The top two defensive units in the Rio Grande Valley reside in District 31-6A in Edinburg Vela and PSJA North.
The Raiders (8-1, 6-1) and SaberCats (10-0, 8-0) have taken the field each week, and no matter the opposition, have limited offenses to season-low numbers across the board.
The No. 1-ranked SaberCats, according to the latest RGVSports.com top 10 poll, are giving up 140.5 total yards per game, while holding opponents to 6.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, the No. 3-ranked Raiders are surrendering a meager 164.2 total yards and just over a touchdown per game at 7.7 points.
The District 31-6A champion SaberCats are on a bye in Week 11 with an extra week to prepare for their bi-district playoff matchup. PSJA North is set for a showdown against fellow playoff qualifier Mission High at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bill Pate Memorial Stadium in Hidalgo.
CARDINALS ONE WIN AWAY
La Villa (7-2, 3-0) has already clinched at least a share of the District 16-2A DI crown entering the final week of the season. A share isn’t enough to the Cardinals, however, as one more victory over Ben Bolt on Friday night will give them the program’s first district title in eight years.
“That’s our No. 1 goal: Bring it back for the coaches, for ourselves and for the community,” senior running back/defensive back Christian Ortiz said.
Kickoff between La Villa and Ben Bolt is slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Ben Bolt.
GATORS, PIRATES PLAYOFF BOUND
Three of District 16-4A DI’s playoff spots have already been secured by RGV teams in La Feria, Grulla and Hidalgo.
The Grulla Gators have been a pleasant surprise this season with a 4-3 overall record, including wins over Hidalgo and Raymondville under their belt. Grulla can improve to 5-3 and 3-1 in district to finish as the No. 2 seed in 16-4A DI with a victory over bottom dweller Kingsville King (1-8, 0-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Kingsville.
Meanwhile, the Pirates (3-5, 1-2) are set to battle Zapata with the No. 3 seed on the line. Kickoff between Hidalgo and Zapata is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bill Pate Stadium in Hidalgo.
PANTHERS FACE MUST-WIN SITUATION
Weslaco High began the season with a 4-0 record. The Panthers (5-3, 3-3) have since dropped three of four contests, but their hot start has led to a win-and-in situation in Week 11.
Standing in their way, however, is San Benito, the No. 7-ranked team in the RGV, according to the latest poll.
The Greyhounds (7-2, 4-2) are currently the No. 4 seed in District 32-6A, while the Panthers are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. If Weslaco High can take down San Benito, it would finish with identical 4-3 district records, with the Panthers owning the tie-breaker with a head-to-head victory.
The Greyhounds and Panthers get things started at 7 p.m. Friday at Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco.