FOLIO • 1 2019 FOOTBALLHIGH SCHOOL Preview

GAMEBREAKERS MA-30136709 2 • FOLIO ON THE COVER Table of contents Football players from four different dis- tricts are highlighted on the cover of this year’s The Monitor annual high school football edition. Schedules, games to watch, team capsules and more can be 11 games to watch ...... 6 found inside. Valley schedule ...... 9 Running wild in 30-6A ...... 10 30-6A players to watch ...... 19 30-6A preview ...... 20 Field generals in command ...... 27 31-6A players to watch ...... 28 District 31-6A preview ...... 33 Gamebreakers galore ...... 38 5A players to watch ...... 41 District 16-5A DI preview ...... 42 Heavy hitters rule 16-5A DII ...... 51 District 16-5A DII preview ...... 52 Sub-Class 5A teams preview ...... 56

Sports Editor Sports Writers Design Staff Photo Staff Henry Miller Raul Garcia Bryan Ramos Delcia Lopez Andrew McCulloch Eddie Mirza Joel Martinez Bryan Ramos

Follows us on Like our Follows us on Subscribe to our Twitter RGVSports.com Periscope podcast on iTunes. @RGVSports Facebook page. @RGVSports FOLIO • 3 4 • FOLIO 2019 PSJA - MEMORIAL 2020

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the road this year with a renewed Can’t-miss focus on its passing attack.

Rio Grande City at matchups Mission Veterans Friday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. around the First-year head coach Leo Mireles leads the Rio Grande City Rattlers against the defend- Valley in 2019 ing 16-5A DI champion Mission Veterans Patriots. The Rattlers are a team confident they can shake things up and compete with the Mission Veterans vs. big dogs in their 10-team district. Mission High Friday, Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Memorial at Kicking off Week 1 is The Battle Mission High of Conway as inner-city rivals Friday, Sept 27, 7:30 p.m. Mission Veterans and Mission This Week 5 matchup between High meet in non-district action the Eagles and Mustangs could at Tom Landry Stadium. The determine an early favorite in the Patriots and Eagles are 5-5 in their first week of district play. Both last 10 meetings, but Mission High teams have established running holds a 212-174. The Eagles took attacks led by Campbell Speights last year’s battle 24-12, but there and the two-headed monster of Tito are new starters at quarterback on Moronta and Andrew Maldonado. each side coming into this one. With two of the best defenses in Sophomore Jeremy Duran will District 30-6A, this clash could lead the Eagles against sophomore be determined by quarterback Ricky Reyna, who is taking place play between Mission’s fresh- of the graduated Landry Gilpin for faced sophomore Jeremy Duran the Patriots offense. Mission High and McAllen Memorial’s much- also beat Mission Veterans twice improved Joseph Lara. One thing over the summer in 7-on-7 action, is for certain, these two squads Photos by Delcia Lopez | [email protected] but now they’ll have to do it with should light up the scoreboard in a Above, former Mission High quarterback Damian Gomez breaks through the Mission Veterans defense on Aug. 31, pads on. Other Week 1 matchups good old fashioned shootout. to see include Brownsville Hanna 2018 at Tom Landry Stadium. Below, PSJA High receiver Marco Guajardo is brought down by PSJA North safety at McAllen Memorial and La Joya PSJA North vs. PSJA High Seven Sanchez on Oct. 5, 2018 at PSJA Stadium. Palmview at La Joya High. Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. This rivalry game will be one of Edinburg Vela at the fiercest throughout the Valley Sharyland Pioneer get together for Brownsville Hanna in 2019. The Raiders return one of their annual meeting. This game Thursday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. the area’s top quarterbacks in Iziaah always seems to come with district A Week 2 meeting between two Rangel while the Bears transition title implications as the Rattlers teams who reached the third round quarterback Justin Morales back to win over the Diamondbacks last of the playoffs in 2018? Yes, please. the position from wide receiver. Both year handed Sharyland High the The SaberCats and Eagles are set should be true dual threat options in crown. A last-second field goal from to clash in non-district action for pass-happy offenses. Last year PSJA Sharyland High gave the Rattlers the second year in a row. Edinburg High and PSJA North were two of the a thrilling 38-37 win last season Vela prevailed 35-20 last season, top three defensive teams in District to take a 4-1 series lead against but this time, the SaberCats must 30-6A and played a 10-7 game in Pioneer in the Snakeskin Classic. go on the road into Brownsville favor of the Bears, but expect a shoot- It’s always a high-scoring affair Hanna’s house. out with plenty of big plays this time when these two get after it on the around. football field, and one should be no Edinburg Vela at different. McAllen Memorial Weslaco High at Edinburg Vela Friday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Brownsville Pace at Week 3’s Game of the Week will In last year’s game between the Mission Veterans be doozy when two of the Valley’s SaberCats and Panthers, Weslaco Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. winningest programs in the past High jumped out to a 7-0 lead, Mission Veterans is reloaded decade collide. The SaberCats but Edinburg Vela fought their way and out to defend its district title return one of the area’s high- back for a 17-7 win. These are the in 2019. One of their biggest chal- Weslaco East sets up to be must- Edinburg Vela at Weslaco East est scoring offenses and one of top two talented teams in 31-6A lengers will be Brownsville Pace see action. Two points separated Friday, Nov. 8 7:30 p.m. its stingiest defenses, while the as the winner will have the inside who has starting quarterback these teams the last time they Edinburg Vela blanked Weslaco Mustangs will enter this matchup track at claiming a district cham- Jose Banda back behind center. met as Weslaco High walked East last season 21-0, but Ramsey with one of the most prolific, high- pionship. Mission Veterans won last year’s away with the 23-21 victory. Vasquez and the Wildcats will be scoring offenses in the Valley and contest 48-35. Expect a slugfest each time the out to get their revenge. In the final a much improved defense. Vela Sharyland Pioneer vs. Panthers and Wildcats meet, week of the season, the SaberCats topped Memorial in one of the Sharyland High Weslaco High vs. Weslaco East especially late in the season with and Wildcats will go at it as Weslaco top non-district matches last sea- Friday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. district title and playoff implica- East hopes to take down the defend- son, but McAllen Memorial will It’s the fifth Snakeskin Classic A Week 10 rivarly game tions on the line. ing District 31-6A champions. be looking to avenge that loss on in Week 8 as Sharyland High and between Weslaco High and FOLIO • 7 WE SUPPORT THE McAllen High School BULLDOGS

Moore Es Más 4900 N. 10th St. Suite F3 McAllen, Texas 78504 1-888-56-MOORE MA-30136631 8 • FOLIO 2019-2020 WESLACO EAST WILDCATS

