By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

Brownsville soccer teams are more determined than ever to advance a boys squad to state after failing to do so last season.

The past year marked the first time since 2012 that Brownsville didn’t have a representative playing at the UIL state tournament in Georgetown.

Going to state has become pretty much a habit for Brownsville boys teams in recent years, and they don’t want that routine to stop.

Along with all other teams, the Brownsville schools get their chance for somebody to make it to Georgetown in 2019 as a new UIL season starts today across the state with virtually all squads playing in tournaments.

In Brownsville, the second annual Southmost Classic begins at 9 a.m. today and runs through Saturday with Lopez and Porter as the hosts. Rivera, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel are among the 13 teams entered in the event.

Porter won the tournament last year with a 1-0 victory against Lopez in the final.

Other city teams such as Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Hanna are going out of the Rio Grande Valley to open the regular season at tournaments in the Houston area.

It figures to be a busy weekend for boys and girls soccer teams.

Here is a team by team look at boys squads in the Metro area, which includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel:

DISTRICT 32-5A

PORTER COWBOYS

The Cowboys advanced two rounds in the playoffs last season after finishing third in 32-5A with a 10-4 record. Porter fielded a young team in 2018, and the squad figures to be relatively young again with three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and one freshman in the starting lineup.

“I like the chemistry this team has,” said Porter coach Jose Espitia, who is entering his 12th season of guiding the Cowboys. “This team is very coachable. Most of the players have at least one year playing together. They know each other and they’re familiar with our playing style.

“I’m happy the boys believe in our program,” Espitia added. “They’re disciplined and they know what it takes (to do well). We have players who are very technical. They know the game. My main concern is our lack of size. I (still) believe we’ll be up to the challenge.”

Isaac Acevedo, last year’s goalkeeper, has transferred to Houston, but the Cowboys have a solid replacement in Mario Rios, who started as a freshman in the 2016 Class 5A state championship match against Frisco Wakeland. Porter won that game in penalty kicks for its second state title to go with the one won in 2006. It was Rios’ first varsity start.

To start the season, the Cowboys have Jose Xavier Mateos and Agustin Pizano at forward with Ossiris Hernandez, Erick Esparza, Brandon Montes and Oscar Garcia in the midfield. On defense, fronting Rios, it’s Alan Luis Romero, Edward Rodriguez, Rodolfo Armendariz and Jean Carlos Villegas.

Other players expected to help off the bench include Marco Casarez, Alex Prado, Daniel Martinez, Tino Rangel Jr. and Wilver Chavez.

BROWNSVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL CHARGERS

The past two seasons have seen the Chargers go five rounds in the playoffs and reach the Region IV-5A final. With a solid group of returnees, including nine starters back, the Chargers, 27-3-3 last season, hope to take the next step in 2019 under coach Alberto Vasquez.

Brownsville Veterans finished second behind Lopez with a 13-1 record in the 32-5A race one season ago.

The starters back include defensive midfielder Juan Amieva, forward/midfielder Mark Boswell, and midfielders Albert Maradiaga, Diego “Kat” Bernal, Jose Balboa and Orlando Sanchez. Starting defenders back are Luis Capistran and Frankie Moreno Jr., plus goalkeeper Moises Navarro.

“It’s always exciting to start off a new season,” Vasquez said. “I know we had a great season last year. We just have to make sure we’re working hard and we’re ready to go (this season). There are a lot of things to like about this group we have coming back. We have such a great group of hard-working players.

“We have some incoming players who look good as well,” he added. “The fact that we have so many starters back makes it difficult for the newcomers to be able to get on the field and make an impact, but we’re always looking for people who can contribute and maybe earn a starting role.”

LOPEZ LOBOS

The Lobos open the season as defending 32-5A champions under Amadeo Escandon, now in his 22nd season as the Lopez coach. The Lobos won district with a 13-1 record last year and advanced three rounds in the playoffs to finish with a 27-2-3 overall mark.

While Lopez graduated a four-year all-star playmaker in Jose “Chevy” Echevarria, there are still plenty of talented players on hand to carry on the Lobos’ tradition of winning district titles and going to state (a Rio Grande Valley-best five times).

Top players for the Lobos this season include defenders Raudel Ramirez, George Ruiz, Milton Solis and Jesus Pena along with midfielders Alan Reyes, Guadalupe Sauceda, Marco Mendoza and Daniel Cruz.

Lopez boasts a pair of solid goalkeepers in Andrew Flores and Angel De La Garza. The Lobos may try to find ways to include both players in the starting lineup.

PACE VIKINGS

It was a tough situation for the Vikings last season as they came up just short of qualifying for the playoffs after advancing three rounds in 2017 and going to the regional final in 2016. They finished fifth in 32-5A one year ago with a 5-9 record, so the goal this time around is to make it to the postseason and go deep into the playoffs.

Pace coach Mario A. Zamora believes his team can do it considering quite a few players are back.

He lists top players coming back for the Vikings as center back Raul Mendoza, left center back Gabriel Gracia, right center back Christopher Zapata and center midfielder Max Rivas along with left wing Ian Perez.

Zamora enters the season with 85 career wins as Pace’s coach. Zamora said he’s looking forward to getting his 100th career win in 2019.

DISTRICT 32-6A

HANNA GOLDEN EAGLES

The Eagles are coming off last season’s runner-up finish in 32-6A with a 12-2 record. They advanced three rounds in the playoffs.

A strong group of returning players plus some talented newcomers has coach Reyes Prado believing his team can duplicate or even surpass the Eagles’ accomplishments of one year ago.

Prado is beginning his seventh year of directing the Hanna boys after a long stint of coaching the Hanna girls.

Players to watch in the Hanna lineup this season include stopper Roberto Palomo, sweeper Miguel Payan, right wing/midfielder Kevin Ochoa and attacking midfielder Hector Quintero.

“That will be the spinal column of the team,” Prado said. “We are looking solid defensively. With the addition of a few newcomers into the program, we should be able to compete against any team. But we are a long way from reaching our top form.”

RIVERA RAIDERS

Salvador Garcia is beginning his 22nd year of guiding the Raiders as they prepare to defend their 32-6A championship of last season.

In 2018, the Raiders went 13-1 in district and finished 22-5-4 overall while advancing to the Region IV-6A Tournament in San Antonio. Rivera advanced to the playoffs for the 26th time in 27 years last season.

Garcia said Kevin Zarrazagas will anchor the team as a center midfielder while Alex Mendez and J.P. Garza will be the go-to guys at forward. Joaquin Hernandez, Alex Villanueva and Totti Morales will head the defense.

Originally, the Raiders had planned to open the season this week at a tournament in The Woodlands, but the team has since opted to stay at home and play in the second annual Southmost Classic.

LOS FRESNOS FALCONS

The Falcons went to the playoffs last season as the third-place team from 32-6A with a 10-4 record. They finished with a 24-11-6 overall mark following a 5-4 setback in penalty kicks against Edinburg Economedes in bi-district.

Matt Molina is taking over as the Falcons’ coach.

