footballgal
09-19-2003, 11:42 AM
Highway rivals set for battle
Ric Vasquez / Valley Morning Star
PORT ISABEL — Port Isabel head coach Monty Stumbaugh understands that most people in the Rio Grande Valley see the Battle of Highway 100, the annual showdown between Los Fresnos and Port Isabel, as one of the area’s biggest rivalries.
He understands that fans from both communities and players from each team are excited about the fact that they have an opportunity to win bragging rights.
He even understands that his team has a chance to break a six-game losing streak to Los Fresnos.
Still, he just sees tonight’s 57th matchup, which begins at 7:30 at Tarpon Stadium, for what it is — another game.
"I know it’s a big game for the kids and the community, but for me it’s game No. 4," Stumbaugh said. "We’re just trying to get a win chalked up before we begin district play."
The rivalry between the two teams first began in 1950 with Los Fresnos winning 21 of the first 24 games against Port Isabel.
But beginning in 1973, the Tarpons captured 21 straight victories over the Falcons, until Los Fresnos snapped the Tarpons’ winning streak with a one-point win in 1992.
"These games can be great ball games or blowouts," Stumbaugh said.
The Falcons (2-1) have defeated the Tarpons in their last six straight games, which included a 42-35 win last year at Leo Aguilar Stadium.
The last time the Tarpons beat the Falcons was a 36-23 win in 1995.
And although Los Fresnos leads the all-time series at 29-26-1, Falcons head coach Jeff LeFevre is more concerned about his team’s current win steak.
"We get better every game," said LeFevre, who is in his first year as head coach. "We make fewer and fewer mistakes. I like the way that the kids bounced back from Game One and fought hard in Game Two and Game Three."
After losing their season opener to Sharyland, 34-7, the Falcons bounced back to win their next two games against Pace and San Benito, respectively.
Los Fresnos escaped the Vikings by a touchdown and shut out the Greyhounds last week.
"They (the Falcons) are very explosive, and we need to slow them down and keep them off the field," Stumbaugh said.
The Falcons had a total of 389 yards last week, with running back Jorge Jimenez leading the way with 287 yards on 27 carries, and gave up 114 yards in their 35-0 victory over San Benito.
But LeFevre said Port Isabel is just as dangerous, and should not be taken lightly.
"They have a lot of tough football players with speed," LeFevre said. "We are going to have to contain their speed. That is going to be the key for us."
Port Isabel (1-2) is coming off a 9-7 loss to Falfurrias, which ran for 241 yards against the Tarpons.
Despite falling to the Fighting Jersey Bulls last week, the Tarpons still rushed for 179 yards but had three turnovers with nine penalties for 70 yards.
"We’re blessed that we have some kids that can run," Stumbaugh said. "We just need to take care of the football and not have so many penalties. That stops our drive and we can’t have that."
And although he will coach in the rivalry for the first time tonight, LeFevre said he would like to keep the "Battle of Highway 100" title in Los Fresnos for another year.
"It is just as important to win this game than any other game," he said.
Ric Vasquez / Valley Morning Star
PORT ISABEL — Port Isabel head coach Monty Stumbaugh understands that most people in the Rio Grande Valley see the Battle of Highway 100, the annual showdown between Los Fresnos and Port Isabel, as one of the area’s biggest rivalries.
He understands that fans from both communities and players from each team are excited about the fact that they have an opportunity to win bragging rights.
He even understands that his team has a chance to break a six-game losing streak to Los Fresnos.
Still, he just sees tonight’s 57th matchup, which begins at 7:30 at Tarpon Stadium, for what it is — another game.
"I know it’s a big game for the kids and the community, but for me it’s game No. 4," Stumbaugh said. "We’re just trying to get a win chalked up before we begin district play."
The rivalry between the two teams first began in 1950 with Los Fresnos winning 21 of the first 24 games against Port Isabel.
But beginning in 1973, the Tarpons captured 21 straight victories over the Falcons, until Los Fresnos snapped the Tarpons’ winning streak with a one-point win in 1992.
"These games can be great ball games or blowouts," Stumbaugh said.
The Falcons (2-1) have defeated the Tarpons in their last six straight games, which included a 42-35 win last year at Leo Aguilar Stadium.
The last time the Tarpons beat the Falcons was a 36-23 win in 1995.
And although Los Fresnos leads the all-time series at 29-26-1, Falcons head coach Jeff LeFevre is more concerned about his team’s current win steak.
"We get better every game," said LeFevre, who is in his first year as head coach. "We make fewer and fewer mistakes. I like the way that the kids bounced back from Game One and fought hard in Game Two and Game Three."
After losing their season opener to Sharyland, 34-7, the Falcons bounced back to win their next two games against Pace and San Benito, respectively.
Los Fresnos escaped the Vikings by a touchdown and shut out the Greyhounds last week.
"They (the Falcons) are very explosive, and we need to slow them down and keep them off the field," Stumbaugh said.
The Falcons had a total of 389 yards last week, with running back Jorge Jimenez leading the way with 287 yards on 27 carries, and gave up 114 yards in their 35-0 victory over San Benito.
But LeFevre said Port Isabel is just as dangerous, and should not be taken lightly.
"They have a lot of tough football players with speed," LeFevre said. "We are going to have to contain their speed. That is going to be the key for us."
Port Isabel (1-2) is coming off a 9-7 loss to Falfurrias, which ran for 241 yards against the Tarpons.
Despite falling to the Fighting Jersey Bulls last week, the Tarpons still rushed for 179 yards but had three turnovers with nine penalties for 70 yards.
"We’re blessed that we have some kids that can run," Stumbaugh said. "We just need to take care of the football and not have so many penalties. That stops our drive and we can’t have that."
And although he will coach in the rivalry for the first time tonight, LeFevre said he would like to keep the "Battle of Highway 100" title in Los Fresnos for another year.
"It is just as important to win this game than any other game," he said.