BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
After graduating 16 senior starters, 2018 looked like a rebuilding year at Mercedes. The Tigers, however, aren’t letting that get in the way of a possible playoff berth.
Mercedes struggled mightily in the non-district portion of its schedule. The Tigers went 1-3 to start the season with the only win coming against an Edinburg North team, which is now 1-7. The Tigers were outscored 75-19 in their two home losses to McAllen Rowe and La Feria.
“We know we had a team that we could do well with our scheme and our athletes,” Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. said. “Sometimes, in the game of football, things can get away from you. These kids faced a lot of adversity and were able to come back and compete at a high level.”
Mercedes (3-4, 2-1) won its last two home games versus, first versus Edcouch-Elsa in Week 5 and an upset win over Valley View in Week 8. The Tigers’ win against Valley View forced a tie for third place in District 16-5A Division II.
“We had to change some things offensively and defensively to get our guys in the right positions,” Adame Jr. said. “As we we’re winding down the season, every district game is much more crucial. We haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet, but beating a team like Valley View gives us a better chance to clinch.”
The Tigers will be back on the road in Week 9 to face Sharyland High (5-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Tigers last visited Richard Thompson Stadium in Mission when Sharyland Pioneer defeated Mercedes 35-12 on Oct. 5.
The Rattlers sit in first place at 4-0 in District 16-5A DII.