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COMMISSIONER PCT 1 Pol. Adv. pd. for by the David Fuentes Campaign, David Martin - Treasurer, PO Box 91, Weslaco, Texas 78599 to All Teams! FOLIO • 9 2019 RGV football schedule Cole, 7 p.m. Valley View at Roma, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 District 16-5A D1 Week 1 Friday, Sep. 13 District 30-6A PSJA Memorial at La Joya Palmview, 7 p.m. La Joya Palmview at Brownsville Lopez, 7:30 Thursday, Aug. 29 Non-District Games PSJA High at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. Mission Veterans Memorial at PSJA p.m. Non-District Games Edinburg Economedes at Laredo LBJ, 7:30 McAllen High at McAllen Rowe, 7:30 p.m. Southwest, 7 p.m. Sharyland High at Brownsville Pace, 7 p.m. p.m. McAllen Memorial at Mission High, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A WEEK 10 Flour Bluff at PSJA High, 7 p.m. Harlingen High at Converse Judson, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A PSJA High at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 Edinburg Vela at Laredo United, 7 p.m. Santa Maria at Premont, 7:30 p.m. Weslaco East at Donna North, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A District 16-5A D1 Friday, Aug. 30 La Villa at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg Economedes at Weslaco High, 7:30 Weslaco East at Edinburg North, 7 p.m. Rio Grande City at PSJA Southwest, 7 p.m. Non-District Games Raymondville at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. p.m. District 32-6A District 30-6A MMA at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. Progreso at Santa Gertrudis Academy, 7:30 Edinburg North at Edinburg Vela, 7:30 p.m. Los Fresnos at Brownsville Rivera, 7 p.m. McAllen High at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7 Progreso at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Saturday, Sep. 28 Friday, Oct. 18 p.m. Premont at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. Marine Military Academy at Monte Alto, 7:30 Non-District Games District 16-2A D2 District 31-6A Grulla at Brownsville St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Harlingen High at Midland High, 11 a.m. Benavides at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at Edinburg Economedes, 7 Valley View at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Port Isabel at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Odessa High at Harlingen South, 11:00 a.m. District 32-6A p.m. La Feria at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. Mercedes at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. San Benito at Midland Lee, 11:00 AM Brownsville Hanna at Harlingen High, 7:30 District 32-6A Port Isabel at Brownsville Porter, 7:30 p.m. Rio Hondo at Brownsville St. Joseph, 7:30 District 16-5A D1 p.m. Los Fresnos at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Brownsville Pace, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games District 30-6A p.m. Edcouch-Elsa at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. Corpus Christi John Paul II at Brownsville St. McAllen High at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7 Donna North at Donna High, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. WEEK 6 Joseph, 7:30 p.m. p.m. La Joya Palmview at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. Mission High at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 District 16-2A D1 Friday, Nov. 1 Mission High at Mission Veterans Memorial, Valley View at Brownsville Rivera, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 Ben Bolt at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. District 16 2A D2 7:30 p.m. McAllen Memorial at Edinburg Vela, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Pace at La Joya Palmview, 7 p.m. District 16-3A D1 Woodsboro at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. PSJA North at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at McAllen Rowe, 7:30 p.m. Rio Grande City at PSJA Memorial, 7 p.m. San Diego at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. District 16 2A D1 PSJA Southwest at Edinburg Economedes, PSJA North at Weslaco High, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A District 16-3A D2 Riviera-Kaufer at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 La Joya High at McAllen Memorial, 7 p.m. Monte Alto at Odem, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A D1 Roma at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Lopez at Rio Grande City, 7:30 District 31-6A Banquete at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. Santa Gertrudis Academy at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Rivera at San Antonio Cole, 7:30 p.m. Donna North at Edinburg North, 7 p.m. District 16-4A D1 District 164A D1 p.m. Brownsville Pace at Donna High, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Grulla at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Grulla at Kingsville King, 7:30 p.m. Corpus Christi Veterans at Edcouch-Elsa, La Joya Palmview at Brownsville Porter, 7:30 District 16-5A D1 Zapata at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A D1 7:30 p.m. p.m. Brownsville Porter at Brownsville Veterans District 16-4A D2 Hidalgo at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. PSJA Southwest at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. Memorial, 7:30 p.m. Progreso at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A D2 Harlingen High at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 Saturday, Sep. 14 Non-District Games Raymondville at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. Port Isabel at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Non-District Games Progreso at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 Raymondville at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Hanna at McAllen Memorial, 7:30 Weslaco East at Brownsville Hanna, 11 a.m. District 16-3A D1 Brownsville Lopez at Brownsville Pace, 7:30 District 16-5A D1 p.m. Lyford at Falfurrias, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Brownsville Veterans Memoria at Brownsville McAllen Rowe at Weslaco High, 7:30 p.m. WEEK 4 Non-District Games San Antonio Cole at Donna High, 7:30 p.m. Pace, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg High at Harlingen South, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 19 Hebronville at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D2 Brownsville Porter at Donna High, 7:30 p.m. El Paso Montwood at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games District 16-3A D2 Edcouch-Elsa at Laredo Cigarroa, 7:30 p.m. Mission Veterans Memorial at La Joya CC Calallen at San Benito, 7:30 p.m. Los Fresnos at Edinburg Vela, 7 p.m. Monte Alto at Corpus Christi London, 7:30 Mercedes at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. Palmview, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A D1 District 16-5A D1 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Sharyland High, 7:30 District 16-5A D2 Lyford at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Porter at Brownsville Lopez, 7 Non-District Games p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Roma, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Port Isabel at Grulla, 7:30 p.m. All Valley View at Sharyland High, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 Friday, Sep. 20 Brownsville St. Joseph at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Mission Sharyland, 7:30 District 30-6A Non-District Games Non-District Games La Feria at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. p.m. La Joya High at McAllen Rowe, 7:30 p.m. Manor at Weslaco East, 1p.m. La Villa at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A D2 District 30-6A McAllen Memorial at PSJA North, 7:30 p.m. McAllen High at Brownsville Lopez, 7:30 p.m. Santa Rosa at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. Orange Grove at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. La Joya High at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 7:30 PSJA High at Mission High, 7:30 p.m. Grulla at Orange Grove, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D2 p.m. District 31-6A WEEK 2 Hidalgo at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m. Edcouch-Elsa at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Memorial at McAllen High, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg High at Edinburg Vela, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 5 La Feria at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. Mission High at PSJA North, 7:30 p.m. Weslaco East at Weslaco High, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 Brownsville St. Joseph at Raymondville, 7:30 Roma at Sharyland High, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A District 32-6A Donna High at PSJA Southwest, 7 p.m. p.m. District 30-6A Donna North at Weslaco High, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Rivera at San Benito, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games Edcouch-Elsa at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Rowe at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Edinburg High at Edinburg Economedes, Harlingen South at Harlingen High, 7:30 p.m. Mercedes at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. Edinburg High at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Sharyland Pioneer at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Edinburg Economedes at Roma, 7:30 p.m. Mission High at McAllen High, 7:30 p.m. District 32-6A District 16-5A D2 7 p.m. p.m. Brownsville Hanna at Sharyland High, 7:30 PSJA High at PSJA North, 7:30 p.m. Harlingen South at San Benito, 7:30 p.m. Mercedes at Laredo Cigarroa, 2p.m. Brownsville Rivera at Edinburg High, 7 p.m. p.m. District 31-6A Saturday, Oct. 19 District 16-5A D1 Edinburg Vela at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m. Sharyland Pioneer at Brownsville Rivera, 7:30 Edinburg Vela at Edinburg Economedes, 7:30 District 16-5A D1 PSJA Memorial at Brownsville Lopez, 6p.m. Laredo United South at Harlingen High, 7 p.m. p.m. p.m. Rio Grande City at Brownsville Porter, 7:30 San Benito at Victoria West, 7 p.m. Donna North at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg High at Weslaco East, 7:30 p.m. p.m. WEEK 11 Santa Maria at Los Fresnos JV, 7 p.m. Harlingen High at Weslaco East, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 La Villa at Three Rivers 7 p.m.. Weslaco High at Harlingen South, 7:30 p.m. WEEK 7 WEEK 9 District 16-5A D1 Mercedes at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. District 16-5A D1 Thursday, Oct. 10 Thursday, Oct. 24 Brownsville Pace at Rio Grande City, 7 p.m. Friday, Sep. 6 Donna High at La Joya Palmview, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A District 16-4A D1 La Joya Palmview at San Antonio Cole, 7 p.m. Non-District Games Rio Grande City at Mission Veterans La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Mission High, 7 p.m. La Feria at Grulla, 7 p.m. District 30-6A Weslaco East at Laredo Alexander, 7:30 p.m. Memorial, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A District 16-5A D1 La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at PSJA High, 7:30 Monte Alto at Falfurrias, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Veterans Memorial at PSJA Weslaco High at Edinburg Vela, 7 p.m. Brownsville Pace at Mission Veterans p.m. Hidalgo at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. Memorial, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A Memorial, 7 p.m.. PSJA North at McAllen High, 7:30 p.m. Santa Rosa at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Mission High, 7 p.m. Brownsville Porter at PSJA Memorial, 7 p.m. District 31-6A Raymondville at Grulla, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 21 Friday, Oct. 11 PSJA Southwest at San Antonio Cole, 7:30 Weslaco High at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. Rio Hondo at Zapata, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games District 16-2A Div. II p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Valley View at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. San Benito at Laredo United, 7:30 p.m. Agua Dulce at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 District 16-2A D2 Progreso at Brownsville St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 District 32-6A Non-District Games La Villa at Premont, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 PSJA Southwest at Brownsville Pace, 7:30 Brownsville Rivera at Brownsville Hanna, District 16-2A D2 TAPPS Brownsville Memorial Veterans at Brownsville p.m. 7:30 p.m. La Villa at Bruni, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville St. Joseph at San Antonio Holy Lopez, 7:30 p.m. District 16-2A D1 District 16A2A D1 Cross, 7:30 p.m. Rio Grande City at La Joya Palmview, 7:30 WEEK 5 Three Rivers at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville St. Joseph at San Antonio District 16-2A D1 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 26 District 16-3A D1 Christian, 7:30 p.m. Santa Maria at Freer, 7:30 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Mission Veterans Memorial, District 16-5A D1 Lyford at Aransas Pass, 7:30 p.m. Santa Maria at Refugio, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A D1 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Lopez at Donna High, 7 p.m. District 16-3A D2 District 16A 3A DII Lyford at Bishop, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games District 16-5A D2 Santa Rosa at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. Santa Rosa at Taft, 7:30 p.m. District 16-3A D2 Weslaco High at Edcouch-Elsa, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at Laredo Cigarroa, 7 p.m.. District 16-4A D1 Hebronville at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. Monte Alto at Banquete, 7:30 p.m. La Joya High at Roma, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A Hidalgo at Zapata, 7:30 p.m. District 16-4A D2 District 16-4A D1 McAllen Memorial at Sharyland High, 7:30 La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at PSJA North, 7 p.m. La Feria at Kingsville King, 7:30 p.m. Raymondville at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. Zapata at Grulla, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Non-District Games Non-District Games Rio Hondo at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. Kingsville King at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at McAllen High, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Hanna at Amarillo Tascosa, 7 p.m. Marine Military Academy at Progreso, 7:30 District 16-5A D1 District 16-5A D1 Mission High at Donna North, 7:30 p.m. Rio Hondo at Grulla, 7 p.m. p.m. Donna High at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Lopez at Mission Veterans PSJA High at Corpus Christi King, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A District 16-5A D1 District 16-5A D2 Memorial, 7:30 p.m. Harlingen South at PSJA North, 7:30 p.m. McAllen High at McAllen Rowe, 7 p.m. PSJA Southwest at Brownsville Lopez, 7:30 Roma at Edcouch-Elsa, 7:30 p.m. Donna High at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. CC Moody at Edinburg Economedes, 7:30 Friday, Sep. 27 p.m. Laredo Cigarroa at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 District 16-5A D2 p.m. Non-District Games Donna High at Mission Veterans Memorial, p.m. Edcouch-Elsa at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. Austin LBJ at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. Los Fresnos at Odessa Permian, 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. Laredo Cigarroa at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 7 Santa Maria at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D2 District 30-6A Roma at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 George West at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland High at Edcouch-Elsa, 7:30 p.m. PSJA North at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A Brownsville Porter at Brownsville Pace, 7:30 Santa Rosa at Odem, 7:30 p.m. Laredo Cigarroa at Roma, 7:30 p.m. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at McAllen Memorial, Mission High at La Joya, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Taft at Monte Alto, 7:30 p.m. Valley View at Sharyland Pioneer, 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Mission High at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. Hidalgo at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. District 30-6A McAllen High at PSJA High, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Rowe at McAllen Memorial, 7:30 p.m. WEEK 3 Raymondville at Kingsville King, 7:30 p.m. McAllen High at La Joya High, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Rowe at Mission High, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A Thursday, Sep. 12 Brownsville Rivera at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Memorial at PSJA High, 7:30 p.m. District 31-6A Donna North at Edinburg High, 7:30 p.m. Non-District Games Brownsville St. Joseph at Port Isabel, 7:30 PSJA North at McAllen Rowe, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg Vela at Donna North, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg Vela at Weslaco East, 7:30 p.m. Grulla at Donna North, 7 p.m. p.m. District 31-6A Edinburg Economedes at Weslaco East, 7:30 District 32-6A Roma at Laredo Nixon, 7 p.m. District 16-5A D1 Edinburg Economedes at Donna North, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Hanna at Harlingen South, 7:30 La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Edinburg High, 7 Mission Veterans Memorial at Brownsville p.m. Weslaco High at Edinburg High, 7:30 p.m. p.m. p.m. Porter, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at Edinburg High, 7:30 p.m. District 32-6A Harlingen High at Brownsville Rivera, 7:30 Harlingen South at McAllen High, 7 p.m.. La Joya Palmview at PSJA Southwest, 7:30 District 32-6A San Benito at Brownsville Hanna, 7:30 p.m. p.m. San Benito at PSJA High, 7 p.m. p.m. San Benito at Harlingen High, 7:30 p.m. Harlingen High at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. San Benito at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. District 16-5A D1 San Antonio Cole at Rio Grande City, 7:30 Harlingen South at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. District 32-6A Saturday, Nov. 9 Mission Veterans Memorial at Brownsville p.m. Brownsville Rivera at Harlingen South, 7:30 District 16-5A D1 Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m. District 16-5A D2 WEEK 8 p.m. PSJA Southwest at Brownsville Porter, 7:30 Mission Veterans Memorial at San Antonio Mercedes at Edcouch-Elsa, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 Saturday, Oct. 26 p.m. 10 • FOLIO Running wild: top rushers dominate 30-6A BY ANDREW MCCULLOCH His physicality and 5-foot-9, 210- STAFF WRITER pound frame make him virtually unstoppable running between the tackles and his breakaway speed hey rush to the outside and and athleticism make him difficult T down the middle, along to bring down in the open field. the sidelines and between “I’m just a bulldozer. I run over the tackles. They’ll run it from the people,” Villarreal said. “I’m not backfield and behind center, from fancy, I just run straight. My coach- handoffs, options, pitches and es tell me not to dance a lot and scrambles. They’ll dash around just run straight forward.” defenders and run right over them He’ll be aided tremendously by too, spinning, trucking, juking and the plethora of slotbacks at the high-stepping their way to the end Coyotes disposal, including Ansel- zone. mo Davila, Raymond Villegas and The eight teams in District 30-6A Alejandro Hernandez. have earned a reputation as the “It’s just a run-hard offense, that’s Valley’s most vaunted and feared all we have (in this district),” Villar- rushing attacks. These elite offens- real said. “Just run hard and that’s es are led by some of the quickest, what defines us – all of us – because most elusive athletes in the area, we all run, every team runs the ball each with his own distinct style and hard.” unique abilities. McAllen Memorial’s Speights, “I would say in our district the however, may be the most game- most loaded position is probably changing talent at the district’s running back and it seems like most stacked position. everyone you play it’s like ‘man A four-year varsity starter, Spei- they have another back,’” Mission ghts has tallied 4,973 yards, 73 High head coach Koy Detmer said. rushing touchdowns, 28 100-yard “You’re always having to tackle a games and a 7.7 yards per carry quality back. It’s one of those types average through his high school of districts and it’s challenging on a career. The Navy commit lead the defense because every week you’re Joel Martinez | [email protected] district last season in rushing yards facing a quality running back.” From left to right: La Joya High slot back Raymond Villegas, PSJA North quarterback Iziaah Rangel and (1,832) and touchdowns (29). The Eagles will have one of the running back Campbell Speights. He has exceptional moves and top running games in the district quickness that help him shed this year under Detmer, thanks to Iziaah Rangel and sophomore run- dimension to the Bears’ pass-hap- would-be tacklers with ease, and their two-headed monster in the ning back Isaac Gonzalez make up py offense along with JR Vasquez, his game-breaking speed means backfield. Senior Tito Moronta and another talented tandem of rush- who ran for 754 yards and 11 that once he hits the open field, it’s junior Andrew Maldonado make up ers. Gonzalez was a breakout star scores in 2018. off to the races. the area’s most dominant duo on as a freshman, rushing 935 yards, “A lot of defenses when they go “I’m the type of back who will do the ground. 12 touchdowns and a staggering 8.2 against their own (district) teams, whatever it takes to get a couple of Moronta and Maldonado com- yards per carry. they’re just used to seeing the run. yards,” Speights said. “I can make bined for 1,467 yards and 16 touch- Rangel, meanwhile, shined in his But when they see us on Friday you miss or just run through you.” downs on the ground in 2018. The first season playing for the Raiders nights, there’s a lot of passing and Two other McAllen running duo provided Mission High with recording 1,707 yards and 15 touch- it kind of throws them off guard a backs could be poised for break- 133.4 rushing yards per game, and downs with his arm and 1,336 yards little bit.” out seasons too in McAllen Rowe’s their versatility allowed the team’s and six scores with his legs, making But the two single most danger- Lorenzo Lopez and McHi’s Troy pro-style offense to be multiple in him one of the Valley’s most dan- ous, tough-to-tackle ball carriers Martinez. Both should have oppor- its approach. gerous dual threat signal callers. throughout the district are La Joya tunities to excel in their first sea- “We’ve got two really top-of-the- “It opens up a lot for me because High’s Eddie Villarreal and McAllen son as starters, as the position will line guys in Andrew and Tito and if the running isn’t open, I’m pass- Memorial’s Campbell Speights. become as valuable as ever in the we really feel that they’re inter- ing, and if I’m passing, then the Villarreal was a one-man wreck- near future. changeable for each other in that running (lane) is open,” Rangel ing ball in the Coyotes’ backfield “I think as a position, it’s grow- way. They both are really good ball said. “It allows us to add a lot.” last season and was the lynchpin ing,” Speights said. “I definitely carriers, strong physical guys with PSJA High quarterback Jus- in their triple option, flexbone think the running back position speed,” Detmer said. “They make tin Morales should emerge as a scheme. The senior powered La is going to be valued a whole lot it really fun for game planning and second, equally dangerous dual Joya High last season with 1,623 more in these next coming years.” play calling because they’re capa- threat option. Morales, who yards and 22 touchdowns on the ble of doing a lot of things.” played wide receiver last season, ground, while toting the ball a dis- [email protected] PSJA North senior quarterback has elite speed and should add a trict-high 252 times. FOLIO • 11 U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez

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at defensive back, where he racked the Mustangs passing game this year Players to watch up 109 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, with some game experience under eight sacks and three interceptions. his belt. The extra space should be in District 30-6A He was tabbed by Dave Campbell’s beneficial for Speights, who could Texas Football as the district’s pre- very well top the 2,000-yard thresh- season defensive MVP, and he’ll likely old for the first time in 2019. be asked to produce even more, surrounded by a young defense. The Raiders return four other starters to their 4-2-5 defensive scheme, which should give Sanchez lots of play- making opportunities. He’ll be aided up front though by defensive tackle Joel Iracheta and linebacker Aaron Alvarez, who had 100 tackles and 18 Guajardo, who threw for a district- sacks last season. Don’t be surprised high 3,371 yards and 32 touch- if he contributes on offense too, as downs. But Morales led the Bears he added 322 yards and two touch- to winning seasons as a quarterback downs as a wide receiver in 2018. on the freshman and JV squads and should thrive in their pass-happy offense. He’ll be bolstered by an elite trio of speedy wide receivers in Jeremy Duran, QB, Mission High Miguel Flores, Marco Guajardo and Duran burst onto the scene as the Ethan Castillo. Flores and Guajardo Eddie Villarreal, RB, La Joya breakout star of the 2018 season were the two leading receivers in High in District 30-6A. In seven games District 30-6A a year ago, and along No player will be more valuable and as the primary signal caller and lim- with Castillo they combined for 2,602 integral to his team’s success this ited appearances in four, the then- receiving yards and 27 touchdowns season than Villarreal. He was the freshman threw for 1,465 yards and through the air. Expect Morales and focal point of the Coyotes’ ground- 14 touchdowns to just four intercep- his veteran receiving corps to put up and-pound offense in 2018. He had tions. His 67.9 completion percent- big numbers again in 2019. more carries (252) than any other age and 115.9 quarterback rating player in the district last season en were both tops in the district, and the Seven Sanchez, DB/WR, PSJA route to racking up 1,623 yards on last time he took the field, he played North the ground and 22 touchdowns. His the best game of his young career. Sanchez was one of the area’s big- 162.3 yards per game and 6.4 yards In a playoff loss to Laredo United, gest defensive playmakers last year per carry make him a nightmare for Duran completed 23-of-37 passes and all signs indicate that should Campbell Speights, RB, McAllen coaches to game plan against. The for 364 yards and four touchdowns continue in 2019. The two-way senior Memorial 5-foot-9, 210-pound senior can run through the air. It offers a tantaliz- spent most of his time on the field Speights might have the most raw hard between the tackles, but he’s ing glimpse into what could be a talent of any individual player in the just as effective as a playmaker in monstrous sophomore season with district this year. The senior work- the open field. Villarreal can best be offensive weapons in 6-foot-3, 245- horse back has accumulated 4,973 described as an aggressive runner pound tight end Rey Garcia, play- rushing yards, 73 touchdowns on who will use his superior size and making wide receiver Stevie Villarreal the ground, 7.7 yards per carry aver- strength to bowl over defenders and and the two-headed monster in the age and 28 100-yard games in 34 run right into the teeth of opposing backfield of Tito Moronta and Andrew games played over the course of defenses. With a pair of inexperi- Maldonado. his first three years on varsity. He’s enced quarterbacks vying to start, coming off a season with district expect his carries and production to Justin Morales, QB, PSJA High highs in rushing yards (1,832) and increase. Morales racked 389 yards and five touchdowns (29). The Navy commit touchdowns as a wide receiver last is poised to have an even bigger year, but will make the transition final year behind a seasoned offen- over to quarterback for his senior sive line and with senior quarterback season. He’ll have to replace one of Joseph Lara. Lara appeared in seven the area’s top signal callers in Trey games last season and will expand 20 • FOLIO District 30-6A preview

ANDREW MCCULLOCH STAFF WRITER

McAllen High

Coach: Patrick Shelby, 1st year La Joya High 2018 record: 2-8 Last playoff appearance: 2017 Coach: Reuben Farias, 4th year Returning starters (O/D): 4/7 2018 record: 7-4 Returning lettermen: 28 Last playoff appearance: 2017 Key players: FS Jackson Helmcamp; Returning starters (O/D): 6/5 DE Cirr Arredondo; CB David Chiquito; Returning lettermen: 14 TE Ed Castillo; LB Trace Gagne; RB Troy Key players: RB Eddie Villarreal; Martinez; WR Aldo Morin LB Josue Bermea; SB/DB Raymond Delcia Lopez | [email protected] 2019 Outlook: McAllen High will be Villegas; OL Alex Rodriguez; LB Danny La Joya High running back Eddie Villarreal runs through tackle attempts from the McAllen High hoping for a bounce-back season under Salinas; OL Remi Duran; SB/DB Nelson defense on Oct. 11, 2018 at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. first-year head coach Patrick Shelby after Camero; DB/SB Salvador Carmona a rollercoaster 2-8 finish in 2018. Shelby 2019 Outlook: The Coyotes ran Huskies were bitten badly by the injury comes over to McHi for his first head the table in non-district play in 2018, bug again during preseason camp. coaching job after spending the past few but ran into trouble with their district Linebacker Kenth Hernandez — who seasons at Weslaco High as the offensive schedule, losing a few tight games was set to be the leader of the defense coordinator. He’ll bring a winning track down the stretch and narrowly miss- and the team’s best returning starter record and his spread offense to a Bulldogs ing out on a playoff berth. The bread with 70 tackles and three sacks in program in need of some consistency on and butter of La Joya’s offense this 2018 — tore his ACL in a non-contact the offensive side of the ball. Running back year will again be their rushing attack drill early in the preseason, ending Troy Martinez and tight end Ed Castillo spearheaded by senior running back his year. That leaves Juarez-Lincoln will be McHi’s two primary playmakers. Eddie Villarreal. He ran for 1,623 yards with just four returning starters to a Martinez, an elusive back, should fit in and led the district in carries a season La Joya Juarez-Lincoln unit that struggled at times. Defensive nicely in the Bulldogs new spread attack ago, but a talented offensive line led lineman Mark Guerrero will have to as a pass catching back, while Castillo is by Rodriguez and Duran should give lead the charge in puncturing oppos- a big physical tight end that can block well him plenty of big holes. He’ll be joined Coach: Tomas Garcia, 8th year ing offensive lines while defensive back in both the run and pass game while also by slotbacks Salvador Carmona, Nelson 2018 record: 0-10 Jose Marquez and safety Albert Batres being a deep threat downfield. Defensively, Camero and Raymond Villegas in La Last playoff appearance: 2016 (55 tackles, two interceptions) will be senior safety Jackson Helmcamp will cap- Joya’s triple option, flexbone offense, Returning starters (O/D): 8/5 the veteran leaders in an otherwise tain an experienced defense, but shift taking the lead with an undecided Returning lettermen: 15 inexperienced secondary. Offensively, back to the secondary after being an all- starter at quarterback. The key to its Key players: QB Josh Briones; WR the Huskies will likely utilize a three- district linebacker last year. Cirr Aredando offense will be how effectively the team Luis Flores; RB/S Jose Marquez; DB or four-man rotation at running back. will be a pass-rushing force at defensive can throw downfield and spread out the Albert Batres; WR Isaac Villanueva; DL Briones will be surrounded by wide end, while Trace Gagne and Jordan Lopez offense. The Coyotes defense is young, Mark Guerrero receivers in Luis Flores, a two-time dis- anchor an experienced linebacking corps. but Danny Salinas (seven sacks) and 2019 Outlook: The Huskies had a trict and defending area champion in The big question for McHi will be who Josue Bermea (40 tackles) bring vet- rough season in 2018, failing to win a the high jump, a game-breaking talent emerges from an on-going quarterback eran leadership at linebacker. They’ll game while also suffering tremendously on the outside with his 6-foot-3 frame battle. Senior Robert Amador and junior need some help along the defensive from the injury bug. Their starting and athleticism, while Isaac Villanueva Felipe Magana have been auditioning for line, but a young secondary captained quarterback went down with a season- is a burner with exceptional speed. the starting job after both enjoyed suc- by Camero has shown flashes of poten- ending injury in Week 3 last year, which cessful seasons at other positions last tial early. If the Coyotes can figure out led to then-junior Josh Briones taking year as all-district selections as punter and an effective option behind center and over as the team’s primary signal caller. receiver, respectively. Stability at the posi- build a tough young defense around Now entering his senior year, Juarez- tion could see the Bulldogs thrive in their their four returning starters, they should Lincoln expects Briones to take a big new offensive scheme. be playoff bound this time around. step up now with game experience and a full offseason as the squad’s primary signal caller under his belt. But the SEE 30-6A ON PAGE 22 FOLIO • 21 -30135827 A 22 • FOLIO District 30-6A continued

