Javier Vela, senior running back for the Port Isabel Tarpons, is shown running the ball against the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers Friday. (Staff photos by Ray Quiroga)
By LARRY GAGE
Special to the PRESS
The Brownsville Veterans Memorial football program is in its third year of existence. For the first time, in 2012, they are playing a full varsity schedule, and they came into Tarpon Stadium last Friday night determined to prove they belong.
After trailing 6-3 at halftime, they scored two third-quarter touchdowns to win their first varsity contest at the expense of the host Tarpons, 17-14.
Port Isabel’s defense kept the Charger offense mostly in check in the first half as they forced three punts and blocked a field goal attempt. On the final series of the half, the Tarpon D held on third down at the eight-yard line and Veterans kicker Carlos Vasquez hit a 25-yard field goal just before the half ended.
Earlier in the second quarter, on their third offensive series, the Tarpons’ Isaiah Martinez dashed 40 yards around right end to put his team up 6-0. Just past the line of scrimmage Martinez appeared to be going down on a jersey tackle. He kept his footing and seconds later was in the end zone.
“The guy had him…was pulling him down and he pulled him down on top of him,” Coach Stumbaugh said. “Isaiah put his right leg out and just kept going.”
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