got back to work (and became healthy), and I was a starter again.

“Honestly, I never really thought I would do as well as I did,” he added. “When school first started, I was thinking if I could just make it on the JV Dark team I would be happy. I didn’t ask for more, but I pushed myself and I tried to play my best. When they told me I’d be on the varsity, I was impressed. When they told me I’d be a starter, I was extremely happy.”

Brownsville Veterans’ Alberto Vasquez, the All-Metro co-coach of the year with Los Fresnos’ Michael Miller, said Castro quickly became an important contributor on a team that was replacing almost all of its defensive starters from the previous season due to graduation. The Chargers gave up only nine goals in 13 district games this season.

“We had that hole in the middle of the field (defensively), and we needed to find a replacement,” Vasquez said. “We found Alex (to step in and start). It was a little bit of a learning process in the beginning, but he was the one we were looking for. It turned out that we hardly ever took him out of games in his role as the starter at holding midfielder.

“We knew Alex was there to slow down the opponent and make sure our defensive players were in the right position, so he did an amazing job as a freshman,” Vasquez added. “He stepped into the lineup, worked hard and didn’t flinch. All in all, he did very well. He’s a solid player technically. You can’t play in our lineup unless you’re a solid player.

“He doesn’t make many mistakes, and he reads the game very well. He’s able to get himself into position properly, and he doesn’t try to do too much. He’s very effective. We don’t like to play by holding on to the ball too much. He’s able to move the ball around, and he’s great in that supportive role as we try to get our offense going. (Also, as our defensive midfielder) he was the first guy there to try to slow down the opponents (when on they were on the attack).”

Castro is grateful for being recognized for his efforts on the field as a freshman for the Chargers. He said it motivates him to play even better during the coming seasons.

“I just want to keep working hard and achieve more things in the future,” he said. “It means a lot (to be recognized), and I was extremely happy when I found out about this award. I didn’t ever really expect it, but it’s brought my family and I lots of happiness. My family has been with me and helped me get better since I started playing soccer. I thank Coach Vasquez and the other coaches for giving me the opportunity to see what I could do (in the lineup).

“To me, it was a great achievement (to fit into the lineup and contribute) on our defense,” he added. “The first few games were a little bit of a struggle (since most of the players on our defense were new), but we came together and started working more as a team. The season went pretty well for us on defense. We didn’t allow that many goals. It was honestly a really good achievement.

“First of all, we communicated very well inside and outside of the field. We’re good friends also inside and outside of the field. We all got along, and it was a very good result. I feel like they accepted me quickly and included me a lot, even though I was a freshman and new to the team. I feel this is just the beginning for me and what we can do as a team in the future.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

The 2020 boys soccer season was quite eventful for the Los Fresnos Falcons and the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers.

Each team overcame the odds to capture a district championship — Los Fresnos in District 32-6A and Brownsville Veterans in District 32-5A.

Michael Miller was the guiding force behind the Falcons, and Alberto Vasquez directed the Chargers.

The two men share top honors as The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Boys Soccer Co-Coaches of the Year.

This season, the Falcons were in the process of experiencing their third coach in three years and hadn’t qualified for the playoffs in 2019. After two seasons as an assistant, 2020 was Miller’s first year in charge.

He simply asked his players to believe in themselves and in the program while competing against the always tough Brownsville schools in 32-6A. The players responded in the best way possible, and the result was the school’s first district title in boys soccer.

“I asked them to believe they were good enough to challenge for a district championship, although it had never been done before in the history of the program here,” said Miller, whose assistant coaches are Jaime Longoria, Michael Garcia and William Thompson. “I think that was the biggest message I had for the guys during the season to help us get to where we got.

“This team showed its character,” he added. “The players said they had been through a lot, having three different coaches in three years, and they returned this season not really knowing what to expect. They showed their character by not giving up.

“You don’t win without talent, and we knew we were capable of doing something good after winning the summer league playing against a lot strong teams from the area. It was just a matter of them believing and showing their character.”

The Falcons went 8-2 with 24 points to capture the 32-6A crown. At the time the season was halted by the UIL in mid-March due to the dangers of the COVID-19 coronavirus and eventually canceled for good last week, they boasted a 20-8-2 overall record.

The soccer season was put on hold just as the playoffs were about to start in late March.

Miller appreciates the recognition he and his team have received.

“This (coach of the year) award is a team award,” said Miller, who came to South Texas from his native state of Minnesota. “It doesn’t happen unless I have the players and staff that I have being in this position. I told the players, ‘All I have to do is make you guys believe you can do it,’ so I’m humbled (to be named co-coach of the year) and honored to be a coach down here. Since the beginning of the season it’s not something I ever really thought about.

