The Mercedes Tigers expected big things offensively going into the 2021 season, returning several key contributors from last year, including third-year quarterback Michael Cisneros.
The Tigers have not disappointed, racking up 1,001 yards of total offense through two games, 312 yards more than Roma, which ranks No. 2 in the district in total yards. The Tigers have also lit up the scoreboard for 66 points, averaging 33 points per contest.
“We got a lot of guys who are experienced in this offense,” Tigers head coach Roger Adame said. “Then, coach Reyes, our offensive coordinator, does a good job. They’ve been in this system for three years and they’re very comfortable with it.
Cisneros has been the cog that moves the Tigers’ offensive machine, throwing for 581 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 143 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
“He’s one of those guys that goes and competes every day,” Adame said. “He really expects a lot from himself and expects a lot from the team. When you have a player like that, it makes the whole team better because everybody wants to raise their level of play. Everybody is sacrificing everything out there for him.”
Cisneros and the Tigers look to continue their hot offensive start as they kick of District 16-5A DII play against PSJA Memorial on Friday at Tiger Stadium in Mercedes.
INJURY REPORT
The McAllen Rowe Warriors bounced back from a Week 1 loss to San Benito with a convincing 43-20 victory over La Joya Palmview on Friday.
Despite the win, the Warriors were hit with a crushing blow, losing playmaker senior Mark Villarreal during the third quarter after being carted off the field with an ankle injury.
Villarreal has been ruled out for Friday’s contest against Brownsville Lopez but could return later this season as he is week-to-week, Warriors head coach Robert Flores said.
Prior to exiting the contest, Villarreal had racked up four catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season total to seven catches for 111 yards and one score.
NEW CONNECTION
The McAllen High Bulldogs entered the 2021 season with a brand new receiving corp, leaving third-year quarterback Hunter Curl looking for a new No. 1 target.
After two weeks of play, Curl looks to have found his go-to wideout, connecting with junior Christian Echazarreta on three of his four touchdowns passes.
In total, Echazarreta has accounted for 72% of Curl’s 379 passing yards, hauling in eight catches for 272 yards and three scores.
Curl and Echazarreta will look to keep their connection going this week, taking on the Donna High Redskins at 7 p.m. Friday at Bennie La Prade Stadium in Donna.
SCORING MACHINE
Sharyland High’s Mikaeli Nguma ranks No. 1 in District 16-5A DII in scoring, netting 14 points for the Rattlers.
Nguma, a three-year letterman for Sharyland High, is the lone kicker ranked in the top 10 in scoring in the district.
The junior has done his work with his right foot, converting eight of nine extra points, while chipping in a pair of field goals from 36 and 53 yards.