By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the RGV FOOTBALL PREVIEW
PORT ISABEL, TX—The 4A Port Isabel Tarpons are ready to kick off the season with a week one matchup against the 3A Lyford Bulldogs. Last year’s game saw PI comfortably ahead 34-12 in the 4th quarter. Then the momentum swung in Lyford’s favor as the Bulldogs racked up 22 unanswered points, forcing the game into overtime. Both teams scored a touchdown in OT, but Lyford failed on its 2-point conversion resulting in a 41-40 win by the Tarpons.
Moving onward to the 2023 football season, the Lyford Bulldogs will be without the services of twin standout players quarterback, Osmar and Oscar Martinez due to graduation. The players combined to rush for 225 yards and three touchdowns against the Tarpons last year and were a big reason for near upset. Lyford’s quarterback, Aiden Olivas-Romo who split time with O. Martinez during the PI game, will be taking over at the helm for the Bulldogs. Look for Lyford to air it out more this year under Olivas-Romo. Lyford will have a young but experienced line to protect their quarterback. Receivers to watch will be David Caballero (12 rec., 4 TDs) and all-purpose player, Isaias Gonzalez (9 rec., TD).
Defensively, the Bulldogs will be led by their returning tackle leader Elijah Vela. Vela tallied 66 tackles (26 solo) including nine tackles for a loss. A sure tackler, PI will have their hands full blocking him. On a side note, Vela earned the district’s “Defensive Lineman of the Year” honors for his efforts on the field. The Bulldog’s secondary is in good hands under the leadership of two-way starter I. Gonzalez who accumulated 31 tackles and three interceptions last season.
The Tarpons looked good during their scrimmages and should win the game versus Lyford by double digits.
Last week had the Tarpons wrap up their pre-season scrimmages with a matchup against the Hidalgo Pirates. The Pirates offense took the field first and while they picked up one first down, the “Seawall Defense” put the clamps on the Pirates. They struggled in their second and third drives. Tarpons picked up a couple of sacks and tackles for loss.
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