Working Hard: Despite key players facing injuries at the top of the season, the Tarpons are working hard with their eyes set on being district champions once again. (Staff photos/Alexandrea Bailey)
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
RGV FOOTBALL PREVIEW
The Port Isabel Tarpons are entering the 2024 football season as back-to-back District Champions, but coaches and players always felt their postseason was cut way too short the last few seasons.
After losing in the second round of the playoffs the past three seasons, the team is looking for more post-season success.
“We always try to be district champions; try to be the last team standing. Winning the second-round game is a huge goal,” said Head Football Coach Tony Villarreal.
As the old saying goes, “Defense Wins Championships” and this season the Tarpons’ “Seawall Defense” is looking stout. The Tarpons will be dealing with some key injuries to start off the season, but once healthy, those players should be a dominant force. The team is bringing back nine out of eleven defensive starters from a team that gave up 19 points per game, the least number of points given up in the district last season.
The defensive line will be anchored by DE Christopher Gonzalez (6’-2”, 225lbs). Last season, Gonzalez finished with 62 tackles including 15 tackles for a loss (TFL) and seven sacks, earning him Third Team All-State Def. Lineman honors by the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA). A defensive lineman that has caught the eyes of coaches is sophomore, DE Brian Cienfuegos, who had made several key stops during the scrimmages.
In the second level of defense, look out for the duo of Edward Garza and Daniel Galvan. Last season, Garza led the team in tackles at 114 with Galvan coming in second on the team with 82 tackles. The pair of linebackers will be more than a handful for opposing offenses.
The PI secondary was an issue last season, especially when its best player, safety Anthony “Tony” Garcia went down. Garica will return this season and at 6’-3”. He has the size, speed and instincts to be a ballhawk this year. In a welcomed addition, the team will get a boost by the return of the Smith Twins, Cleveland and Christian. The twins did not suit up to play football last year as they concentrated on basketball, but their return makes the secondary a solid group.
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