By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Hanna sophomore Odalys Gonzalez went into the volleyball season as an unproven varsity player.

The 5-foot-10 1/2 middle blocker finished the 2017 campaign as one of the Lady Golden Eagles’ top threats at the net. She figures to become an even stronger player for her team in the future.

Gonzalez is the Newcomer of the Year on the Brownsville Herald’s 2017 All-Metro Volleyball Team. She won the same award in District 32-6A this season.
Before the season began, the Hanna coaching staff viewed Gonzalez as an emerging standout who just needed to adapt to playing on the varsity level. She didn’t disappoint.

“Odalys was one of our new, younger players with a lot to learn (in her first year on the varsity),” Hanna coach Ansgar Hagemann said. “We thought she had a lot of potential to become a solid player and she exceeded our expectations. Throughout the season she improved and got used to playing on the varsity. By the end, she was one of our main offensive players. She had a really strong game in our (bi-district) playoff match (Oct. 31 against PSJA Memorial).”

The Lady Eagles battled through the 32-6A race and at the end of the regular season edged Harlingen High in five games during a “play-in” match for the district’s fourth-place postseason berth.

Even though Hanna, 24-13, came up short against District 31-6A champion PSJA Memorial 25-20, 25-21, 14-25, 25-20 in bi-district, Gonzalez enjoyed her best performance of the season against the Lady Wolverines by recording double-digit kills along with several blocks.
The sophomore standout is pleased with the improvement she’s displaying.

“This season (on the varsity) was a lot different than playing on the freshman level,” Gonzalez said. “It was more accelerating and it felt very good (to play at that level). I improved a lot since the beginning of the season and I think it showed in our playoff match. That was my best match all season. We could have started stronger, but I’m glad we pushed hard (for the win) and I’m glad we didn’t lose in three sets (like we did earlier in the season against that same team).”
Receiving Newcomer of the Year awards for All-Metro and all-district was something of a surprise, Gonzalez said.

“I didn’t expect that at all — it was unexpected and it feels really good to get it,” she said. “I’m glad that people saw my progress and saw my hard work on the court.”

There’s a feeling that even greater things are ahead for the Lady Eagles in the coming seasons with Gonzalez and other players coming back.

“Yes, we have a lot of hope because next year we’re still going to have a really good team,” said Gonzalez, who has transitioned from volleyball to basketball in recent weeks. She’ll eventually compete in track, too, this school year.

“We’ve got some really good freshmen coming up and hopefully we’ll progress,” she added.
Gonzalez appreciates everyone who is helping and guiding her along the way.

“I thank all my coaches and especially my parents because they have supported me through everything,” she said. “I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made. I’m just glad to have everyone who has been on my side throughout my whole life.”

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Volleyball standouts Giselle Ibarra of Los Fresnos and Stephanie Garza of Rivera were a lot alike in the way they led their teams to the Class 6A state playoffs in 2017.

They have been chosen as co-MVPs on The Brownsville Herald’s 2017 All-Metro Volleyball Team.

They were also selected as co-MVPs on the 32-6A All-District Team this year.

Both are senior outside hitters who displayed an all-around game that kept them pretty much always on the court as they did what was necessary to help their teams enjoy success during the season just completed. Whether it meant making a crucial dig or pass, serving an ace or providing a well-placed kill, both girls did it frequently and with flair.

Their most obvious difference has to do with height — Ibarra stands about 5-foot-8, while Garza is just 5-3 and blessed with an uncanny leaping ability that enables her to go high above the net to smash the ball accurately into the opposite court.

The co-MVPs each got the job done as the Lady Raiders and Lady Falcons finished 1-2 in 32-6A and each team went two rounds in the playoffs.

The Lady Raiders, 29-11 overall, captured the 32-6A championship with a 14-0 district mark, while the Lady Falcons went 27-12 overall and 11-3 in district.
Garza’s MVP honors in recent weeks caught her by surprise. She’s a four-year varsity player for the Lady Raiders.

