Previewing this week’s Rio Grande Valley high school football non-district games.
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NON-DISTRICT
EDINBURG VELA AT LA JOYA HIGH
WHERE: La Joya ISD Stadium, La Joya
WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Edinburg Vela (2-0); La Joya High (1-1)
GAME NOTES: This game between two teams that made the playoffs last year projects to be a major mismatch, much like last season’s 59-7 win for Vela. … Edinburg Vela is averaging 71 points and 536 yards of offense through two games — wins against Brownsville Pace and Harlingen South. … La Joya High, meanwhile, has picked up just 385 total yards in three halves of football this season. The Coyotes’ Week 1 game against Roma was called at halftime due to a power outage. … Partially as a result of that shortened game, La Joya High leads District 30-6A in yards allowed through two weeks, giving up just 345. … If Vela has a weakness, it’s on defense: The SaberCats have allowed 351.5 yards per game through two weeks, including 240.5 per game on the ground. That could mean a big day for La Joya running back Justin Leanos, who has 209 yards and a touchdown so far this season.
PREDICTION: Edinburg Vela, 42-12
— Greg Luca
HARLINGEN HIGH AT McALLEN HIGH
WHERE: McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, McAllen
WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Harlingen High (0-1); McAllen High (1-1)
GAME NOTES: A meeting of two of the Valley’s oldest and best programs with more than 500 all-time wins for each. … Both are trying to prove themselves against a top-level Valley opponent for the first time this season after losing to non-Valley competition. Harlingen High put up a surprisingly strong effort before losing 42-28 to San Antonio Regan last week, while McHi earned a bounce back win against Edinburg High 28-0 after losing to Odessa Permian 70-14 in Week 1. … Both teams have leaned on their rushing offenses early. Josh McGowen has picked up 281 yards and two touchdowns to lead McAllen High, while Leo Tienda led Harlingen High in Week 2 with 224 yards and three scores. … Although run heavy, both teams are confident in their passing attacks, too. Harlingen QB Jesse Castro completed 4 of 7 passes for 38 yards before missing time due to cramps, while McHi first-year starter Caleb Youngblood is 13 of 28 for 125 yards and a touchdown.
PREDICTION: McAllen High, 21-20
— Greg Luca
RIO GRANDE CITY AT LA JOYA PALMVIEW
WHERE: La Joya ISD Stadium, La Joya
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Rio Grande City (1-1); La Joya Palmview (2-0)
GAME NOTES: A matchup of two teams that like to play physical and pound the football. Palmview has picked up 79.1 percent of its offensive yards on the ground, while 73.9 percent of Rio Grande City’s yards have been rushing. … Palmview’s Joel Pina has looked like an All-Valley Player of the Year candidate through two weeks, picking up 498 yards with 8 touchdowns in wins against Brownsville Lopez and PSJA Southwest. … Rio Grande City has looked somewhat vulnerable on the ground through two weeks, giving up 377 yards. … The Rattlers rushing attack has been balanced, with Casimiro Olivarez and Jason Perez each racking up more than 100 yards this season. … Palmview has also shown depth at running back, with Misal Guerra picking up 248 yards in two games. … Rio Grande City expects to have more depth and experience on defense this year, but the unit is in for a stiff test against Palmview’s mauling offensive line.
PREDICTION: La Joya Palmview, 36-16
— Greg Luca
SAN BENITO AT McALLEN MEMORIAL
WHERE: McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, McAllen
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: San Benito (2-0); McAllen Memorial (2-0)
GAME NOTES: A matchup of two teams that have been dominant through two weeks. San Benito has outscored Edinburg High and Weslaco East by a combined 69 points, while Memorial has topped Sharyland High and Edinburg Economedes by 59. … Both teams boast prolific rushing attacks. McAllen Memorial has picked up 821 yards on the ground, while San Benito has amassed 760. … Two-time defending All-Valley player of the year Trevor Speights has been the Mustangs offensive leader, picking up 474 yards and 5 touchdowns in two games. … San Benito’s rushing attack has been more balanced. Edward Alvarez has 333 yards and four touchdowns, while J.R. Gaitan has 214 yards and four touchdowns. … Wideout DJ Johnson returned from injury last week and added another dimension to McAllen Memorial’s offense, making three catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns. … Both teams have also been strong on defense: Memorial is allowing 257 yards per game, while San Benito is giving up just 195.
