Hidalgo outlasts P.I. in double overtime
The Hidalgo Pirates won a nail-biter on the coast Friday night, taking down Port Isabel 10-7 in double-overtime.
Hidalgo scored on a 38-yard strike from Kevin Treviño to Freddy Chavez for its only touchdown of the game before Marcelo Lopez delivered the deciding 33-yard field goal during the second overtime.
Port Isabel’s offense was stifled as well, and its only score came on a 57-yard pass from Kyle DeMoss to Lawrence Gonzalez.
"Our defense fought their tails off against a very good team," Hidalgo coach Robin Kirk said. "I don’t think they gave up too much more than 100 yards on our defense."
The defense is anchored by linebacker Carlos Gutierrez, who also was the goalkeeper for Hidalgo’s state championship soccer team.
"(Gutierrez) is the leader of the defense, and we played just really well," Kirk said. "I'm very excited becuse we've got a young squad."
The Tarpons helped the Pirates' defensive efforts, giving up seven turnovers including five fumbles. The Tarpons’ miscues included a block in the back that negated a touchdown in overtime and a fumble inside the 10-yard line.
"You can’t win when you play like that on offense," Port Isabel coach Monty Stumbaugh said. "I’m just really frustrated because I know we’re better than that."
Hidalgo (2-3, 1-0 District 32-3A) will look to reach .500 on the season against Progreso next Friday at home. Port Isabel (1-3, 0-1) will travel to Rio Hondo to take on the Bobcats on Friday night.