“I can’t believe that happened (and I was named an MVP),” said Garza, who ranked first on her team this season with 402 kills and 313 assists while finishing second with 37 serving aces and third with 211 digs. “I think I might have surprised some people (with my hitting) because of my height. I think I’m probably one of the shortest hitters (around).

“This season was bittersweet because we accomplished so much and (yet) it was my last year to play for this team,” added Garza, who is preparing to run on Rivera’s relays during the upcoming track season. “To accomplish what we accomplished my last year was really amazing.

“All these awards and things wouldn’t even be possible without my team, so thank you to my teammates and coaches.”

Rivera coach Elizabeth Avelar-Guerra, this season’s All-Metro Coach of the Year, said Garza is a fighter on the court who never gives up.

“Stephanie is aggressive but smart in the way she plays,” Avelar-Guerra said. “She’s just an incredible player and a great leader. I think other teams often overlooked her and she would step up for us when we were in trouble or didn’t have the lead.

“It’s hard to find players like her who want the ball and are willing to step up and make a play,” the Rivera coach added. “That’s the type of player she is.”
Both Garza and Ibarra were team captains for their respective squads.

“Giselle was our captain and our leader in every sense of the word,” Los Fresnos coach Becky Woods said. “She always listens and does what you tell her with no arguing. She’s a motivator on and off the court. She’s very encouraging to all team players and welcomes the younger girls with open arms. Giselle is always the first to help them out.

“She’s a girl with a (great) personality and smile off the charts,” Woods added. “She is so nice and warm to team members and to opposing teams. Giselle never says a bad thing about anyone. Some players this season said she was taunting. She is more like intimidating.

“Giselle is just my super hero altogether. I love that kid and will miss her a lot.”

It’s not surprising the Lady Falcon standout prefers to pass along whatever praise she receives to her teammates. Ibarra is a three-year member of the Los Fresnos varsity who is now getting ready for the track season.

“It’s awesome (to be named an MVP) because I’ve put so much hard work into it, and it’s just a great feeling,” said Ibarra, who led her team with 467 kills this season and was second for the Lady Falcons with 394 digs. “It was an amazing season and it was a lot of fun. It was different than the past years.

“It’s a team effort because without a pass, we don’t have a set, and without a set, we don’t have a hit, so I really don’t think it was an individual (solely responsible for the team’s success),” Ibarra added. “I think it was more teamwork (that made the difference). I love my team. We all played for God.”

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

LOS FRESNOS — Los Fresnos High School baseball player Joseph Muñoz is happy to know he’ll continue to play the sport he loves beyond high school.

That fact became reality on Thursday afternoon as Muñoz signed a college athletic scholarship agreement to play baseball next school year for the Angelina College Roadrunners of Lufkin. Angelina is a two-year school that plays in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

There was a celebratory atmosphere Thursday at Los Fresnos High School as family, friends, teammates, coaches, teachers and school administrators all gathered for Muñoz’s signing ceremony.

As a junior, the left-handed Muñoz, an outfielder/pitcher/designated hitter, helped the 22-5 Falcons capture the District 32-6A championship last spring during his first year on the team. As a senior, Muñoz is looking forward to even more success for the Falcons when the 2018 season begins with the first day of practice on Jan. 26.

Thursday’s signing marked an important achievement for the talented ballplayer, whose father, Joey Muñoz, started him playing baseball in the family’s backyard at age 5. Muñoz said he thanks both his father and mother, Jeanette Gonzalez, plus his coaches and teammates for helping him get an opportunity to play at the next level.

“It’s a dream come true, honestly,” said Muñoz, who plans to study business in college. “My dad and I have been working for this as long as I can remember. I was playing ball with my dad in the backyard when I was 5. Back then I had no idea I’d be playing college baseball, so this (signing) is just a blessing.”

