Port Isabel Tarpon running back Javier Vela, a senior, bulldozes his way through the Rio Hondo Bobcat defense on Friday. (Photo by T.J. Tijerina)
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO — There’s no question as to what time it was on Friday night.
It was definitely Tarpon Time.
Port Isabel got a complete effort from the entire team and bullied its way past the Rio Hondo Bobcats 36-7 at Bobcat Stadium.
Thanks to the victory, the Tarpons are now in the playoffs and own a piece of the 32-3A district championship. They will most likely face the loser of next week’s Lyford-Raymondville matchup.
“I’m extremely proud of the kids,” Tarpons head coach Monty Stumbaugh said. “They came out and played tonight and did what they had to do. Now we want to keep this going.”
The Bobcats had the first strike as Hernan Guerrero scored on a 43-yard touchdown run. Guerrero took a pitch and ran up the ride side to the end zone. Jose Luis Guerrero kicked the point after to make it 7-0.
But that was all for the home team as the Tarpons took control of the contest.
Port Isabel responded to Rio Hondo’s score with a 24-yard scoring pass from Isaiah Martinez to Michael Curry. Marcelo Sanchez tied the game with his point after.
Then just before halftime, the Tarpons marched down the field again via the passing game. Martinez connected with Andrew Holland on a 34 yard touchdown pass to give them a 14-7 edge and the momentum as well.
In the second half, passing the ball was no longer necessary as the Tarpons rushing game picked up steam.
Juan Aguilera rushed for two touchdowns, the first a one-yard dive to make it 21-7 PI. Aguilera then went untouched for a 51 yard score to increase the lead to 28-7 in the fourth quarter.
Despite a brief injury, Martinez re-entered the game and made sure he was at the helm as the Tarpons enjoyed the moment.
Near the end, the Tarpons’ Jaime Gonzalez got in on the action with a touchdown run from 21 yards out to put the nail in the coffin.
Rio Hondo will now attempt to beat Progreso next week and will root for the La Feria Lions to defeat the Hidalgo Pirates next week. If the Bobcats and Lions win, Rio Hondo is back in the playoffs.
Read this story in the Nov. 4 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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