By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
For a second time in program history, the Rio Hondo Bobcats will take their talents to the state 7-on-7 tournament in College Station.
The Bobcats punched their ticket earlier this month after completing a 4-0 record at the McAllen state qualifying tournament. They are heading to Aggieland for the first time since 2017.
While the 2017 team was filled with household names like Tyler Bush, Erik Pizarro and Danny Vasquez, this year’s group of Bobcats is looking to build a name for itself.
The tournament will be held at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station. Division II and III will kick off Thursday and run through Friday. Division I play begins Friday and wraps up Saturday.
In fact, there is just one remaining member from the 2017 team. Incoming senior linebacker Joey Ortega returns to College Station for the first time since his sophomore campaign. Ortega will look to anchor the Bobcats’ defense with hybrid defender Sam Villines.
“We are just trying to fit the younger guys in where they can get some more experience and succeed,” Ortega said. “We are working on getting their confidence, too, and so far everything has been working.”
The Bobcats won their pool to reach the state tournament. Along the way, Rio Hondo beat Santa Gertrudis 25-21 and Bandera 27-14. The big win came when Rio Hondo beat rival Raymondville 28-19, and then it wrapped up play with a 40-18 thrashing of Hidalgo.
Directing the offense is incoming sophomore Zechariah Rios. The youngster sees the opportunity at state as a way to improve on the offense in preparation for the upcoming season and his first year as the starter.
“We are adjusting to help each other work as a team,” Rios said. “There is room for improvement for sure, and as a quarterback I’m working on getting on the same page with my receivers. This is a big accomplishment, and I am grateful to lead this team. I’m ready to give my 100 percent this year and use my knowledge of the game to help this team win.”
Rio Hondo will be in Pool B and will be playing on Field 3. In its pool will be Columbia, Dumas and Heritage.
The Bobcats first matchup will be against Midlothian Heritage at 1 p.m. Thursday. Heritage is back in College Station for the fourth straight year and are last years defending champs. Columbia and Dumas, meanwhile, are making their state debuts.
“I am most excited to a part of the state experience with my football brothers,” Rios said. “This will help me improve my game since I will be playing against some of the best when we get out there.”