SCOUTING REPORT for Port Isabel [Archive]

TarponFanInNorthTexas

07-07-2011, 05:12 PM

We're around, just hasn't been too much to post about as of late.

Tarpons will be a mostly Soph./Junior team this year with a handful of Seniors coming off a district title last year. The Sophomore group coming up is huge though, and several of them will be starting on the Varsity this year.

Also had a couple of out-of-state transfers come in late in May, one of which has (allegedly) around 4.4 speed and should be starting in the backfield this year.

So things are sorta looking up for the Tarpons after several years of below average performances. Especially disappointing was the 2008 and 2009 teams, had the talent to be world beaters, but instead, beat themselves. Such a shame.

P.S. - I still eat Fish and Shrimp religiously at least once a week.

footballgal

08-05-2011, 01:34 PM

TARPON TIME
http://epaper.valleymorningstar.com/Olive/ODE/ValleyMorningStar/server/GetContent.asp?contentsrc=primitive&dochref=VMS%2F2011%2F08%2F05&entityid=Pc00907&pageno=9&chunkid=Pc00907&repformat=1.0&primid=Pc0090700&imgext=jpg&type=Content&for=primitive
DINA AREVALO/VALLEY MORNING STAR
PI head coach Monty Stumbaugh rushes one of his QBs during a recent practice at Port Isabel High School. Stumbaugh doesn’t mind getting down and dirty for the sake of practice.

PI LOOKS TO BUILD OFF LAST SEASON, RETURN PROGRAM TO PROMINENCE
By ARMANDO GARZA
Valley Morning Star

PORT ISABEL — No one can accuse Monty Stumbaugh of being a “hands off” type of coach.
The veteran Tarpon taskmaster was right in the thick of his offense running plays on a steamy Thursday morning, giving instructions to players on one of the classic Tarpon Toss plays. He even played a little defensive end, running at the quarterback while hollering with his arms raised as he released a pass.
All in a day’s work for the coach known as “Stump.” After all, the energetic, lively coach has to keep up with the young group of Tarps on the field. But he doesn’t mind one bit.
“We’re gonna be young, and we’re not very big, but we are quick,” said Stumbaugh, who starts his 11th season at the helm. “This is just a different group.. They’ve got a great attitude and they came in good shape.”
About 96 Tarpons have come out for two-a-days, and while cliché, the spirit and enthusiasm is definitely up in PI.
As the coach alluded to, this will be a young school of Tarpons, but a talented one, too. Many of last year’s freshman class, a group highly-touted since they breezed through seasons in junior high, are now on the varsity as sophomores.
But the biggest difference at Tarpons’ camp? Attitude.
The drive and passion to play the game was evident in the players’ spirited workouts. Players ran back to their spots, the huddle and in between drills. They’re young, but eager and that’s half the battle.
“Right now, we’re throwin’ a lot of stuff at ‘em, so there’s a little confusion. There’s a big difference from playing on Thursday to Friday nights,” Stumbaugh said. “But reps will take care of that. They’re young, and they’re gonna make mistakes. So we’re working until everything becomes natural.”
A key position battle is at quarterback, where three are vying to guide the Tarpon offense this season.
Senior Luis Aguilera took snaps Thursday along with junior Zach Reeves and sophomore Isaiah Martinez. The competition has been fierce, but friendly, and Stumbaugh has plenty of time to see which one will rise to the top.
“We’ve got those three we’re looking at, so we’ll wait and see,” Stumbaugh said. “They’ve all looked good at one point or another and it’s been a good battle.”
But with a good group that has that Port Isabel Pride, the sky’s the limit for the young Tarpons. And that has them feeling pretty confident these days.
“These guys remind me of the groups I had when I first came here. They play with that chip on their shoulder,” Stumbaugh said. “They love to play football, they don’t care who gets the credit, and they don’t like to lose. But what’s exciting is they play their tails off and have a big love for the game.”
Armando Garza covers District 32-3A football for the Valley Morning Star. He can be reached at 956-430-6255 or at . On Twitter, he can be followed
@adgarza5.