Muñoz was named The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year last spring. As a junior, he recorded 33 hits in 69 at-bats with seven doubles, five triples and a home run. Muñoz finished with 28 RBIs and scored 29 runs. He drew 12 walks and struck out just six times. He hit .478 on the season and had a .563 on-base percentage with a slugging average of .768 for a 1.33 OPS. He’s also one of the fastest base-runners on the squad.

“It’s always great to have these guys keep going and playing after high school,” Falcons head coach Rene Morales said. “They get a chance to advance their education (as well), so it’s always great.

“Joseph has been a great addition to our program,” Morales added. “He can hit, he can run, he can pitch for us and all of those things. He can play every position. He pitches and he has a great bat. He’ll be pitching for us and playing in the outfield this year. He’s going to be one of our go-to guys this season.

“He plays the game the way it should be played. He plays hard and he plays the right way.”

Muñoz said his time with the Falcons has been memorable.

“It’s been awesome and probably one of the best experiences of my life, I would say,” Muñoz said. “We’re going into our upcoming season with a lot of confidence. Hopefully we make it to state. That’s our goal.

“It’s just a blessing to sign my letter of intent to play at the next level,” he added. “I hope I can go on (from Angelina) and play (NCAA) Division I ball. I thank God because without Him, none of this is possible.”

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

The Santa Rosa Warriors are normally a highly successful run-and-gun basketball team known for hitting a high percentage of shots from all over the court, especially from behind the 3-point line.

But the shots just weren’t falling Tuesday night for the 2016 UIL state tournament qualifiers, and Hanna’s defense had something to do with it as the Golden Eagles raced to a 53-27 non-district triumph over the Warriors at the Hanna gym.

“I think our defense did a good job tonight,” said Hanna coach Fermin Lucio, whose team improved to 6-5. “We forced some bad shots (by Santa Rosa) and closed down on their shooters well.

“Santa Rosa is historically a very good-shooting team, and we did a good job of getting hands in their faces and not giving them any easy looks at the basket,” he added. “I think we did a good job on defense and that allowed us to get into our offense. I was impressed with our defense tonight against a great team like Santa Rosa. They’ve been places where we want to go (such as the state tournament).”

Hanna was up 10-5 after one quarter and led 25-12 at halftime. The Eagles took a 43-21 advantage into the final quarter after outscoring the defending District 32-3A champion Warriors 18-9 in the third period.

Santa Rosa coach Johnny Cipriano said he thought his team would play better Tuesday after a strong finish at a Corpus Christi tournament over the weekend.

“We played horrible,” said Cipriano, whose squad slipped to 2-7. “We’re definitely a work in progress right now. I thought we had improved by winning our last two games at the tournament in Corpus against some tough competition, but we couldn’t hit the side of a barn tonight.

“When we’re missing our shots like we were tonight and not playing good defense, we don’t have a chance (to win),” he added. “We just didn’t play very well tonight. We didn’t shoot well and we didn’t execute offensively or defensively. You’re not going to win very many games playing like that.”

Of the many 3-pointers attempted by the Warriors, only four fell through the net — two by A.B. Lozoya and two by Jonah Agado.
Just four players in all scored for Santa Rosa as Lozoya and Ryan Perez led the way with 10 points apiece. Agado added six points and Sam Torres one.

Hanna had seven players score and was led by low-post player Noah Armstrong, who finished with a game-high 25 points. Armstrong scored most of his points from close range as he came alive thanks to some accurate passes by his teammates to tally nine points in the second quarter and 10 in the third.

“Noah does that on a daily basis,” Lucio said. “He really gets after it and when we do feed him the ball, he’s usually always finishing (by scoring from underneath) or he’s at the free-throw line shooting (because he was fouled).

“We made a huge effort (to get the ball inside),” Lucio added. “In the beginning, we weren’t feeding it down low. Then we made an effort to get it to our ‘bigs,’ whether it was to the high or low post. Noah reaped the benefits of that in the second half.”