He said there are five starters back, including defenders Alexis Silva and Carlos Venegas, defensive midfielder Angel Mancillas, midfielder Jaime Casanova and forward Leo Ocana.

“I think we’re ready to continue the past successes the team has had,” Molina said. “I like the depth we have. There’s not much of a drop off when we have players go in and out. The team is really excited about the new season.”

OTHERS

PORT ISABEL TARPONS

The Tarpons played in District 31-4A last season. They’re switching back to District 32-4A this year.

Port Isabel finished third in district one year ago and was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by Hidalgo.

The Tarpons have a new coach in Josh Kirton.

Kirton lists his top players for this season as midfielder/forwards Marcos Peralta and Angel Fernandez, midfielder/defender Carlos Gonzalez, midfielder Alan Hernandez, goalkeeper Adrian Mendoza, and forwards Carlos Portales and Brayan Medina, who is coming off a standout football season as a running back for the Tarpons.

JUBILEE BROWNSVILLE TITANS

Robert Coronado is the coach of the Titans, who compete in the Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League.

“The Jubilee Brownsville soccer program is growing and we do have some players with a great skill set,” Coronado said.

The Jubilee coach said his top players for the new season are a pair of sophomores. They are midfielder Eduardo de Ledesma and midfielder/forward Fabian Covarrubias.

IDEA FRONTIER CHARGERS

Steven Martinez returns for his second season as the coach of the Chargers, who missed out on the playoffs last season.

IDEA Frontier plays in 32-4A along with Port Isabel, Brownsville IDEA Riverside and four other schools.

The Chargers are again scheduled to play home matches at Brownsville Sports Park. They have an away game scheduled next Tuesday at Edinburg IDEA Quest.

ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY BLOODHOUNDS

The Bloodhounds play in TAPPS Division II this season. The TAPPS winter soccer season usually starts approximately one month before the UIL season.

SJA’s season one year ago ended with a 4-1 TAPPS state quarterfinal loss to Dallas Bishop Lynch in San Antonio on Feb. 17. The defeat gave the Bloodhounds an 8-14-1 record for the 2018 season. This year, they again are scheduled to play in the Brownsville ISD Tournament on Jan. 10-12.

The Bloodhounds already have played five matches.

SJA coach Edgar Tovar said the team this season is a combination of experienced players such as captains Antonio Salum and David Rodriguez plus some newcomers that include Santiago Balderas, Bernie Rodriguez, Manolo Garcia Moreno, Jose Padilla and Pedro Cardenas.

Other experienced players include Kevin Moran, Luis Elizondo, Carlos Porras and Alejandro Ledezma.

Tovar said the Bloodhounds are trying to see who might emerge as a reliable forward.

(Courtesy photo by Maria Esteves)

By ROY HESS

Staff Writer

After such an eventful 2018 season of UIL girls soccer in the Rio Grande Valley, it will be interesting to see how things unfold during 2019 as the new season gets underway this week.

Some of the highlights from one season ago included McAllen High becoming the first girls team from the Valley to advance to the state tournament in Georgetown, plus Rivera’s girls reaching the regional tournament for the first time. The Lady Raiders joined Lopez and Hanna as the only girls teams from Brownsville to accomplish such a feat in soccer.

Also, the Pace Lady Vikings enjoyed one of their most successful seasons. It included a District 32-5A championship with a 14-0 record and a 28-2-1 mark overall after advancing three rounds in the playoffs.

What is the expectation for 2019? Another strong showing, of course.

For the majority of local girls teams, the season opens Thursday at the Brownsville ISD Tournament. The three-day tournament will feature 24 teams and be played at six sites. BISD Tournament sites are Brownsville Veterans Memorial, Pace, Rivera, Hanna, Sams Memorial Stadium and Brownsville Sports Park.

McAllen Memorial defeated Pace 2-1 in last year’s tournament final. There will be a new tournament champion this year since the Lady Mustangs are not returning.

Here is a team-by-team look at girls squads in the Metro area, which includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel:

DISTRICT 32-6A

RIVERA LADY RAIDERS

Last season, the Lady Raiders came on strong near the end of 32-6A competition by winning six of their last eight district matches. From there, they won three games in the playoffs, including a come-from-behind 3-2 area-round triumph at McAllen Memorial in which they trailed 2-0 with 18 minutes remaining.

Peter A. Rodriguez, the Lady Raiders’ coach for the past two years, stepped down and has been replaced by his former assistant, Eduardo Torres.

The new coach welcomes back an experienced group of players, as only three seniors graduated from last year’s team.

When asked who he considers the top players coming back, Torres said, “My response would be the following: It’s the easiest hardest question I’ve had to answer in some time. Every player on our team is crucial in obtaining our goals. On the other hand, (just) like in most cases, the players that take the lead are the ones with the most experience. Rivera Lady Raider soccer is blessed to have seniors this year that have answered the call and are serving as beacons for the rest of the team.”

One of the Rivera standouts from 2018 who is not expected back is Brigitte Iglesias. She was named All-Metro and all-district newcomer last season as a sophomore. Otherwise, the Lady Raiders should have six or seven players with experience as starters.

HANNA LADY GOLDEN EAGLES

The objective for the Lady Eagles this season will be to return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. They missed out on a trip to the postseason last year after tying for fifth place in 32-6A.

Eliseo Guzman is beginning his third season as Hanna’s coach.

He said the team’s top players include Sytlaly Loyde, Angelina Castillo, Pamela Prado, Hilary Pina, Abby Mata and Valeria Perez. Mata and Perez are goalkeepers. Loyde was the co-offensive player of the year in 32-6A last season.

LOS FRESNOS LADY FALCONS

Patricia K. Hernandez is starting her fourth year of guiding the Lady Falcons, who won 32-6A last season with a 12-2 record.

While it was the sixth time in nine years the team won district, the Los Fresnos girls suffered a rare early setback in the playoffs. They lost their bi-district match 1-0 at PSJA High.

One of the top players back for the Lady Falcons is Allison Spier, a senior who played mostly defender last season and was named the overall MVP in 32-6A.

Hernandez said the team’s other top returning players include Itzel Bochas, Sabrina Hinojosa and Brianna Gracia.

DISTRICT 32-5A

PORTER COWGIRLS

The Cowgirls are riding high after making the playoffs during each of the past three seasons under Abraham Gracia, who is entering his 12th year as their coach. The Porter girls went 9-5 in 32-5A last year and placed third.

The Cowgirls figure to have quite a bit of experience, particularly on defense with returning players Quetzali Cortez, Roxanna Miranda and Marina Rios, who are all defenders. Cortez was the defensive player of the year in 32-5A last season. Miranda and Rios received first-team all-district recognition.

Another experienced returning player is forward Azaneth Perez. Other returning players are Sofia Contreras, Kassandra Demetrio, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Jeanette Aguirre, Jazmine Reyna, Janie Gutierrez and Ana Meza.

Newcomers who could help include Denise Romero, Liberty Garza, Keenia Palacios and America Rodriguez.

One player who will be missed is standout scorer Priscila Cortinas, who graduated and now is playing in college.