their winning ways in a dominant fash- loss, four interceptions and two sacks as Aalok Zimmerman; LB Josiah Alonzo; ion after stumbling in non-district play an honorable mention all-state pick last RB Lorenzo Lopez; LB Derek Luna; WR against a trio of playoff teams and drop- year. Defensive backs Michael Pequeno David Savage; DL Erick Perales; LB Joey ping two district games by a combined (44 tackles, three interceptions) and DeLeon seven points. Running back Campbell Diego Villarreal (43 tackles, five tackles 2019 Outlook: McAllen Rowe started Speights returns as the team’s primary for loss, one interception) will hold down off strong last season but lost four of its ball carrier in his fourth year as the start- an improved pass defense. last five games in district play, resulting er. In his decorated high school career, in a fifth place finish and missing out the senior has amassed 4,973 yards, 73 on its second consecutive playoff berth. rushing touchdowns, 28 100-yard games The Warriors will look to return to form McAllen Memorial and a staggering 7.7 yards per carry. With under the leadership of senior quar- a strong offensive line with plenty of size, terback Jonas Ortiz. Ortiz, a three-year Memorial will also be looking to expand varsity starter, will be one of the best Coach: Bill Littleton, 17th year its offense with a reinforced passing returning starters at the position in the 2018 record: 6-5, bi-district qualifier attack behind senior signal caller Joseph district and perhaps the most underrated Last playoff appearance: 2018 Lara. Lara took over at quarterback in too. He threw for the most yards in the Returning starters (O/D): 6/7 mid-October last season throwing for 407 league last year with 1,777, and he also Returning lettermen: 17 yards, four touchdowns and four inter- ranked second in completion percentage Key players: RB Campbell Speights; ceptions while only attempting double- McAllen Rowe (63.8) and touchdown passes (14). He’ll OLB Michael Morales; C Andrew Ramos; digit passes once. He’ll be helped by a be surrounded by a bevy of playmakers OL Rico Rodriguez; DE Sebastian Turk; full offseason of work and uber athletic in Rowe’s up-tempo spread offense, QB Joseph Lara; DB Diego Morales; S receiver Zyan Gregory on the outside. Coach: Bobby Flores, 4th year including wide receiver David Savage and Michael Petino; S Justin Chaez Defensively, linebacker Michael Morales, 2018 record: 5-5 running back Lorenzo Lopez. An experi- 2019 Outlook: McAllen Memorial has who’s a game changer stopping the run Last playoff appearance: 2017 enced and strong offensive line centered been great for a long time now, having and dropping back in coverage, leads a Returning starters (O/D): 5/6 around 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior Aalok 26 tallied 11 straight winning seasons. But defense that returns seven starters. The Returning lettermen: SEE 30-6A ON PAGE 24 the Mustangs will be looking to return to senior tallied 71 tackles, six tackles for Key players: QB Jonas Ortiz; OL FOLIO • 23

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Zimmerman should make the Warriors be Duran’s primary receiving targets. bined for 2,602 receiving yards and 27 the entire district with gamebreakers at one of the highest scoring offenses in Garcia will cause matchup problems for touchdowns through the air. The Bears seemingly every position on the field. the area. Linebacker Josiah Alonzo will opposing defenses with his 6-foot-3, offense will also be aided by senior run- They’ll be led on offense by senior captain a defense that returns six start- 245-pound frame and Villarreal’s speed ning back JR Vasquez, who tallied 754 quarterback Iziaah Rangel in his second ers. Alonzo, a three-year starter, recorded and hands should make him a threat out rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on season as the Raiders starter. Rangel 96 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two wide and in the return game. Mission the ground in their pass-first offense. A transferred from Edinburg North after picks in 2018, and can defend both the will also have a two-headed monster young offensive line could be problem- his sophomore year and registered big rush and the pass exceptionally well. He’ll in the backfield with running backs Tito atic as the season progresses, but PSJA numbers in his first opportunity as the be aided by 6-foot-2, 265-pound defen- Moronta and Andrew Maldonado, who High has enough playmakers to put up primary signal caller. He’s a true dual sive lineman Erick Perales (43 tackles, combined to rush for 1,467 yards, 16 a lot of points regardless. Defensively, threat leading his team in passing and eight tackles for loss, two sacks) up front touchdowns and 133.4 yards per game. linebackers Jayden Arrington and Jacob rushing with 1,707 yards through the and defensive backs Adam Alvarado and On defense, linebackers Luis Balderas Sanchez can both effectively play the run air, 1,336 on the ground and 18 total Jason Neal on one of the top defensive and Justin Soto spearhead an aggres- and drop back in coverage. Defensive touchdowns. He’ll be protected by one units in the district. sive run defense. Defensive end Fabian backs Pablo Trevino and Mario Cantu of the biggest and strongest offensive Ahumada will be a dangerous pass rush- will have to provide veteran leadership lines in the area — led by 6-foot-4, er, while defensive back Ivan Chavez will for a secondary that’s prone to giving up 315-pound Adrian Basaldua and 6-foot- hold down the secondary. big plays at times. 3, 295-pound Francisco Saucedo — which should only further highlight his passing and rushing abilities. Rangel will have another talented runner in the backfield alongside him in soph- omore running back Isaac Gonzalez, who had a breakout freshman season with 935 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Stud defensive back Mission High Seven Sanchez will captain the Raiders defense after recording 109 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and Coach: Koy Detmer, 4th year PSJA North three interceptions in 2018. Sanchez 2018 record: 8-3, bi-district qualifier PSJA High also registered 322 yards and a pair Last playoff appearance: 2018 of touchdowns playing two ways as a Returning starters (O/D): 8/6 Coach: Lupe Rodriguez, 3rd year receiver last year, and was tabbed as Returning lettermen: 31 2018 record: 7-4, bi-district qualifier Coach: Marcus Kaufman, 4th year the district’s preseason defensive MVP Key players: QB Jeremy Duran; RB Last playoff appearance: 2018 2018 record: 7-5, area qualifier by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. He’ll Tito Moronta; FB Andrew Maldonado; Returning starters (O/D): 6/7 Last playoff appearance: 2018 be joined by physical 6-foot-3, 295- TE Rey Garcia; LB Luis Balderas; WR Returning lettermen: 39 Returning starters (O/D): 7/5 pound defensive tackle Joel Iracheta Stevie Villarreal; DB Ivan Chavez; LB Key players: WR Miguel Flores; WR Returning lettermen: 20 and linebacker Aaron Alvarez (100 tack- Justin Soto Marco Guajardo; QB Justin Morales; DB Key players: QB Iziaah Rangel; DB/ les and 18 sacks) in PSJA North’s 4-2-5 2019 Outlook: Mission High will Mario Cantu; RB JR Vasquez; WR Ethan WR Seven Sanchez; RB Isaac Gonzalez; defensive set. be a dark-horse pick to win the district Castillo; LB Jacob Sanchez; DB Pablo DE Aaron Alvarez; OT Adrian Basaldua; outright in 2019. The Eagles bring back Trevino; LB Jayden Arrington OG Francisco Saucedo; DT Joel Iracheta a ton of lettermen from last year and 2019 Outlook: The defending district 2019 Outlook: PSJA North might be the most returning starters of any team champion Bears will have a fresh face at the most well-rounded team throughout in the district. Their offense should be quarterback this year, as senior Justin electric with a plethora of playmak- Morales will transition back to the posi- ers and dangerous weapons across tion after playing as a starting receiver the field. A majority of the unit will in 2018. He’ll have a tall task in replac- be back for Year 2 under sophomore ing former starter Trey Guajardo, who quarterback Jeremy Duran. Duran made threw for a district leading 3,371 yards waves after taking over behind center — nearly doubling the second-leading early in the season as a freshman, passer — 32 touchdowns and 306.5 throwing for 1,465 yards, six 100-yard yards per game. Morales should add a passing games and 14 touchdowns to dynamic to PSJA High’s offense, though, four interceptions. He lead the district with his ability to run and be a true dual in completion percentage (67.9) and threat at the position. He’ll also be had his brightest performance the last aided by a trio of super talented senior time he took the field, completing 23 wide receivers in Miguel Flores, Marco of 37 passes for 346 yards and four Guajardo and Ethan Castillo. Flores and touchdowns in a three-point playoff loss Guajardo were the two leading receivers to Laredo United. Tight end Rey Garcia in yardage and touchdowns last season. Political ad paid for by candidate and wide receiver Stevie Villarreal will Together with Castillo, the trio com- FOLIO • 25

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MA-95135617 FOLIO • 27 Field generals in control in District 31-6A BY RAUL GARCIA STAFF WRITER JACOB CAVAZOS The Panthers quarterback vision on the field is almost accurate when n the movie “Gladiator,” Gen. he throws the ball or hands it off to I Maximus tells his soldiers his stud running back Peyton Knuab. before leading them into battle, His vision is to win every Friday and “imagine where you will be three he has the leadership and the weap- weeks from now and it will be so.” ons on the field to make it a real- Likewise, the field generals lead- ity. After last year’s 11-2 campaign, ing Edinburg Vela, Weslaco High and the team’s already high expectations Weslaco East’s offense under cen- have risen. ter on the gridiron are asking their Cavazos and the Panthers are teammates to heed the same adage. thinking state championship. To believe they can reach the third It’s a feat no school has completed round of the postseason and beyond. since the Panthers neighboring rival Donna Highwon the ultimate prize AJ SOTELO in 1955. Last season, AJ Sotelo led his Edin- “We were pretty successful last burg Vela team to a perfect 10-0 year, so we are just hoping to contin- record and to the District 31-6A title ue that,” Cavazos said. “We are trying while throwing for 2,133 yards, 25 to control what we can control and touchdowns and threw five intercep- continue to get better every day.” tions as he led the SaberCats back to He said the goal is to come out vic- the third round. Delcia Lopez | [email protected] torious each Friday night until they “It feels good to come out here From left to right: Weslaco East quarterback Ramsey Vasquez, Edinburg Vela quarterback AJ can’t anymore. and work with these guys every day,” Sotelo, Weslaco High quarterback Jacob Cavazos. Last year the Panthers went 11-2 Sotelo said during practice. “We overall and fell short in the regional know we’re a good football team, those guys working in the trenches running backs he’s looking for a gap semifinal, better known as the third and we work like we’re a good foot- for me.” to run down field. round. ball team.” He said without the offensive line, “Our linemen make the offense Cavazos passed for 1,430 yards last He said the SaberCats have all the the SaberCats would not be as good dangerous,” Vasquez said. “They season, and threw 22 touchdown tools they need in order to have a of an offense as they are. work day-in, day-out on shooting passes to only three interceptions. good playoff run and another unde- “With these guys, we’re able to those hands and blocking for us.” “It’s not just me,” Cavazos said. “It feated district championship season. give me a lot of time in the pocket,” Vasquez knows the game so well takes the whole team to win.” Last He said the mindset of the team is Sotelo said. “They are able to set up he is comfortable floating from the season if Cavazos was not connect- to get to the third round and beyond. blocks, create gaps and set up all quarterback, receiver and safety. ing passes with his receivers he was And to do that, the SaberCats are kinds of stuff.” Last year he was a defensive weapon evading tackles running the ball. On working constantly to get better. for the Wildcats and this year the one particular play after he handed “There is always room for improve- RAMSEY VASQUEZ team is leaning on him to help lead off the ball to the running back. He ment and never a day to rest,” Sotelo Starting quarterback Ramsey the charge for the Wildcats on both caught a pass from the back for a said. Vasquez for the Weslaco East Wild- sides of the ball for 48 minutes. touchdown. Last season, Sotelo came back cats not only will look to lead his “We’re hyped and looking for- The dual threat quarterback can from an injury with a single practice team past his district 31-6A compe- ward to this season,” Vasquez said. do it all. under his belt. tition under center, but he will be “We have big plans this season, and “I can throw the ball when I need He tore a ligament in his elbow taking care of business on defense as hopefully we can fulfill those plans.” too, I can run when I need too, and and worked for three weeks to get the team’s safety. He comes back to the gridiron with whatever the defense gives me I will healthy and clearance from the doc- Last year he had three picks and the Wildcats looking to better their just work with it,” he said. tor to play the day before the first this year he said he’s looking to add 5-5 record from last year. The Wild- Cavazos said he plans to fix mis- game of the season. more to his gridiron resume. cats have made the playoffs five out takes along the way after every “God helped me out and I was able “I’m a dual-threat. I’m going to of the past nine seasons. This yea,r game. to get through the season perfectly throw the ball and run with the ball, Vasquez and the crew are working “I will do what I can for the team fine,” Sotelo said. “ so people won’t know what I’m going extra hard to make sure they make a and be the best version of myself He doesn’t win on his own. He to do this year,” Vasquez said.” I’m good run in the playoffs and not get that I can,” Cavazos said. “There is receives a lot of help from his large going to be on the field all game, bounced out of the postseason in the always pressure in this position is offensive line. every game. Making plays, doing first round like last year. always there, you control an entire “I get a lot of help from Ronnie, good for the team and scoring, doing “There’s good competition here in unit so everyone has to be on the George, Sebastian, David and Bai- whatever we can to help us win.” this district and I always like the com- same page.” ley,” he said as he described his work When he is not looking down field petition,” Vasquez said. “It’s high school inside the pocket. “I know I have all for the deep pass, handing off to his football, it’s what we’re ready for.” [email protected] the time in the world, and I have 28 • FOLIO Players to watch

