By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos will see a familiar opponent across the line of scrimmage tonight.
The Falcons will hit the road to face Edinburg North in a Week 1 matchup tonight at Cats Memorial Stadium in Edinburg.
Los Fresnos played the Cougars twice last season, the first time during Week 1 and later during the bi-district round of the playoffs. The Falcons lost the opener 22-19 after letting a 19-point lead slip away due to turnovers in the second half but took the rematch, coasting to a 42-7 victory. But don’t think the Falcons have forgotten.
“It’s in the past, but it’s something we need to build on,” Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley said. “We need to understand, especially early, but always that ball security is a must. I thought we pretty well had that game in hand at that time, and we got a case of fumbleitis right there in the fourth quarter and it kind of hurt us.
“When you start turning the ball over, anything can happen.”
Edinburg North participated in spring practices, so with only one scrimmage under its belt, coach Rene Saenz has concerns against a sharp Los Fresnos team.
“They’re looking like they’re game ready, so that’s a major concern for me,” he said. “Los Fresnos has a tremendous team. They have talent on both sides of the ball, and after looking at the tape I think they’re further ahead this year than they were at this time last year.”
Regardless of the accolades, Finley expects a physical game just like the two were last season.
“We expect a war,” he said. “We’re going to have to go over there and play really well in order to come out victorious.”
North needs to control the line of scrimmage and hope its offensive line can take care of that against the Falcons.
“Everything starts and ends there,” Saenz said. “We’re hoping if we can get some push our O-line can create some kind of running room for us. They were a good team last year, so I’m just hoping we can stay with them and keep it close.”
Los Fresnos knows its offense must play in control and avoid turnovers like during last season’s first game.
“I think we have to go out and play with a calm demeanor,” Finley said. “We just have to go out there and do what it takes to be successful and play smart, aggressive football.”
Finley expects the game to come down to mistakes, especially during the first game of the season.
“Being the first game, there’s going to be nerves and jitters coming in from all over the place,” he said. “I think the team that handles that probably the best is going to have the most success. The team that makes the fewest mistakes is probably going to win.”
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.