FREDDY GONZALEZ | Valley Morning Star
Week Six of the RGV high school football season is here and with only a few exceptions, a litany of sub-5A teams are on a much needed bye week.
SANTA MARIA: After a rough 2016 campaign, the Santa Maria Cougars have been quietly gaining some momentum heading into their final non-district game against the Progreso Red Ants.
The Cougars host the Red Ants at home on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
After a disappointing 20-18 loss to the Marine Military Academy at the start of the season, the Cougars have discreetly won three of their past four games including victories over Monte Alto (12-7), Benavides (35-7) and Agua Dulce (47-33).
Offensively, over the past four games the Cougars have amassed a total of 1,455 yards with Alex Perez and Ismael Rodriguez leading the way. Perez leads the team with 350 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns while Rodriguez does not fall behind with four TDs of his own. Santa Maria begins its District 16-2A DI campaign on the road against Three Rivers on Oct. 20.
RAYMONDVILLE: With a record of 5-0, the Raymondville Bearkats have started the 2017 season on a good note. With a convincing 31-14 victory over Kingsville King last Friday, the Bearkats are a team to look out for this season.
Offensively, the Bearkats have gained a total of 1,587 yards with quarterback Daniel Gutierrez leading the way. The dual-threat QB has been passed for 586 yards and rushed for another 480 yards. However, the emergence of the team’s resilient defense has kept the Bearkats in most of their games.
Defensively, Darian Cortez, Deion Castillo and Marcus Capetillo have anchored Raymondville’s defensive line and secondary. The Bearkats have a bye week this week, but start their District 16-4A DII schedule on the road against a tough West Oso team on Oct. 13.
RIO HONDO: District 16-4A DII is in no shortage of title contenders this season. Alongside Raymondville, the Rio Hondo Bobcats are also a favorite to challenge for the title. After a narrow 36-33 loss to La Joya Juarez-Lincoln to start the season, the Bobcats have ramped up its offensive production and snagged three consecutive victories over Brownsville St. Joseph Academy (52-48), Hidalgo (58-0) and Grulla (33-21).
Offensively, quarterback Tyler Bush has led the Bobcats with 964 passing yards and 444 rushing yards. Combined with Erik Pizarro’s acrobatic catches, Rio Hondo’s offense isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Pizarro leads the team with 588 yards and seven TDs on 31 receptions. The Bobcats begin their district schedule against a tough Port Isabel squad on Oct. 13.