help lead the Cougars back to promi- Players to watch nence. Borrego had nine catches and 93 yards as a junior, but his two in District 31-6A touchdowns on the season came against Edinburg North’s toughest competition in Edinburg Vela and Weslaco High.

Tyler Bailey, OL, Edinburg Vela The big man Tyler Bailey is an anchor Peyton Knaub, RB, Weslaco High on the Edinburg Vela O-line, leading The Panthers bring a potent of- one of the top offenses in the RGV. fense into the 2019 season headed Gio Guerra, RB, Weslaco East Bailey committed to play college ball by quarterback Jacob Cavazos, but Weslaco East’s Gio Guerra is the at TCU over the summer, but he’s don’t sleep on senior running back perfect complement to quarterback looking to close his high school ca- Peyton Knaub. As a junior, Knaub Ramsey Vasquez in the Wildcats reer with the SaberCats in a big way totaled 657 all-purpose yards to go ground attack. Guerra comes into his before turning in his black and blue with three visits to the end zone. junior season (656 rushing yards, for black and purple. He’ll be making Knaub and Cavazos will be a prob- Isaac Mendoza, S, Edinburg four touchdowns) ready to take his room for running back Kevin McKin- lem for opposing defenses as they Vela game to the next level, and through ney to run free while protecting quar- combine for a dangerous 1-2 punch Mendoza was named The Monitor’s two scrimmages in 2019, he’s done terback AJ Sotelo from pass-rushers. in the Panthers backfield. 2018 All-Area Newcomer of the Year just that. He has displayed the abil- Bailey’s size, strength and speed for his defense in the Edinburg Vela ity to go around, through and over puts him in the conversation of best secondary. He finished third on the defenders, and if the Wildcats have offensive linemen in the Valley. team in tackles with 47 and picked plans on competing for the 31-6A off two passes. Mendoza and Jaime championship, Guerra will have a lot Perez split the Newcomer of the to do with it. Year title as both are back to build off a strong season. They give Vela a ballhawking presence deep that is Adrian Garza, WR, Edinburg High unafraid to step stop the run. Garza showed his versatility during his junior year, and now he enters his senior season as the Bobcats go-to-guy on offense. He lined up at quarterback, in the backfield and out wide for Edinburg High. The Bobcats lost their workhorse running back Hearlin Benavides to graduation, so head coach J.J. Leija will turn to Garza and company to replace his 1,503 all-purpose yards and 14 Brandon Borrego, WR, Edinburg touchdowns. North Borrego’s height as a receiver helps him against smaller defensive backs, and Edinburg North will need him to FOLIO • 29 MA-30136199 30 • FOLIO

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BY RAUL GARCIA STAFF WRITER

Donna North

Coach: Joe Marichalar, 3rd year 2018 record: 0-10 Last playoff appearance: None Returning starters (O/D): 6/7 Returning lettermen: 14 Key players: QB Brandon Escobar; LB Christian Cortinas; WR Aiden Gomez; WR Rodrigo Rodrigez; DE Jose Gandaria and DT Fabien Martinez 2019 Outlook: The Chiefs enter the season going back to basics. It’s been a rough start for head coach Joe Maricha- lar and the Chiefs as they look for a win entering their 2019 district campaign. The Chiefs have only won fi ve games in program history. In the last three years the program record is 3-27. But Coach Marichalar plans to change that putting his players in positions to be successful. This will be the Chiefs second season in 31-6A after being moved up from 5A last year. The Chiefs do come back this sea- son with more experience and stronger this season. They return six starters on offense and seven on defense and 14 lettermen. This season the Chiefs have the mindset of playing fast and funda- Joel Martinez | [email protected] mental. Coming back are quarterback Weslaco High running back Peyton Knaub carries the ball against Edinburg Vela during a game on Oct. 12, 2018. Brandon Escobar.The team believes in their quarterback to make plays. The 2018 record: 4-6 years. Quarterback Nathan Garcia returns team will be looking to Escobar to ex- Last playoff appearance: 2016 as the starter under center. He offers a ecute in the pocket by connecting with Returning starters (O/D): 4/5 dual threat attack with his ability to pass or wide receivers Aiden Gomez and Rodrigo Returning lettermen: 25 run the ball. Running back PJ Soto returns Rodriguez for big gains and touchdowns. Key players: QB Nathan Garcia; RB PJ as the Jaguars primary rushing attack. Soto Soto; OL David Arcos; WR Victor Salinas; combined for 376 yards rushing and four LB Brandon Reya; touchdowns last year. Garcia will have a 2019 Outlook: The Jaguars come back to large target with his pass attack in Victor the business of getting better on the grid- Salinas who coaches say shows a lot of iron as they kickoff their 2019 campaign in promise for the Jaguars. On the defen- Edinburg Economedes District 31-6A with 25 returning letterman. sive side the Jaguars will be led by Anibal The Jaguars will take the field under the Gomez and linebacker Brandon Reyna. leadership of head coach Gabe Peña and Coach: Gabe Peña, 10th year his spread attack offense as they work to SEE 31-6A ON PAGE 34 make their first playoff appearance in three 34 • FOLIO District 31-6A continued

Edinburg High Edinburg Vela

Coach: J.J. Leija, 4th year 2018 record: 7-4, bi-district qualifier Coach: John Campbell, 3rd year Last playoff appearance: 2018 2018 record: 12-1, regional semifinal Returning starters (O/D): 4/4 qualifier Returning lettermen: 26 Last playoff appearance: 2018 Key players: RB Jaime Zamora; QB Returning starters (O/D): 7/5 Adrian Garza; AJ Treviño; WR Joshua Returning lettermen: 41 Gonzalez. Key players: QB AJ Sotelo; OL Tyler 2019 Outlook: The Edinburg Bobcats Bailey; WR Justin Cantu; RB Kevin comeback to the gridiron poised to McKinney; LB Eddie Salinas. contend for a district title and another 2019 Outlook: The SaberCats return run for one of the four coveted 31-6A to the gridiron as the two-time defend- playoff spots. The Bobcats are led by ing 31-6A District champions. Last head coach J.J. Leija. The team has season, the SaberCats plowed through 26 returning lettermen and senior Joel Martinez | [email protected] the district undefeated in route to their leadership will be the key to guide the Edinburg High receiver Adrian Garza makes a move with the ball against Mercedes on Sept. second straight third round state play- younger players throughout the 2019 21, 2018 at Richard Flores Stadium in Edinburg. offs appearance. Coming back leading season. their ground and pound style play is Last year the Bobcats made the play- junior quarterback AJ Sotelo. He led offs for the third straight time. Their year the Cougars ended their season the offense with 2,133 yards passing, season ended 7-4 overalland 3-3 in 2-8 overall and 2-4 in district. The 25 touchdown passes and averaging district, four a fourth place finish in Cougars will rely on the run-fi rst at- 125 yards passing per game. Some District 31-6A. tack with running back Jacob Perales. of the same cast of characters who Running back AJ Treviño will fill in Returning quarterback Michael Ro- helped lead the SaberCats to two where Haerlin Benavidez left off last driguez will have a large target in the consecutive trips to the third round of season. Adrian Garza will fill in as the secondary with wide receiver Brendon the playoffs are back. Also returning lead signal caller for the Bobcats. Last Borrego ready to run and complete are wide receiver Justin Cantu, running season, he completed 300 yards pass- the deep pass in the end zone. Pe- back Kevin McKinney and offensive ing and four touchdowns with only lim- Edinburg North rales rushed for 416 yards and two lineman Tyler Bailey. The SaberCats ited playing time at quarterback. Jaime touchdowns last year. And on defense have only lost two games in their last Zamora returns after a successful last Coach: Damian Gonzalez, 2nd year the Cougars comeback stronger than two seasons. The team is poised to go season where he totaled 246 yards 2018 record: 2-8 ever with linebackers JJ Rodriguez, back to business on the field and take rushing and four touchdowns. The Last playoff appearance: 2017 Malachai Ortega and Aurelio Lozano each game one at a time while looking Bobcats come back bigger, faster and Returning starters (O/D): 6/7 on the other side of the ball. Strong forward to breaking through the region- stronger this season and expect to win Returning lettermen: 35 Safety Javier Renteria will look to im- al semi-final barrier simply known as some big football games this season. Key players: WR Brendon Borrego; prove on his 53 tackles from last year the third round of the playoffs. Sotelo LB Malachi Ortega; RB Jacob Perales; as the team’s last line of defense looks poised to lead the SaberCats QB Michael Rodrigez; LB JJ Rodriguez against their opponents. back to the playoffs by hitting his tar- 2019 Outlook: The Cougars enter gets from inside the pocket. He will the season bigger, stronger and more lean on the offensive line to protect experienced with 35 lettermen return- Sotelo while he scans the field looking ing. With head coach Damian Gonza- for his targets. lez at the helm, the Cougars look to make some noise in District 31-6A as they work to position themselves for one of the four playoff spots. Last SEE 31-6A ON PAGE 36 FOLIO • 35

