NewYorkYankee
08-12-2008, 11:16 PM
District 32-3A Preview
By: Tarpon 84
The more things change, the more things stay the same in the Rio Grande Valley's premiere small class district. So what is different about the district in 2008 than that of the 2007 season? This year’s district now consists of 8 teams instead of 5. Lyford and Raymondville return to 32-3A after a two year leave of absence. Zapata who has been a perennial power in District 31-3A also joins the district. The most entertaining thought of the district is the fact that you should see a more competitive season from all eight teams in the district. This district could easily be one of the most competitive if not the most competitive district in all of class 3A. Below you will an in depth analysis on the district.
Team Previews: order by projected order of finish
1. Port Isabel Tarpons Last Year’s Record: 7-4
Will the tradition continue in Port Isabel? The Tarpons have not advanced past the 2nd round the last 3 years and have lost to Rio Hondo 2 out of the last 3 years. One anonymous Tarpon coach said, “Teams that use to fear us don’t fear us anymore.” Port Isabel has a good crop of kids coming up from JV. The JV consisted of mostly to be juniors and went undefeated. Port Isabel Coach Monty Stumbaugh did not have a single sophomore on varsity last year. This will be a high risk high reward situation for Stumbaugh. The Tarpons will definitely lack the experience of playing as a team this upcoming year. The Tarpons lose their leading passer, rusher, receiver, and tackler. All four starters from the secondary are gone so expect to see some new faces everywhere. Kyle DeMoss will be taking over the quarterback duties. DeMoss is said to be one of the best quarterbacks Port Isabel has had in recent memory even though he hasn’t even played a down of varsity football, but he will need some receivers to work with. At the running back position look for Diego Garcia to take over the starting position. Garcia will have big shoes to fill as Tarpon’s lose all valley 1st team RB Nolan Nunez. Garcia’s leading blocker FB Roli “Bull” Alaniz returns in the backfield. Junior RB Joe Vega will should also see some significant time in the back field. The only position that looks solid is the offensive line. The Tarpons are only losing 1 starter from the O-line. Look for Jonathan Bodden, Alex Betancourt, and Ryan Garcia to open up some big holes. On the defensive side of the ball look for returning 1st team all district DT Javier Roque to clog up the middle and cause havoc. Nick Leblanc returns at linebacker for the Tarpons. Secondary and Receivers are the Tarpons’ biggest weaknesses. Port Isabel opens up their season against CC West Oso, Valley View, and Edcouch Elsa. Chemistry will be a big concern early since these two classes have never played with each other. Will this team bond quickly or fall apart? I say the team bonds quickly and the tradition will continue with another district title for the Tarpons. Look for the Tarpons to make some noise in 2008 and get past the 2nd round!
Starters Returning O/D: 6/3
Offensive Player to Watch: RB Diego Garcia Sr.
Defensive Player to Watch: DT Javier Roque Sr.
Top Underclassman: QB Kyle DeMoss Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlPTeFk2zmA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irbHc4cKzds&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOxXPfA87Pk&feature=related
2. Rio Hondo Bobcats Last Year’s Record: 11-1
There are a couple of questions to be answered in 2008 by the Rio Hondo Bobcats. First off will the coaching change affect the bobcats in anyway? I believe when you lose a coach like Gus Cavasos (PSJA Memorial) who revived Rio Hondo into a winner there would be some problems to consider, but the Bobcats were smart and hired within. Rocky James will replace Cavasos as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for the Bobcats last year. Hiring James was great because it will keep the team’s chemistry together. Rio Hondo players volleyed for James to be the new head coach which goes to show you that he is very well liked by the kids. The only thing James lacks is experience. This is James’ first head coaching job. James has been a long time valley assistant with the likes of Rio Hondo, Los Fresnos, and San Benito. Expect James to mix in the pistol offense this coming season as he hired former Harlingen South offensive coordinator Jesse Landeros to run the offense. I believe James is ready to lead the brotherhood. Rio Hondo returns pre-season all district MVP QB Joseph Vela. Vela gained 800 yards through the air and on the ground despite missing 4 games. Vela could easily throw and run for over 1,000 yards this upcoming season, although he is losing his top wide receiver, Shane Eizember. Expect junior Isaiah De La Cruz, who played second fiddle to Eizember, to become Vela’s primary receiver. De La Cruz was 32-3A’s Newcomer of the Year last year. Rio Hondo also returns 1,000 yard RB Jacob Martinez and short yardage back Trevor “Bruiser” David. Rio Hondo is losing its secondary and star LB Adrian Jaime, but return 1st team all valley DE Alonzo Garza who compiled 75 tackles and 13 sacks in just 7 games. Defense is Rio Hondo’s biggest question mark, but then again that is Rocky James’ specialty. Rio Hondo also brings up some talent from JV which finished 2nd in the district. The Bobcats’ strength of schedule is always a concern and may be the reason why they can’t make it past the 2nd round of the state playoffs. This year is different, very different. Rio Hondo opens up their season against Robstown and region 4 powers Ingleside and Cuero. The Bobcats have been district champions 2 out of the last 3 years, will they make it 3 out of the last 4? The Tarpons are my favorite to win the district but Rio Hondo is a close 2nd. The Tarpons vs Bobcats game will definitely decide the district championship Look for the Bobcats to possibly break the 2nd round barrier in 08!
Starters Returning O/D: 8/5
Offensive Player to watch: QB Joseph Vela Sr.
Defensive Player to watch: DE Alonzo Garza Sr.
Top Underclassman: WR Isaiah De La Cruz Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdiycOs7A8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1c_0ZVPWoo
3. Lyford Bulldogs Last Year’s Record: 5-6
Most say Lyford will get nowhere without a running game, but why run when you can pass? The Bulldogs offense was one of the most prolific and explosive offenses in the valley. The Bulldogs passed 90% of the time and with good reason. Coach Jaime Infante ran various types of shotgun formations and executed them to perfection. “There is no problem with our offense,” said Jaime. Players will be more familiar with its increasing effectiveness and expect strong unity as most players are used to playing with each other. Although the bulldogs did not achieve a winning record, they still garnered a postseason birth with a very young team. Returning at QB for the Bulldogs will be Johnny Esparza who was the 31-3A Newcomer of the Year and broke Koy Detmer’s all time valley record for most passing yards in a game as a sophomore last year. I believe Esparza can throw for over 3,000 yards this year considering he threw for 2,447 last year. Esparza will also have his favorite target returning to the team. Standing at only 5-6 140 lbs Andrew Delgado, District 31-3A Co-MVP broke school records in receptions (67) and receiving yards (1,187) His 67 catches were a Valley’s best last season and led the district with 21 TDs. Delgado hopes to add on to these numbers as a senior. Lyford also returns TE Jacob Carranco who excelled as a sophomore last year. Not to mention the Bulldogs return 3 starters on the offensive line. I also want to throw in that the rumor floating around is that RB Roger Garcia (Edcouch Elsa) who was the 32-4A Newcomer of the Year last year has joined Lyford. If this rumor is true, Lyford’s offense could be unstoppable! The real question for the Bulldogs is defense. The Bulldogs lose half their starters from an already weak defense. The Bulldogs do return unanimous 1st team all district DE Luis Vasquez. Vasquez is expected to provide leadership to the newcomers on defense and will anchor the line. Lyford opens its season against 2 top notch 2A teams in Santa Rosa and Hebbronville followed by Monterrey Poly-Tech. The Bulldogs will be small but quick. With a well oiled machine of an offense expect games to be high scoring affairs for the most part. It also works to the Bulldogs’ advantage that the top 2 teams in the district biggest weaknesses are the secondary. The Bulldogs will definitely light up the scoreboard in 2008!
Returning Starters O/D: 7/6
Offensive Player to Watch: WR Andrew Delgado Sr.
Defensive Player to Watch: DE Luis Vasquez Sr.
