The last time the Rio Hondo Bobcats were part of a Game of the Week, they walked away with a huge 21-14 road win over Port Isabel.
The Cats are hoping for the same good fortune when they travel to Raymondville this Friday to take on the Bearkats in this week’s Valley Morning Star’s Game of the Week.
However, the Bearkats, who are riding a two-game winning steak, might have something to say about that.
Both the Cats and Kats enter the contest at 2-1 in the District 16-4A Division II standings, and the winner of the game clinches a playoff berth.
The Bobcats enter the game coming off a tough loss to Orange Grove last week while the Bearkats come in following a big win over Progreso.
Currently, the Cats and Kats are tied for second and trail league-leading Orange Grove (3-0) by one game. Orange Grove hosts Port Isabel (2-1) on Friday and could clinch a share of the district title with a victory.
However, should the Tarpons beat the Bulldogs, the winner between Rio Hondo and Raymondville would find themselves in a three-way tie for first at 3-1 with one game left to play.
On offense, the Bobcats are led by running back Marco Garate, who has rushed for 1,059 yards so far this season with nine touchdowns. Against Orange Grove, Garate rushed for 147 yards on 30 carries and one TD.
Meanwhile, the Raymondville offense is led by running back Miguel G. Tristan, who rushed for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the Kats’ win over Progreso. Through eight games, Tristan has amassed 1,203 yards on the ground and 13 TDs.
Rio Hondo ends the regular season at home against Progreso while Raymondville has to travel to Port Isabel in their season finale.