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Weslaco East Weslaco High

Coach: Mike Burgett, 7th year Coach: Roy Stroman, 1st year 2018 record: 6-5, bi-district qualifier 2018 record: 11-2, regional semifinal Last playoff appearance: 2018 Returning starters (O/D): 7/3 qualifier Returning lettermen: 24 Last playoff appearance: 2018 Key players: QB Ramsey Vasquez; Gio Returning starters (O/D): 9/0 Guerra; TE Mario Trevino; Returning lettermen: 30 2019 Outlook: Coach Mike Berget Key players: QB Jacob Cavazos; WR and the Wildcats begin their 2019 cam- Jaden Cavazos; RB Peyton Knaub; RB paign on the gridiron with dual threat QB Jesse Hernandez; TE Rollie Berrones; WR Ramsey Vasquez under center. He takes KJ Jones over as the team’s signal caller after an 2019 Outlook: Weslaco Panthers will impressive offensive year last season. enter their 2019 campaign with raised He tallied 713 yards, 11 touchdowns expectations. The Panthers had a nearly and 149 yards rushing. The team has a perfect season heading into the playoffs veteran offense with big goals this sea- with a single loss on their record. They son. Running back Gio Guerra returns as went 11-2 and lost in the regional semi- the teams go to rusher with his speed final. This year they return to the gridiron and quickness. He rushed for 656 yards with Jacob Cavazos under center once last season and will be the center of the again. Last year he threw for 1,430 yards, Wildcats run attack. First order of busi- 25 touchdowns while averaging 95 yards ness on the gridiron is taking down their passing a game. first opponent Aug. 30, Manor Mustangs, on the road. They believe if they can beat Manor they can beat any team. Last season the Wildcats ended their Joel Martinez | [email protected] season 5-5 falling in the first round of Weslaco East quarterback Ramsey Vasquez runs with the ball during a game last season. the playoffs. Memorial Cremation Center WE ARE PROUD TO BE FAMILY OWNED DEDICATED TO THE CARE OF THOSE WE SERVE Direct Cremation $795 Immediate Need 208 E. Canton, Edinburg, TX 78539

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n a game of inches, every I move matters. Each step, from direction to execu- tion, must be pinpoint. It’s the miniscule distance separating the outstretched hand of a cornerback from a ball that lands perfectly in a receiv- er’s hands; it’s a well-timed trap block from a guard landing on an unsuspecting defender; it’s the swivel of the hips or a dip in a shoulder from a ball-carrier that causes a would-be tackler to whiff, resulting in a big play going to the house. In District 16-5A DI, that exe- cution made the Rio Grande Valley’s only 10-team district one of the highest-scoring, led by the Mission Veterans offense and Mr. Texas Football 2018 Landry Gilpin, which averaged 48 points over the course of nine games. Seven of the other nine teams posted more than 20 points per game. But while last year is in the rearview, those same squads are reloaded and ready to fire on all cylinders, and they feel they have something to prove. “I believe we have a lot of potential,” Mission Veterans senior receiver Mikey Garcia said. “Everyone thinks that just because Landry is gone, we’re going to flop, but it’s next man up. You have to be ready for Joel Martinez | [email protected] everything and I think we’re Front row from left to right: Rio Grande City running back Angel Galvan, PSJA Southwest RB Cesar Bocanegra, Mission Veterans receiver Mikey Garcia. prepared.” Back row from left to right: Rio Grande City quarterback Mario Garza, PSJA Southwest quarterback Ramiro Ramirez and Mission Veterans running back The Patriots’ offense has Danny Cantu. reloaded with All-State receiv- ers Garcia (765 yards, nine see that safety coming down, Head coach Leo Mireles has back and playing with my Chris Sanchez. “We’re going to touchdowns in nine games) Mikey will beat you with the taken over the program, and teammates again,” Garza said. go hard every play and try to and A.J. Gonzaque (75 catches, speed, and if you play me one- just as he’s looking to bring the “This year I’m trying to come put up better numbers than we 1,493 yards, 15 TDs), who com- on-one and throw the jump Rattlers some wins, he has a out and put the team on my did last year.” bine to give new quarterback, ball, I feel like I’ll get it most of quarterback with the hunger to back.” And don’t sleep on Donna sophomore Ricky Reyna, the the time,” Gonzaque said. bounce back. But the offenses in 16-5A High as dual-threat Avery top 1-2 punch to throw to in Mission Veterans is ready to RGC quarterback Mario DI won’t just spread you out. Bowen takes over the quarter- the RGV. And that’s not even prove the offense won’t take Garza’s junior season ended in Teams like PSJA Southwest and back position. getting to Danny Cantu, a com- a step back, it’s only forward just four weeks due to a torn La Joya Palmview will lineup So when a game’s in plete do-it-all back who will together, “one heartbeat,” as MCL. He’s fired up and ready under center, hand the rock doubt, look for the offensive help carry the load this season. the Patriots say. to roll his senior year in the off and let their linemen go to onslaughts in District 16-5A “I think our offense is electri- In Starr County, a first-year Rattlers spread attack. work. DI to break it open. fying. Danny Cantu will run it head coach is looking to revive “I felt like I let my team down “We’re trying to prove some- down your mouth. When you the Rattlers of Rio Grande City. last year, but I’m happy to be thing,” said PSJA Southwest’s [email protected] FOLIO • 39 2019 SHARYLAND RATTLERS SHS VARSITY FOOTBALL

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Avery Bowen, QB, Donna High Freddy Flores, S, La Joya Palmview Players to watch Dual-threat junior Avery Bowen, the Freddy Flores is a playmaker from his younger brother of former Donna High safety position in the La Joya Palmview in 5A quarterback/running back Amonte Bowen, secondary. His willingness to step up steps into the spotlight as the starter and and stop the run game is crucial to the spark plug of his team’s offense. Bowen’s Lobos’ defensive success, but he has no versatility will allow Donna to open things problem dropping back and shutting down up and become more creative on the the pass. Flores had 59 tackles and five offensive side. The combination of Bowen interceptions last season and is looking and running back Marcus Ysaguirre will to close out his high school career with be leaned on heavily to carry the Donna another strong showing. offense.

Lavar Lindo, WR, Sharyland Pioneer AJ Gonzaque, WR, Mission Veterans The 6-feet-4-inch receiver Lavar Lindo He can go up top, he can run right by towers over cornerbacks across from him any defender and he can often be found and he frequently makes them pay. As a in the end zone. Mission Veterans junior junior, Lindo posted 623 receiving yards receiver AJ Gonzaque is the Valley’s top and seven touchdowns on just 25 catch- pass-catcher and he’s coming off an es. Quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger All-state season after putting up 1,493 Damian Gomez, QB, Valley View and the Pioneer offense spread the ball yards and 15 touchdowns on 75 recep- Jay Cardenas, RB, Edcouch-Elsa Damian Gomez has three years of around and play at a fast-pace, but when tions. Gonzaque will be new quarterback Senior running back Jay Cardenas can starting experience under his belt from a big play is needed, look for Lindo going Ricky Reyna’s top target, and they already carve up defenses as he leads Edcouch- his time at Mission High. Now, the versa- deep. His recruitment has been picking showed chemistry early on as they con- Elsa’s run-heavy attack into the 2019 tile quarterback will lead the Valley View up steam as multiple Div. I colleges have nected for three touchdown in the Patri- season. As a junior, Cardenas had a cool offense during his senior season. He can shown interest in the big, reliable target. ots’ first scrimmage of the season. 991 all-purpose yards and 15 touch- deliver any throw asked of him and hurt downs. Once Cardenas gets going, the defenses with his with ability to run. A bro- Yellow Jackets’ offense is difficult to hold ken collarbone cut Gomez’s 2018 season as his big-play ability allows fellow runners short, and he’ll be looking to bounce back Shawn Alvarado and Edward Cardoza to with a brand new team. follow his lead.

Eddie Lee Marburger, QB, Sharyland Pioneer Eddie Lee Marburger picked up valu- able time as a starter as a sophomore, but now the junior quarterback is ready to let it rip. Marburger ran for 193 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 1,036 yards and nine more scores while splitting time last season. With weapons like Lavar Lindo, Luke Padilla and running back Tristan Castillo to get the ball to, Mar- burger’s numbers will rise as the Pioneer football program attempts to establish itself among the RGV’s best. 42 • FOLIO District 16-5A DI preview

BY BRYAN RAMOS was one-and-done in the playoffs last season, but this year, they’re charged up. STAFF WRITER Head coach Cantu has four guys coming back on the offensive side of the ball, but they’re all at key positions for the Chargers. Longoria accounted for 1,410 passing yards, 350 rushing yards and 18 combined touchdowns. Garza is a productive back who had 611 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, while receivers Masten and Maldonado combined for 1,264 yards and 12 touchdowns giving Brownsville Vets a charged up offense entering the season. The Chargers have a team that can put up Brownsville Lopez numbers, which usually results in notches in the win column. Coach: Armando Gutierrez, 2nd year 2018 record: 2-8 Last playoff appearance: 2017 Returning starters (O/D): 4/3 Returning lettermen: 16 Key players: OL Santiago Castillo; QB Jose Cruz; WR Xavier Vasquez; RB/LB Luis Barrera 2019 Outlook: Brownsville Lopez didn’t fair well in the fi rst year of the 10-team 16- Joel Martinez | [email protected] 5A DI, but one positive was a victory over rival Brownsville Porter. The Lobos went 2-8 Mission Veterans running back Danny Cantu carries the ball against the Victoria East defense Donna High and picked up a surprising Week 1 win over on Nov. 16, 2018 at Tom Landry Stadium in Mission. the McAllen High Bulldogs in non-district Pace’s spread attack and should be a 2019 Outlook: Last season was unkind Coach: Ramiro Leal, 7th year action. Lopez did show some fi ght in district favorite to lock up one of the four playoff to the Brownsville Porter Cowboys as they 2018 record: 6-4 play as the Lobos lost four games by one spots up for grabs in the 10-team district. fi nished winless in 16-5A DI with an 0-9 Last playoff appearance: 2015 possession. Cruz (1,108 passing yards, Banda had 1,132 passing yards, 775 record and 1-9 overall. The Cowboys only Returning starters (O/D): 8/6 9 TDs) provides experience for the Lopez rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns. win came in a Week 1 win against Port Returning lettermen: 22 offense, while Reyes is in line to see action Helping him out on the offensive side will Isabel, but it was all downhill from there. Key players: QB Avery Bowen; RB Marcus on both sides of the ball. be Barron (496 yards rushing) and Solis The Cowboys have 11 returning starters Ysaguirre; DB Ethan Rodriguez; LB Pedro (309 yards receiving, 3 TDs). The biggest looking to shake things up this season, Ramirez; WR Marcos Chavez; DB EJ question will be the Vikings defense. With including four-year starting lineman Belmarez only three returning starters back, new Gonzalez. A quarterback with plenty of 2019 Outlook: The last time Donna High faces will have to step up to stop some of varsity experience is a benefi t not many reached the postseason, they were carried by Amonte Bowen, a running back turned quarterback who lit a fi re for the team’s offense. Three years later, another Bowen steps into a key role and hopes to lead Donna back into the postseason. Junior quarterback Avery Bowen is a dynamic runner and improving as a passer each Brownsville Pace time he takes the fi eld, indicating good things to come for Donna High football. Seventh-year head coach Leal coached Amonte and now Avery, and he feels Avery Coach: Daniel Pardo, 3rd year Brownsville Veterans can be even better as he’s a little shiftier 2018 record: 7-4, bi-district qualifi er Brownsville Porter than his older brother. Ysaguirre is back for Last playoff appearance: 2018 have, but Garcia enters his senior season another year to serve as the team’s running Returning starters (O/D): 4/3 with two years of starting under his belt. back. Defensive backs Ethan Rodriguez and Returning lettermen: 12 the high-fl ying offenses in District 16-5A DI. Coach: David Cantu, 8th year EJ Belmarez form Donna’s strongest unit Key players: QB Jose Banda; RB Dylan Coach: Carlos Uresti, 3rd year 2018 record: 7-4, bi-district qualifi er defensively, while linebacker Pedro Ramirez Barron; OL Rafael Recio; LB Jay Gomez; DB 2018 record: 1-9 Last playoff appearance: 2018 roams free from the linebacker position on Daryin Jones Last playoff appearance: 2015 Returning starters (O/D): 4/6 the second level of the defense. Bowen has 2019 Outlook: Brownsville Pace fi nished Returning starters (O/D): 5/6 Returning lettermen: 23 the potential to ignite the Donna offense 2018 second in the 16-5A DI standings, Returning lettermen: 15 Key players: QB Liam Longoria; WR Elijah and compete for a playoff spot. in large part due to the play of then Key players: QB Kevin Garcia; OL Adam Masten; RB Mauricio Garza; TE Damian sophomore quarterback, Banda. Now one Gonzalez; DE Luis Armendariz; LB Luis Maldonado; DT Alex Villarreal; SEE 16-5A DI ON PAGE 44 year older, stronger and wiser, Banda leads Palacios; ATH Gabriel Gonzalez 2019 Outlook: Brownsville Veterans FOLIO • 43

