STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
While the 32-6A schools are set to enjoy their bye week, there will be plenty of action on the gridiron across the East Valley this weekend.
After dropping a tight contest 7-6 to Odem in its District 16-3A Division II opener last week, Santa Rosa will return home to play host to Hebbronville at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Warriors (3-2, 0-1 16-3A DI) will look to build upon last week’s solid game from quarterback Reese Lara. The junior completed 9 of his 17 pass attempts for 161 yards and one touchdown pass. He linked up with his top target Michael Bermea for a 92-yard completion, the longest of the game. Bermea had three catches for a total of 129 yards.
In District 16-3A Division I, Lyford will also have chance to earn its first district win and first victory of the season with a trip to Falfurrias when the Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1 16-3A DII) face the Bulls (3-1, 0-1 16-3A DII) at 7:30 p.m.Friday. Lyford lost 54-19 to George West and Falfurrias also dropped its district opener to Mathis, 58-22.
Santa Maria will put its explosive offense to the test again when the Cougars (3-1) of 16-2A Division I continue their non-district schedule with a matchup against Progreso of District 16-4A at 7:30 p.m. Friday. After dispatching La Villa 36-0, Santa Maria will host the Red Ants (2-3) who are coming off of back-to-back blowout losses to Santa Rosa and Hidalgo.
Leading the Cougars through five weeks are quarterback Jesse Ortiz (348 passing yards and 4 touchdown passes in four games) and running back Erick Castellanos (379 yards on 48 carries and four rushing touchdowns in four games). Castellanos is averaging 7.9 yards per carry.
The top Santa Maria wideout, Bernie Castellanos, has hauled in eight receptions for 105 yards in four games, for an average of 13.1 yards per catch. The Cougars have four other receivers, including Erick Castellanos (six catches for 77 yards) who have recorded at least 50 yards through their first four games.