JOSEPH TELLO | Staff Writer
The Harlingen South Hawks will begin their 2017 playoff journey with a trip to Edinburg High as they challenge the Bobcats in a Class 6A bi-district contest at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Hawks, who finished as the No. 4 seed out of District 32-6A with an 8-6 record, will be well prepared for their upcoming matchup, said head coach Brian Molina.
“Playing in a tough district like we did this season has really helped our team, and I feel like we are battle-tested and ready to take our chances in the playoffs,” he said. “Edinburg High is a really good team and I know that they are going to be ready to play us.”
Edinburg finished as the top seed out of District 31-6A only because Edinburg Vela had to forfeit several games earlier in the week due to playing an ineligible athlete.
PANTHERS SET FOR JAGS: Vela’s situation also allowed the Edinburg Economedes Jaguars to make the playoffs. Their reward: A very good Weslaco High squad.
The Jaguars will face off against the Panthers, who clinched a share of the District 32-6A title this season along with Los Fresnos.
“Of course nobody wants to share, but to be a part of one is great in itself so we don’t mind sharing it with a team that’s deserving,” said Weslaco head coach Gabriel Valdez. “Economedes is a fast team, a very athletic team and we’re going to have to execute on both ends in order to get a win.”
Weslaco will host Economedes in a Class 6A bi-district game at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
THE QUEST BEGINS: As expected, the Santa Rosa Warriors are back in the playoffs after claiming their 13th straight conference title earlier this week.
Warriors head coach Juan Cipriano knows his team is ready for the road ahead.
“I told the team that they clinched a district (title) and got no emotion out of them,” Cipriano said. “It’s kind of expected around here with all the success we’ve had.”
The Warriors, who advanced all the way to the Region IV-3A finals last season, open the postseason against Bishop at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
“It’s playoff time now and anything can happen,” said Cipriano. “We’re going to continue to do our best and we can’t afford to take anyone lightly.”