PREDICTION: McAllen Memorial, 36-24
— Greg Luca
EDINBURG ECONOMEDES AT PSJA HIGH
WHERE: PSJA ISD Stadium, Pharr
WHEN: Sunday, 2 p.m.
RECORDS: Edinburg Economedes (0-2); PSJA High (0-2)
GAME NOTES: Both teams have struggled so far this season, but the good news is someone’s going to come out of Week 3 with a win. … Economedes has had a hard time moving the ball, averaging just 14 points. PSJA High has had a hard time stopping anybody, giving up 56 points per game. … The Jaguars average 171 yards of offense; the Bears average 305. … PSJA High has some decent offensive talent. Quarterback Andrew Castaneda (67.6 completion percentage) has been effective, and running back Marc Castillo and receiver Alex Mancha provide support. .. Economedes does not have a top-6 rusher or receiver amongst 31-6A teams.
PREDICTION: PSJA High, 27-20
— Dennis Silva II
LA FERIA AT MERCEDES
WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Mercedes
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: La Feria (2-0); Mercedes (0-2)
GAME NOTES: This game marks the debut of Mercedes’ new 6,500-seat stadium. It’s the home opener for the Tigers, who have fallen to Calallen and McAllen Rowe in double overtime. … La Feria is led by quarterback Isaac Galpin, who has 124 rushing yards and two TDs and has thrown for 413 yards and three TDs. … The Lions will have to go up against a formidable Mercedes defense that is allowing 255 yards per game. … Offensively, the Tigers have played conservatively under sophomore quarterback Zach Gomez. Sophomore RB Fabian Ledesma and WR Brandon Gutierrez have been the primary targets of Gomez, whom coach Roger Adame Jr. said is getting more comfortable in the passing game and managing the offense. … It’s the final non-district game for the Tigers before a bye next week and district play starting in Week 5.
PREDICTION: La Feria, 24-17
— Dennis Silva II
BROWNSVILLE HANNA AT DONNA HIGH
WHERE: Bennie La Prade Stadium, Donna
WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Brownsville Hanna (2-0); Donna High (0-2)
GAME NOTES: The Redskins have arguably the top offensive backfield in the Valley in QB Edward Dougherty (320 rushing yards, 4 TDs) and RB Amonte Bowen (375 rushing yards, 4 TDs), but that hasn’t led to results. … Hanna, meanwhile, has yet to lose, buoyed by an offense that averages 346 yards and allows 189 yards per game. … QB Andy Lopez is a three-year starter for Hanna. He’s thrown for 477 yards and six TDs. … Donna High is averaging 377 yards but giving up 391.5. … These two teams did not play last year because inclement weather canceled the meeting. It’s the final non-district game for the Redskins before a bye next week and district play starting in Week 5.
PREDICTION: Donna High, 24-21
— Dennis Silva II
GRULLA AT PSJA SOUTHWEST
WHERE: PSJA ISD Stadium, Pharr
WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Grulla (0-2); PSJA Southwest (1-1)
GAME NOTES: PSJA Southwest has some key injuries, and this one could be a struggle. Grulla provides some dynamic offensive talent, averaging 20 points on 302 yards per game. … Southwest has a plethora of running backs and quarterback Darren Estrada that paces a dominant running attack that averages 343 yards. Estrada rushed for 106 yards on six carries during last week’s loss to La Joya Palmview. … Grulla gives up 158.5 rushing yards per game. … The Gators are led by quarterback Fabian Anzaldua, who has rushed for 228 yards and two TDs and thrown for 238 yards and three TDs. … It’s the final non-district game for the Javelinas before a bye next week and district play starting in Week 5.
PREDICTION: Grulla, 27-14
— Dennis Silva II
MISSION HIGH AT DONNA NORTH
WHERE: Bennie La Prade Stadium, Donna
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Mission High (0-2); Donna North (0-2)
GAME NOTES: Tonight’s game marks another chance for second-year varsity program Donna North to get a win. So far, the Chiefs are 0-12 on the gridiron. … Donna North has been competitive, however. The Chiefs have lost their two games by a combined 18 points and are led by one of the top running backs in the Valley in Dominic Ochoa, who has 283 rushing yards. … Mission has been outscored 65-30 this season. … Both teams struggle offensively, but Mission High has the better defense. Barely. The Eagles allow 285 yards per game and the Chiefs surrender 324. … It’s the final non-district game for the Chiefs before a bye next week and district play starting in Week 5.
