KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — The Bobcats will look to keep history on their side Friday night. Rio Hondo has passed every test thrown their way this season and on Friday, the Bobcats will meet their toughest challenge yet in the Raymondville Bearkats. Kickoff is tonight at 7:30 at Burnett Stadium.
Raymondville hasn’t beaten Rio Hondo since the 2013 season and the Bobcats are 9-1 in the last ten years against the Kats.
“We try and bring the same approach each week, but this week does bring a little extra,” said Rio Hondo coach Rocky James. “We finished our non-district schedule unbeaten and now we begin district play. Everyone is 0-0 and it is our goal to go 1-0 regardless of who we are playing.”
The Bobcats are no stranger to the big stage and have flexed their muscles over the first seven weeks of the season.
Through their 6-0 start, Rio Hondo has shown they can win a defensive battle and can go toe-to-toe in a shootout.
“Every game counts, especially in a four team district,” James said. “Against La Feria I thought we would be in a shootout, but it ended up being a defensive game going into tonight this one might end up in a shootout. We both have very good defenses and have plenty of weapons on offense. It can go either way; we are hoping our defense can make some plays.”
Rio Hondo’s aerial attack has been one of the top attacks in the Valley. Senior quarterback Josiah Ortega has slug it around for 1,859 yards with 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
Ortega’s leading target, Frank Hernandez, has provided the Bobcats with speed and the ability to stretch the field. Hernandez leads the team in catches with 43 catches and 760 yards along with 12 scores.
“It is going to take teamwork, we have to come together as one,” Hernandez said. “Two weeks ago we played a defensive game against La Feria, but going into tonight’s game I feel we can get things going offensively.”
Much like Raymondville, Rio Hondo used their 7on7 season to help build their chemistry within the offense.
Over the summer, it was Raymondville who beat Rio Hondo in the McAllen qualifier that sent the Bearkats to the state tournament and ending the Bobcats summer run.
“We are feeling right now coming off a bye, it all starts with practice and how we practice. One thing we do is we always take the field with a winning mentality.” Hernandez said.