By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
LA FERIA – While the La Feria Lions are looking solid with a 5-1 overall record, the team knows very well that the second part of season (district) is just getting started.
Last week, the Lions opened their pursuit for a second straight District 32-4A DI championship with a hard-fought 40-37 victory over Zapata (1-6, 0-2).
However, this week it doesn’t get much easier as La Feria faces another stern test against Kingsville King (4-3, 1-0) tonight at Lions Stadium at 7:30 pm.
The Brahmas come into the contest winning four of their last five games, against the likes of Aransas Pass (42-21), Hidalgo (27-7), Robstown (29-25) and Ingleside (34-7).
But the Lions have a nice win streak of their own, defeating Raymondville (47-14), Falfurrias (41-20), CC Veterans Memorial (14-10), Santa Rosa (28-16) and Zapata.
In addition, the Lions have one of the district’s top offenses.
La Feria has racked up an impressive 2,140 yards this season, with 1,361 coming through the ground attack and the other 779 yards through the team’s dangerous aerial assault. One of which quarterback Jonathan Leija has the spoils of throwing to a litany of core targets, including Brandon Perez and Julian Trevino.
Leading receiver Perez has pulled down 445 yards and 10 touchdowns on 29 receptions, while Trevino has caught 15 passes for 176 yards.
However, La Feria also boasts one of the district’s leading rushers in Darius Hernandez. Hernandez has rushed for 624 yards and nine TDs on 102 carries.
A win tonight against the Brahmas would go a long way in helping the Lions pursue another district title.
Elsewhere in District 32-4A DI Grulla (3-4, 1-0) defeated Zapata 35-21 in a Thursday night game. Meanwhile, other District 32-4A DI opponent Hidalgo has a bi-week this week.
In 32-4A DII the Rio Hondo Bobcats (4-2, 0-1) are looking to continue its impressive run of form from last week’s victory over rivals Port Isabel. Tonight the Bobcats host Corpus Christi West Oso (3-3, 0-1) and the Tarpons head north to take on Orange Grove (4-2, 0-1).
The Raymondville Bearkats are also