By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
The old adage is defense wins championships.
Rivera has followed that blueprint all season and could now earn a share of the District 32-6A title in the season finale against San Benito.
After another impressive defensive effort against Hanna, the Raiders gave themselves a chance that not too long ago seemed unlikely. Rivera started the season winless in five games, only to win four straight games.
“We struggled in the beginning (of the season), but we kept hanging in there,” Rivera coach Tom Chavez said. “Now we’ve got a big chance against San Benito next week.”
The Raiders’ defense, the top defensive unit in the district, shut out the Eagles 36-0 and allowed them 90 yards of offense, including 31 yards passing from Andy Lopez, the top passer in district. Lopez completed 5 of 17 passes and was intercepted twice.
Rivera has allowed 232 yards — 140 yards rushing and 92 yards passing — and 21 points per game through nine games this season.
Now the Raiders face one of their toughest tests of the season against the top offense in the district. San Benito averages 437 yards and 35 points per game. A Raiders win gives them a share of the title, but a Greyhounds win gives them the district title outright.
The best defense against the best offense in District 32-6A, a seemingly fitting way to end the regular season.
NEEDING A WIN
When Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Lopez meet Thursday, each will be looking for a win, but for slightly different reasons.
The Chargers, who have lost three straight, need a win against the Lobos to keep their playoff hopes alive. Brownsville Veterans sits fifth in the district standings and needs some help to earn the final postseason spot.
Brownsville Veterans coach David Cantu said the game plan remains the same, his team just needs to play better.
“(We’re doing) nothing different. Just go back to work, roll up our sleeves,” he said. “There’s no shortcuts or magic potion. It’s blocking, tackling and taking care of the football.”
Lopez, on the other hand, comes into the game winless on the season. A win would bring a bright spot to a long, enduring season for the Lobos and knock the Chargers out of the playoff race.
RIVALRY RENEWED
Crosstown rivals Harlingen High and Harlingen South meet again Friday at Boggus Stadium in Harlingen, but this time around things are much different.
Last season, the Cardinals and Hawks each a playoff berth wrapped up and were fighting one another for the district crown. This season, Harlingen High needs a win and help if it hopes to earn a share of the district crown, and Harlingen South is playing for pride, perhaps being a spoiler.
Each team comes in on a positive note. The Cardinals have won two straight games and the Hawks handed San Benito its first district loss of the season last week.
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.