BROWNSVILLE VETERANS LADY CHARGERS

The Lady Chargers will attempt to improve upon last season’s fourth-place finish in 32-5A with an 8-6 record.

Luis Troncoso returns as the coach. He lost standout scorer Samantha Bodden (50 goals last season, 94 for her career) to graduation, but still has a talented group coming back.

Among the returnees are forward/midfielders Kaylyn Maradiaga and Arely Guzman. Maradiaga is coming off knee surgery, and Guzman is a three-year starter.

Other players back include defenders Andrea Hurtado and Kennidy Rudd, midfielders Camila Trevino and Hanna Obregon, and goalkeeper Karime Benavides.

LOPEZ LADY LOBOS

Like many other teams, the Lady Lobos want to get back to the playoffs. In 2018, the Lopez girls had their streak ended of making trips to the postseason after earning district titles the previous two years. They won 32-6A in 2016 and 32-5A in 2017.

Alex Macias returns as the Lady Lobos’ coach. He said the team’s top returning players include Corina Garcia, Myrka Garcia, Zayra Esquivel, Kenya Gonzalez and Adamaris Rangel. Esquivel and Myrka Garcia earned first-team all-district honors last season.

PACE LADY VIKINGS

The Lady Vikings will try to improve upon their strong showing of 2018.

Gone is Kryssie Rivera (56 goals for the 2018 season, 127 for her career). Rivera was last season’s All-Metro and all-district MVP. She graduated and signed to play in college. Also gone is Alma Perez (101 career assists).

Jesus O. Villarreal is back as the Lady Vikings’ coach.

Among those expected back for the Lady Vikings this season is Alexis Guajardo, who was the All-Metro utility player last year as a junior. Her primary position is attacking midfielder. She was the All-Metro newcomer as a freshman in 2016. Guajardo was a first-team all-district pick at forward last season as well.

OTHERS

PORT ISABEL LADY TARPONS

Jesus Cardenas is beginning his seventh season as the Lady Tarpons’ coach.

The Port Isabel girls have made the playoffs during each of their previous six seasons playing under Cardenas. They finished third in District 31-4A last season.

“We are still trying to jell,” Cardenas said. “Overall, half the team is new to a starting role or a new position.

“We just need to get game experience,” he added. “I love the dedication that the girls are showing. They have very good chemistry off the field, which should transfer to their play on the field. We want to improve every game and be ready for district.”

Among the top players back are Celia Polsky in the midfield, Diana Gonzalez on defense, and Valeria Gonzalez and Sabrina Gonzalez at forward. Also back is forward/midfielder Juliann Hernandez.

The Lady Tarpons will be playing in District 32-4A this season.

JUBILEE BROWNSVILLE LADY TITANS

The Lady Titans are coached by Cesar Arizmendi and compete in the Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League.

Top players for 2019 include defenders Sandy Garza, Julissa Garza and Alejandra Perez, along with Andy Parker, who Arizmendi says is a standout at goalkeeper. Other ones to watch include utility player Corina Arizmendi, forward Luz Gallegos, and midfielders Sofia De La Torre and Erica Parker. Andrea Escudero is the team captain.

IDEA FRONTIER LADY CHARGERS

Brittany Hernandez is the Lady Chargers’ second-year coach. IDEA Frontier plays in 32-4A along with Port Isabel, Brownsville IDEA Riverside and five other schools.

Underclassmen who played for the Lady Chargers last season were Vanessa Hernandez, Samantha Franco and Aylinn Perez.

By ROY HESS

Staff Writer

So what were the most impactful sports stories of 2018 in The Brownsville Herald’s Metro area, which includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel?

There were certainly plenty of sports events and athletic accomplishments that stood out locally during the past year.

As it turns out, the area’s No. 1 sports story of 2018 was an obvious choice in voting by The Herald’s sports staff.

With its record-setting showing in the playoffs, Hanna football was the unanimous pick as No. 1.

Here is a brief look at each of The Herald’s top sports stories in the area during 2018:

NO. 1: HANNA FOOTBALL SHINES

No football team in the school history of Hanna/Brownsville High had advanced three rounds in the UIL state playoffs until the Golden Eagles accomplished the feat in December. And they almost made it to the fourth round, but came up just short 33-32 in a regional playoff matchup against Northside Brandeis on Dec. 1 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The Eagles finished the season 10-2 after winning District 32-6A with a 5-0 record and posting wins over Weslaco East (35-20) and Eagle Pass (28-13) earlier in the playoffs.

Hanna carried the pride of Brownsville football during its Class 6A Division II postseason run and attracted quite a following. Top players included running back Cesar Mancias, quarterback Victor Campos, QB/wide receiver/kicker Miguel Payan and linebacker Jose Cruz, plus a host of others, including all-state honorees Brandon Esteves at defensive tackle, Alcee Flores at cornerback and Andres Sustaeta at safety.

As a result of Hanna’s strong showing, the Eagles’ Mark Guess was named coach of the year on the All-Metro and 32-6A teams.

“It’s very humbling to be the first to do something,” said Guess, who just completed his third season of guiding the Eagles. “In this case, to be the first ones to win a second-round game, and then being able to advance to that third round, is very humbling. It’s hard for me to believe that the Hanna Golden Eagles have never done that before or that the Brownsville (High) Eagles have never done that before.

“For us to do it with these kids that we’ve had these past few years, I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world,” Guess added. “It’s a very, very amazing feeling, and I’m just so happy that I was able to experience it with those kids.”

NO. 2: STATE CHAMPS AGAIN

The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons won their fourth straight Class 6A team title at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association state meet March 16 in Waco.

“It is a joy to watch these girls compete, perform and win,” said Jaime Vela, Los Fresnos’ powerlifting coach. “We always go into the regional meet (two weeks earlier) with the intention of qualifying as many of our lifters as possible for state competition. Then our mindset at state is we’re going to win (the team title). These girls proved it again.”

The Lady Falcons captured their fourth consecutive state crown in decisive fashion by totaling 28 points compared to 20 for runner-up Wylie. Edinburg High (18 points) was third, Edinburg Economedes (17) was fourth and Laredo United South (14) was fifth. Hanna and La Joya Palmview tied for sixth place with 13 points apiece.

“It was a great day,” Vela said. “The girls competed (well).”

The Lady Falcons were led by individual state champions Aliana Richardson in the 105-pound weight division and Bella Vargas in the 123-pound weight division. Placing third in their weight divisions for the Lady Falcons were Angel Esquivel and Ruby Quintero.

NO. 3: SOCCER SUCCESS

Brownsville didn’t send a team to the UIL state tournament in April in Georgetown for the first time since 2012, but it was still a pretty successful season for area teams, especially for the Brownsville Veterans Memorial boys and the Rivera girls.

On April 14, Brownsville Veterans played in the Region IV-5A final for the second straight year and wound up on the short end of a 3-1 score against Valley View. The District 32-5A runner-up Chargers ended the season with a 27-3-3 record.

