Armando's Answers

That’s the question I’ve been getting recently. Who will replace Gus Cavazos as head coach/AD for the Bobcats? There are a few interesting names, and it should get interesting.

A slew of area assistants have applied for the job, sources have told me, and we’re working on getting an official list. Don’t worry, we’re on it.

All I’ll say is there are a couple of top-notch assistants vying for this job that is scheduled to be voted on by the Rio Hondo ISD school board on Monday, March 17. The VMS will have a an update on this situation before Monday, you can count on it. Here’s a quick hint: A couple of these guys have District 31 and 32-5A ties.

 Remember, good things come to those who wait! Who said RGV football isn’t discussed in MARCH?

Well, I was never really gone. Just hadn’t blogged in a while. Some people thought I wasn’t writing anymore. Actually, I’ve helped man the sports desk until my next beat arrives (softball).

Nonetheless, I’m here to  see what y’all’s thoughts are concerning realignment. I’ve heard some crazy scenarios, but that’s usually the case. With two new La Joyas, possible moving up/down of teams, things could get interesting next Friday.

What do you guys/gals think will happen?

Yeah, I like Clapton, so the title is a little play on the hit song with Valley instead of Sally.

OK, enough music talk, let’s talk Valley football.

I was at the RGV doubleheader Saturday in Victoria. It was a half/half deal for me, I guess.

Up in the press box, I sat and literally beamed when Los Fresnos came out like wildfire and went up 14-0 on San Antonio Reagan.

Up in the box, I got questions as to who the Falcons were and who their head coach was. Opposing scouts from Converse Judson and other schools let out collective “oohs” and “ahhs”. Yes indeed, the Falcons came to play, just like head coach Scott Ford said they would.

And when Reagan’s super back Marcus Wright scurried 80 yards to make it 14-6, I still felt that the Falcons were in good shape.

But on a promising drive ended with an interception in the end zone, and as I wrote in the Star, momentum changed and it was mostly Rattlers after that and Wright got loose. Reagan played sound ball, and the rest resulted in a 49-28 defeat for the Falcons.

The Falcons fought hard, no question. And yes, they’re very well coached. Everyone knew it. Los Fresnos (and Weslaco for that matter) showed that the Valley is getting better.

Yeah, I know, I said that last year too. Greatness doesn’t happen overnight. The Valley is catching up, and it’s gonna take time. To have some of the region’s best teams is still quite an accomplishment.

On the other hand, the Santa Rosa-Salado game was a mismatch. End of story. It wasn’t too fun too watch. I’ll say that.

Salado is a huge, fast, quick, tough team. Man, oh man. I’d venture to guess that they’d beat nearly every team in the Valley, including 5As and 4As. They’re that good.

They came out and just manhandled Santa Rosa. They were lighthing-quick and they had some big boys. The Warriors had some injuries in the game, and when tempers flared in the second half, a couple of ejections didn’t help things as a 60-0 result shows.

But the Salado game aside, props to coach Joshua Gonzalez, his staff, and those Warriors. I covered them 3 times this season and they were fun to watch. Very balanced and plenty of big-play ability.

Like he said afterward, both he and his Warriors proved people wrong in 2007. Gonzalez, literally banished from Valley View after one season (0-10 for a first-year varsity school) had a lot to prove when he was hired this summer. And he did. Talk about vindication.

And the Warriors, with talent abound, knew they were better than the 2-8 finish last year. They showed they in fact, were. Congrats to those young men. 11-2 is nothing to be ashamed of.

Of course, I was pleased to see the usual-Valley packed house at both games. Kudos once again Valley-ites. It was a good season and here’s to waiting for 2008 already!

Well, only five teams from the Valley are left in the state playoffs. You know what that means…time to listen to debates and comments as to why our teams can’t beat teams from upstate.

 Growing up in the Valley, I’ve heard them all and participated in a few. You’ve got one side (the pessemists) who love to tout the Valley’s ineptness in playoff football. Donna’s 1961 boys were lucky, they say. Hogwash I say, but that’s another blog.

Then you have the other half who feels the Valley is getting better and therefore closer. I’m pretty much in this group, but in this microwave society, people want results NOW. And I understand. It’s been 45 seasons since we’ve seen a state champion in public school football. Will it happen? I think so. Will it happen now? Who knows? What I do know is we are supporting the five teams still in it this weekend (La Joya, Weslaco, Harlingen South, Los Fresnos and Santa Rosa). Good luck to all of those teams. Let me know your thoughts.

It’s probably the most exciting time to be a Valley sports fan.

Yes indeed, high school football playoffs are upon us. Now’s that time when the weather starts to get a little cooler and the pressure starts to heat up. Can the Valley’s teams stack up against the rest of Region IV? We’ll wait and see. I think some of you might be surprised. The Valley is getting better, no question.

And when the playoffs are over, the coaching carousel will be fired up…so stay tuned. This is the time to be aValley high school football fan. Good luck to all of the Valley teams.

As I’ve mentioned, I receive e-mails about lots of stuff regarding Valley football.

 This season, a lot of those were concerning the Rio Hondo Bobcats and their “for real-ness” because of their “weak” non-district schedule.

