By Adam Kujawski
Staff writer
If Rivera is going to earn its first win of the year, the Raiders will have to do so by snapping Sharyland High’s 25-game regular season winning streak in a non-district game tonight at Sams Memorial Stadium.
Sharyland is the top team in the area according to the latest RGVsports.com poll, receiving all six first-place votes. The Rattlers boast a 2-0 record, which can be primarily attributed to a high-powered offense that averages 43.5 points per game.
Rivera coach Tom Chavez knows that if his team is going to walk away victorious, it must have the right attitude and play at a high level throughout the game.
“We definitely respect Sharyland,” he said. “We’ve got to think positive as coaches, and we need to play well in all three phases of the game.”
Last week, the Raiders were close to notching their first victory but were thwarted by Edinburg North kicker Diego Sanchez during overtime. Sanchez drilled a 49-yard field goal to beat Rivera 24-21.
The Raiders and Cougars traded scores throughout the contest, with Rivera showing signs of positive play and getting into a position to win the game late. Chavez was disappointed with the outcome but not with how his team performed.
“I thought we played good football,” he said. “We made plays and had a chance to win.”
In search of redemption, Rivera has planned diligently for the Rattlers. Chavez noted the preparation that was evident all week at practice, citing quarterback Danny Elizondo and running back Edward Rubio as players who stood out this week.
“I’ve been impressed with our senior players,” he said. “But we’ve really worked hard (in practice) as a group.”
Following the game against Sharyland, Rivera will have a bye week before opening district play at home against 32-6A opponent Harlingen High on Sept. 26.
Adam Kujawski covers high school sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter, he’s @adamkujo1.