On April 13, Rivera’s boys and girls both advanced to the Region IV-6A Tournament in San Antonio, and both lost in the regional semifinals at Blossom Athletic Center. It was the first appearance at the regional tournament for the Rivera girls, who were coached by Peter A. Rodriguez. For the Rivera boys, the 2018 season marked the 26th time in 27 years that they qualified for the postseason.

NO. 4: BODDEN SHINES AT STATE

Brownsville Veterans’ Andres Bodden, a senior, enjoyed a solid showing at the UIL state track & field meet May 11 in Austin. In the Class 5A division, he placed second in the discus to win a silver medal with a personal-best throw of 173 feet, 1 inch. A few hours earlier in the shot put, Bodden took third place for a bronze medal with a toss of 53 feet, 6.5 inches.

“I knew the top guys in my region and in my area were going to be here at the state meet,” Bodden said of his medal-winning performance. “It’s just a matter of competing today. I’ve competed against all these guys in the summer and throughout the year. I’ve seen all of them.”

NO. 5: ZOLEZZI REPEATS IN DISCUS

St. Joseph Academy enjoyed medal-winning performances by Pablo Zolezzi and Camryn Gloor at the TAPPS track & field state meet May 4-5 in Waco. Despite some adverse weather conditions, Zolezzi, a junior, defended his TAPPS state title in the discus, and Gloor, a senior, took third place in the pole vault. Zolezzi won with a throw of 160 feet, 2 inches, and Gloor cleared 10 feet in her event to take third.

Zolezzi battled through rainy weather and a foot injury to repeat as a TAPPS state champion.

“What stood out to me was how he performed under adverse conditions,” SJA coach Teddy Lopez said. “The communication between Pablo and Rey Cortinas, our throwing coach, had to be in sync, and it was. The rain, the condition of the (throwing) ring, and a foot injury from regionals — those were key (factors involved) in his execution.”

NO. 6: A WILD 57-56 PLAYOFF GAME

An amazing, back-and-forth football playoff game Nov. 16 in Mercedes ended with the Port Isabel Tarpons coming up painfully short, 57-56, in the Class 4A Division II bi-district round.

The West Oso Bears survived Port Isabel’s barely missed 27-yard field-goal attempt on fourth down with seven seconds left to prevail over the Tarpons by one point in a game that featured more than 1,100 yards of combined offense by the teams.

Against West Oso, Port Isabel QB Cesar Aguilera rushed 30 times for 291 yards and five touchdowns, and completed nine of 13 passes for 120 yards and a pair of scores. Teammate Brayan Medina, a running back, rushed 29 times for 184 yards and one TD, and caught two scoring passes from Aguilera.

“This was a hell of a game, and it’s a shame someone had to lose,” said first-year Port Isabel coach Jason Shrunk, whose team finished the season 4-6 after going 2-7 the previous year. “This is no indication of our sophomore kicker (who missed the field goal at the end). We win and lose (together) as a team.”

NO. 7: A GOLF ROUND TO REMEMBER

Hanna golfer Santiago Garcia was at his best during the final round of the District 32-6A Tournament on April 5 at Weslaco’s Tierra Santa Golf Course. Garcia, a senior and past 32-6A champion, shot an 11-under-par 61 on a par-72 course to capture district medalist honors again. The senior standout finished with a two-day score of 73-61—134. His 61 tied the best 18-hole round by a Texas high school golfer.

“I’m extremely blessed and honored to have won four district titles,” said Garcia, who two weeks later signed a golf scholarship with Texas A&M International University in Laredo. “And about my 61, all I can say is my hard work pays off, but my ultimate goal is a trip to state.”

NO. 8: A TELEVISED PRO BOXING DEBUT

Brownsville super lightweight Omar “El Relampago” Juarez made a successful pro boxing debut Sept. 30 in Ontario, Calif., with a four-round unanimous decision victory (39-37, 40-36, 40-36) against Matt Gavers (0-2) of Bakersfield, Calif. The fight was televised live internationally by the Showtime network and its affiliate channels.

“I feel such a relief (to have my pro debut over),” Juarez said. “The experience (of fighting on international TV) was surreal.

“God blessed me with the win,” added Juarez, a 2016 Hanna graduate who currently attends college and gives motivational talks at local schools. “Now I’m ready to go forward.”

Juarez’s goal is to become the first world champion boxer from Brownsville.

“It feels amazing (to win on live TV),” he said, “It’s exactly what I wanted to do, which is to rep Brownsville. I’m grateful for all the support.”

NO. 9: RIVERA RUNNER EXCELS

Andrea de la Rosa has been a standout runner for the Rivera Lady Raiders for four years in cross country and track. She completed her senior season of cross country by competing at the UIL state meet Nov. 3 in Round Rock. She finished 20th at state in the girls 6A race to earn third-team all-state honors. She went to state in cross country three out of four years, only missing state as a sophomore due to an injury.

De la Rosa won District 32-6A again this past cross country season and took third place at the Region IV-6A meet in Corpus Christi to qualify for state. Leading up to the regional meet, de la Rosa placed first at eight straight meets. In December, she signed to run next school year for Bethel University of McKenzie, Tenn. Now, her senior season of track starts in January.

NO. 10: ARTIFICIAL TURF FIELDS COMPLETED

The final on-campus artificial turf field for football and soccer at Brownsville ISD’s six high schools was completed and dedicated in December. The final field to be completed was at Brownsville Veterans. Earlier in 2018, the artificial turf fields at Hanna, Rivera and Pace were completed and dedicated. The fields at Porter and Lopez were completed prior to 2018. All of BISD’s sports-playing high schools now have artificial turf fields, which will be used during the upcoming soccer season.

HONORABLE MENTION

>> Deaths of Brownsville sports legends and RGV Sports Hall of Famers Hank Hollingsworth (March 13, age 79) and Frank Maldonado (May 2, age 93)

>> Pace boys basketball wins District 32-5A, enjoys a strong season ending in February

>> Brownsville Veterans girls return to UIL state golf tournament in Class 5A in May and finish 10th after finishing fifth in 2017

>> FC Brownsville Coyotes play first NPSL soccer (semi-pro) game May 12 at Brownsville Sports Park and lose 1-0 on a penalty kick

>> Gilbert Leal is named Brownsville ISD athletic director in May to replace interim AD Tom Chavez

>> Three area individuals are inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame in June. They are former Los Fresnos girls basketball coach Kim Edquist, former Pace standout runner (and now Brownsville Veterans coach) Sammy Montalvo and former Valley football coach Tony Villarreal

>> St. Joseph Academy’s David Rodriguez, a senior running back/defensive back, is chosen by Texas Football Magazine as a player of the week/impact athlete in October

>> Los Fresnos volleyball wins its third district championship in four years in October

By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

Cesar Aguilera did his best to be an impact player for the Port Isabel Tarpons as a senior quarterback during the 2018 football season.

Just having him touch the ball meant the three-year starter would find ways to accumulate substantial rushing and passing yardage that often led to a touchdown.

As a highlight to his final season of playing for the Tarpons, Aguilera is The Brownsville Herald’s 2018 Football All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year.