Armstrong was the only Hanna player scoring in double figures as teammates Austin Jimenez and Jaime Rucoba each added seven points and Fernie Camacho and Jose Torre contributed six and five points, respectively.

Hanna’s biggest lead of 27 points came twice during the waning minutes. A jump shot from the free-throw line by Armstrong made it 50-23 with 5:07 left before a pair of free throws by Camacho boosted the lead to 52-25 with 2:24 remaining.

Hanna’s next game is scheduled at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln next Tuesday, while Santa Rosa next plays against La Joya Palmview in the Hidalgo Tournament beginning Thursday.

By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Julie Lucio ranks as one of the brightest and best golfers Brownsville has produced in quite some time.

The Brownsville Veterans Memorial senior is taking her game to the NCAA Division I level at the University of Houston next school year.

On hand for Wednesday afternoon’s college scholarship signing ceremony at the Brownsville Veterans library were family members, Brownsville ISD officials, teachers, coaches, fellow students, teammates and friends.

It was a joyous celebration for everyone present, particularly the one putting her signature on the scholarship agreement.

“Signing like this (during the early signing period) makes my (senior) season go even faster,” said Lucio, who currently ranks as the Rio Grande Valley’s top female high school golfer with a 69.5 stroke average for an 18-hole round. “I’m super excited to play college golf. Actually, I’m beyond excited.

“This makes me want to play even better now (this spring) because I know college is going to be a big challenge,” added Lucio, who ranks in the top 10 percent of her class academically and plans to study engineering at Houston. “I’m going to have to overcome my challenges in college, so by playing well next semester, it’ll make me even more positive about playing in college.

“I considered other schools, but the facilities at UH (were great) and the coaches were so humble. I really liked UH (the best) overall.”

Lucio has won district individual titles three straight seasons and will be a strong favorite to do so again in 2018. She was the Region IV-5A medalist last April in helping her team become the first girls golf squad from Brownsville to make it to the UIL state tournament. The Lady Chargers placed fifth at state in May in the girls Class 5A division. Lucio played at state as an individual qualifier her sophomore season in 2016.

To date, Lucio has captured first place in 23 of her 27 high school tournaments and is undefeated in her last 17 straight regular-season high school events. She was named All-Valley in 2015 and 2017, boasting a 70.23 stroke average as a junior.

“This day arriving for me means everything,” said Lucio, who began playing golf competitively at age 7. “My dream has always been to go on (and play in college). That’s what I was brought up to do by my father (former golf pro and college coach Jesse Lucio). All the tournaments, the practices, the struggles — everything has paid off. Golf has led me to become the person I am. Now that I’m committed to play for UH, it’s just awesome.”

Brownsville Veterans golf coach Thomas Abete said, “Julie has taught me more about golf than she probably knows. She’s a young lady who is very coachable. I have no doubt she will overcome any challenges she faces in college.”

BISD superintendent Esperanza Zendejas said she believes Lucio has the level of talent and desire to reach the professional ranks once she’s done playing in college.

“Because of your hard work, I know I’m going to see you on TV one day (playing in an LPGA tournament),” Zendejas told Lucio.

The senior standout said there are many people who have helped her a lot along the way.

“I would like to thank everyone who has led me to this point in my life,” Lucio said. “I consider myself as (still) growing because I know college golf will help me become even better. I know it’s going to take practice, practice, practice.”

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

LOS FRESNOS — The Los Fresnos Falcons used their uptempo game to race past the McAllen High Bulldogs for a 73-59 home-court win Tuesday in non-district basketball action.

“It was a total team effort,” said Falcons coach Marco Hinojosa, whose squad improved to 4-3 as he reached the 100-win plateau as a coach. “The score may not indicate it, but our guys played very well and took care of business tonight, and it wasn’t just one guy who did the job. Our guys all did the job on both ends of the floor.

“We like to run and our goal tonight was to get some fastbreak points,” he added. “I don’t know how many we got, but I thought we did a good job of doing that.”

Hinojosa’s career record as a coach at Los Fresnos is now 100-43.

After spotting the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead, the Falcons scored 3-pointers on their first three baskets of the game to make it 9-4 with 4:39 to go in the opening period.

The Falcons’ lead soon increased to 10 points twice at 16-6 and 18-8 before McHi cut the margin to seven points, 18-11, by the end of the first quarter.

The Bulldogs (1-2) closed to within six points, 29-23, when Bryan Argil nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 44 seconds left in the half before Los Fresnos’ Josh Martinez scored from underneath on a rebound at the buzzer for an eight-point Falcons’ advantage of 31-23 at intermission.

The Falcons held a double-digit lead throughout the entire second half. They went into the final period up 55-35, having outscored McHi 24-12 in the third period.

Los Fresnos’ biggest advantage of 30 points, 69-39, came with 4:10 left when Gabe Martinez drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key. From there, the Bulldogs rallied and narrowed the lead to 73-59 by game’s end.

Four Los Fresnos players scored in double figures led by Andrew Carrizales’ 18 points that included a pair of 3-pointers. Teammates Gabe Martinez, Jordan Urbina and Tomas Rangel added 14, 10 and 10 points, respectively. Gabe Martinez finished with four 3-pointers, while Urbina had two. Overall, the Falcons hit nine treys.

Argil and Deshaun Primus led McHi with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Primus and Marcos Saldana (nine points total) led their team with three 3-pointers apiece, while Argil had one.

“We’re probably the only team in the Valley that has played (just) two games

(at this point of the season),” McHi coach Ryan Flores said prior to the contest.

The season continues for both teams later this week as the Bulldogs play in the San Antonio Southwest Tournament beginning Thursday. Los Fresnos next plays at Pace at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Hinojosa liked what he saw from his team Tuesday night. The Falcons have won district three straight years, including last season when they shared the District 32-6A championship with Weslaco High.

“It’s a senior ballclub,” the Falcons coach said. “We’ve got high expectations and everybody knows that. We’ve got a big target on our backs, but we’re up for the challenge.”

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

Monday marked the opening day of soccer practice for boys and girls high school teams throughout the state.

The Lopez Lobos, UIL state tournament qualifiers in three of the last four years (2014, 2016 and 2017), made the most of their first day’s opportunity to hold organized workouts.

The Lobos had a “Midnight Madness” practice starting at 12:01 a.m. Monday — a first for the soccer team. The Lobos then gathered for their second workout after school Monday.
It was a day filled with plenty of soccer, and no one was complaining that it was too much.

“The whole world plays soccer and desires soccer, and when the first day of soccer practice arrives in Brownsville, it’s a big thing,” said Alan Reyes, a junior defensive midfielder for the Lobos who was a member of the past two Lopez teams that made it to state. “Another year of soccer is here. We’re always going to fight as hard as we can to make it back to state.
“We’ve been waiting for this day since the season ended last year,” Reyes added. “It’s a beautiful experience to go to state. We’re coming back with the desire to work hard and get back to Georgetown again with God’s help.”

Added teammate Sebastian Benavides, a senior forward who is beginning his third season of playing for the Lobos, “It feels very nice to be a part of this team. What can I say? This crew has everything. This is maybe the best soccer program in the Valley. No (Valley) school has gone to state more than we have (five times).

“I have big expectations for this team,” he added. “As a (senior) leader, I push my team to try hard and be the best out there so we can get to state again. It’s a young team with only three or four seniors, but we’re still going to push harder to be the best.”

Reyes and Benavides are two of the Lobos’ five returning starters. The others are center midfielder Jose “Chevy” Echavarria, goalkeeper Andrew Flores and midfielder on the wing Marco Antonio Mendoza. Also back is forward Eloy Lozoya, who is returning from an injury.

