WEEK 11 PREVIEW: Bobcats, Falcons in cruise control; await playoff opponents

(Photo by Marina Wise-Herring)
Marcos Carrizalez of the Rio Hondo Bobcats makes a tackle against a Raymondville Bearkats ballcarrier on Friday in Raymondville.

By ARMANDO GARZA
Special to the NEWS

RIO HONDO – While they might be disappointed about not getting a district title, the Rio Hondo Bobcats do have the playoffs to prepare for.

Thanks to Friday’s win at Raymondville, the Bobcats (7-2, 3-1 in District 16-4A Division-II) got back on track and can keep the good times going with a win vs. Progreso on Friday.

Rio Hondo’s playoff opponent is not official as of yet. That hinges on Friday’s Sinton-Ingleside game. If Ingleside wins, the Mustangs will face Rio Hondo. However, if Sinton wins, then Rio Hondo will take on Yoakum.

Either way, look for a breakout game offensively against an undermanned Red Ants team. Running back Marco Garate has been sensational all season and has rumbled for 1,133 yards with 11 touchdowns. The platoon quarterback system of Eli Pitones and Josh Gonzalez has combined for 905 yards and six touchdowns through the air. Each is a threat running the ball as well as the pair has combined for more than 600 yards rushing.

However, defense is where the Bobcats shine brightest. Their tenacious unit is easily tops in the league. Linebacker Daniel Flores paces the unit with 85 total tackles while Roel Benitez has chipped in 80. Albert Magallanes has terrorized quarterbacks with 16 sacks and 66 total tackles as well.

Progreso (1-8, 0-4) has struggled mightily once again and its only win was a season opening victory at Brownsville Porter.

District 32-6A

LOS FRESNOS vs. BROWNSVILLE HANNA

The Falcons got their big win last week over Brownsville Veterans and have zero pressure as they take on the Golden Eagles.

Los Fresnos (4-2 district) can actually get in on the district title if San Benito loses to Brownsville Rivera.

But for now, the Falcons are locked in to the playoffs and will be a Division-I representative facing either Weslaco or Edinburg North.

Quarterback Pierce Ruiz (1,019 yards passing, 747 rushing) is easily one of the best dual-threat QBs in the district. Running back Isaac Moreno (538 yards, 7 TDs) and Eli Cruz (385, 8) have been terrific complements.