By FREDDY GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
LA FERIA — While the district season might not begin for another three more weeks, today’s VMS Game of the Week between the La Feria Lions (3-0) and the Port Isabel Tarpons (3-0) already has all the makings of one.
Stingy defenses… check.
Two devoted fan bases… check.
Two high power offenses — double check.
“No doubt about it, it will definitely be a district game atmosphere,” said La Feria head coach Oscar Salinas. “Two good team playing against each other. We haven’t faced each other in a while so the atmosphere will help us because we have a really young football team and these types of games will help us during district.
“I’m already seeing a lot of excitement out there, we’re not approaching like that, but it’s the vibe I’m getting. I just hope we can keep up with them.”
Port Isabel’s run-first mentality is nothing new, however knowing what to expect is far different than knowing how to stop it. During the past three games the Tarpons have rushed for an impressive 1038 yards, with Carlos Orduna raking in 367 of them while both Travis Camacho (196) and Omar Silva (174) have combined for another 370 yards. Through the air, the Tarpons have passed for 131 yards.
In contrast, La Feria’s offense is a bit more balanced. The Lions have rushed for 657 yards and have passed for 545 yards. Brandon Perez, La Feria’s strongest threat, has 14 receptions for 305 yards and eight touchdowns. While running back Darius Hernandez has kept opposing defenses guessing with 364 rushing yards of his own.
This season, the Lions have found success despite graduating longtime quarterback Isaac Galpin and Rus Gonzalez. On its road to 3-0, La Feria has defeated Raymondville 47-14, Falfurrias 41-2 and Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial 14-10.
The Tarpons arrive to today’s contest having beaten Brownsville Lopez 15-14 (OT), Tomball Christian 34-7 and Hidalgo 37-6.
LOPSIDED HISTORY
When both teams hit the field Friday night at Lions Stadium, history will be on the Tarpons side. For the past 16 years Port Isabel has won 13 of 14 contests between the two. The Lions’ only victory during that time span (2000s) came in 2008, when La Feria defeated Port Isabel 28-21.
“Since I’ve been here, we are 0-2 against them,” said Salinas. “We just haven’t had much success against them. They’ve got a good offense and they’ve taken it to us pretty good.”
In their last meeting in 2013, the Tarpons defeated the Lions 62-14.
The decade prior (1990s), both teams split victories going an even 3-3. In total, Port Isabel leads the series 20-15-2.