Top Underclassman: QB Johnny Esparza Jr.
http://www.rgvsports.com/video/index.php....ctid=1717914965
4. Raymondville Bearkats Last Year’s Record: 7-4
Coaching and speed will be Raymondville’s strengths in 2008. 31-3A Coach of the Year Alex Leal returns for his 21st season as a valley head coach. Leal has a more experienced ball club that will be the district dark horse and compete for a playoff spot. “You can’t coach experience and that’s what we have,” said Leal. Leal is also very excited about the speed his team has. Last year Raymondville was the District 31-3A champion. This year I believe the Bearkats will battle for the 3rd and final playoff position with Lyford. Last year the Bearkats defeated the Bulldogs in a thrilling 42-39 victory. This year, I believe the Bearkats won’t be so lucky, but we’ll have to wait for this year’s edition of the battle of Willacy County. Raymondville returns 1st team all district QB Raul Salinas who will be expected to run the offense to perfection. Salinas won’t have to do much throwing because the Bearkats also return 31-3A offensive MVP RB Dusty Alejo. Alejo has blazing speed and runs a legit 4.4 in the 40 according to Coach Leal. Alejo hopes to improve as an every down back. The Bearkats however will also have a new face in the backfield. Ray Gray is a legit new transfer from Nevada. Gray’s family moved to Raymondville for work which justifies the transfer. Gray spent half his sophomore year last year as a RB on varsity for Foothill, NV. Gray gained 145 yards in his 1st varsity game and should provide a nice one-two punch for Raymondville along with Alejo. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bearkats are losing All State DT Julian Cortez and all 3 starting LB’s. The defensive line does return 3 starters though including DE George Ledesma who was on the 1st team 31-3A all district team. Raymondville opens its season with a tough game against CC Tuloso Midway, followed by Kingsville, and Valley View. Raymondville’s speed and coaching will surprise teams in their return to district 32-3A!
Returning Starters O/D: 7/7
Offensive Player to Watch: RB Dusty Alejo Sr.
Defensive Player to Watch: DE George Ledesma Sr.
Top Underclassman: RB Ray Gray Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDl03vVcvEw&feature=related
By: Tarpon 84
The more things change, the more things stay the same in the Rio Grande Valley's premiere small class district. So what is different about the district in 2008 than that of the 2007 season? This year’s district now consists of 8 teams instead of 5. Lyford and Raymondville return to 32-3A after a two year leave of absence. Zapata who has been a perennial power in District 31-3A also joins the district. The most entertaining thought of the district is the fact that you should see a more competitive season from all eight teams in the district. This district could easily be one of the most competitive if not the most competitive district in all of class 3A. Below you will an in depth analysis on the district.
Team Previews: order by projected order of finish
1. Port Isabel Tarpons Last Year’s Record: 7-4
Will the tradition continue in Port Isabel? The Tarpons have not advanced past the 2nd round the last 3 years and have lost to Rio Hondo 2 out of the last 3 years. One anonymous Tarpon coach said, “Teams that use to fear us don’t fear us anymore.” Port Isabel has a good crop of kids coming up from JV. The JV consisted of mostly to be juniors and went undefeated. Port Isabel Coach Monty Stumbaugh did not have a single sophomore on varsity last year. This will be a high risk high reward situation for Stumbaugh. The Tarpons will definitely lack the experience of playing as a team this upcoming year. The Tarpons lose their leading passer, rusher, receiver, and tackler. All four starters from the secondary are gone so expect to see some new faces everywhere. Kyle DeMoss will be taking over the quarterback duties. DeMoss is said to be one of the best quarterbacks Port Isabel has had in recent memory even though he hasn’t even played a down of varsity football, but he will need some receivers to work with. At the running back position look for Diego Garcia to take over the starting position. Garcia will have big shoes to fill as Tarpon’s lose all valley 1st team RB Nolan Nunez. Garcia’s leading blocker FB Roli “Bull” Alaniz returns in the backfield. Junior RB Joe Vega will should also see some significant time in the back field. The only position that looks solid is the offensive line. The Tarpons are only losing 1 starter from the O-line. Look for Jonathan Bodden, Alex Betancourt, and Ryan Garcia to open up some big holes. On the defensive side of the ball look for returning 1st team all district DT Javier Roque to clog up the middle and cause havoc. Nick Leblanc returns at linebacker for the Tarpons. Secondary and Receivers are the Tarpons’ biggest weaknesses. Port Isabel opens up their season against CC West Oso, Valley View, and Edcouch Elsa. Chemistry will be a big concern early since these two classes have never played with each other. Will this team bond quickly or fall apart? I say the team bonds quickly and the tradition will continue with another district title for the Tarpons. Look for the Tarpons to make some noise in 2008 and get past the 2nd round!
