Big Thursday night game--- Rio Hondo vs. Grulla @ Rio Grande City

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2 of the teams involved in the 4-way tie for 1st in 32-AAA.

Will The Bobcats bounce back from the upset loss to Zapata?

Will the 2nd-year Gators continue their winning ways?

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http://www.rgvsports.com/articles/playing-10366-district-rio.html


Grieving Gators playing for much more than District 32-3A lead
October 26, 2011 3:20 PM
Alex E. Peña
Special to RGVSports.com
RIO GRANDE CITY — When tragedy strikes in sports, everything takes a back seat, including the game itself.

But for the Grulla Gators, their District 32-3A affair Thursday night against Rio Hondo may serve as a healing tool following the death of Adrian Peña, a 15-year-old varsity offensive lineman, on Sunday.

And while the game may go a long way toward sorting out playoff scenarios and possibly the district championship, the game at Joe R. Sanchez Stadium will be one for the Gators to remember Peña.

But a win could get the Gators closer to their first-ever playoff berth, something Peña dreamed of.

“This was a huge loss. He loved football, he always spoke about playoffs,” Grulla coach Abel Gonzalez said about Peña, who was days away from turning 16. “It’s been a tough couple of days, emotions are high and it’s going to be a trying time for us.

“We’re going to do what he would’ve wanted us to do on the field, which is play hard.”

The Gators had already endured death earlier in the year with the passing of Abel Gonzalez Jr, the coach’s father.

And just like the win over Brownsville Porter the week of Gonzalez Jr.’s death, Thursday’s game should help the Gators take their minds off the arduous situation for a little bit.

Rio Hondo coach Rocky James, whose team can clinch the playoffs with a win, concurred that the Gators are playing under special circumstances which they could use as motivation.

“They’re playing for something more,” James said. “It’s devastating. The athletic part (of it) means nothing because it’s a serious family issue.”

Grulla’s win over Progreso last week, combined with Rio Hondo’s loss to Zapata, created a four-way for first place in 32-3A between Grulla (6-2, 2-1), Rio Hondo (5-3, 2-1), Port Isabel and Zapata.

“Every game is magnified that much more. It’s important to take care of your own business and it starts Thursday,” Gonzalez said.

With two weeks left in the regular season, James wants to avoid a repeat of last year when the Bobcats shared the district crown with Port Isabel.

“Our district has always been tough, there’s a lot of parity and no one is above anybody,” James said. “We were (on top of district), but the loss to Zapata, that put us back with the pack.”

The return of key players should boost both offenses. Grulla running back Raymond Garza had his first start in three weeks, rushing for over 100 yards in the win over Progreso.

The Bobcats will have starting QB Juan Puga back after being injured two weeks ago against La Feria.

Puga played sparingly in the Bobcats’ 21-6 loss against Zapata, where he went 12 for 21 with 130 yards and a TD, but he should be able to go today.

“I would say (Puga) is at 90 percent now,” James said.

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Rio Hondo 0
Grulla 0

Midway thru the 2nd

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Grulla 7
Rio Hondo 0

3:07 until half

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Grulla Gators 7-0 at half

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Gators add to the lead 13-0

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Just what the Bobcats ordered. 13-8 Gators

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Good game in Starr County tonight. Probably gonna go down to the wire

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RH takes the lead 14-13