STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
La Feria, the only remaining unbeaten team in the Rio Grande Valley, continues its District 16-4A Division II slate when the Lions, reinvigorated by the successful return of quarterback Dorian Hernandez (8-0, 2-0 16-4A DI) travel to play at Grulla at 7 p.m. tonight.
A pivotal game in District 32-6A pits fourth-place Rivera at Harlingen South at 7:30 p.m. at Boggus Stadium. First-place Harlingen High losts Los Fresnos, as the Falcons will look to battle back into contention after dropping last week’s district game against Rivera.
A matchup between Harlingen High’s last two opponents has significant implications for the 32-6A playoff picture, when Brownsville Hanna hosts San Benito at 7:30 p.m at Sams Stadium. The Eagles (3-4, 1-1 32-6A) currently occupy the second playoff spot in 32-6A, while the Greyhounds (3-4, 1-1 32-6A) sit in third.
In a showdown of two of the most explosive offenses and the only teams to pick up a win during the first week 16-4A Division II play, Port Isabel will host Raymondville at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Bearkats (6-1, 1-0 16-4A DII) defeated the Tarpons (3-4, 1-0 16-4A DII) 48-0 last season.
In District 16-4A Division II, Rio Hondo also hits the road for a tilt with Progreso at 7:30 p.m Friday. The Bobcats (3-4, 0-1 16-4A DII) will look to secure their first district win and rebound from last week’s home loss to Raymondville when they take on the Red Ants (3-5, 0-1 16-4A DII)
After a rocky start, Lyford appears to have righted the ship and emerge as one of the hottest teams in District 16-3A Division I. The Bulldogs are primed for a road trip to face Mathis at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Several other East Valley teams will hit the road for Friday night games, including La Villa at Bruni at 7 p.m., Santa Rosa at Taft at 7:30 p.m., and Santa Maria at Refugio at 7:30 p.m.
The Cardinals (1-6, 1-1 16-2A DII) will look to gain ground in district against the Badgers, (2-5, 2-0 16-2A DI). The Warriors (5-3, 2-2 16-3A DI) have won back-to-back games and sit in fourth place in District 16-3A Division I ahead of their game against the Greyhounds (3-4, 2-1 16-3A DI). The Cougars (5-1, 1-1 16-2A DII) will hope to take a step toward earning a district crown when they do battle with the Bobcats (7-0, 2-0 16-2A DI), the top team in District 16-2A Division I.
the District 16-5A Division I slate of games this week gets underway with a trio of key matchups at 7 p.m. tonight, including Pace at Mission Veterans, Porter at PSJA Memorial and Brownsville Veterans Memorial playing host to PSJA Southwest.
The district-leading Patriots (6-1, 6-0 16-5A DI) are set to battle the fourth-place Vikings (5-2, 5-1 16-5A DI).
The Chargers (5-2, 4-2 16-5A DI) are on the outside looking in at the final playoff spot, so Brownsville Veterans will have a vested interest in the outcome of Mission Veterans’ battle with the Chargers’ archrival. Brownsville Veterans will be the first of three area teams to play a home game at Sams Stadium this week.
In TAPPS action, St. Joseph Academy hits the road to face San Antonio Christian. The Bloodhounds (2-5, 0-1 District 4 Division II) are set to play the Lions (3-4, 0-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.