By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
In football and other sports, controlling one’s destiny always means a lot, especially around playoff time.
The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers are content in knowing that their playoff future is exclusively in their hands.
There’s no need for fancy formulas, multi-scenario projections or anything else regarding the possibilities. For the Chargers, it’s simply a matter of winning Friday when they play the Lopez Lobos at 7:30 p.m. at Sams Memorial Stadium, and their ticket to the postseason will be punched.
The District 32-6A game marks the end of the regular season for both teams. While the Lobos (1-7, 1-5 district) have been eliminated from playoff consideration, the Chargers (6-3, 3-3) have a strong chance to qualify for the postseason. They want this year’s campaign to turn out differently than the past two, when they came very close but didn’t reach the playoffs.
“Our ultimate goal has always been to be in the postseason,” Chargers coach David Cantu said. “We completely understand that it’s totally in our hands, unlike the last two years when we were on the cusp of getting in but we needed help. We took care of our business in regards to getting a ‘W,’ but we didn’t get the help we needed. We’re just in a better situation this year because we don’t need help right now from someone else in the last week of the regular season.
“We’re excited about our chances,” Cantu added. “While the last three weeks have been tough (with losses to 32-6A tri-leaders San Benito, Harlingen High and Los Fresnos), if we are able to reach the playoffs we feel those three games will have helped make us stronger and prepare us for what might be ahead. We know it’s one thing at a time, so our focus right now is only on Lopez, not anything else.”
The Chargers and Lobos met in the final game of the regular season last year, and Brownsville Veterans came away with a 57-0 victory to finish with a 6-4 record, including a 4-3 district mark. But there was no trip to the playoffs for the Chargers because Rivera, Harlingen High, San Benito and Los Fresnos all shared the 32-6A title with 5-2 records.
This time around, Brownsville Veterans boasts the top offense in 32-6A, averaging 412.7 yards per game. Lopez ranks last in district in defense, allowing 376.3 yards per contest.
Senior quarterback Marcus Castillo leads the way for the Chargers offensively. He has rushed for 1,116 yards and 12 touchdowns and passed for 1,175 yards and 13 scores.
Lopez counters with senior quarterback Saul Mendoza, who hasn’t been the starter at QB the whole season. Mendoza has passed for 613 yards and seven TDs.
Brownsville Veterans could lose to Lopez and still make the playoffs if Harlingen South (3-5, 3-3) is beaten by Harlingen High (7-2, 5-1) in Friday’s “Bird Bowl.” That’s because the Chargers defeated the Hawks 35-28 earlier this season. Any tie of records between the Chargers and Hawks goes in Brownsville Veterans’ favor.
The Lobos have their own focus for this game.
“Yes, we’re going against a very good opponent that is playing for a chance to go to the playoffs, but for us it’s all about our seniors and sending them out the right way, the way they deserve,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “Our seniors have done an amazing job, and they’ve played an instrumental part in the change we’re seeing. They’re a group that has had 95 percent (attendance at practice).
“Thanks to our senior class and the leadership these guys have shown, I believe the classes behind them at Lopez are going to experience a lot of success,” Starkey added. “It’s going to be all about our seniors for this game.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess.