Bi-district postseason round rough on District 32-5A

District 32-5A went one and done in the bi-district round of the playoffs, ending their 2009 seasons. All the four schools can do now is reflect and prepare for the future.

Hanna, Pace, Los Fresnos and San Benito exited the state postseason earlier than any of the quartet wanted, especially for a team like the Falcons that isn’t used to such an abrupt fall.

The past three seasons, Los Fresnos had reached the third round of the playoffs and also claimed the 32-5A title. History did not repeat this season, which ended with a 60-27 loss to Edinburg North.

"We had a lot to overcome," Los Fresnos coach Scott Ford said. "We had too many injuries and it was just too much, but those things happen and we’re going to have a motivation around here we haven’t had in four years. I know I’ll be motivated, and with half the starters coming back and a freshman group that was co-district champs we will get back to work Monday."

Hanna reached the playoffs for the first time since 2001 and claimed its first outright district championship since 1969.

The Golden Eagles were a huge surprise to most, unless they were on the coaching staff or team.

Coach Tom Chavez’s group had a very potent offense, averaging 38.6 points per game with lightning-fast running back Enrique Saldaña, playmaking receivers Anthony and Mike Garza (no relation) and had arguably the best offensive line in the district. 　

Hanna’s defense was solid as well, giving up only 18 points per game. Even in the 18-14 loss to Edinburg High, the defense gave up only 14 points.

Pace had a group of 40 seniors, seven of which had been a part of three consecutive playoff berths, a run that is a school record.

The Vikings' season ended with a 48-34 road loss to PSJA North.

"I’m very proud of these group of kids," Pace coach Rene Medrano said. "This was a really great group that bought into the program here, and it paid off with three straight playoff seasons and not many kids can say that."

Medrano pointed to the resurgence of football in Brownsville and said it was fun to see the city excited about Friday nights.

"I think our last four games were like playoff games," Medrano said. "Against Los Fresnos, San Benito and in front of a sold out crowd against Hanna. We were there, and it’s great to see the Brownsville schools playing at a high level."

Louie Vera covers District 32-5A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via e-mail at lvera@brownsvilleherald.com.