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4 44 • FOLIO FROM PAGE 42 the third seed in 16-5A DI with a 6-3 district record. Heading into the 2019 season, the Lobos again have doubters, but they’d love nothing more than to prove them wrong once more. With six starters returning on each side of the ball, head coach Margarito Requeñez feel his group has the pieces to make a second- straight playoff appearance. Gonzalez, a former receiver, will take over under center for the Lobos as his athleticism and skill adds another threat to Palmview’s patented ground game. La Joya Palmview Junior running back Peña put up 690 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on limited touches last season, but Coach: Margarito Requeñez, 6th year he’s ready for more responsibility. 2018 record: 6-5, bi-district qualifi er Flores and fellow safety Fernie Cavazos Last playoff appearance: 2018 are Palmview’s last line of defense, Returning starters (O/D): 6/6 but also the strongest. Linebackers Returning lettermen: 30 Arjona and Guerrero give the Lobos Key players: QB David Gonzalez; speed from the linebacker position, RB Carlos Pena; S Freddy Flores; OL something Requeñez is excited to see Alejandro Mendiola; TE Jerry Galvan; as they’ll face multiple spread offenses Golden Corral McAllen, TX location wants to reach out LB Carlos Arjona throughout the course of district play. & thank All Valley Teams and coaches for 2019 Outlook: It’s safe to say La After a rivalry game against La Joya Joya Palmview’s fi rst year at the 5A High in Week 1, Palmview will begin its an upcoming job well done this 2019 season. level after moving down from 6A was quest to continue to build the program a success. Although the Lobos were at the 5A level. Come out and enjoy our buffet before or doubted early on, Palmview proved after the game at a special discounted rate. people wrong and ended up claiming SEE 16-5A DI ON PAGE 46 Call and make a reservation @ 956.793.0772 TRUST YOUR COMMUNITY BANK FOR STRENGTH AND STABILITY

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its ground game this season. Pedraza and Gomez are big playing in the Wolverine front-seven defensively. PSJA Memorial managed to win four of its fi nal fi ve games in district play, ending the season with a 4-6 mark and giving this year’s group a nice foundation to build on.

Mission Veterans Coach: David Gilpin, 10th year 2018 record: 12-2, regional fi nal qualifi er Last playoff appearance: 2018 Returning starters (O/D): 4/3 Returning lettermen: 22 Key players: WR AJ Gonzaque; WR Mikey Garcia; RB Danny Cantu; LB PSJA Southwest Jesse Gonzalez; LB Mike Rodriguez; QB Ricky Reyna; DB Mike Gonzalez 2019 Outlook: Mission Veterans is Coach: Mike Evans, 3rd year coming off a magical season as the 2018 record: 4-6 Patriots became the fi rst Valley team Last playoff appearance: None since 2011 to reach the fourth-round Returning starters (O/D): 6/6 of the playoffs. Mission Vets went Returning lettermen: 17 9-0 in 16-5A DI to claim the district Key players: ATH Cesar Bocanegra; crown, along with three more gold LB/RB Andrew Reyna; RB Chris balls won in the playoffs. Gone is Mr. Sanchez; QB Ramiro Ramirez; DB Alan Texas Football 2018 Landry Gilpin, but Carlos; OL John Aguilar; OL Adam Rojas according to coach David Gilpin and 2019 Outlook: The PSJA Southwest his guys, “tradition doesn’t graduate.” football program has been around So, how do they replace Landry Gilpin? since 2012, but a playoff berth has It’s all hands on deck, and there’s eluded the Javelinas. The arrow is some of the best hands in football pointing up for the Hogs, however, on the Mission Vets roster. All-state as they return 12 starters from last year’s squad that closed the season by receivers Gonzaque (1,493 yards, 15 Delcia Lopez | [email protected] TDs) and Garcia (765 yards, 9 TDs) winning three of fi ve games. A three- PSJA Southwest’s Cesar Bocanegra carries the ball against Mission Veterans on Oct. 18, 2019 point loss to Rio Grande City and a will give sophomore quarterback Reyna at Tom Landry Stadium in Mission. two top pass-catchers to throw to. one-point loss to La Joya Palmview And playing next to the new Patriots Alex Leyva; LB Anthony Pedraza; WR/ prevented the Javelinas from sniffi ng starter is Cantu, one of the most slept DB Jared Sandoval; DL Santo Gomez the postseason, but third-year head on running backs in the RGV. Cantu 2019 Outlook: First-year head coach coach Evans has this group set on can gash defenses for big gains and David Brown II takes over the PSJA making history. Bocanegra is small, catch out of the backfi eld as he had Memorial football program after helping shifty and possesses high-level fi eld- 1,035 total yards and nine TDs last Raymondville reach a 9-2 record as the vision as he’s coming off a year with season. The Patriots defense returns team’s defensive coordinator in 2018. 574 rushing yards and four rushing three of the team’s top tacklers from A former defensive back himself, Brown scores. He also has four returners 2018 in Rodriguez (112 tackles, 3 brings an aggressive, attacking style on the offensive line back ready to sacks), Jesse Gonzalez (122 tackles, 4 PSJA Memorial to the Wolverines that should improve create running lanes. Playing alongside forced fumbles) and Mike Gonzalez (92 the entire defense. Quarterback Leyva Bocanegra in the Southwest backfi eld tackles). will have one of the Valley’s biggest red is two-way player Sanchez. The running Coach: David Brown II, 1st year zone threats in Muñoz, a tall receiver back/linebacker splashed onto the 2018 record: 4-6 who had 300 yards and seven receiving scene last season as he chipped in Last playoff appearance: 2011 touchdowns on just 14 catches last 208 rushing yards, fi ve touchdowns Returning starters (O/D): 5/6 season. PSJA Memorial lost its top and 46 tackles. Ramirez takes over the Returning lettermen: 26 three rushers to graduation, so they’ll quarterback position as he comes in Key players: WR Michael Muñoz; QB need to fi nd some fresh legs to lead with good size and decent speed. FOLIO • 47 PSJA HIGH SCHOOL BEARS

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as the Roma alum makes his return to Starr County. In his 14 years of coaching on both sides of the ball at Laredo Alexander, Laredo Nixon and Laredo United, Mireles reached the postseason 12 times. Now his focus turns to taking Rio Grande City to the playoffs for the fi rst time since 2013. Garza, a senior, started four games at quarterback last year before suffering a season-ending MCL injury. Now, he’s back in the fold Rio Grande City and has turned into a leader for the RGC offense and entire Rattlers team. Four of fi ve return on the offensive line to protect Coach: Leo Mireles, 1st year Garza, led by center Compean. They’ll be 2018 record: 3-7 big in helping returning running back Galvan Last playoff appearance: 2013 get going. The Rattlers are making one Returning starters (O/D) 5/4 change schematically on the defensive end Returning lettermen: 25 as they’ll move from an odd-man front to an Key players: RB Angel Galvan; QB Mario even-front. Fast and physical is how Mireles’ Garza; S Marc Perez; C Zac Compean; WR defenses have played in Laredo, and he Allan Garcia; DE Devin Gonzalez expects the same thing from the Rattlers. 2019 Outlook: Leo Mireles enters his fi rst He fi rmly believes the Rattlers can compete Joel Martinez | [email protected] year as a head coach at the high school for not only a playoff spot in his fi rst year La Joya Palmview safety Freddy Flores jumps on a loose ball during a game against Donna level, but he brings with him plenty of with the program, but can contend for the High on Sept. 20, 2018 at Donna High School. playoff experience from his days in Laredo 16-5A DI crown.

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MA-30097080 WWW.VVIEWISD.NET FOLIO • 51 Heavy Hitters drop the hammer in 16-5A DII BY BRYAN RAMOS STAFF WRITER

othing makes its N return known quite like high school football in Texas. It might be the bright stadium lights in small cities that shine down on the gridiron illuminat- ing two teams going toe-to- toe. It could be the roar of a crowd celebrating a big play or a fight song blaring from the band that can be heard from miles away. But in District 16-5A DII, its the sound of a “boom” as heavy hitters meet run- ners in the hole and drop the hammer. Defense is key in the sev- en-team district where some of the Valley’s top lineback- ers rule from the second level crashing running lanes, dropping into pass coverage and delivering demoralizing blows to diminish an oppos- ing offenses will. Spearheading the Sharyland Rattlers defense is middle linebacker Santino Pascual, a four-year letter- man with 73 tackles and five sacks to his name last season. He now takes over a unit that Joel Martinez | [email protected] lives by the motto of “9-5- From left to right: Mercedes’ Brandon Adame, Sharyland Pioneer’s Kyle Sullivan, Valley View’s Aleksander Gomez and Sharyland High’s Santino Pascual. 90”, meaning nine defenders within five yards of the ball just that type. Valley View to match up with a sophomore a season ago. tackles) are trying to bring 90 percent of the time. As a Gomez, who had 124 tack- everyone and keep people He burst onto the scene for back the mystique of “The senior and returning starter, les and nine sacks last year, from scoring.” the Tigers the same way he Black Hole” that is Benny he’s ready to lead the group transferred to Valley View Sharyland Pioneer senior busted through blockers Layton Memorial Stadium. and make life miserable for over from Mission High for linebacker Kyle Sullivan is to blow up plays, finishing A 2-8 season in 2018 is the quarterbacks in the district. his senior season. He’s hop- the opposite. He tallied 85 with a team-high 104 total driving force behind the “We’re not very big, but our ing to add fire and enthu- tackles and three sacks as a tackles, 13 tackles for loss, Yellow Jackets journey to defense is based on speed, siasm to what he feels is an junior. While he plays with three sacks and three fumble restoring glory. blitzes coming from every- already-established defen- a passion and intensity each recoveries. “We try to bring that Black where trying to make it a sive unit. time he takes the field, he “We look to set an aggres- Hole back — that intimida- tough time on other quarter- “Valley View’s defense has has the demeanor of “The sive tone, play physical, tion, that fear, we’re trying backs every Friday night. I’m always been one of the best Terminator”. A man of few that’s how we play football to bring that tradition back,” trying to lead the defense as in the district, despite their words, but effective and get- at Mercedes. We have a big Uresti said. far as we can,” Pascual said. records before. I just look to ting his point across. point to prove. Coming off So don’t be alarmed if a And, there are multiple bring more aggression into “We’re ready to work as last year, we want to show loud bang is heard from out ways to lead a defense. There that defense, bring that fire a unit. We see no competi- people they have to stop of nowhere. There’s a good are the vocal, loud leaders and be the man up front,” tion,” he said. sleeping on us,” Adame said. chance it’s just football being who have the ability to fire Gomez said. “The way the Mercedes’ Brandon Adame Over at Edcouch-Elsa, played in District 16-5A DII. up their teammates with play here in this district, was named District 16-5A defensive ends Ross Uresti, every word. Valley View line- they want to spread us out, DII’s Defensive Newcomer Matt Segura (12 sacks) and [email protected] backer Aleksander Gomez is but we have the athletes at of the Year for his play as linebacker Jack Perez (76 52 • FOLIO District 16-5A DII preview

