By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Lopez clinches playoff berth
For the first time in coach Jason Starkey’s tenure, Lopez earned a postseason berth. The Lobos started out the season strong and looked like they would be fighting for at least a share of the District 32-5A crown after handing Mercedes its first district loss in Week 9. But a loss to Edcouch-Elsa in Week 10 spoiled that dream and put the Lobos in a must-win situation in Week 11 against Pace. The Vikings were also on a roll and fighting for the final playoff spot. In a tough-fought victory, Lopez scored a pair of first quarter touchdowns and held off Pace in the second half after the Vikings cut the deficit to four points. The Lobos added a score in the final quarter to seal the 21-10 victory and their postseason trip. The Lopez defense, a huge catalyst for its playoff appearance, has been the best unit in the district all season and were stingy once again against Pace, holding it to 195 yards, getting four sacks and a big interception by Marcos Solis down the stretch to quell a Vikings rally. Although Pace fell short of reaching the postseason, the Vikings played one of its best games of the year and turned around their season after a slow start. After the game, Starkey was happiest for his seniors. The group had won a total of five games over three years before winning seven in 2016. “They’ve faced a lot of adversity in their time with us,” he said. “They preserved, they’re a testament to the resilience. I couldn’t be more proud of their work ethic and their commitment to the program.”
Brownsville Veterans earns share of District 32-5A title
With a road win Thursday against Donna High, Brownsville Veterans Memorial earned a share of the District 32-5A title. The Chargers lost just once in district play to Mercedes, who earned its share with a win over Donna North on Friday night. Brownsville Veterans, who is on a four-game winning streak heading into the postseason, earned its first district title in football and a trip to the playoffs for the third time since the school opened in 2010. The Chargers used a powerful run game and a stingy defense to defeat Donna High. They used the same formula throughout the season and both units are playing their best football at an optimal time, as the playoffs set to begin. The Chargers have one of the top offenses in district and the defense has steadily moved up the list as the season progressed.
Port Isabel earns share of District 16-4A Division II crown
Port Isabel also took care of business, earning a piece of the District 16-4A Division II crown with a easy 43-13 win over West Oso on Friday in Corpus Christi. The Tarpons share the title with Orange Grove and Rio Hondo. Using a familiar game plan under Port Isabel coach Monty Stumbaugh, the Tarpons used a powerful ground game and a suffocating defense to take a 28-7 lead at the break and cruise to the win. Once again, running back Omar Silva had a big day. The senior had four touchdowns, three on the ground and one on a reception, as Port Isabel finished the season 9-1, its only blemish coming at the hands of Rio Hondo. “It feels great, we’re happy for the kids, they put in the hard work,” Stumbaugh said. “They were able to get a share of the championship. They put they’re name on that board as district champs and carry on the tradition.”
Los Fresnos earns playoff spot
Los Fresno was in a must-win situation during Week 11. The Falcons were tied for third in the District 32-6A standings and had to defeat Weslaco High to clinch a postseason trip. Los Fresnos shut out the Panthers and earned a playoff spot for the 12th consecutive season and first under new coach Patrick Brown. The Falcons experienced a roller coaster of a season. Los Fresnos won its first two games and then went on a three-game losing streak, including the first two district games. The Falcons then won four of the final five games this season to clinch a return to the postseason. Los Fresnos has plenty of confidence as it heads to the playoffs after experiencing much adversity during the season and feels it can matchup against anyone.
St. Joseph to host playoff game
For just the second time in the last 30 years and now in back-to-back seasons, St. Joseph Academy will play host to a playoff game. The Bloodhounds pushed past San Antonio Antonian in Week 11, 42-21, to finish with the second seed in TAPPS Division I District 2. Led by a dominating ground game that totaled 416 yards, St. Joseph finished the season with momentum in the big district victory. St. Joseph quarterback Kai Money racked up 279 yards of offense and five touchdowns —182 on the ground and 97 through the air — he ran for three touchdowns and threw for two others. Running back Mario Garcia finished with 143 yards and a touchdown as St. Joseph amassed 513 yards of offense in the district finale. “I think this solidifies we have a good program at St. Joseph,” coach Tino Villarreal said. “We can play football with the best of them. It’s consistency, it’s not a fluke and St. Joseph football is headed in the right direction and we’re continuing to build off of that.”
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.