PREDICTION: Donna North, 13-6
— Dennis Silva II
PORT ISABEL AT HIDALGO
WHERE: Pate Stadium, Hidalgo
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Port Isabel (2-0); Hidalgo (1-1)
GAME NOTES: Hidalgo matched last season’s win total last week by beating Progreso in its home opener. It marked the first victory for new Pirates coach David Duty. … The Pirates have had a bend-but-don’t-break defense. Hidalgo gives up 27 points per game on 235.5 yards per game. … Offensively, Hidalgo’s pistol system is led by QB Pete Quiroz (213 rushing yards, 3 TDs) and RB Jesus Nino (199 rushing yards, 2 TDs). … Port Isabel is Port Isabel. Dominant running game and effective defense. The Tarpons are winning by an average of nine points. … Port Isabel has rushed for 487 yards and thrown for 17.
PREDICTION: Hidalgo, 21-20
— Dennis Silva II
VALLEY VIEW AT LAREDO CIGARROA
WHERE: Shirley Field, Laredo
WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Valley View (0-2); Laredo Cigarroa (0-2)
GAME NOTES: Both teams have come out on the short end of a couple of nail-biting finishes. Valley View has lost by a combined eight points this season, while Cigarroa lost to Zapata 36-34 in its opener. … Like Cigarroa, the Tigers boast a spread offense. That familiarity should help Valley View’s odds of getting their first win under coach Carlos Saenz, especially with defense as their strong point right now. … Saenz has fought temptation to move his defensive players to boast a relatively young offensive line, even after a couple muffed snaps swayed momentum in close games. Still, the Tigers have been able to stay within striking distance late into the fourth. … Cigarroa is coming off a 34-3 loss to Roma. The Toros are reliant on QB Robert Lara, who has thrown for 324 yards and two TDs, while leading the team in carries (22) and rushing yards (119) for 1 TD. … Valley View has more balance, going with as many as seven backs each game. Livan Hernandez leads the team in carries (15) and rushing yards (88).
PREDICTION: Valley View 21-10
— Mario Aguirre
MONTE ALTO AT AGUA DULCE
WHERE: Bud Bailey Stadium, Agua Dulce
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Monte Alto (0-2); Agua Dulce (0-2)
GAME NOTES: Facing one of their toughest non-district schedules, the Blue Devils remain in search of their first win heading into Week 3. They’ve lost 54-0 to Corpus Christi London, and 47-7 to Bruni. … Last year, Monte Alto got its first win of the season when it beat Agua Dulce 27-15. … To start the year, Agua Dulce has lost to Riviera Kaufer 49-6, and 26-20 to Corpus Christi John Paul II. … Monte Alto is playing in the third of six non-district games, before its district opener against Dilley on Oct. 9. … The Blue Devils, in their fourth year as a varsity program, are hoping for their first playoff appearance. Last year, they finished fifth in the five-team district. The top four teams earn a playoff berth. … In facing another 0-2 team, this matchup provides Monte Alto a more even playing field, after squaring off against schools with a more extensive history as a football program and higher enrollment.
PREDICTION: Monte Alto 21-17
— Mario Aguirre
BROWNSVILLE RIVERA AT SHARYLAND HIGH
WHERE: Richard Thompson Stadium, Mission
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Brownsville Rivera (0-2); Sharyland High (0-2)
GAME NOTES: One year after going to the third round of the playoffs, both teams enter the season with tempered expectations due to the loss of key players. In Sharyland’s instance, it’s due partly to the split that created Sharyland Pioneer. … The Rattlers have had one of the more competitive non-district schedules the past two seasons, facing the top-ranked team in the Valley this year in McAllen Memorial, which won 42-18. Sharyland led 14-12 at halftime. And last week, the Rattlers lost to Laredo United 55-35. … The 0-2 start is unfamiliar to the Rattlers, who haven’t had lost consecutive games since 2007. Coach Ron Adame is pointing to Rivera as an example of overcoming slow starts. The Raiders went 0-5 last year before winning eight straight.They eventually lost to San Antonio Brandeis in the third round. … Rivera is led by Angel Tolentino, who has thrown for 220 yards and two TDs, completing 42.2 percent of his attempts. His primary target is Oggy Martinez (10 carries, 87 yards).
