By: Constancio Martinez Jr.
This past Thursday, October 16, the (3-4) Port Isabel ECHS Tarpons took on the (4-3) Kingsville King Brahmas at Javelina Stadium.
Last season, PI defeated Kingsville 48-19, and the Tarpons were hoping for a similar outcome this year. But the Tarpons’ “Seawall Defense” knew they would have to step up their game against a tough running back and two speedy receivers capable of scoring on any given play.
The opening possession for the Brahmas didn’t go as planned, as PI stopped them on three straight downs. Kingsville, showing early confidence, decided to go for it on 4th & 1 from their own 34-yard line. Unfortunately for them, PI’s defensive tackle Jay Valdez, along with a school of Tarpons, tackled the runner in the backfield for a big loss.
Taking advantage of the short field, the Tarpons went on a quick 6-play scoring drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run by RB Luis Ramos, giving Port Isabel an early 7-0 lead.
The Tarpon fans’ excitement was quickly tempered when Kingsville KR/WR Julio Pineda-Garcia returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the PI 2-yard line. However, the Brahmas fumbled on the handoff, and PI safety Grayson Estes alertly pounced on the loose ball for a turnover.
Kingsville’s next possession was more productive. The Brahmas went on a 42-yard scoring drive, capped by a 21-yard TD run from QB Isaac Cason. A successful 2-point conversion gave Kingsville an 8-7 lead with 2:25 left in the first quarter.
On the Tarpons’ next possession, RB Eli Alavarez made a strong 12-yard reception. With the help of a “Roughing the Passer” penalty on Kingsville, PI advanced to the Brahmas’ 15-yard line. Three plays later, RB Alvaro Rocha powered in from 3 yards out, giving the Tarpons a 14-8 lead.
With about four minutes left in the second quarter, QB Cason connected with WR Pineda-Garcia for a huge 85-yard touchdown reception. Another 2-point conversion gave Kingsville a 16-14 lead.
Not to be outdone, PI’s KR/RB Ramos returned the kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown. QB Bryan Martinez followed up with a keeper for the 2-point conversion, putting the Tarpons back on top, 22-16. That score held until halftime.
As the second half began, the Tarpons found themselves in good field position after another short kickoff. Starting from their own 43-yard line, RB Edward Garza bulldozed ahead for 16 yards. On the next play, QB Martinez connected with a wide-open Ramos for a 41-yard touchdown pass, extending the Tarpons’ lead to 29-16 with 11:29 left in the third quarter.
The Brahmas responded after turning the ball over on downs in their previous possession. WR Christian Flowers hauled in a 71-yard touchdown reception, cutting PI’s lead to 29-22.
After the Tarpons’ next drive stalled at the Brahmas’ 15-yard line, PI got the ball back when LB Edward Garza intercepted a pass at the Kingsville 43-yard line. Five plays later, the Tarpons scored again—this time on a 31-yard TD pass to Ramos. On the extra point attempt, a high snap led Estes to scramble to the outside and successfully run in the 2-point conversion, pushing PI’s lead to 37-22 with 9:26 left in the fourth quarter.
As the game wound down, PI got strong defensive play from DE Larry Lohr, who recorded two sacks, and DT Jahi Vasquez, who added another. Both defenses held strong down the stretch, but the Tarpons came away with a key 37-22 district-opening win over the Brahmas.
Next week, the (4-4, 1-0) Port Isabel Tarpons will host the (4-3, 1-0) La Feria Lions in another crucial district matchup. A win for PI would all but secure the district championship, but a loss could lead to a potential three-way tie—similar to last season.
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