By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
RAYMONDVILLE — When the Port Isabel Tarpons and the Raymondville Bearkats meet up tonight at Burnett Stadium at 7:30 p.m., history will not be on the Bearkats’ side.
Last year Raymondville pulled out a 6-0 victory on a rain-soaked Tarpon field. However, despite the victory, Port Isabel overwhelmingly leads the head-to-head series over the Bearkats with a record of 20-12. that includes two bi district playoff wins.
“As far as programs go, PI has had some really strong teams,” said Raymondville head coach Frank Cantu. “Although recently, it’s been a little closer.
“Nobody’s going to quit out there and both teams are going to fight to the end, because there is still a lot of pride in it every time we face Port Isabel.”
Both teams already have booked their place in the postseason, but tonight’s game determines more than just a winner and a loser, it determines who goes in as a third seed or a fourth.
While it might not seem like a big difference between the third and fourth seed, both head coaches know who awaits the fourth — Sinton.
The high school AP Poll has the Pirates ranked sixth overall in the state.
“Unfortunately, it’s exactly like last year, we’re trying to get the third seed because what awaits is either Cuero or Sinton,” said Cantu, “We obviously want to win the ball game to keep things in our favor and try to establish ourselves.”
Offensively, the Tarpons have the district’s top rushing offensive, and the districts leading rusher.
Junior quarterback Omar Silva has rushed for 907 yards on 136 attempts, scoring nine touchdowns.
Silva also has passed the ball for 274 yards and five TDs.
Defensively, for Port Isabel Raul Villarreal leads the team with 56 tackles, three tackles for losses (TFL), three forced fumbles and seven sacks. Meanwhile, teammate John Martinez has 52 tackles and six TFLs.
For the Bearkats, offense hasn’t been a problem. The team has produced a total of 2,549 yards, with 1,725 yards coming on the ground.
This year Raymondville has been able to count on two running backs to get it done.
Senior Bert Najera has rushed for 658 yards and nine touchdowns, while David Marroquin has rushed for 547 yards and five TDs.
Sophomore quarterback Daniel Gutierrez has been at the helm all season and has passed for 775 yards and nine touchdowns, while also racking up 362 yards on the ground.
“I’ve been extremely happy with what he’s been able to give us,” said Cantu. “I know if it hadn’t been for him this season could have been very different.
“Coming into the season with no varsity experience he’s come in and given us everything he’s got, and I think before everything is said and done he’s going to be a good one.”
For the both teams the key to victory is never easy. However, both teams know each other so well they know what to expect.
“In order to win we need to establish a running game, control the clock and just minimize turnovers,” said Cantu.
“I’m sure the game plan for them is very similar, but we just need to play tough defense and it should be a good one.”