CONSIDER THIS: Valley Football — Something to root for

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

The time was summer 2005, and the Rio Hondo Bobcats—then considered cellar dwellers in District 32-3A—prepared to prove what they already knew: They were champions.

Of course, it was a bit difficult for Rio Grande Valley football pundits to take the Cats seriously. Consider that Rio Hondo was well-known before that time for fielding football teams that did well during the non-district schedule only to falter to perennial powers such as the Port Isabel Tarpons and La Feria Lions.

Still, the ’05 crew was different—I saw this in the intensity of their practices, in the excitement that followed successful scrimmages and in the electricity felt at the home opener. It didn’t take much more for me to buy into what they were selling: The black and gold was fixin’ to make a lot of folks black and blue.

Led by a stout defense under the tutelage of then-head coach Gus Cavazos, aggressive play-calling and running backs Ryan Garcia and Robbie Mesa creating an explosive two-headed monster, Rio Hondo earned back its respect one win at a time.

But it wouldn’t be football without skeptics, and there were plenty of those even after the Cats went 3-1. It wasn’t until Rio Hondo went undefeated in 32-3A and were set to face the mighty Tarpons, also undefeated in district play, for all the marbles that people finally started realizing that the lowly Cats were for real.

Thanks to the Tarps missing an extra point attempt in overtime, Rio Hondo secured its first district championship in years via a 21-20 victory over Port Isabel.

Though magical, I wouldn’t necessarily call the team’s achievement a Cinderella story, especially when taking into consideration that Rio Hondo, now led by head coach Rocky James, has since continued its dominance in 32-3A. (The 2012 season was the only exception.)

It was simply Rio Hondo’s time, and nobody knew it was coming except, of course, for the Cats.

Such stories continue to embody all that we love about Texas high school football: adversity, unpredictability and the glory of victory. Oh yeah, and bragging rights.

It’s tough to say who’ll be this football season’s sleepers and dark horses, but rest assured those teams will take us for a ride.

Whatever the case, I’m sure we’ll all have fun watching the 2013 football season unfold. We at the San Benito News and Port Isabel-South Padre Press eagerly anticipate loyal readers walking into our offices on Friday afternoons to submit their picks. “I think I’m going to win it this time,” is the phrase we often here from football fans aiming to win our football contests’ $500 prize. I love watching them come in the following week disappointed that they fell short the last time but excited to try all over again.

It also suffices to say that playing Monday morning quarterback has become a religion in the Valley. I can’t tell you how many phone calls and text messages I have received from folks who are angry about the officiating and/or play-calling that took place at Friday night’s game, and I entertain each and every one of them. You simply cannot refuse rewarding such enthusiasm displayed by people who, if it wasn’t for football occupying their minds, would otherwise engage in political diatribe. After all, if there was ever a time we needed something to root for, it’s now.

I guess that’s why after months of covering tragedies that have included the deaths of entire families, a double homicide and a political atmosphere so intense that it’s left an entire community outraged; enjoying a Frito pie and a cold Coca-Cola (or crackers and water in my case) while watching our alma mater play under those Friday night lights is a welcoming thought.

Editor’s Note: This column can also be read in the San Benito News and Port Isabel-South Padre Press 2013 Football Preview, available for free online at sbnewspaper.com and portisabelsouthpadre.com on Monday and in print everywhere in the Valley on Aug. 28.