Bulldogs QB Esparza out for opener

HEBBRONVILLE - Injuries 2, Lyford 0.

Unfortunately, the injury bug has reared its head at Lyford, claiming two of the team's offensive leaders.

Junior quarterback Johnny Esparza (non-throwing shoulder) and Andrew Delgado have each been out of the lineup. Esparza is out for tonight's game at Hebbronville, while it's doubtful Delgado will play.

"We've kinda been snakebit early," Lyford head coach Jaime Infante said. "It's unfortunate, because we played really well against Valley View and Falfurrias."

Both players got nicked up during a scrimmage last week against the Jerseys. The severity of Esparza's injury in uncertain, Infante said, but the veteran coach is confident in backup Noe Valdez.

"We don't know how long Johnny's gonna be out, but he seems to be progressing pretty well," Infante said. "But I tell you what, we feel real confident in Noe Valdez. We don't feel we're going to miss a beat."

Defensively, the Bulldogs will have their hands full with the Longhorns' Joseph Maldonado, the all-everything back. Maldonado rushed for 1,700 yards a year ago, and the Horns are key players in 32-2A.

RIO HONDO at ROBSTOWN: The Rio Hondo Bobcats begin a two-game stay at Cotton Picker Stadium.
Rio Hondo, ranked No. 5 by Valley Freedom Newspapers, comes off an 11-1 season and once again has high expectations.
The Bobcats will look for big games from stars Joseph Vela, Jacob Martinez and Trevor David as well as a solid defense led by Alonzo Garza.

Robstown, meanwhile, has dropped down from a brutal Class 4A district and will likely be more competitive in 2008.

RAYMONDVILLE at TULOSO-MIDWAY: Raymondville will also be in the Corpus Christi area tonight, taking on the Class 4A Warriors.

The Bearkats are back in 32-3A after a two-year stint in the Brush Country district (31-3A) and are chock full of speed.
RB/WR Dusty Alejo returns and is one of the Valley's fastest players, and will be looked upon to pace the Kats. QB Raul Salinas will run the offense, and Raymondville has plenty of speed to go around.

T-M is coached by former E-E chief Joe Sendejar and has not won a district title since 1966.

VALLEY VIEW at PROGRESO: Two teams with high hopes clash tonight at Red Ant Stadium.

Ironically, these are the two squads that pulled off the biggest upsets of 2007. Progreso opened up the season with a 7-6 win over Mission High, while Valley View did it later in the season, earning a district win over Mercedes by the same score.

Progreso will still rely on running back Juan Vega, who rushed for 1,300 yards a year ago, but keep an eye on their new passing game. New QB Juan Trevino has the tools and wideouts to pitch and catch.

Valley View is in Year Two of the Dave Evans regime and is steadily improving. The Tigers are a year older and wiser, and new quarterback Colton Brownson will be in the spotlight.
Other meetings tonight: Hidalgo at Weslaco East, Santa Rosa at CC John Paul II, Zapata at Palmview.

Armando Garza covers sub-4A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. He can be reached at armandog@valleystar.com.