McALLEN — The McAllen Memorial Mustangs haven’t dropped a district game since Sept. 27, 2019, their last season at the Class 6A level before moving down to Class 5A.
Since then, the Mustangs have posted back-to-back undefeated district championship campaigns and are riding a 19-game winning streak in district play.
Fresh off an 11-2 year that ended in the regional semifinal round of the playoffs, Memorial starts the season as the No. 4 team in the RGVSports.com top 10 Class 5A-6A poll.
Joining the Mustangs in district play, however, is Edinburg Vela and PSJA North, two power programs who are now at the 5A level in District 15-5A Division I with Memorial due to the latest UIL realignment.
“We’re trying to get back to Round 3 and get beyond,” senior left tackle Thomas Domian said. “We can’t wait to play Vela and PSJA North in district. Last time it was non-district, so these actually count now.”
| Thomas Domian |
The Mustangs return 13 starters from 2021 — six on offense and seven on defense. They’re focused on repeating as district champions while fending off crosstown rivals McAllen High and McAllen Rowe, and taking on new challengers in Edinburg Vela and PSJA North.
“Competition is going to be good. We got Vela and PSJA North added to our district, we still have McHi and Rowe, so we’re going to be ready for the competition and it’s going to be a good season,” Domain said.
Hard-nosed running back Max Alaniz-Choy, the Mustangs’ leading rusher, is back in the fold after galloping for 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground in 2021. His presence will open opportunities for other ball carriers stepping into full-time roles, while also aiding Memorial’s passing game, led by senior quarterback JP Cortez.
Cortez threw for 548 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions with a 57% completion percentage last season and thinks the Mustangs’ offense can take another step in the right direction in 2022.
| JP Cortez |
We’re pretty much unstoppable if we can take another step forward. That’s what we’re looking for this season,” Cortez said. “We have a good offensive line and good weapons to get the ball to.”
Memorial cornerback Chris Hernandez and linebacker Daniel De La Cruz will play key roles on the Mustangs’ defense. Hernandez, who stands 6 feet, 3 inches, is a shutdown corner with the ability to blanket receivers and turn 50-50 balls into 80-20 in his favor. De La Cruz had a strong sophomore season with 76 tackles and one interception.
“Our defense is looking pretty strong this year,” Hernandez said.
McAllen Memorial hits the road in Week 1 against Brownsville Hanna at 7 p.m. Friday at Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville. They’ll also face Mission Veterans and San Benito in non-district action before beginning the grind in District 15-5A DI. The Mustangs kickoff district play against Edinburg Vela on Sept. 15.