“You can’t (actually) scour the whole country, but considering the talent and ability here (in the Rio Grande Valley), it has to be some of the best public high school soccer in the country,” he added. “All the way through (South Texas), there are so many really good teams here. With so many good teams, you just want to get to the playoffs, make a run and see how far you can go.

“A lot of our guys have never had the opportunity to play in a playoff game. You try to hold out hope (the playoffs would happen), especially for our seniors, that they could get that experience, but there are bigger things out there to be concerned about right now. (With the season officially over now), we’ve accomplished what we could accomplish (by winning 32-6A).”

Vasquez feels the same way about his Brownsville Veterans team. If given the chance, he believes his team could have gone far in the playoffs. It’s a team that features players who have made it to the Region IV-5A final three straight seasons and played 15 playoff games prior to 2020.

Vasquez believes this was the year for the Chargers to make it to the state tournament for the first time after prevailing in 32-5A against such tough opponents as Brownsville Porter, Brownsville Lopez and Valley View. The latest Class 5A rankings for Region IV by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches have Brownsville Veterans at No. 1, Porter at No. 2 and Valley View at No. 3. Lopez is No. 7 in the region.

“Because of what we’ve been able to accomplish the last several years, the players always come into the season knowing our objective is to get to state,” Vasquez said. “Our mindset is to win state. The players show up and know from Day 1 that we’re in it to go all the way.

“The defense was a big part of our success this season,” he added. “We only gave up nine goals (in 13 district games). We’d like to believe this was our year to really make a serious (postseason) push. Physically and mentally, we were peaking at the right moment (when the season for all spring sports was halted by the UIL in March).”

The Chargers stand 19-2-2 overall after winning 32-5A with a 12-1 record and 36 points. Vasquez’s coaching staff includes Dante Ayala, Jorge Medina and George Saenz.

Regarding his co-coach of the year award shared with Los Fresnos’ Miller, the Brownsville Veterans coach said, “My name appears there (winning the award), but I feel I have the best assistant coaches who deserve credit, too. It’s not just me (helping the team win). It’s the assistant coaches, and it’s the players who absorb the instructions we give them and go out there and execute what we’re trying to do. It makes me look good.

“There are many good coaches out there, so it’s always an honor to receive such an award,” he added. “A lot of people have contributed to our success.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

While the news doesn’t come as much of a surprise, area coaches say it is still regrettable that Texas’ 7-on-7 competition for 2020 has been canceled.

Due to the dangers of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last week canceled what remains of the 2019-20 school year. The UIL and TAPPS responded by canceling the remaining games, tournaments and meets of all spring sports.

Students have been out of school since Spring Break in mid-March, and now it looks as though the soonest they possibly might return to school would be in August when the 2020-21 school year is scheduled to start. And even then, that time frame appears to be in question.

The Texas State 7-on-7 Organization officially canceled its statewide competition and state qualifying tournaments Monday.

Normally, the 7-on-7 season for high school football players runs from April or May to June, with qualifying events leading up to a state tournament in late June.

The 7-on-7 organization is not affiliated with the UIL, and high school coaches are not permitted to coach the 7-on-7 teams. Still, most importantly, 7-on-7 competition primarily allows teams to develop and fine-tune their passing games. While high school coaches are not allowed to have direct involvement with the teams, they usually follow their teams’ progress closely during the 7-on-7 season.

Many of the coaches say it’s regrettable there will be no 7-on-7 competition, even though the cancellation announcement pretty much was expected.

“I knew this would happen,” Rio Hondo coach Rocky James said. “The athletes have a lot more to worry about right now with what’s going on with this virus.

“We as coaches are just hoping they stay safe and try to stay in shape for the start of football, whenever that may be,” James added.

There’s disappointment because over the years, 7-on-7 has become a much-anticipated part of Texas high school football.

“The cancellation, while necessary, saddens me as our boys were eagerly looking forward to it,” said David Cantu, the coach at Brownsville Veterans Memorial. “We’ll have numerous new starters at our offensive and defensive skill positions because of graduation, and these (returning) young men were excited with the thought of stepping on the field (for 7-on-7) and getting quality reps against good opponents.”

The 7-on-7 season is designed to give athletes an opportunity to develop at the skill positions.

“Well, since we are going to have a new quarterback for the first time in three years, it would’ve been nice to have him get some reps this spring and summer in 7-on-7,” Brownsville Hanna coach Mark Guess said. “However, if we get to work with them like last year during the summer workouts, I think we will be OK.”

