By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
It has been a rough year for Lopez thus far.
The Lobos are winless after three non-district games, scoring 14 points per game and allowing 43 defensively.
“We are missing a lot of the talent we had last year, in multiple positions, especially defensively,” Lopez coach Jason Starkey said. “We’re so young. But I have enjoyed coaching the team I have this year, in so many areas that have vastly improved from last year’s team.”
Despite their record, the Lobos are committed to the program.
“They are at every practice, every meeting, anything I’ve held, I’ve had perfect attendance,” Starkey said. “I know in the short term it seems that Lopez might be taking a couple steps back. But I believe and I’m very confident that in the near future and years to come this program will take leaps forward. My hope is that will translate to the field, I know it will.”
The Lobos, like the most of the District 32-6A teams have a bye week before district play starts next week.
Instead of an opponent to key on, Lopez will focus on fixing things internally this week during practice, especially from a mental aspect.
Despite the slow start, Starkey is confident the team can turn around their season.
“We live in a world where everyone wants instant gratification, I’m no exception to that and neither are these kids,” he said. “In the midst of an 0-3 start, these kids haven’t wavered in their commitment and dedication to this program and I know it’s going to pay off for them individually and for this program collectively in the months to come.”
A WEEK OFF
District 32-6A is looking forward to its off week, extra time to prepare for the opening of district play. Harlingen High is the exception as it’s playing a non-district game against Weslaco High.
Most coaches will treat the off week as business as usual, albeit additional preparation time for the first district opponent of the season.
Another important aspect is rest or extra time to address injuries.
Rivera played without starting running back Jair Guevara (turf toe) and fullback Mario Mendez (sprained knee) against Sharyland. Both suffered injuries in Week 2 against Edinburg North. It certainly showed as the Raiders rushed for just 41 yards against the Rattlers after the team averaged 150 yards during the previous two games.
“Both were minor (injuries), but it was non-district so we didn’t want to risk it,” Rivera coach Tom Chavez said. “They’ll be ready (for practice) this week.”
Harlingen High and Harlingen South have had troubles this season on both sides of the ball.
The Hawks and Cardinals are near the bottom of the district statistically, ahead of only Lopez through their non-district games.
Harlingen High has scored just 14 points through two non-district games, averaging 235 yards offensively and allowing 352 yards per game. Harlingen South has scored just 15 points per game, is averaging 248 yards on offense and allowing 328 yards defensively.
It’s especially daunting when the schools were Nos. 1 and 2 in both categories one season ago.
Each school has played quality opponents thus far, but both squads are missing talent from last season due to graduation or transfers.
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.