BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
Rio Grande City graduated a dual-threat quarterback and several members of its shutdown defense, but there was reason for optimism this year. The Rattlers average a healthy 348.5 yards of offense entering Week 8, but an inexperienced defense and injuries have contributed to Rio Grande City’s 1-5 start to the season.
“I was very hopeful about this team back in the preseason and I still believe in these young men,” Rio Grande City coach Aaron Garcia said. “It’s been a combination of things and sometimes we don’t factor them in at the beginning of a season. Injuries and inexperience have both been vital to our lack of success.”
Among their list of important injuries are starting junior guard Gerry de la Cruz, who broke a fibula and tore two ligaments in the Rattlers’ preseason scrimmage against La Joya High. Rio Grande City has also been without the services of quarterback Mario Garza since late September. Garza’s four touchdown passes lead the team.
The Rattlers haven’t had a lot of good fortune in close games either. Not counting Mission Veterans’ 41-point win Sept. 20, Rio Grande City losses are by an average of 6.8 points per game. The losses include Roma’s one-point overtime victory in Week 1 and PSJA Memorial’s four-point win in Week 6.
“These things happen,” Garcia said. “I have to give credit to my kids for not giving up. Our record is not reflective of who we are as a team. We’ve just had some bad luck.”
The Rattlers (1-4 in District 16-5A DI) have a golden opportunity to get back into the win column when the Brownsville Porter Cowboys invade Joe R. Sanchez Stadium on Thursday. The Cowboys (1-5) have dropped each of their five district games so far.
“We’re going to go down fighting,” Garcia said. “I’m very proud of our kids. They give me their best and that’s all I can ask for.”