By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
A group of senior players for the Lopez Lobos remember quite well what it was like to go to the UIL state soccer tournament two years ago.
Now that the Lobos are returning to Georgetown, they feel blessed to have another chance at a state title.
The state tournament starts Wednesday and runs through Saturday at Georgetown ISD’s Birkelbach Field. The Lobos don’t play until Friday.
In 2014, Lopez lost 3-2 to eventual Class 5A champion Fort Bend Clements in the state semifinals.
Among those playing for Lopez that season were then-sophomores Allan Ramos, Benito Cazares, Arturo Salazar, Leo Casanova, Ulysses Ortegon and German Vera.
“It feels really good to be going back to state,” said Ortegon, a defender. “We lost two years ago and we’re just trying to get some redemption and finish it off (with a state title) our senior year. The state tournament has brought us all together and we’re looking for a better result this time.”
Lopez (21-2-1) goes against Austin Lake Travis (24-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Class 6A state semifinals. The winner advances to Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. 6A title match against Coppell (22-0-3) or Katy Cinco Ranch (18-2-5).
“The ones on the team who have been to state already know what to expect, more or less,” Lobos coach Amadeo Escandon said. “And the ones who maybe weren’t there as players still have an idea about what the atmosphere will be like and they know what to expect. That’s a big plus, and I think it’s going to help us on this trip.”
The Lobos started off the playoffs with fairly comfortable wins against Edinburg Economedes (6-1) and La Joya High (4-1) before prevailing in some nail-biters against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln (2-1), Schertz Clemens (3-2) and San Antonio Reagan (1-0).
“It’s an amazing feeling (to return to state) and it’s great because in 2014, unfortunately, we couldn’t get the state championship,” said Ramos, a midfielder on the wing. “This year I see our team as strong, and with faith, God will help us.
“I’m just telling the guys to not be nervous or intimidated and to just play our game,” Ramos added. “If we play with heart, we can win the game. I think we have a good chance (to do well). Our team is strong because we’ve had a lot of hard work and dedication throughout the season, so that’s why I think we can win state.”
Returning to Georgetown helps fulfill a pledge made by the Lopez underclassmen two years ago.
“I remember very clearly that state semifinal loss in 2014,” said Abraham Torres, the Lobos’ assistant coach. “The guys cried a little, but right away they said, ‘Pick your heads up. We’ll be back.’ These seniors now were sophomores then, and yes, they’re going back to state.
“It’s a great feeling,” he added. “They’ve put in the work. The guys (who went to state before) let the others know that they’ve got to believe in themselves.”
Casanova won’t be in uniform at state because he suffered a season-ending injury against Juarez-Lincoln. Even though he won’t be playing, he’s still grateful the Lobos are getting another chance at state.
“Going back is very important because I remember being there as a sophomore when we lost (to Clements),” Casanova said. “We told the (2014) seniors that we were going to make it back for them, and here we are. It’s something big for us. We really want it. We’re working really hard and we’re putting God first.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess