By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
1. Almost Like Mike
It will never be compared to the infamous Michael Jordan Flu Game, but Gustavo Vasquez of Brownsville Veterans Memorial put up some impressive numbers while dealing with a stomach bug in a 35-16 win over Rivera on Friday. The junior felt sick throughout the game, even vomiting several times during halftime. Despite feeling ill, Vasquez racked up 205 yards of offense and four touchdowns while playing multiple positions. He rushed for 116 yards and three TDs, caught a 60-yard pass for another score and completed three passes for 29 yards. While tending to his health on the bench would’ve been understandable, Vasquez made the bold choice to help his team to victory.
2. Hanna’s Returns to Form
After two impressive showings from the Hanna Golden Eagles’ offense during scrimmages last month, Hanna’s regular-season performance looked like the polar opposite in a rough Week 1 loss to Edinburg Economedes. Looking to get back to form in Week 2, the Golden Eagles did just that, riding senior running back Jaime Gonzalez and his 206 rushing yards and three touchdowns to a 35-13 victory over the Porter Cowboys on Saturday night at Sams Memorial Stadium. The offense, which was limited to a touchdown by the Porter defense in the first half, exploded for 28 points in the second and finished the night with 273 yards from its rushing attack. If Hanna can continue its improvements ahead of this week’s road game at Mission High, the Eagles could be sitting at 2-1 after a rough start to the year.
3. The Lopez D Stays Stingy
Lopez defensive coordinator Hugo Ramirez has injected a new attitude into the Lobos. Through two weeks, his “seek and destroy” defense has been impressive. With more movement and blitzes than last year’s conservative scheme, Lopez now has a defensive unit that is a force to be reckoned with. The Lobos have been stellar, allowing less than 230 yards and 15 points per game with five turnovers, including three in a Week 2 victory over Edinburg High. That performance followed a tough 1-point loss in overtime to Port Isabel in Week 1. But instead of being discouraged, the close setback seemed to only fuel a Lobos unit hungry to keep things on track
4. St. Joseph Can Play Defense, Too
With standout junior quarterback Kai Money at the helm, St. Joseph Academy is normally making headlines for its high-tempo, potent offense. But its defense can play, too. The Bloodhounds allowed a robust 35 points in Week 1 to Grulla, but came back to surrender just seven to Lyford in Week 2. St. Joseph allowed 304 total yards and nearly pitched a shutout on the road, but the Bulldogs scored on a long pass play with less than 20 seconds remaining in the first half. Nonetheless, it was an inspiring effort for a Bloodhounds squad that could be even more dangerous if the defensive performances mirror Week 2’s outing the rest of the way.
5. Tarpons Look Tough
Two weeks into the season, it looks as though the Port Isabel Tarpons are right where they need to be. P.I. has been the beneficiary of a powerful running game and a suffocating defense, both staples for long-time Tarpons coach Monty Stumbaugh. Even without quarterback senior Omar Silva last week, the Tarpons managed to collect 251 yards on the ground, including 143 yards and a touchdown from senior tailback Carlos Orduna. The defense did its part in allowing just 101 yards of offense and zero points, as the P.I. offense committed a turnover that was returned for a harmless score.
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.