By KEVIN NARRO
Staff Writer
LA FERIA — La Feria junior quarterback Dorian Hernandez did something that hadn’t been done since the 2008 season, and that was guide the Lions to a third-round playoff game.
Hernandez who also started as a sophomore, continues to grow before fans’ eyes. The shifty signal caller led the Lions’ offense in rushing with 1,290 yards and 19 touchdowns on 206 carries, and he threw for 1,663 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 55.97 percent of his passes.
With Hernandez’s efforts, he is the Valley Morning Star’s 2018 Football All-STAR Most Valuable Player.
“Both Coach Sanchez and Coach Salinas called me into the office, and at first I thought I was in trouble,” said Hernandez, chuckling. “But then they told me the news, and we exchanged hugs and high-fives.
“My dad was the first person I told and he was excited for me, he and I work hard all year long. Winning this award means so much, all my work is paying off, and I won’t stop here, I will continue to work until I get what I want.”
The up-tempo offense averaged 31 points per game and got off to a 5-0 start until a 14-7 loss to Rio Hondo. The seven points was a season low for the Lions, who later proved it was an anomaly.
After their Week 6 loss to the Bobcats, the Lions ripped off six straight wins. In Week 7, the Lions whipped Kingsville King 45-14, as Hernandez accounted for three scores, threw for 204 yards and rushed for 97 yards.
“From my sophomore year till now, I got faster and stronger,” Hernandez said. “I remember a lot of guys were faster than me. As I grew, things started becoming easier for me, I was able to see things differently and I was able to lead my team.”
With two years under center, Hernandez feels his leadership ability has taken that next step and will translate over to his senior season.
“My leadership has grown so much from last year. We had a lot of seniors last year and this year we were young, and they looked up to the older guys and I was one of those guys,” Hernandez said.
The Valley Morning Star’s 2018 All-STAR Football Teams
SUPERLATIVES
Most Valuable Player: Dorian Hernandez, La Feria
Offensive Player of the Year, Jacob Posas, Raymondville
Defensive Player of the Year: AJ Garcia, San Benito
Newcomer of the Year: David Cortez, Harlingen South
Coach of the Year: Oscar Salinas, La Feria
OFFENSE
First Team
QB: Jacob Cavazos, San Benito
RB: Danny Vasquez, Rio Hondo
RB: Emilio Quiroz, Harlingen South
WR: Joe Reyna, Harlingen High
WR: Frank Hernandez, Rio Hondo
WR: Xavier Ledesma, Raymondville
WR: Derick Delgado, Harlingen South
OL: Justice Johnson, Harlingen South
OL: Chris Vargas, San Benito
OL: Gene Reyes, Raymondville
OL: Tony Alaniz, Rio Hondo
K: Jose Lerma, Harlingen South
Second Team
QB: Josiah Ortega, Rio Hondo
RB: Marcus Capetillo, Raymondville
RB: Ryan Mesa, Santa Rosa
WR: Mitch Guajardo, San Benito
WR: Cross Gonzalez, Rio Hondo
WR: Joaquin Gonzalez, Lyford
WR: Darius Hernandez, La Feria
OL: Nathan Morales, La Feria
OL: Jake Rhyner, Rio Hondo
OL: Lucio Nava, Raymondville
OL: Azel Martinez, Harlingen High
OL: Charles Mattingly, Harlingen South
K: Jesus Reyes, Harlingen High
DEFENSE
First Team
DB: Justin Munivez, Harlingen High
DB: Kike Alvarado, Harlingen South
DB: Nick Castaneda, San Benito
DB: Deion Castillo, Raymondville
LB: Cole Cooley, Raymondville
LB: Joey Ortega, Rio Hondo
LB: Noe Zombrano, Raymondville
LB: Jacob Garza, La Feria
DL: Tristian Garcia, Harlingen High
DL: Troy Macias, Rio Hondo
DL: Cameron Anderson, Harlingen High
DL: Rudy Tijerina, Raymondville
Second Team
DB: Isaac Moreno, Harlingen South
DB: Cristian Soto, Rio Hondo
DB: Ruben Rodriguez, Harlingen High
DB: Justin Cantu, Raymondville
LB: Marcos San Miguel, Harlingen High
LB: Jesus Garay, Rio Hondo
LB: Joe Holloman, Harlingen South
DL: Jacob Perez, Raymondville
DL: Thomas Zombrano, Raymondville
DL: Nathaniel Garcia, San Benito
DL: Noah Cruz, Harlingen High