PREDICTION: Sharyland High 35-14
— Mario Aguirre
LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN AT MISSION VETERANS
WHERE: Tom Landry Stadium, Mission
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: La Joya Juarez-Lincoln (1-1); Mission Veterans (1-1)
GAME NOTES: Even with the least productive offense in district, Juarez-Lincoln has split its games heading on the strength of its defense. The Huskies’ ‘D’ has held teams to 226 yards, second-best in district, helping them outscore their opponents by a combined 24-20. The four-point difference is the third-slimmest margin in 30-6A. … Mission Veterans, by contrast, has had games end by wider margins. It beat Mission High 23-2, and it lost to Odessa Permian 63-7. … The Patriots are once again expected to make the playoffs, while the Huskies are coming off a year in which it went 0-10. … Mission Veterans has the third-best offense in district heading into Week 3, with 461 of its 621 yards coming in the air. First-year starting QB Diego Hernandez has completed 46.8 percent of his attempts, with one of the better wide receiver corps in district once again. … Adam Solis (6 catches, 194 yards, TD), Bobby Tovar (18 catches, 146 yards) and Roman De Leon (10, 107, TD) rank among the top 5 in 31-5A in receiving yards.
PREDICTION: Mission Veterans 35-14
— Mario Aguirre
SHARYLAND PIONEER AT CORPUS CHRISTI RAY
WHERE: Buccaneer Stadium, Corpus Christi
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Sharyland Pioneer (2-0); C.C. Ray (1-1)
GAME NOTES: The Diamondbacks are off to another 2-0 start. They beat Hidalgo 24-6, and Brownsville Pace 32-6 in their inaugural season. … Pioneer has allowed an average of 118.5 yards per game, best in 31-5A. … Quarterback Alejandro Ramirez is throwing with better accuracy this season, connecting on 63.4 percent of his attempts. He’s thrown for 315 yards and two TDs. … In each of their first two games, the Diamondbacks have had between seven and eight ball carriers and seven to nine receivers. In Week 2, they went with three quarterbacks. It’s helped give Pioneer a better look at its talent, while playing at a quicker pace. Conditioning has been an emphasis this season, and the Diamondbacks are reaping the benefits of a more uptempo offense. … Last year, Pioneer lost to C.C. Ray 37-8 in a game that was called off during the fourth quarter after a couple of lightning delays. Weather once again could slow this game in Corpus Christi.
PREDICTION: Sharyland Pioneer 21-20
— Mario Aguirre
UVALDE AT ROMA
WHERE: Gladiator Arena, Stadium
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Uvalde (2-0); Roma (2-0)
GAME NOTES: The Gladiators enter Week 3 with the second-best defense in district, having allowed an average of 152 yards through two games. … Roma’s Ramon Espinoza leads district in rushing with 466 yards and seven touchdowns, including 290 yards and five touchdowns during a 34-3 win over Laredo Cigarroa. … It’ll need that type of effort once again, if Roma hopes to avenge last year’s 14-6 loss to Uvalde. … Through two games, Roma is relying on its running game, much like it did last year. In fact, 89.4 percent of its offense comes on the ground, with the Gladiators ushering in a first-year quarterback. … This game marks the end of a three-game homestand for Roma. Next week, it travels to La Joya Palmview before starting district. … The Coyotes also enter this week with a two-game winning streak, having beaten San Antonio McCollum 48-6 and San Antonio Highlands 42-20.
PREDICTION: Roma 35-28
— Mario Aguirre
EDCOUCH-ELSA VS. EDINBURG NORTH
WHERE: Cats Stadium, Edinburg
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Edcouch-Elsa (1-1); Edinburg North (1-1)
GAME NOTES: The Yellowjackets and Cougars enter this matchup having been bitten by the injury bug. … E-E has several players listed as day-to-day, including defensive starters Julio Contreras, Elias Munoz, and receivers Andrew Segura shoulder and A.J. Rodriguez. … The Cougars are still missing running backs Ethan Vela and Omar Acevedo to collarbone injuries suffered during preseason. … Aside from those setbacks, each team has seen solid play from their respective quarterbacks. ‘Jackets QB Marco Aguinaga has thrown for 411 yards on 35-of-67 attempts, including three touchdowns. North’s Cristian Espinoza, has completed 17-of-35 for 297 yards and a pair of scores. … Don’t expect coach Joe Marichalar to rest his kids should they be cleared to play. … North coach Rene Saenz says his team’s defensive backs are young, which isn’t good news should they have to face a healthy Segura and Acevedo. … If E-E brings enough bodies, this could be a high-scoring affair.
