Practice makes perfect The Varsity Tarpons have been practicing daily in preparation for their season opener against the Lyford Bulldogs this Friday, Aug. 30, at Tarpon Stadium. (Staff photo/Alexandrea Bailey)
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
RGV FOOTBALL PREVIEW
On Friday, Aug. 30, the 4A Port Isabel Tarpons will kick off the 2024 football season as they take on the 3A Lyford Bulldogs at Tarpon Stadium, at 7 p.m.
Last year, the Bulldogs upset the Tarpons 36-29 in Lyford. It was a game where the teams were evenly matched, but the Tarpons could not overcome their issues with special team coverage and offensive fumbles. The team has since worked on those issues during the offseason and looks forward to this year’s matchup.
Lyford went on to have a good season last year, finishing second in their district with a 9-2 overall record behind the play of QB, Aiden Olivas (3228yds passing, 21 TDs). This year, the Bulldogs will try to fill the shoes of Olivas who was lost to graduation. Stepping in as quarterback will be senior WR/RB, Adrian Chavez (6’-1”, 165lbs) who rushed for 188 yards on 26 carries and caught 45 receptions for 858 yards last season. Chavez’s dual-threat abilities will have the Tarpons on their heels.
The Bulldogs will return their top running back in Pedro Rosas (70 carries, 351yds), but Lyford’s spread offense will take a big hit after losing five receivers to graduation.
Look for Port Isabel’s “Seawall Defense” to key on QB, Chavez and the Bulldogs’ running game. Unfortunately, at the start of the season, the Tarpons will be without two key defensive players, LB/RB, Edward Garza and DE, Christopher Gonzalez as they’re dealing with injuries.
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