By The Numbers

The 1 and only

Donna's state title in 1961 remains a solo act

By ELADIO JAIMEZ

If anything else, the 1961 Donna Redskins were tough. They weren't big or fast. But they were tough. Three of the teams that Donna faced in the postseason that year (Quanah, Brady and Sweeney) had the top three sprint relays at the state meet... Full story

By The Numbers: 4-score

Pena's Coyotes used 2 safeties to shut down Cards in 1995

By ARMANDO GARZA

By now, most people know that any team coached by Mario Peña is known for a tenacious defense. Yes, tenacious. For more than 20 years, Peña teams have played with the aggression and intensity their coach showed as a standout player... Full story

By the Numbers: Tony Villarreal is a 4-time winner

By ARMANDO GARZA

There are a lot of different terms people use to describe Weslaco head coach Tony Villarreal. Make sure one of those is ‘winner'. The longtime Valley coach has headed four area schools - and taken each of them to the playoffs - over his... Full story

By the Numbers: Thirteen a lucky number

Four RGV teams have reached 13-win mark

By PAUL CONATZER | RGVSports.com

It's regarded by some as an unlucky number.But for a handful of Valley football teams it represents a pinacle of success.Four Valley schools have won 13 games in season and that is the focus of the latest installment of the Star's "By The Numbers"... Full story

By The Numbers: Amazing Ants

Progreso made school history 18 years ago

By ARMANDO GARZA | RGVSports.com

Roberto Valdez clearly remembers his first year as a head coach.And based on what transpired, he's not the only one with good memories.After a stint as defensive coordinator, Valdez took over the Progreso Red Ants in 1990 and led them to a share of... Full story

By The Numbers: Trail Blazers

Nineteen years ago, the Cards went where few others had

By ELADIO JAIMEZ | Valley Morning Star

They were tough and they were tenacious. They were a little crazy yet disciplined.They were strong and mean and little aggressive. At times, even a little selfish.They came from different backgrounds. Some were rich some were poor. They were white,... Full story

By the Numbers: A tie for the ages

PI's 20-20 knot against Cuero a classic

By PAUL CONATZER | Valley Morning Star

Gabe Villarreal and the rest of the Port Isabel Tarpons were confident.A confidence some might have seen as being misplaced, especially since the Tarpons were facing Cuero in the third round of the 1994 Class 3A football playoffs.Especially since... Full story

By the Numbers: Right place, right time

Rodriguez's heads up play helped South stay perfect

By ELADIO JAIMEZ | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN - Lorenzo Rodriguez scored once last season.Actually, the former Harlingen South receiver scored only once in his entire high school career.But that lone touchdown is one he or every South faithful won't soon forget.Trailing 35-28 with two... Full story

By the Numbers: Carried Away

Mishak's 25 totes set a new standard of excellence

By ARMANDO GARZA | Valley Morning Star

Mishak Rivas will forever be a household name in Rio Grande Valley high school football.During a sparkling high school career for Weslaco from 2004-07, Rivas turned heads and set standards by running the football like few had before him.And one... Full story

Paint it Red

Tradition propelled Cardinals to 26 straight winning seasons

By ELADIO JAIMEZ/Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN - Monty Woodall can still hear the blasts.Woodall grew up near Boggus Stadium in the late 1960s.And in the fall when the Harlingen Cardinals were in town, he always knew it.So did everyone else."They used to shoot off a cannon when they... Full story

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