BY BRYAN RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Edcouch-Elsa Roma

Coach: Christian Navarro, 1st year Coach: Frank Villanueva, 3rd year 2018 record: 2-8 2018 record: 3-7 Last playoff appearance: 2016 Last playoff appearance: 2015 Returning starters (O/D): 5/6 Returning starters (O/D): 7/5 Returning lettermen: 35 Returning lettermen: 22 Key players: RB Jay Cardenas; QB Key players: QB Johnny Rios; S/WR Mike Rodriguez; LB Jack Perez; DE Hiram Flores; WR Esteban Barrera; Joel Martinez | [email protected] Matt Segura; CB Jesse Beltran; RB OL Akileo Guerra; LB Gabriel Garcia Sharyland Pioneer quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger delivers a pass against Mercedes during Shawn Alvarado; DE Ross Uresti 2019 Outlook: The Roma a district game on Oct. 5, 2018 at Sharyland Pioneer High School in Mission. 2019 Outlook: After last year’s Gladiators were a Week 11 win against Mercedes from getting into 2-8 season, the program’s worst have what it takes to carry the program in 2019. Receivers Cantu and Rincon the playoffs last season, but they outing since 1983, Edcouch-Elsa is back to the playoffs after a two-year give Mercedes a solid 1-2 punch in fell short for the third consecutive determined to right the ship. Athletic absence. their spread attack. As a sophomore, year. Entering the 2019 season, director Christian Navarro was tabbed Cantu had 780 yards, six receiving the Gladiators are led by third- as the interim head coach after six touchdowns and made two house year starter quarterback Rios, an games last season, but now that tag calls on kickoff returns for TDs. When accurate passer with the ability to is gone as Navarro looks to restore they’re not doing damage, running pick up yards with his feet. Rios the grit, toughness and tradition back back Sonny Vela (625 rushing yards, (1,032 yards, 7 TDs) and the Roma to “La Maquina Amarilla.” This year’s 7 TDs) will get to work running behind offense will open things up to get offense has shown the ability to run the tackle Aubrey Elizondo and center the ball to tall, athletic options in ball effectively with the three-headed Zeke Gutierrez. Linebacker Adame receivers Barrera (465 yards, 3 monster of Cardenas, Cardoza and was named last year’s Defensive TDs) and Flores. Up front, Roma Alvarado. Cardenas compiled 991 Newcomer of the Year as he’s coming returns four of five on the o-line, all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns off a season with 76 tackles, 18 spearheaded by the imposing as a junior and has proven to be tackles for loss, seven sacks and three Mercedes Guerra. Flores is also a force on the a problem for opposing defenses. interceptions. Shutting things down other side of the ball from his safety Rodriguez will start under center for Roger Adame Jr., 6th year in the secondary is Ortiz, a lengthy Coach: position as he recorded 68 tackles the Yellow Jackets. The main goal for 5-6, bi-district qualifi er defensive back who led the Tigers 2018 record: and two interceptions in 2018. As a Edcouch-Elsa defense is to bring back 2018 with six interceptions and 91 tackles Last playoff appearance: freshman, Garcia had 74 tackles as “The Black Hole,” which swallows 8/8 a season ago. Mercedes’ losses came Returning starters (O/D): the sophomore returns to improve offenses whole when they take the fi eld 28 at the hands of Sharyland High and Returning lettermen: off his debut at the varsity level. at Benny Layton Memorial Stadium. WR Josiah Cantu; WR Sharyland Pioneer in district play, but Key players: Three was the magic number last Senior defensive ends Matt Segura and Alex Rincon; LB Brandon Adame; DB this year, the Tigers have hopes of season, and if Roma can find a way Ross Uresti are solid bookends on the Ramiro Ortiz winning the 16-5A DII title. to come up with three victories, the Yellow Jackets defense, while middle The Tigers return 16 2019 Outlook: Gladiators could find themselves in linebacker Jack Perez and his 76 starters from last year’s bi-district the playoffs. tackles from last season will lead the qualifying team, giving Mercedes second level. Cornerback Jesse Beltran an edge on the competition when it is dynamic in run support and can go comes to experience playing at the toe-to-toe in coverage against the top varsity level. A 4-2 district record receivers in the district. With all eyes helped the Tigers capture the third on Edcouch-Elsa, the Yellow Jackets seed, but Mercedes is chasing more SEE 16-5A DII ON PAGE 54 FOLIO • 53 MA-30136198 54 • FOLIO District 16-5A DII cont.

season, but they also have the second- to compete for the 16-5A DII title largest number of returning lettermen. with the potential to be the RGV’s last Eighth-year head coach Adame’s football team standing once the postseason factory expects to continue functioning rolls around. at a high level with that experience and winning tradition established at Sharyland High. After graduating quarterbacks Edgar Longoria and Oscar Valdez over the summer, the athletic Valdivia will assume the role and lead the Rattlers Sharyland High offense. Meanwhile, Farias will lead the Sharyland Pioneer Sharyland offensive line from his center position as he works to give room to running back Andres Bonilla to run free. Coach: Thomas Lee, 2nd year Coach: Ron Adame, 8th year Sharyland’s defense will be its strong-suit 2018 record: 7-4, bi-district qualifi er 2018 record: 8-4, area qualifi er with linebacker Pascual and secondary Last playoff appearance: 2018 Valley View Last playoff appearance: 2018 members Hinojosa (54 tackles, 2 sacks, Returning starters (O/D): 7/7 Returning starters (O/D): 2/4 1 INT) and Alanis (3 INTs). A 9-1 season Returning lettermen: 26 Returning lettermen: 34 for last year’s JV team also sets up Key players: QB Eddie Lee Marburger; Coach: Elifonso Esquivel Jr., 4th year Key players: LB Santino Pascual; this year’s varsity squad to receive key WR Lavar Lindo; WR Luke Padilla; LB 2018 record: 7-4, bi-district qualifier DE Ethan Garza; C Robert Farias; DB contributions from some young guns. The Kyle Sullivan; S Chis’mere Mallard; RB Last playoff appearance: 2018 Sebastian Hinojosa; DB Jonathon Alanis; two-time defending district champions Tristan Castillo Returning starters (O/D): 7/6 WR Mauricio Sanchez; RB Andres Bonilla will have a target on their backs entering 2019 Outlook: One yard short. Returning lettermen: 17 2019 Outlook: The Rattlers went 16-5A DII play, but the Rattlers are ready Sharyland Pioneer’s 2018 season Key players: QB Damian Gomez; LB unbeaten in the fi rst year of 16-5A DII for the challenge. ended in the first round of the playoffs Aleksander Gomez; DL Adrian Rojas; and are ready to defend their district after a failed two-point conversion OL Daniel Aleman; WR Richard Ordaz; title. Sharyland High returns the lowest in the winding seconds handed the RB/LB Chris Delgado number of starters in the district from last victory to Port La Vaca Calhoun, 2019 Outlook: Valley View is one keeping the Diamondbacks out of the year removed from making program area round by just a single yard. That history as the Tigers qualified for the one yard has motivated this year’s playoffs for the first time in 2018. group of Diamondbacks who are This year’s group, led by fourth-year determined to make program history head coach Elifonso Esquivel, is and not only reach the second round ready to make it back-to-back. Twin of the playoffs, but go on a deep brothers Damian, quarterback, and postseason run. And they have all Aleksander, middle linebacker, join the the right tools to do just that. Junior Tigers after transferring from Mission quarterback Marburger (1,229 yards High, giving Valley View all the tools passing and rushing combined, 11 needed to make it a repeat effort. TDs) leads one of the Valley’s top Damian has three years of starting offensive units with an arsenal of experience under his belt and put up weapons to spread the ball around. 1,165 passing yards and 17 total Out wide are six-footers Lindo (623 touchdowns during his sophomore and yards, 7 TDs) and Padilla (479 yards, junior seasons despite battling injuries. 4 TDs) who can hurt secondaries Aleksander is a fiery, vocal leader on deep and over the middle. Junior the defensive end as the senior tallied running back Castillo (1,038 all- 124 tackles and nine sacks in 2018. purpose yards) will carry the load on Playing alongside at the linebacker the ground for the Dbacks. For a team position are Jose Flores and Brendon not traditionally known for its defense, Cavazos, while Rojas, a force inside this year’s unit hopes to change that who had 60 tackles and four sacks perception. Linebacker Sullivan and last season, mans the defensive line. McAllen High transfer Mallard provide After finishing 3-3 in District 16-5A-DII playmaking on the other side of the last season, Valley View will be looking ball for the Diamondbacks. Sullivan to improve on that mark and punch its totaled 74 tackles, three for a loss, ticket to the playoffs for the second while Mallard had three interceptions straight year. from his safety spot for the Bulldogs in 2018. Look for second-year head coach Tom Lee and the Diamondbacks MA-30134340 FOLIO • 55 WESLACO HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS MA-30136684 MA-30134679

56 • FOLIO Sub-Class 5A preview

Grulla Hidalgo Progreso La Villa

Coach: Abel Gonzalez III, 10th year Coach: Monty Stumbaugh, 3rd year Coach: Frank Martinez, 3rd year Coach: Daniel Perez, 3rd year 2018 record: 3-8, bi-district 2018 record: 2-8 2018 record: 3-8, bi-district 2018 record: 7-5, area qualifi er qualifi er Last playoff appearance: 2013 qualifi er Last playoff appearance: 2018 Last playoff appearance: 2018 O/D returning starters: 8/7 Last playoff appearance: 2018 O/D returning starters: 3/5 O/D returning starters: 7/6 Returning lettermen: 22 Key players: QB/RB Josh San Returning lettermen: 26 Returning lettermen: 16 Key players: QB Angel Lopez; TE/DE Roman; RB Julian Alvarez; RB Juan Key players: QB Sebastian Key players: WR Jesse Garza; WR Kyle Perales; LB/WR Robert Toledano; Casares; WR/DB Elian Rodriguez; DL Lopez; WR/DB Manuel Solis; WR/ Santiago Sifuentes; QB JT Trujillo; LB WR/S Gus Sanchez; OL/DL Eduardo Adriel Flores; LB Uriel Garcia; WR/DB DB, Christopher Rivera; DE Roman Jorge Guerrero; RB Vidal Lopez; DE Frias; RB/DB Zachary Carrera; DE/ Jose Luis Vargas; DB Santos GArcia; Guerrero; FS/RB Damien Felix; LB Jerry Moises Pena; LB/TE Armando Ramriez; TE Dakoda Cervantes; WR/DB Julio WR/DB Rolando Perez; OL/DL Fernando Reyes; RB Christian Ortiz WR/DB Josue Barrera; OT JOrge Zamorano; OL/DL Samy Zamorano; LB Valero; LB Jorge Arredondo; DL Gilbert Vasquez Javier Guerra Garces

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Mayor Pedro A. Flores Mayor, Pro-Tem Merardo Banda Jr., Commissioner Laura P. Solis City Secretary Marlen V. Garza. Good Luck this Year!

‘One Community, One Vision: Excellence’ MA-30136919 30136857 FOLIO • 59 MA-30136695 Proudly Supports The Pack z LA JOYA z PALMVIEW z 877-585-6207 www.lajoyacreditunion.com

Palmview Lobos La Joya Coyotes La Joya JL Huskies 60 • FOLIO