Winning big — The Rio Hondo Bobcats are coming off a bye week and aim to continue their undefeated run in District 32-3A play. (Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—The Rio Hondo Bobcats are coming off a bye week and hope to pick up District 32-3A play where they left off, with an unbeaten record.
Two consecutive district games have produced convincing wins for the Bobcats against San Diego (28-7) and
Bishop (55-20). They will play their last northern district opponent this Friday when they travel to take on the lowly Falfurrius Jerseys.
Rio Hondo’s winless opponent is struggling mightily, holding a 0-2 district mark and a 0-5 overall record.
They had the dubious task of falling to district opponents and Willacy County neighbors Raymondville (54-20) and Lyford (20-6) in September.
Their non-district schedule included games in which the Jerseys lost to Hebbronville (41-14), Odem (50-6), and Orange Grove (49-7).
The Jerseys, who also had a bye week, have produced just 53 points, while allowing 214 to their foes. Rio Hondo is on the flipside of those stats, but Head Coach Rocky James has his players and staff being cautious no matter who they are taking on.
“Now our focus is on Fal, and they’re still going to battle,” James said. “Records can be thrown out the window when it comes to these district games.”
Unbelievably, the Bobcats have the second-best offensive point production behind the Raymondville Bearkats, who are also undefeated.
Raymondville has produced 248 points on offense and Rio Hondo 230 points. However, it’s the Bobcats’ defense that maybe the difference-maker, as the Bobcats have allowed only 59 points.
It doesn’t bode well for Falfurrius despite being at home against Rio Hondo as the team is nestled in last place in district behind four teams that are 1-1.
Bobcats quarterback Matthew Lopez has 1,144 yards passing on 64-of-103 completions. The junior also has thrown 7 touchdowns.
Bobcats running back Mario Lopez has earned 908 yards with 97 carries, and scored 18 TDs. Lopez, also a junior, is averaging an astonishing 9.4 yards per carry.
Junior receiver Manny Perez leads the team with 24 receptions and 415 yards. He has three TDs, tied with sophomore Michael Lopez (eight receptions, 213 yards).
Among Rio Hondo’s defensive stat leaders are junior linebacker Rolando Pastrana (66 tackles), Noe Leos (five sacks), and Jaziah Arredondo (three interceptions).
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