The Metro area includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel.

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Aguilera, who hopes to play in college. “I couldn’t do what I did without my teammates and the coaches, and my family, too. Actually, I can’t believe I got this award.

“I’m just proud of my teammates,” Aguilera added. “We gave it all we had.”

For the season, Aguilera rushed 121 times for 1,174 yards and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 9.7 yards per carry. As a passer, Aguilera completed 69 of 150 attempts for 804 yards and nine TDs with eight interceptions.

Under first-year coach Jason Strunk, who came to Port Isabel from Lubbock, the Tarpons, 4-6, ended the season playing at a much higher level than they started.

Strunk said his QB was a big factor in helping the team make some big strides throughout the 2018 campaign.

“Cesar was one of the few kids that knew my name on Aug. 6, when we started training camp (since I had just been recently hired),” Strunk said. “Getting here so late was a unique experience, a beneficial one (actually), in terms of growing as a coach.

“Well, from Day 1, I knew I could count on Cesar,” Strunk added. “I knew immediately that he was a leader. He practiced with confidence, he carried himself with poise and he was a hell of an athlete. I could see it.”

Aguilera came up with some some explosive offensive showings during the season.

Against Progreso on Oct. 19, Aguilera highlighted a 46-9 victory by completing seven of 10 passes for 110 yards and four TDs, and rushing nine times for 155 yards and two scores.

The Tarpons came up short 57-56 in their bi-district loss to West Oso on Nov. 16 at Mercedes. In that game, Aguilera rushed 30 times for 291 yards and five TDs, and completed nine of 13 passes for 120 yards and a pair of scores.

Also, during a 48-21 win over Grulla on Oct. 5, Aguilera rushed 13 times for 270 yards and five TDs.

Strunk said Aguilera is just an amazing athlete.

“He learned three offenses in three years (under three different head coaches),” Strunk said. “That is tough on anyone, let alone a QB. He picked it up quickly (when I installed my offense). I learned more about him each week, and he turned it on each week.

“With him and (running back) Brayan Medina in our backfield, we turned things around,” the Tarpons coach added. “They were a dynamic duo. When we lost Brayan to an injury in Week 7, teams zeroed in on Cesar, and he still put up eye-popping numbers.”

The playoff loss to West Oso was Aguilera’s most productive outing. The Tarpons almost came away with the win, missing a field goal during the final seconds. The two teams combined for more than 1,100 yards of offense.

“Cesar had an unbelievable playoff game,” Strunk said. “I never saw anything quite like what he pulled off that night. He showed people what we are all about and what we will be about moving forward. He bought in (to our system), and he left it all on the field.”

Aguilera was named the top offensive player in District 16-4A Division II this season as well.

“Coming back from last year (with a 2-7 record), and coming into this season with a new coach, we were all in (with the new system), and our hard work really paid off,” Aguilera said. “Going from two wins to four wins this season was good. We all put in hard work (to make it happen).

“I believe this season will be a good start (to better seasons ahead for the Tarpons),” Aguilera added. “I’ve been seeing what the guys are doing in the offseason, and everyone is working hard. Not one person is slacking. That’s something I like to see.”

Strunk said if it works out for Aguilera to play college ball, some school will be getting a standout player.

“He is a tremendous talent,” the Port Isabel coach said of his QB. “He is going to make a college program very happy when he arrives on campus.”

By ROY HESS

Staff Writer

Jose Banda’s debut at quarterback helped bring considerable success to the Pace Vikings this football season.

The sophomore signal caller was a key factor in getting the 7-4 Vikings back into the Class 5A playoffs for the second straight season with a runner-up finish in District 32-5A Division I behind Mission Veterans Memorial.

Thanks to his strong showing during his first season as the Pace QB, Banda is The Brownsville Herald’s Newcomer of the Year on the 2018 All-Metro Team.

The Metro area includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel.

“I knew it would be a lot of hard work, especially starting at the quarterback position,” said Banda, who also plays shortstop on the Vikings’ baseball team. “I had to just put my head down and keep working hard. The teammates I had around me helped a lot, and we had a great line.

“I was satisfied with my performance,” Banda added. “I just wish we could have gotten past the first round of the playoffs.”

With Banda being a dual threat as a runner and passer, it kept opposing defenses off balance as they tried to contain Pace’s offensive attack. On the season, he rushed for 775 yards and nine touchdowns for a 7.3-yard average per carry. As a passer, Banda completed 80 of 160 attempts for 1,132 yards and 12 TDs with just four interceptions.

“We kind of had an idea from the start of the season that he’d be our quarterback,” second-year Pace coach Danny Pardo said. “He took some lumps early on, but it didn’t take him too long to come around. He started to show what he could do (right away).

“Jose did really well for a sophomore (starting at QB),” Pardo added. “Now we’re just waiting to see how much better he’ll become in the future.”

Banda was voted the newcomer of the year in 32-5A Division I as well.

“The thing we like the most about him is he can run the ball if that’s what we need him to do,” Pardo said. “We don’t really like to have our quarterbacks run too much, so we kind of held him back a little bit (as far as being a rusher). We didn’t want to put too much on his plate (as a sophomore).

“(Still,) Jose has good instincts as a runner,” the Pace coach added. “As the year progressed, he’d just tuck it in and run if nobody was open (when he tried to pass). He’s pretty accurate as a passer (and that makes him a solid dual threat). The (other) coaches saw that, too (as Banda was the top newcomer in our district). It’s a good award to receive at any level.

“We’re grateful for what he’s done, and we believe he’ll be a lot better with more experience.”

One of Banda’s more productive games as a runner and passer during the past season came at PSJA Memorial on Sept. 28 when he completed 12 of 20 passes with no interceptions for 168 yards and three TDs. He also rushed 15 times for 104 yards and another score on a 51-yard run.

The Vikings won that game 48-32 en route to an eventual 7-2 second-place finish in their district.

Banda, who started playing football at age 5, said he appreciates all the recognition.

“It means a lot to win these awards,” he said. “It’s like putting my name out there for next season and the one after that. I hope to do even better, and maybe even make all-state, or something like that.

“It’s a big motivation,” Banda added. “I want to keep getting better. I thank God for the opportunity I have (to play sports). I thank all the coaches, too, and also my parents.”

By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

District competition figures to be pretty intense this season for Metro-area boys basketball teams.

The Metro area includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel.

Conference games in Districts 32-6A, 32-5A, 32-4A and 32-3A have just begun or are getting ready to start soon during the new year. Also, some Brownsville teams compete in TAPPS or in a charter school league.

The area boasts defending district boys champions in Los Fresnos (32-6A) and Pace (32-5A).

There are several other teams on the rise such as Brownsville Veterans Memorial that are expected to challenge for a district title this season as well.

Here is a look at the boys teams in the Brownsville area and how coaches view their ballclub’s prospects at the mid-point of the 2018-19 season:

DISTRICT 32-5A

BROWNSVILLE VETERANS CHARGERS

The Chargers are 17-5 and coming off a runner-up finish to Weslaco High at last weekend’s PSJA Tri-City Classic.