PREDICTION: Edinburg North 31-28
—Jon R. LaFollette
McALLEN ROWE VS. PSJA MEMORIAL
WHERE: PSJA Stadium
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: McAllen Rowe (1-1); PSJA Memorial (2-0)
GAME NOTES: PSJA Memorial got off to a slow start during their 14-7 Week 1 win over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. Week 2, however, found the Wolverines tapping into their full offensive potential in a 34-6 win over PSJA High. … QB Mike Gonzalez is the driving force behind Memorial’s attack. He’s completed 70 percent of his passes en route to 368 yards and two touchdowns. … Gonzalez’s favorite target is Jay Bocanegra, who leads the Valley in receiving yards with 212 yards on 21 receptions. … This is Memorial coach Mike Uribe’s first game against Rowe, where he served as a defensive coordinator before taking the helm for the Wolverines. … Rowe’s offense has been uneven during the early portion of the season, and the defense has given up 350 yards per game. If the Wolverines get up by double digits early, it will be a long night for the Warriors.
PREDICTION: PSJA Memorial 35-21
— Jon R. LaFollette
WESLACO HIGH VS. C.C. KING
WHERE: Buccaneer Stadium, Corpus Christi
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Weslaco High (2-0); C.C. King (2-0)
GAME NOTES: It’s been a typical season for Weslaco High thus far. The Panthers defense, led in part by Jordan Nichols, is stout and has generated two key turnovers to kickoff the season. … Weslaco’s offense is all ground-and-pound. Senior Brian Guerra leads the team in rushing yards with 219. Teammate Usiel Gonzalez has 157 yards of his own. The Panthers lost last year’s game by a score of 28-7. Coach Tony Villarreal and defensive coordinator Russ Moore refer to the Mustangs’ speed, and how superior it is to Weslaco, when discussing various matchups that will play out. Weslaco will likely take their lumps, but expect them to be the favorite once district play rolls around.
PREDICTION: C.C. King 28-7
—Jon R. LaFollette
BROWNSVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL AT EDINBURG HIGH
WHERE: Cats Stadium, Edinburg
WHEN: Saturday, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Brownsville Veterans (2-0); Edinburg High (0-2)
GAME NOTES: Brownsville Veterans quarterback Marcus Castillo is arguably the best dual-threat in the Valley. Through two games, he’s ran for 437 yards and six touchdowns and throw for 265 yards and five scores. Edinburg High has struggled on both sides of the ball and have been outscored 73-0 to begin the season — including a 28-0 loss to McAllen High in Week 2.
PREDICTION: Brownsville Vets 42-6
— Jon R. LaFollette
WESLACO EAST AT HARLINGEN SOUTH
WHERE: Boggus Stadium, Harlingen
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Weslaco East (1-1); Harlingen South (1-0)
GAME NOTES: Both teams are coming off sixeable losses and are looking to rebound. South got routed 70-40 by Edinburg Vela, while East fell in San Benito 47-23. … Back in the mix for the Hawks last week was quarterback Brandon Villarreal, who missed the Hawks’ first game with an ankle injury. He rushed for three touchdowns and ran for another in the loss. . … Wes-laco East’s offense put the ball on the ground three time in their loss to San Benito and their offense struggled, as they were held to 245 yards. … South’s defense is hoping to rebound after giving up 70 points and more than 400 yards of total offense. And forced no turnovers against Edinburg Vela. … East running back Emilio Tamez is looking to have another big night this week. The Wildcat runner leads District 31-6A in rushing with 309 yards in two games. … East won least year’s meeting 30-0.
PREDICTION: Weslaco East , 31-28
— Mark Molina
BROWNSVILLE PACE AT BROWNSVILLE LOPEZ
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Sams Memorial Stadium
RECORDS: Brownsville Pace (0-2, 0-0); Brownsville Lopez (0-2, 0-0)
GAME NOTES: Brownsville Pace lost to Sharyland Pioneer 32-6 in Week 2. … The Vikings’ offense fumbled three times. Pace has been able to get opportunities, but have hurt themselves with turnovers and penalties this season. … The Vikings’ defense will need to get take aways and give the offense better field position. … Brownsville Lopez lost to Brownsville Porter 21-16 in Week 2. … The Lobos matched the Cowboys in the first half, but didn’t get going until the fourth quarter to make it close. … Both the Lopez offense and defense have steadily improved this season and are waiting to make a statement against someone.
