KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — “Mean and Nasty,” that is Rio Hondo’s motto on defense. Led by a variety of hard hitters, the Bobcats defense is proving to be one of the Valley’s stingiest defensive units.
Flashback to La Joya Juarez Lincoln in week one, the Bobcats gave up a couple of big plays in the first half and raised some concern. In the second half, all those concerns were put to rest as the defense flipped the switch and pitched a shutout.
Since then, Rio Hondo’s defense has been lights out. Through four games this season, the defense has pitched two shutouts and has recorded three or more turnovers in each of their games. The defense is also yielding just 13 points per game this season and is averaging 5.5 turnovers a game.
“It has been a process from last year. We knew the defense was young, but this year the defense has matured so much and that has been the difference,” said Rio Hondo head coach Rocky James. “We have a lot of seniors on this defense and it is like night and day from last year to now, all these guys have big games under their belt so we are happy on where our defense is at right now.”
Against the Bloodhounds, Rio Hondo forced a season high 10 turnovers while the secondary was all over the field picking off a season high four passes. If that did not stick out, against Hidalgo the defense completely shut down the Pirates.
Rio Hondo allowed just 58 total yards and stuffed the offense for -5 yards in the first half.
The Bobcats are strong up front with Justin Flores and Troy Macias. Flores who is off to a strong start this year brings a physical presence off the edge.
“I have one motor and that is to go,” Flores said. “I play hard and fast and I try and keep that up all year. This year I have really tried to step up and lead my team not just for myself, but for my team.”
The linebacking core is as good as any in the Valley. Gabriel Martinez, Joey Ortega and Jesus Garay make up the three linebackers.
“We kept the mean and nasty mindset whenever we hit the field,” Martinez said. “We want to be and we are the hardest hitting team on the field. We have put in the work over the summer and spend a lot of time together to get things right defensively.”
The next challenge for the Bobcats will be Friday at home against a familiar adversary in the Grulla Gators.
“They are a good team and are very well coached,” James said. The key for the Bobcats is to not overlook the Gators with La Feria looming in week six.
“The kids are looking forward to the La Feria game but they understand that the focus this week is against Grulla. It is homecoming for us this week, but this is why we have home coming in a non district game. But the kids are focused and ready for the Gators on Friday.”