“We went 5-1 at the tournament, and I feel we beat five really good teams,” Chargers coach Larry Gibson said. “I think we’re playing pretty well. We’re starting to come together and jell as a team.”

When asked what he likes most about his team at this point, Gibson said, “Without a doubt, it’s the way we’re playing defense. (Assistant) coach Neil Schuster has been working with the guys (defensively), and they’re busting their butts out there on the court.”

The Chargers open 32-5A play at noon Saturday at Mercedes.

Top players for Brownsville Veterans thus far are junior forward Damian Maldonado, senior guard Justin Anaya and sophomore point guard Matt Maddox.

PACE VIKINGS

The Vikings are defending champions in 32-5A. There are five players back from last year’s squad, including lone returning starter A.J. Anzaldua, a senior team captain. Jose Luis Lozoya, the sixth man a season ago, now starts and is also a team captain. The other returning players from last season are Emilio Padron, Baltazar Hinojosa and Rafael Recio.

New members to the varsity squad are Abraham Rincon, Matthew Cuellar, Esequiel Hernandez, Domanique Diaz, Cristian Guajardo, Elias Fortaneli and Alexander Agado.

Anzaldua has the ability to light up the scoreboard. He had 32 points, including seven 3-pointers, to decide the Brownsville Tournament championship during a 69-66 win over Brownsville Veterans on Nov. 17.

“Our team is maturing each day and has shown growth in the preseason,” Pace coach Jose Luis Ramirez said. “We expect to compete each and every night with a combination of seasoned veterans and new players.

“As far as standouts, it’s so hard to say, because at this point, each player has showcased significant contributions,” Ramirez added. “We like to say that our MVP is the team. If you look at our scorebook, it’s hard to say who our leading scorer is. Each night it has been someone different.”

The Vikings will be at home at 1 p.m. Saturday to open 32-5A play against Lopez.

PORTER COWBOYS

“We are coming together,” Porter coach Luis Garza said. “It’s been trial and error with different lineups, and several sit outs or sit downs (of players) to refocus on our goals. But so far, I am happy with the results.”

The Cowboys have a solid post player in Benji Eckersley and an accurate shooting guard in Christian Orozco, who Garza said are the standouts so far this season.

“Everyone on this team is more than capable (of doing well),” the Porter coach said. “Daniel Morales and Kevin Garcia are handling the ball well for us, and the return of Mundo Martinez has added some senior leadership and scoring.

“We’ve got some good wins against an all (Class) 6A (list of opponents) on our preseason schedule. Hopefully it pays off (in 32-5A competition for us).”

LOPEZ LOBOS

The Lobos have a new coach in Erick Quintero, an Edinburg native who comes to Lopez from Progreso, where he was the head coach the past five years and an assistant for four years prior to that.

“There’s a lot of teaching and learning taking place right now,” Quintero said. “Discipline is being taught and the players are learning to be coachable. There’s a lot of work to do. I think we’ll be fine. It just takes time.

“I like to play man-to-man defense and I want to play an uptempo game,” Quintero added. “I like our chances. I think we’ll be competitive this season. We’re building team chemistry on the fly with a young bench that is mostly sophomores. They’re hustlers.”

The Lopez coach said a returning starter who is leading the team with between 18 to 20 points per game is senior guard Hiram Matovich. Two other players with varsity experience are senior point guard Angel Gonzalez, who scores between eight to 10 points per game, and senior shooting guard J.J. Briones.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” said Quintero, whose team opens 32-5A action Saturday at Pace.

DISTRICT 32-6A

RIVERA RAIDERS

Injuries are a key factor for the Raiders right now as they get ready for their 32-6A opener Jan. 11 at home against Harlingen South.

“We’ve got three returning lettermen injured right now,” Rivera coach Saul Villarreal said. “We hope the holiday break will help us get them healthy so we can get them back (for district).

“We’re still a little young,” added Villarreal about his team. “We have a couple of players without (previous) varsity experience. They’re doing well, they’re just lacking the experience.”

The Rivera coach said his top players at this point of the season are team captains Johan Morales, a junior guard/forward, and Dylan Lustick, a senior point guard.

“It’s going to be a tough district,” Villarreal said. “All the teams are going to be tough.”

HANNA GOLDEN EAGLES

At this point of the season, the Eagles are playing .500 ball as they prepare for their 32-6A opener Jan. 11 at San Benito.

“We are still a work in progress,” Hanna coach Fermin Lucio said. “We are playing six football players, and with their great run (in the playoffs), our team has only been together two weeks, so they’re still getting their basketball legs under them.

“We’re still trying to install everything we need for this team by the time district comes around,” Lucio added. “The players are working hard. They’re motivated to get it together and be ready for district.”

Top scorers so far for the Eagles are returnees Fernando Camacho and Victor Campos, who quarterbacked the football team.

Lucio said other key contributors have been Bryan Duran, Cris Torres and Isaac Iracheta.

LOS FRESNOS FALCONS

The Falcons have gotten off to an 11-5 start and are gearing up for their 32-6A opener Jan. 11 at Harlingen High.

“The team at this point is still trying to get better every single day,” Falcons coach Marco Hinojosa said. “We have played a tough (non-district) schedule, so with that being said, we are off to a good start in our coaches’ eyes. By the time district starts we are hoping to get better at certain things we know we need to get better at.”

Los Fresnos is going after its fifth straight district championship, either outright or shared.

“Right now, John Martinez is leading the team in scoring,” Hinojosa said. “We have Elian Gonzalez and Ricky Altamirano leading us in rebounding. They each have about four ‘double-doubles’ this season.

“At the end of the day, the guys are starting to play better as a team,” Hinojosa added. “For example, against Edinburg Vela (a 64-57 overtime win), it took a team effort on both ends of the court to take Vela down. Our players know it’s not (just) one guy that leads us, it’s the team.”

OTHERS

PORT ISABEL TARPONS

The Tarpons began District 32-4A competition last week with a 66-57 victory at home against Raymondville in a game that was decided during the final minute. The Tarpons improved to 2-0 in district and 15-2 overall thanks to Friday’s 51-36 win at La Feria.

“All of our games in district are going to be dogfights,” second-year Port Isabel coach Mike Hazelton said. “Our guys have a pretty good camaraderie right now (and that helps). There are nine players back from last year, so they’re used to what we’re doing. We’re becoming a player-led team, which is a great thing. That’s what you want.”

Hazelton said the Tarpons have a playmaker in junior forward/guard Daniel Rinza, who averages about 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. There’s also senior guard Tommy Zurita, who was a Region IV-4A all-star selection last season.

Other key contributors for the Tarpons are senior point guard Emilio Galvan, junior guard Dennis Lozano and sophomore forward Cole Pinkerton. Zurita, Galvan, Lozano and Pinkerton all score around 10 points per game, Hazelton said.

“We’ve got some good ones on our roster,” the Tarpons coach said. “The scoring is getting spread out pretty good.”

