COLLEGE STATION — La Feria did not have its best day of 7-on-7 football, but the Lions ended it stronger than they started.
The Lions went winless in pool play at the 7-on-7 state tournament but lost the last game against West Orange-Stark 20-19, a stark contrast from the previous two games against Sulphur Springs and Lubbock Christian.
La Feria lost the first game to Lubbock Christian 33-7 and then to Sulphur Springs 31-15. Junior quarterback Andruw Rivera threw early picks in both games on wheel routes but bounced back and make terrific throws.
Dropped passes, miscommunication on defense and stud receiver Joaquin Trevino picking up an early injury were the obvious causes for the losses against Lubbock Christian and Sulphur Springs. Any type of turnover makes it hard to come back in 7-on-7 because of the running clock.
“We got to try our best to keep up with these guys,” Rivera said. “I know we can. We have put in a lot of work, and it will pay off (today).”
It almost paid off against West Orange-Stark, but the Lions are going to need to play like that against Anna at 8:45 a.m. today at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station in the first round of Division II’s single-elimination bracket.
Plenty of eyes were on Anna as it handily won all three of its games, outscoring its opponents 119-55.
“We have to bounce back,” Lions outside linebacker Devon Hernandez said. “We have to do our jobs, cover our zones and do what we do best.”
The competition is fierce at the state tournament, Rivera said, but that is why they are here to compete. Hernandez and Rivera said the competition is tougher than what they faced in the Valley.
“It is a beautiful feeling to be out here,” Rivera said. “Being up here is a nice experience. Just being able to play against some of the best teams in Texas and having them watch you is an honor.”
McAllen Rowe, PSJA North, PSJA High and Weslaco High take the field in the afternoon for pool play action in Division I.