Mercedes keeping focused on Roma after big victory

MERCEDES — The Mercedes Tigers did something last week no Tigers team since 2002 had done in beating rival Edcouch-Elsa. The 28-0 victory was the first time Mercedes (3-3, 2-1) knocked off a Joe Solis-led E-E team and asserted that this Tigers team could be ready to challenge for a district championship.

A loss tonight to Roma (4-2, 1-2), though, would stop the Tigers’ momentum pretty quick.

Mercedes coach Michael Uribe has spent much of his time since that win reminding his kids of that fact, that one win (as important as it was) does not mean their season is a success. Yet he also knows the importance of the win and doesn’t want to deprive his team of enjoying its victory.

“That’s a fine line we have to balance. It’s obviously something we wanted but in reality there are a couple things we need to refocus on,” Uribe said. “We still want to finish off the season with the best possible record that we can.

We are enjoying the Edcouch win, but we are focusing on our next goal, which is beating this week’s opponent.”

Roma is coming off its first district win, a 14-10 victory over Valley View. The Gladiators already have won four games and have shown they can be dangerous.

Uribe is wary of their athleticism and knows what could happen if his team lets down tonight.

“We’re talking about it because hopefully we don’t fall into that deal,” Uribe said. “Roma is a tough opponent, a very good team that is currently 4-2, they’re very dangerous, they have a lot of athletes and they’re well coached.

“With us knowing that, it’s my responsibility to keep them focused.”