ST. JOSEPH BLOODHOUNDS

The Bloodhounds play in TAPPS Division II, and their district starts Jan. 9.

“I see our team getting better every day in practice and during our non-district games,” SJA coach Sam Lucio said. “We have played some real tough competition. We graduated 13 seniors from last year’s team, so it has taken our new players some time to get used to playing varsity ball and get a feel for the speed of varsity competition.

“I have seen a big improvement by our young players from the beginning of the season to now,” Lucio added. “I see us hitting our stride once our district schedule starts.”

The SJA coach said his top players right now are seniors Jacob Esparza, Jon Magallanes and Mauricio Rodriguez, along with juniors Victor Salinas and Neto Garza.

IDEA FRONTIER CHARGERS

Jerry De La Garza returns as coach of the Chargers, who are on track to continue their past successes competing in District 32-3A. The Chargers are off to a 4-0 start in district and a 9-3 overall record.

“We’re looking to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year,” De La Garza said. “We’re fighting for a district title and hoping for a good playoff run.”

De La Garza said the team’s top players are juniors Tyrese Arellano and Rodrigo Vasquez, and senior Gustavo Recio. Arellano is averaging 17 points per game, while Vasquez averages 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds. Recio is averaging 13.8 points and 6.9 rebounds. The Chargers are coming off a 71-56 district win at Monte Alto.

Another member of 32-3A is Brownsville IDEA Riverside. The Rockets have a program that is just getting started.

JUBILEE BROWNSVILLE TITANS

The Titans play in the Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League. Thus far they’re off to a 4-1 start in district and stand 8-3 overall.

“We’ve played several Class 4A schools and come out victorious against La Feria and Raymondville, with a loss to Port Isabel,” Jubilee Brownsville coach Jose Moreno said. “We travel to Kingsville during the holiday break for two games and play at Los Fresnos on Jan. 4.

“Our standouts to this point are senior Derick Lara, sophomore Cameron Davila, and Damian Noble and Fabian Noble, who are also sophomores,” Moreno added.

FIRST BAPTIST CRUSADERS

The Crusaders play in TAPPS Division III District 5. First Baptist played Hebbronville on Dec. 6 at the Progreso Tournament and lost 49-29. The Crusaders went to the TAPPS playoffs in 2017.

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Brownsville Veterans Memorial girls and the Hanna boys enter the holiday break in a much more festive mood after capturing team titles at Friday’s annual city meet for high school swimmers and divers.

The most eventful race of the day at Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center came in the final event, the boys 400 freestyle relay. Going into the final event, the Hanna boys led in the team standings by only one point, 277-276, over Brownsville Veterans.

The Golden Eagles’ relay of Matthew Lovett, Ricardo Rodriguez, Michael Kowalski and Jose Santos won the event in decisive fashion by approximately 20 seconds to lock up the boys team title. Rivera was second in the relay and Brownsville Veterans third.

“It was an amazing experience (to see us win that relay),” said Hanna’s Rodriguez, a freshman transfer from McAllen. “We weren’t really expecting to do all that well because of the fast swimmers we lost (to graduation from last year and some of our current top swimmers were missing from this meet). We knew the freshmen had to step up, so it was just a great experience to come together, be a family and win the meet.”

Added teammate Kowalski, also a freshman, “The last relay was the most anticipated event, and all of us were super nervous. We told ourselves, ‘OK, it’s now or never.’ Jose Santos, our senior, told us we had to win it because this was his last city meet. It felt so nice to win. It made a big impact for Hanna.”

Collecting double points for the relay victory, Hanna’s boys, who won two of three relays, finished with a total of 309 points to outdistance second-place Brownsville Veterans with 300 points. Lopez’s boys were third with 208 points.

Brownsville Veterans captured the girls team championship by a somewhat more comfortable margin with 261 points compared to second-place Rivera’s 249. Lopez’s girls took third place with 178 points.

The defending team champions were the Hanna girls and the Brownsville Veterans boys.

Six teams were in the city meet this year. Neither Pace nor St. Joseph Academy participated in Friday’s competition.

Hanna coach Sam Perez and his athletes were all smiles when the meet ended and the Eagles were atop the boys team standings.

“We were missing some of our swimmers today, but these guys pulled it out,” Perez said. “I’m really excited for them and for what we can do at district and regionals (in late January and early February). That’s what we’re looking for.

“Brownsville has so much talent,” Perez added. “There are a lot of great swimmers. Veterans was right in there all the way today, and so was Rivera, plus the other schools. We had a great time today, but going down to the last relay (for the boys) was nerve-wracking.

“I had freshmen filling in on that 400 freestyle relay for two swimmers who were missing, so I’m really happy for these boys.”

Brownsville Veterans coach Frank Sanchez said the team win for his girls and second-place showing for his boys will be a boost as his athletes continue to prepare for the District 32-5A meet Jan. 25-26 at the Clark Center.

“I think our people swam a lot with their heart today and with determination,” Sanchez said. “As far as conditioning goes, we still have a lot of work to do, but we got the points when we needed them. We did well. Like I said earlier, it was going to come down to the relays, and it did.

“It was very competitive today,” Sanchez added. “My hat is off to all the schools. Everybody swam pretty well.

“This was absolutely a good preparation for our district meet. We got to see today where we stand, and hopefully it will light a fire in them that they can do better at district.”

Individual event winners for the Lady Chargers were Daniela Santillana (50 and 100 freestyles) and Daniela Chapa (500 freestyle). The Lady Chargers also won two of three relays.

“We did really good today, and I think we can drop our times a lot for district,” said Chapa, a sophomore who also finished second in the 200 individual medley and swam on both of the Lady Chargers’ winning relays. “I think it will help us a lot for regionals, too. We just need to keep working hard.”

For the Brownsville Veterans boys, the individual event winners were Kevin Borsani (200 individual medley), Javier Garcia (100 backstroke) and Nico Alvarez (1-meter diving). The Chargers also won a relay.

Hanna’s boys were led by Lovett, a junior who won the 50 and 100 freestyles, plus he swam on two first-place relays.

“I’m really proud of myself and my team today,” Lovett said. “This (showing) pushes us very much to do better than we usually do. It’s a sign that we’re on the right track. We just need to keep following this path and we’ll make it big (come the district and regional meets). For a little team from Brownsville, getting gold and improving our times really makes us feel that we can do so much more than we’re doing already.”

For the Hanna girls, Nadia Gutierrez won the 200 freestyle.

Individual event winners for Rivera were Alejandro Avalos (boys 200 and 500 freestyles), Korinna Errizuriz (girls 100 butterfly), Kyle Shea (boys 100 butterfly) and Azul Martinez (girls 100 backstroke). Also, Rivera’s girls won the first event of the meet, the 200 medley relay.

Valley Christian’s Frida Salazar was a double-winner in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke.

Lopez’s Jocsan Camacho finished first in the boys 100 breaststroke.

By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

Swimmers and divers from Brownsville high schools are afforded an opportunity to compete one last time before they enter the holiday break at the annual City Meet.

The meet is scheduled today at Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center.

