In talking to the Weslaco Panthers, you know senior running back Mishak Rivas is a special, once-in-a-lifetime athlete who reminds you of Reggie Bush.
But the rest of the team is pretty good, too. Just ask Coach Tony V.
“Coach Tony” has had some of the Valley’s best teams and athletes over his career, which includes successful stints at Port Isabel and PSJA North. You can add Rivas to the list of starts in Villarreal’s Slot-T system. But he doesn’t do it with just one player, and that certainly seems to be the case in Weslaco.
In talking to the team, you just get a special feeling about this squad. Sure, they’ve got Rivas, THE marquee name in Valley football now that Bradley Stephens has moved on to A&M. But there’s a special air around this team, and they’ve got some athletes besides ‘Shak that will make an impact. Just to name one, junior quarterback Dylan DeLeon is set to add to his sensational sophomore season of a year ago. He’s a smart quarterback (smart being pretty much the only type that can effectively run the Slot-T) and he’s got great athleticism. He can make a lot of throws. If some of the Panthers’ wideouts can step up (a la Pepe Cabrera last year) this team will be dangerous once again. Oh yeah, and watch out for this Mishak Rivas kid. He’s pretty good too.
this is all great and all for valley football. but nothing new. high profile running backs. have been seen from mo hunter to stephens and now to rivas. but nothing out of the other skilled postions like wide recievers and quaterbacks. leads me to think valley football is so one demontional. unless your high school is mission high were recievers have matterd in the past years .
Without question, Mishak is the MAN not only in Weslaco, but the RGV as well. Many teams will try to focus on only stopping him but Weslaco does have many other tremendous athletes. Dylan DeLeon steers that whole ship in PantherLand and alot will be expected of him. In Weslaco we know what we have on offense. The question is will the defense be able to hold their own. IMO, the defense will be much faster and better suited for the open offenses that make up most of the 32-5A district.