Without graduated stars, E-E beats Mission High for 7-on-7 title

MISSION - Erik Niño and Artie Tanguma are nothing more than memories for the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets. The passing duo helped lead the ‘Jackets to an 11-1 record and their sixth straight District 32-4A championship, and, understandably, E-E could be worried about how the prolific pair are going to be replaced this season, as both graduated this spring.

But at Saturday's 16-team 7-on-7 tournament in Mission, the ‘Jackets gave coach Joe Solis and their fans at least some reason to believe Niño and Tanguma won't be missed too much. Led by rising junior quarterback Ryan Garza, the ‘Jackets topped district rival Mission High 20-13 in the championship game and qualify for the state tournament scheduled for July 10 and 11 in College Station.

The Eagles, who also qualified for the state tourmament by finishing second, are viewed as the main challengers for E-E's district title and beat the ‘Jackets last week in another tournament. Garza and the ‘Jackets, however, showed that E-E still has skill players for this season, albeit not Niño and Tanguma.

"This is a big booster for our kids," Solis said. "Mission's got a lot of kids coming back and last week they beat us pretty good. I had a talk with them this week and I told them that they have to start playing.

"The talent we had last year just isn't there anymore and I think they went out there with that in mind and I think this is going to give them a lot of confidence going into College Station because there are a lot of new faces."

Of all the ‘Jackets this season, Garza will have more pressure than any other. If he is the starter this fall, he will be the one replacing a Valley MVP who was one of the most dynamic offensive players in school history.

Like the team's, Garza's performance was a welcome sign for Solis, though he isn't quite on Niño's level yet.

"One thing is he's going to have to mature real quick. He's got areas that he's going to have to work on," Solis said. "The thing is he's a real smart kid academically."