By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Football players wearing galoshes over their cleats?
It would be a curious sight.
Yet, considering the weather forecast for the weekend, it might not be such an outlandish idea, although it would most certainly cut into 40 times.
Heavy rain — not just rain — is predicted for the next few days, and that forecast figures to affect all of the Rio Grande Valley’s scheduled outdoor events, including Friday’s Lopez vs. San Benito matchup on the artificial surface at Sams Memorial Stadium.
On Thursday, in anticipation of inclement weather, the District 32-6A game was moved up from its original starting time of 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Brownsville ISD athletic director Mark Guess said the only thing that could possibly postpone or even cancel the 32-6A contest would be lightning in the vicinity. Otherwise, the game will go on at its new kickoff time.
Lopez coach Jason Starkey said his team is concentrating on the Greyhounds rather than any interference by Mother Nature.
“What’s outside of our control is something we can’t be too concerned about,” Starkey said. “If it rains, or even snows, both teams still have to play in it.
“We’re just trying to prepare for San Benito and be ready for whatever they bring to the table offensively and defensively,” he added. “That’s our focus.”
The Lobos (1-5, 1-3 district) will be facing a San Benito team (5-2, 3-1) that is ranked No. 3 in the Rio Grande Valley and coming off last Friday’s convincing 40-21 victory at home against previously undefeated Brownsville Veterans Memorial.
Lopez will try to contain San Benito quarterback J.R. Gaitan, who ranks third in district in rushing (859 yards), passing (1,031 yards) and scoring (12 touchdowns). Against Brownsville Veterans, Gaitan rushed for 234 yards and scored on runs of 41, 67 and 66 yards, and he passed for 120 yards, including a 6-yard scoring toss, with no interceptions.
The Lobos are coming off a 31-21 loss to Hanna. Two weeks ago, Lopez triumphed 34-15 against Rivera.
When asked if he continues to see his team improve, Starkey said, “Of course I do. This team has done a great job of maturing this season. We’re an extremely young team, and that (experience we’re gaining now) should help us for the future.
“We’ve improved on offense,” he added. “Unfortunately, the injury bug has hit us, but that’s just given us an opportunity for other players to step up (and make a contribution).”
NOTE: As of late Thursday, Saturday’s District 32-5A game between Pace and Donna North at Sams Stadium was still scheduled for 7 p.m., BISD athletic director Mark Guess said. He said there was a strong possibility that it could be moved up to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess.