Sub-4A Notebook: Lyford Bulldogs eye perfection vs. Kats

The Lyford Bulldogs can make history.

Well, they can rewrite it.

With a win over Raymondville in the 67th installment of the Willacy County Cotton Bowl on Friday, Lyford (9-0 overall, 6-0 district) can finish a regular season 10-0 for just the fourth time ever and for the first time since 1969.

But the Bearkats (4-5, 2-4) definitely want to spoil the party for their neighbors and rivals at their home stadium.

Raymondville’s struggled at times this season, but are dangerous as anyone when they’re clicking.

And Raymondville residents will be quick to point out the Kats’ commanding 48-17-1 lead in the series.

Lyford is hot and fresh off a 21-14 win over Rio Hondo that they had to earn.

The Bearkats come in after a 42-19 thumping at the hands of Port Isabel.

Be sure to get a ticket early, because this game is always a sellout.

MR. MAGEE

Andrew Magee is a big reason why the Zapata Hawks are back in the playoffs.

Check out his line from last week’s 62-43 win over Progreso: 16 rushes, 189 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Yes, six.

Magee, a junior, has played all over the field for Coach Mario Arce’s squad. He has posted a 100-yard receiving game, and two 100-yard rushing games.

“He’s a good all-around athlete,” Arce said. “He’s the type of kid that you can put anywhere and good things will happen.”

Magee had scoring runs of 10, 24, 5, 15, 31 and 14 yards against the Red Ants.

Now Zapata faces Hidalgo to finish the season. The Hawks (5-4, 5-1 district) will also keep an eye on the Ingleside-Robstown game, as they’ll face the winner in next week’s 3A division-I playoffs.

“We’re fortunate to be in the playoffs after we started kinda slow,” Arce said. “But we’re approaching this week just like any other. Hidalgo’s a good well-coached team. We’re just trying to stay level-headed and not get too excited.”

BIRD BASH

The Benavides Eagles visit La Villa Friday with a lot at stake.

The Cards (4-5, 3-2 district) need to win and they’re in.

But a La Villa loss wouldn’t spell doom, however.

If La Villa loses by five points or less, they would advance on a positive points tiebreaker. However, a loss by six or more, and the Eagles (3-5, 2-3) are in and the Cards stay home.

GRIDIRON GREATS

Here are the standouts from Week 9:

>> La Feria quarterback Justin Rodriguez passed for 308 yards and 3 TDs in the Lions’ win over Hidalgo. Wideout Gilbert Jimenez caught 5 passes for 197 yards and two of the scores.

>> Joe Vega had his second 200-yard rushing game in three weeks as he went for 216 and two TDs for Port Isabel against Raymondville.

>> Progreso’s Steve Medrano caught eight passes for 181 yards and rushed for a TD.

>> Hidalgo wideout Gino Quiroz caught five passes for 124 yards and a TD against La Feria.

>> Lyford’s Jorge Lerma and Jacob Carranco combined for nine catches, 164 yards and 3 TDs against Rio Hondo.

>> In the Warriors’ loss to Bishop, Santa Rosa’s Josh Watrous rushed for 133 yards and their only touchdown. Watrous still leads 32-2A in rushing (869 yards).

Armando Garza covers sub-4A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. He can be reached at 956-430-6255 or at armandog@valleystar.com.