Promising newcomers to the Lobos’ starting lineup include defender Raudel Ramirez and midfielders Guadalupe Sauceda and Milton Solis.

Echavarria was named the All-Valley boys soccer MVP last spring and the Lobos were chosen as the Valley’s Class 5A team of the year. Echavarria is coming off a successful season of playing football that saw Lopez go to the playoffs for the second straight year.

The conditions were ideal Monday afternoon as the sun was pleasantly shining with comfortable temperatures in the 70s for the Lobos’ second practice.

“We couldn’t ask for anything more (regarding this beautiful day for our first afternoon practice),” said Lopez coach Amadeo Escandon, who is entering his 21st season of guiding the Lobos. “I thank God for this day. We’re always looking forward to the first day.

“I’m excited,” he added. “Every soccer season is different and this year is no exception. It’s different because we’ve got a new set of guys. We also have experienced players who have the team on their shoulders. We know they can do the job. We know they can guide the ‘newbies.’ Having the ones we have in leadership positions helps a lot. At this point, we’re trying to develop our team chemistry.

“I’m blessed to be working with these players. We’ve only been practicing a short time and I’m already seeing a lot of good things, so that’s why I feel blessed.”

The Lobos are working out with a group of 32 players. Escandon said the team eventually will carry 20 players on the varsity roster.

Also practicing on Lopez’s artificial turf field Monday afternoon were the Lady Lobos, who are defending District 32-5A champions. Actually, they’ve won district five of the last seven years under coach Alex Macias, who is beginning his 10th season guiding the team.

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking on the first day because you’re never exactly certain who is coming back,” said Macias, who is returning seven starters. “You always know who has graduated, but until you see them (returnees) at practice, you’re not quite sure who is going to be back.
“Every year it’s about finding players to replace the ones who graduated,” he added. “Every year feels like a rebuilding year. It’s nerve-wracking, yes, but it’s also exciting to see who will come out here and be able to play.

“I congratulate everyone for coming out and I wish everyone the best. I feel we’ll have a strong team coming back. We’ll see what happens. We’re excited about the year coming up.”

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD

The days of practicing in an outdoor pool during cold weather are over for the Los Fresnos swimming team.

The Los Fresnos school district recently opened an indoor aquatic center next to Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium, where the Falcons play football and soccer. The facility was dedicated in September and the swimming team has been using it for several months.

The new aquatic center boasts an eight-lane, 25-yard pool with a ramp designed for wheelchair access to the pool by special needs students. There is also a diving area at one end of the pool plus a nearby weight lifting area.

In recent weeks, with the arrival of cooler temperatures to the Rio Grande Valley, the indoor facility has become greatly appreciated by the Los Fresnos swimmers, their coach and all those who make use of it.

“Honestly, it’s so amazing to have our new indoor pool,” said Emily Rodriguez, a sophomore who swims primarily on relays for the Lady Falcons. “It’s like an upgrade and a big jump (for our program). We’re all very grateful to have it.”

Added Rebeca Osuna, a fellow sophomore who also swims on the relays, “It’s such an honor to be on this team. I love swimming with my team (at our new indoor pool).

“Regardless of how we do, we’re always there supporting each other,” Osuna added. “We always try our best and it pays off.”

Los Fresnos has done well in swimming in the past and that trend appears to be continuing this school year under coach Jaime Perez. The Los Fresnos girls won the recent Fall Festival Meet at the Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center in Brownsville and the Falcon boys were the runner-up team in their division.

“It’s a total team effort,” Perez said. “I like the way we work together as a team and I like the camaraderie that we’re building. I’m excited not only for what our athletes accomplish in the pool, but also for what they accomplish in the class room because they are student-athletes.

“First and foremost, we want to keep them accomplishing great things in the class room,” he added. “That’s the most important thing.”

Having the new facility has meant the Falcons can now develop their diving program.