Meet warmups begin at 8:30 a.m. with the diving to start at 9:30 a.m. Swimming competition begins after the diving has finished.

The defending meet champions are the boys from Brownsville Veterans Memorial and the girls from Hanna. Rivera’s boys and girls won the team titles two years ago.

“Our swimmers feel confident (about this meet), but we still feel the need for more conditioning these next few weeks (to prepare for our District 32-5A meet Jan. 25-26),” Brownsville Veterans coach Frank Sanchez said. “I think we will have a good showing, and this meet will give us a great tune up for district.

“All Brownsville schools will have a shot for the city championship,” he added. “I think it will come down to the relays.”

Brownsville Veterans won the boys team title last year with 309 points. Hanna was second with 232.5 and Rivera third with 222.5. Hanna won the girls team title with 274 points a year ago. Brownsville Veterans was second with 257 and Rivera third with 252.

Brownsville schools Veterans, Hanna, Rivera, Pace, Porter and Lopez are expected to have athletes competing at the meet along with Valley Christian. St. Joseph Academy is not expected to participate due to testing.

The meet attracted eight teams last year when SJA participated.

“I think Rivera and Hanna will duke it out in the boys (for the team title),” said Monica Rosales, Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center director. “The girls is a toss up. The Porter girls may be the outside smoke (darkhorse).”

Besides the 32-5A meet at the Clark Center on Jan. 25-26, the District 32-6A meet is scheduled Jan. 25-26 in Weslaco. The Region VIII-6A meet will be Feb. 1-2 at t he Clark Center, while the Region VIII-5A meet will be in Corpus Christi, also Feb. 1-2.

By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

Sarah Villarreal has made the most of her volleyball career for the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons.

An individual highlight for her came this season as a senior when she was named MVP on the 32-6A All-District Team.

Villarreal played on the varsity three years and was a setter. This season she recorded 1,000 assists along with 283 digs.

The Lady Falcons finished 36-9 overall this season and won District 32-6A with a 9-1 record. Villarreal played on Los Fresnos teams that won district twice and finished second once during her varsity career.

“My sophomore year it was definitely very interesting because I was one of the least experienced persons (on the varsity), but I really learned a lot from the seniors then, and they really molded me to become the person I am today,” said Villarreal, who was a three-year starter. “I really thank them a lot. This year, it was really just about leading the team (as a captain). It was making sure everyone knew their place (on the court) and where to go so we could come out on top and be successful.

“I’ve played volleyball for 10 years, and when I got to the sixth grade was when I started playing a certain position,” Villarreal added. “(Since then) I’ve always been a setter. I’ve never switched positions. Playing setter has always been my focus.”

Villarreal played on a team this season that included 10 seniors who played well together.

Also on the all-district team for the Lady Falcons, Isis Delgado was a repeat selection as Libero of the Year, and Becky Woods was named Coach of the Year. Senior teammates Sandra Salazar and Emma Stambaugh were unanimous selections to the first team.

Concerning Villarreal receiving the all-district MVP honor, Woods said, “Sarah is an excellent setter. She is one of the best all-time setters that I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. She’s just a great kid all around on and off the court who is very nice and very respectful and courteous to everyone all the time.

“I’m definitely going to miss this one and I wish her the best as she takes her game to the next level, wherever that may be,” Woods added. “I love her and all of my seniors with all my heart.”

Two of the other top honorees on the 32-6A team are from Rivera. Madelaine Blanco was named Defensive Player of the Year and teammate Kenya Ibarra was chosen Newcomer of the Year.

Among those chosen to the 32-6A first team were Kourtney Shears and Claudia De La Garza of Rivera, and Odalys Gonzalez, Ariana Arcemeaux and Tabitha Fernandez of Hanna. Gonzalez and Arceneaux were unanimous selections as well.

The 32-5A All-District team included Noemi Gallardo of Lopez as Setter of the Year and Daniella Espinoza of Brownsville Veterans Memorial as Newcomer of the Year.

Chosen to the first team in 32-5A were Jennifer Cisneros of Lopez, Frida Rangel of Brownsville Veterans, Stephanie Saenz of Pace and Ana Meza of Porter.

In District 32-4A, Gabriella Torres of Port Isabel was named first-team all-district.

For St. Joseph Academy, which competes in TAPPS Division II, Ally Stachowiak was chosen honorable all-state and first-team all-district. Teammate Halima Dervisevic was also a all-district first-teamer.

Valentina Tijerina and Fernanda Bannok received postseason charter school honors for Jubilee Brownsville.

By ROY HESS | The Brownsville herald

PORT ISABEL — Port Isabel’s boys and girls swept a District 32-4A doubleheader against Raymondville Tuesday at the Tarpons’ gym.

In the nightcap, the Port Isabel boys won 66-57 in their 32-4A opener with the Bearkats.

Earlier, the Lady Tarpons led throughout the game to record a 58-40 triumph over the visiting Lady Bearkats.

When they were intentionally fouled late, the Port Isabel boys made seven of eight free throws during the final 45 seconds to seal the win.

“This is the type of game I expect (every time in 32-4A this season),” Tarpons coach Mike Hazelton said of the closely contested matchup. “They’re going to be wars, very tough games.

“We got down early, but our guys were resilient,” added Hazelton, whose team improved to 14-2 overall and 1-0 in district. “We had to change what we were going to do. We switched to a man-to-man defense to be a little more aggressive. That seemed to help out. Then we kind of held on and hit some big free throws down the stretch.”

The Tarpons trailed 15-9 by the end of the first quarter, but were ahead 30-29 at halftime by outscoring the Bearkats 21-14 during the second period. Port Isabel went into the final period up 52-39 after outpointing the visitors 22-10 during the third quarter.

The Bearkats pulled within two points, 59-57, when Raymondville’s Jacob Posas drove to the basket, scored and was fouled, and completed a three-point play with 1:49 remaining.

From there, Raymondville was forced to foul in the final minute. Tommy Zurita, Emilio Galvan and Dennis Lozano came through for the Tarpons by sinking seven of eight free throws to make it a nine-point margin of victory, 66-57.

Daniel Rinza led the Tarpons with 17 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Galvan, Zurita and Lozano added 15, 13 and 12 points, respectively, with Galvan hitting three 3-pointers, Zurita two and Lozano one.

Posas, Jayson Cantu and Aaron Castillo led Raymondville (0-1) with 15, 14 and 10 points, respectively. Castillo hit a pair of 3-pointers for the Bearkats.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tarpons, now 2-1 in district, led 32-21 at halftime and 42-30 after three periods en route to winning 58-40.

“We finally put together a game of pretty good defense,” Lady Tarpons coach Hannah Burleson said. “I liked our balanced scoring, too (with four players in double figures).”

Sabrina Gonzalez and Gabby Murchison led the Lady Tarpons with 14 points apiece. Gonzalez made three 3-pointers. Also for the Lady Tarpons, Sabrina Garcia had 12 points and Ryley Galvan 11.

Taylor Vento led the Lady Bearkats (0-3) with 17 points. Teammate Briana Soria added 10 points with one 3-pointer.