PREDICTION: Brownsville Pace 17-14
—Andrew Crum
PSJA NORTH AT LOS FRESNOS
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Leo Aguilar Stadium, Los Fresnos
RECORDS: PSJA North (1-1, 0-0; Los Fresnos (2-0, 0-0)
GAME NOTES: PSJA North lost to Brownsville Veterans Memorial 49-31 in Week 2. … The Raiders started strong against the Chargers, but didn’t contain them in the second half. … PSJA North isn’t going to have an easier time against the Falcons, who have averaged 37 points per game. … Los Fresnos defeated Edcouch-Elsa 40-6 in Week 2. The Falcons quarterback Rene Ortega leads the District 32-6A with 507 yards passing and eight touchdowns through two games. … The Los Fresnos defense has been lights out. They have allowed just 10 points and 220 yards of offense per game. … Falcons continue their winning ways.
PREDICTION: Los Fresnos 35-21
— Andrew Crum
LA VILLA AT ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Canales Field, Brownsville
RECORDS: La Villa (0-2, 0-0; St. Joseph Academy (1-1, 0-0)
GAME NOTES: La Villa lost to Taft 48-22 in Week 2. … The Cardinals will need to get their offense going to keep up with the Bloodhounds. They’ve scored just 28 points on the season. …. St. Joseph defeated Lyford 73-22 in Week 2. The Bloodhounds offense was clicking, they threw a touchdown pass and ran for seven others. …. The Bloodhounds defense had five interceptions last week, and returned three for touchdowns. …. If St. Joseph has all three phases firing like they did last week, they are hard to stop.
PREDICTION: St. Joseph 35-20
— Andrew Crum
UANL AT BROWNSVILLE PORTER
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Sams Memorial Stadium
RECORDS: UANL (N/A); Brownsville Porter (2-0, 0-0)
GAME NOTES: UANL defeated Porter last season 37-0. … The Tigres are always a tough opponent and provide a great non-district challenge for the Cowboys. … Porter defeated Lopez 21-16 in Week 2. … The Cowboys were able to run against the Lobos, Porter did not attempt to throw a pass for the entire game against the Lobos. … The Cowboys will have to find better balance against UANL or it could be a tough afternoon against the Tigres.
PREDICTION: UANL 21-20
— Andrew Crum
SINTON AT RIO HONDO
WHERE: Bobcat Stadium, Rio Hondo
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Sinton (2-0); Rio Hondo (1-1)
GAME NOTES: Last year Sinton beat Rio Hondo 35-7 in the third week of the season, however, if the Bobcats haven’t corrected the mistakes they made last week against Juarez-Lincoln it could very easily happen again. … The Pirates, like many other area teams, have a run first mentality. Sinton has rushed for 694 yards using eight different players. 400 of those yards are from the quarterback position… Rio Hondo on the other hand has a defense that has allowed only 244 total yards, with 48 of them coming on the ground. … If it comes down to a shootout Sinton wins, but if it’s a defensive battle the Bobcats have the upper hand.
PREDICTION: Sinton, 24-21
—Freddy Gonzalez
RAYMONDVILLE AT LYFORD
WHERE: Bulldog Stadium, Lyford
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Raymondville (2-0); Lyford (1-1)
GAME NOTES: A story of two very different teams. Lyford’s quarterback John Rivera is a senior who passed for nearly 2000 yards as junior and has already racked up over 400 yards in two games this season. … Raymondville’s quarterback Daniel Gutierrez is as new and inexperienced as they come. For starters last season Gutierrez played on the freshman squad, however, if he’s afraid, he isn’t showing any signs of it, as the sophomore QB has passed for 355 yards and rushed for another 126 yards. The difference in this game will be the defense.
PREDICTION: Raymondville, 24-21
—Freddy Gonzalez
PROGRESO AT SANTA ROSA
WHERE: Warrior Stadium, Santa Rosa
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Progreso (0-2); Santa Rosa (0-2)
GAME NOTES: Two teams searching for their first win of the season. At 0-2 the Warriors are deceptively impressive and at no point match the 0-2 record. The elusive Leo Lara has thrown for a touchdown pass of 50 or more yards in each of his two games. Lara has passed for just over 300 yards and three touchdowns and his athleticism give the Warriors a different dimension.
PREDICTION: Santa Rosa, 28-7
—Freddy Gonzalez