Starters Returning O/D: 6/3
Offensive Player to Watch: RB Diego Garcia Sr.
Defensive Player to Watch: DT Javier Roque Sr.
Top Underclassman: QB Kyle DeMoss Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlPTeFk2zmA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irbHc4cKzds&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOxXPfA87Pk&feature=related
2. Rio Hondo Bobcats Last Year’s Record: 11-1
There are a couple of questions to be answered in 2008 by the Rio Hondo Bobcats. First off will the coaching change affect the bobcats in anyway? I believe when you lose a coach like Gus Cavasos (PSJA Memorial) who revived Rio Hondo into a winner there would be some problems to consider, but the Bobcats were smart and hired within. Rocky James will replace Cavasos as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for the Bobcats last year. Hiring James was great because it will keep the team’s chemistry together. Rio Hondo players volleyed for James to be the new head coach which goes to show you that he is very well liked by the kids. The only thing James lacks is experience. This is James’ first head coaching job. James has been a long time valley assistant with the likes of Rio Hondo, Los Fresnos, and San Benito. Expect James to mix in the pistol offense this coming season as he hired former Harlingen South offensive coordinator Jesse Landeros to run the offense. I believe James is ready to lead the brotherhood. Rio Hondo returns pre-season all district MVP QB Joseph Vela. Vela gained 800 yards through the air and on the ground despite missing 4 games. Vela could easily throw and run for over 1,000 yards this upcoming season, although he is losing his top wide receiver, Shane Eizember. Expect junior Isaiah De La Cruz, who played second fiddle to Eizember, to become Vela’s primary receiver. De La Cruz was 32-3A’s Newcomer of the Year last year. Rio Hondo also returns 1,000 yard RB Jacob Martinez and short yardage back Trevor “Bruiser” David. Rio Hondo is losing its secondary and star LB Adrian Jaime, but return 1st team all valley DE Alonzo Garza who compiled 75 tackles and 13 sacks in just 7 games. Defense is Rio Hondo’s biggest question mark, but then again that is Rocky James’ specialty. Rio Hondo also brings up some talent from JV which finished 2nd in the district. The Bobcats’ strength of schedule is always a concern and may be the reason why they can’t make it past the 2nd round of the state playoffs. This year is different, very different. Rio Hondo opens up their season against Robstown and region 4 powers Ingleside and Cuero. The Bobcats have been district champions 2 out of the last 3 years, will they make it 3 out of the last 4? The Tarpons are my favorite to win the district but Rio Hondo is a close 2nd. The Tarpons vs Bobcats game will definitely decide the district championship Look for the Bobcats to possibly break the 2nd round barrier in 08!
Starters Returning O/D: 8/5
Offensive Player to watch: QB Joseph Vela Sr.
Defensive Player to watch: DE Alonzo Garza Sr.