Raymondville coach Frank Cantu said the cancellation now means there’s no possibility for 7-on-7 to be modified to make it safer to participate.

“It’s so unfortunate that athletes will not have a chance to play and compete, especially the upcoming seniors,” he said. “It’s one of those things that we really don’t have control over. It would have been nice to modify the 7-on-7 competition in a safer way that would allow the players to compete safely. That is no longer an option with the decision that was made.

“We are in uncharted territory, and our players unfortunately will have to sit out and wait, and see where we go from here,” he added. “We continue to encourage our athletes to work out and remain ready to compete whenever we are given the green light.

“As for now, all we can do is follow the safety guidelines and pray we find a way to get back (to playing football) in a safe way.”

Brownsville Pace coach Danny Pardo agreed with his Raymondville counterpart that safety is the most important concern.

“Well, I think it is unfortunate that players are not getting the opportunity to get better (by participating in 7-on-7), but the most important thing is their health,” Pardo said. “I think that if we don’t take every precaution now, it may affect us getting started (with football) next school year.”

There are some teams, such as Los Fresnos, not affected by the 7-on-7 announcement.

“It will not affect us at all because we are a flex-bone team,” Falcons coach Patrick Brown said.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Denisse Romero, The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 All-Metro Girls Soccer Most Valuable Player, was at the forefront in leading the Porter Cowgirls to their first district championship in girls soccer this season.

The Cowgirls won the District 32-5A title with a 12-2 record and 34 points. They have achieved a 26-5-6 overall mark.

A sophomore attacking midfielder, Romero tallied 15 goals on the season and eight in 32-5A competition despite missing two district games due to injury.

Romero, the team’s playmaker, assisted on 90 percent of the Cowgirls’ goals, Porter coach Abraham Gracia said. Romero was the All-Metro newcomer last year as a freshman.

Gracia said Romero is a difference-maker and leads the way for the team even though she is an underclassman.

“Denisse is a hard-working player,” the Cowgirls coach said. “The thing is that even though she’s only a sophomore, she wants to carry the team on her back. She’s going to do everything she possibly can to help us win.

“To her, doing everything she can for the team is what she wants to do,” Gracia added. “If anything, sometimes she puts too much pressure on herself. She has made a huge difference for us. Our girls have come to depend on her being there to help us win.”

Last year, when Romero was named the All-Metro newcomer as a freshman, Gracia said Romero was a better player at that time than some of his seniors. She had 19 goals as a freshman.

Her soccer skills have continued to make her a standout during her second year as a starter on the varsity.

“I’m very happy about our season,” Romero said. “On this team, we are dedicated and we help each other a lot (and that’s the reason we won district).”

She said being named MVP makes her feel that all her efforts on the field have been worthwhile.

“It makes it all worth it when you receive an award like that,” Romero said. “I’ve received a lot of help from my family, my teammates, my coaches and the school.

“On the field, it’s important to me to get to the ball and make plays,” she added. “I want us to have a clear objective on the field (of scoring goals). I try to help the team do that.

“I thank everyone, especially the coaches, for helping me to do what I’ve been able to do. Now we just want to continue going forward (and winning).”

The Brownsville Herald’s 2020 Girls All-Metro Soccer Team

Most Valuable Player

Denisse Romero, Porter

Offensive Player of the Year

Ana Barragan, Hanna

Defensive Player of the Year

Andrea Hurtado, Brownsville Veterans Memorial

Utility Player of the Year

Alondra Lopez, Los Fresnos

Newcomer of the Year

Andrea Calvillo, Los Fresnos

Coach of the Year

Abraham Gracia, Porter

First Team

Forwards: Yianey Diaz, Rivera; Corina Arizmendi, Brownsville Jubilee

Midfielders: Arely Guzman, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Samantha Valdez, Lopez; Briana Gracia, Los Fresnos; Kristy Herrera, Hanna

Defenders: Marina Rios, Porter; Kenia Galvan, Pace; Luz Gallegos, Brownsville Jubilee; Kimberly Salazar, Los Fresnos

Goalkeeper: Kayla Alonso, Rivera

Second Team

Forwards: Adamaris Rangel, Lopez; Azaneth Perez, Porter

Midfielders: Vianca Sandoval, Pace; Paloma Zamora, Pace; Leslie Pena, Rivera; Pamela Prado, Hanna

Defenders: Aliyah Castillo, Hanna; Kenya Gonzalez, Lopez; Vivian Lucio, Pace; Mindy Perez, Los Fresnos

Goalkeeper: Jazul Amaya, Pace