Their big 24-10 win over Hidalgo Friday night proves they can beat solid clubs.

By the way, I’ve covered the Bobcats for three years now, and my answer to those e-mails has always been “yes.”

Why? Because they’re not just glitz and glamour and putting points on the board to look good. Those Cats can play defense and they live for D over there.

Just the attitude they have over there clinches it for me. They’re not arrogant at all. They’re humble, hard-working kids and their hard work is paying off. So much, in fact, that Rio Hondo is one of the elite Class 3A programs in South Texas in my opinion.

While Port Isabel will always be tops because of their rich tradition, and righfully so, I think Rio Hondo is quickly establishing themselves as an annual threat in 3A. 

 I think RH could’ve really given Cuero more of a run for their money last year in the area playoff game with a healthy Robbie Mesa. Even without their leading rusher, the Cats only lost 21-8.

Rio Hondo has played every Class 4A school in the Valley except Edcouch-Elsa and Mission. They’ve scrimmaged Mercedes in the past. Not too many teams the Bobcats can face without going out of the Valley.

Nevertheless, let’s see how the BIG SHOWDOWN between the Tarpons and Bobcats shakes out in two weeks. The game is sure to be a classic, no doubt about it.

I love covering high school football in general. I’ve been watching games consistently in South Texas for over 20 years, and to be able to write about them is a dream, regardless of school or classification.

And while 5A and 4A get a lot of pub, I’ve got a special place for the 3A and sub-3A schools.

Port Isabel, Rio Hondo, La Feria, Raymondville and Hidalgo are just a few of the 3As that could probably hang with/beat some 4A and 5A schools.

I’m not big on the “5A is always better” stuff. I’m not saying they’re not, but in quite a few cases, the biggest difference I see with 5A teams is that they just have more kids on the sideline, better equipment and facilities.

Don’t get me wrong. The elite 5A teams in the Valley are good, solid clubs and would easily handle the small schools. You know who they are.

But  I also feel the “little” teams can play, too .

I bring this up because I went from covering the bright lights of San Benito-Los Fresnos Friday night to watching MMA-San Antonio Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon.

The big-game atmosphere at Los Fresnos couldn’t be beat. AC/DC blaring on the loudspeaker and two big-time 5A programs going at it. And I was right there.

And then Saturday, I saw those kids at MMA play with a lot of gusto, no question. I liked the fans in the stands and cadets cheering their team on. And the 15-piece band was jumpin’.

Point of all this is, watching kids play football and give it their all is a joy for me, regardless of what jersey they wear or how many people are at the game. It’s indeed a glorious time of the year and I love what I do.

San Benito hasn’t played at home in almost a month. Believe me, the Greyhound faithful have noticed.

Don’t get me wrong, San Benito fans are among, if not the, best traveling fans in the Valley.

But the fans I’ve talked to say they feel it’s unfair their Hounds only have four home games this season.

True, but let’s not forget San Benito had six home games during last year’s regular season, and seven total if you count the bi-district playoff game against Harlingen South.

I’ve always respected San Benito’s fans and they way they support their Hounds. If the game’s in Calallen, they’re there. If it’s in San Antonio, they’re there. And yes, if it’s at Bobby Morrow Stadium, they’re there too.

Props to the San Benito fans and let’s see how things shake out Friday night against Lopez. Needless to say, Bobby Morrow Stadium will be a popular place.

Saturday was the first time I’d ever covered the Santa Rosa Warriors, but I’ve read and researched plenty about them.

 One thing I heard from the people I talked to there was that the air around this year’s squad is a complete turnaround from years past.

The fight in these Warriors was unbelievable to see. These kids are emotional, fighters til the end.

A tip of the cap to coach Joshua Gonzalez and his staff. It appears that Gonzalez was just what Santa Rosa’s football program needed to turn it around.

Friday’s Battle of 506 with La Feria should be entertaining, to say the least.

Let me preface this by saying I’m not making excuses for the San Benito Greyhounds. Calallen did what good teams like them do–make teams pay for mistakes.

OK, on with it now. Man, this “curse” is freaky.

While a monsoon greeted San Benito fans as they made the trip up to the Coastal Bend, an hour before kickoff at Wildcats Stadium, it was as dry as Paul Conatzer’s wit.

But as 7:30 p.m. got closer and closer, the sprinkles started. Then they got together and became an annoying drizzle. It was clear, that either the curse was in full effect or Mother Nature was wearing maroon. Or both.

While the defense was valiant, even forcing some turnovers, the Greyhounds had trouble holding on to the ball on offense. A few errant snaps spelled doom. Two safeties and a short TD (via three bad snaps) later, the game was out of reach. Although the rain was a factor, San Benito never got into a rythym offensively for a majority of the night. 

On top of all this, San Benito head coach Mario Pena was not allowed to make the two-hour trip. Under doctor’s orders, Pena stayed behind because the length of the trip was too long to have his recovering leg elevated. He got the news Friday and knowing him, he was none too pleased.

But hey, all of this is water under the bridge now. San Benito’s gotta get ready for Edinburg next Friday. I know San Benito fans hope the Hounds can iron out the wrinkles and play consistent football again.