Playoff Run

Most wide receivers in the Rio Grande Valley won’t record 18 receptions all season. For Brownsville Lopez’s Axel Torres, that was one night’s work last Friday.

Lost in the Lobos’ 37-24 defeat by Pace, which clinched the fourth and final 32-5A playoff spot for the Vikings, was a stellar performance by Torres, who grabbed 18 balls for 242 yards and one touchdown. The 18 receptions are the second most in a single game in RGV history, behind only Rene Garza’s 20 with PSJA Memorial in 2000.

“He had a tremendous night,” Lopez coach Valentin Montemayor said. “(The Vikings) were pretty much stuffing the box, they had seven in the box, and our offense is going to be wide open, where we’ll take what they give us.

“Unfortunately, they scored more than we did.”

With those 18 receptions, Torres took the district lead with 61 grabs for 713 yards and four TDs on the season.

Rivas watch

Weslaco High’s standout running back Mishak Rivas said Tuesday he has received no new scholarship offers since Fresno State’s last weekend. He is, however, planning his first official visit for the University of Houston in the next two weeks.

“It’s been hectic, real, real hectic,” Rivas said. “I’ve just been real patient about it, and when the offer comes that I feel is right, I’ll take it. It’s just a matter of time.”

In addition to a Division I scholarship, Rivas (138 rushes, 2,225 yards, 27 TDs) is chasing the RGV regular-season and single-season rushing title this week. He needs 208 rushing yards against Los Fresnos on Friday to break Bradley Stephens’ regular-season mark of 2,432, and 398 yards to break Stephens’ single-season mark, which includes playoff games.

“It’s something to work for,” Rivas said. “I’m going to go out and get it. I feel like if the opportunity is there, with the sort of game that I’m planning on having, I’m pretty sure I’ll get it.”

32-4A playoffs

With three teams tied for second and Weslaco East sitting just 1/2 game back, this weekend promises to be an interesting one in 32-4A.

Mercedes will play at Mission High in the most pivotal matchup, with the winner earning a spot in the playoffs. Making the game more interesting, the Tigers are expected to have starting quarterback Albert Chavez back after missing three games. Mercedes didn’t miss him the first week, but scored just 14 combined points in the next two, losing both.

Mission Veterans Memorial takes on Edcouch-Elsa on Saturday in the other critical tilt. If Mission Veterans wins, it’s in the playoffs with the winner of Mercedes-Mission. If the Patriots and Eagles lose, then Weslaco East will make its first postseason trip in its six-year history.

Playoff plans

Edcouch-Elsa coach Joe Solis, whose team wrapped up its fifth consecutive 32-4A championship last week, is meeting with Alice coach Brent Davis at 1 p.m. today in

Falfurrias to flip for homefield advantage in the bi-district playoffs. Their teams are expected to meet in the first round as Alice (5-4, 2-2) finishes at Robstown (2-7, 1-3) while Corpus Christi King (4-5, 2-2) faces Calallen (9-0, 4-0).

“I think we’re playing good football right now,” E-E coach Joe Solis said. “We’re doing the things we need to do at the right time, so I think we’ve got a real good shot at it.”