Top Underclassman: WR Isaiah De La Cruz Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdiycOs7A8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1c_0ZVPWoo
3. Lyford Bulldogs Last Year’s Record: 5-6
Most say Lyford will get nowhere without a running game, but why run when you can pass? The Bulldogs offense was one of the most prolific and explosive offenses in the valley. The Bulldogs passed 90% of the time and with good reason. Coach Jaime Infante ran various types of shotgun formations and executed them to perfection. “There is no problem with our offense,” said Jaime. Players will be more familiar with its increasing effectiveness and expect strong unity as most players are used to playing with each other. Although the bulldogs did not achieve a winning record, they still garnered a postseason birth with a very young team. Returning at QB for the Bulldogs will be Johnny Esparza who was the 31-3A Newcomer of the Year and broke Koy Detmer’s all time valley record for most passing yards in a game as a sophomore last year. I believe Esparza can throw for over 3,000 yards this year considering he threw for 2,447 last year. Esparza will also have his favorite target returning to the team. Standing at only 5-6 140 lbs Andrew Delgado, District 31-3A Co-MVP broke school records in receptions (67) and receiving yards (1,187) His 67 catches were a Valley’s best last season and led the district with 21 TDs. Delgado hopes to add on to these numbers as a senior. Lyford also returns TE Jacob Carranco who excelled as a sophomore last year. Not to mention the Bulldogs return 3 starters on the offensive line. I also want to throw in that the rumor floating around is that RB Roger Garcia (Edcouch Elsa) who was the 32-4A Newcomer of the Year last year has joined Lyford. If this rumor is true, Lyford’s offense could be unstoppable! The real question for the Bulldogs is defense. The Bulldogs lose half their starters from an already weak defense. The Bulldogs do return unanimous 1st team all district DE Luis Vasquez. Vasquez is expected to provide leadership to the newcomers on defense and will anchor the line. Lyford opens its season against 2 top notch 2A teams in Santa Rosa and Hebbronville followed by Monterrey Poly-Tech. The Bulldogs will be small but quick. With a well oiled machine of an offense expect games to be high scoring affairs for the most part. It also works to the Bulldogs’ advantage that the top 2 teams in the district biggest weaknesses are the secondary. The Bulldogs will definitely light up the scoreboard in 2008!
Returning Starters O/D: 7/6
Offensive Player to Watch: WR Andrew Delgado Sr.
Defensive Player to Watch: DE Luis Vasquez Sr.
Top Underclassman: QB Johnny Esparza Jr.
http://www.rgvsports.com/video/index.php....ctid=1717914965
4. Raymondville Bearkats Last Year’s Record: 7-4
Coaching and speed will be Raymondville’s strengths in 2008. 31-3A Coach of the Year Alex Leal returns for his 21st season as a valley head coach. Leal has a more experienced ball club that will be the district dark horse and compete for a playoff spot. “You can’t coach experience and that’s what we have,” said Leal. Leal is also very excited about the speed his team has. Last year Raymondville was the District 31-3A champion. This year I believe the Bearkats will battle for the 3rd and final playoff position with Lyford. Last year the Bearkats defeated the Bulldogs in a thrilling 42-39 victory. This year, I believe the Bearkats won’t be so lucky, but we’ll have to wait for this year’s edition of the battle of Willacy County. Raymondville returns 1st team all district QB Raul Salinas who will be expected to run the offense to perfection. Salinas won’t have to do much throwing because the Bearkats also return 31-3A offensive MVP RB Dusty Alejo. Alejo has blazing speed and runs a legit 4.4 in the 40 according to Coach Leal. Alejo hopes to improve as an every down back. The Bearkats however will also have a new face in the backfield. Ray Gray is a legit new transfer from Nevada. Gray’s family moved to Raymondville for work which justifies the transfer. Gray spent half his sophomore year last year as a RB on varsity for Foothill, NV. Gray gained 145 yards in his 1st varsity game and should provide a nice one-two punch for Raymondville along with Alejo. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bearkats are losing All State DT Julian Cortez and all 3 starting LB’s. The defensive line does return 3 starters though including DE George Ledesma who was on the 1st team 31-3A all district team. Raymondville opens its season with a tough game against CC Tuloso Midway, followed by Kingsville, and Valley View. Raymondville’s speed and coaching will surprise teams in their return to district 32-3A!
Returning Starters O/D: 7/7
Offensive Player to Watch: RB Dusty Alejo Sr.
Defensive Player to Watch: DE George Ledesma Sr.
Top Underclassman: RB Ray Gray Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDl03vVcvEw&feature=related