Los Fresnos junior Jacqueline Navarrete is a swimmer who opted to concentrate on diving this school year.

“My coach was asking me, ‘You want to try diving?’ I did and I ended up really liking it,” said Navarrete, the daughter of Los Fresnos soccer coach Javier Navarrete. “So this year is my first year as a diver. I’ve been learning all the dives just within the past two or three months. It’s a new experience for me, and it’s super exciting to be at the new pool (as a diver for our team).

“I’ve been in many sports and this team is so great,” she added. “We’re not just teammates, we’re sisters and friends, and we know each other so well. We know each other’s goals and we’re there cheering each other on during every race.”

Navarrete sees the new pool as something that gives the swimming team a fresh start.

“The new facility is simply amazing because we have no problems now with the weather and the water is just so very nice to swim in,” she said. “Now we can add diving to our program, which can mean extra points for our team at meets.

“It’s really brought us closer together, too,” she added. “Having a new pool has meant getting a fresh start for our team. It’s a new beginning and we’re super excited to see what we can accomplish.”

ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald

SAN ANTONIO — There were smiles all around for the Los Fresnos Falcons on Saturday as they celebrated a Class 6A Division I area-round playoff victory for the second straight year in the Alamo City.

The District 32-6A runner-up Falcons (9-3) defeated San Antonio Southwest 47-35 at San Antonio’s Alamo Stadium. The win came against the same team and at the same site where Los Fresnos triumphed 27-19 last season in the second round of the playoffs.

It was a feeling every bit as satisfying this year as it was in 2016.

One of the happiest Los Fresnos players was Isaiah Koby Muniz, a junior cornerback who highlighted the Falcons’ defensive effort by making four interceptions.

“I love this team so much and this day is pretty special,” Muniz said. “I’ve never had four (picks in a game) before. I’ve had one, but never four.

“We stayed together as a team and fought to the end,” he added. “I love where I’m at (playing on this team). It’s a special feeling.”

Falcons cornerback J.J. Sanchez, a senior, was equally as happy as his teammate. It was just a couple of weeks ago that Sanchez made four interceptions in a 29-2 District 32-6A win against Weslaco High.

“It was pretty good (seeing my teammate get his four picks, too),” Sanchez said. “We’ve got to take turns, I guess.”

Sanchez said the Falcons were motivated to come up to San Antonio once again to prove that they’re a strong team just like last year.

“They said the Valley is too weak (in football),” Sanchez said. “But look at the outcome here today. We’re going to keep on executing and keep on going.”

The Falcons trailed 14-5 at the end of the first quarter, but thanks to a 35-point scoring outburst in the second period, Los Fresnos led 40-14 at intermission and the contest was pretty much over, even at that point.

“It’s always great to get a win and move on in the playoffs,” said Sebastian Gonzales, a senior linebacker for the Falcons. “It was all about being physical and playing assignment football. That’s why we won.

“Whoever we play next is obviously going to be a great team, so we just have to practice hard,” Gonzales added. “We have to play assignment football.”

Adrian Torres, the Falcons’ senior kicker, played a key role in the win. He booted a 31-yard field goal in the opening period to give his team a 3-0 lead before adding six extra points following each of Los Fresnos’ touchdowns.

“It’s all a team effort,” Torres said. “We just came out and did what we had to do, and that’s what we did. We set the tone in the first half and we did well the rest of the game.”

Also figuring into the Falcons’ scoring Saturday was Nico Valencia, a sophomore wide receiver who made a pair of touchdown catches on plays covering 27 and 10 yards.

“Two years in a row (of winning a playoff game in San Antonio) — it’s quite an achievement,” Valencia said. “We’ve worked hard for it. This win builds our confidence (and tells us) that we are a good team and that the Valley plays football well, too.

“Our offense has been off and on during the season, but the offense really stepped up today,” Valencia added. “Our defense is always solid.

“I love being a part of this team. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.”