32-5A notes: Falcons getting used to holiday football

The Los Fresnos Falcons are starting to get used to this ‘Thanksgiving football’ thing.

That’s because they’re playing football at the holiday break once again after their unbelievable 22-21 win over Harlingen last week.

The well-noted gambles of head coach Scott Ford proved to be a major difference for Los Fresnos, now 9-2, and one of two 32-5A teams still in the postseason party.

Whether it was a fake field goal, a fourth down roll of the dice or the all-or-nothing two-point conversion call, Ford and his staff deserve major props for their gutsy calls against the Cardinals.

Those kinds of decisions should come as no surprise to Valley football fans, who know that Ford is not one to hold back anything when it comes to helping his teams win.

You’ve got to love that about Ford. Some would say he’s a little too freewheeling, but those of us that know him know that he’s always looking for ways to help his Falcons, not hurt them.

He’d be the first one to say that the credit should go to his team for the win, and rightfully so. Los Fresnos always has talented, respectful, hard-working kids that are a joy to watch.

This season, it’s been running back Danny Mendez, receivers Jorge Mata and Charlie Rivas, and that monstrous offensive line, led by the two tackles Mario Benavides and Eloy Atkinson.

And let’s not forget the solid play at quarterback no matter who’s back there.

Now they’ll go into the area round to take on the Donna Redskins at Bennie La Prade Stadium Saturday night.

The Redskins (9-2) have seen an awesome resurgence in 2007 under first-year head coach Manny Moreno, a Donna alum.

Donna went 8-2 during the regular season to capture the District 30-5A title, and last week dispatched of Laredo Nixon at the Reservation to garner a bi-district crown.

But almost as important, Moreno and his team brought the pride and excitement back to Donna. The seats are once again full, and people are abuzz about Redskin football; the way it should be.

Expect a magical atmosphere in Donna Saturday. The place will be jumpin’ and temperatures should be in the 40s or 50s—great football weather.

WESLACO vs. McHI: The district’s other team still alive are the Weslaco Panthers.

Weslaco (9-2) won a track meet of a game last week against Edinburg North, 62-49.

Those types of games benefit the Panthers: Up and down touchdown-fests.

I’ve said all season how special it is to watch Mishak Rivas play.

I saw him break the Valley single game rushing record in San Benito, which was a special, special night.

But something else I’ve said all along is that the Panthers have plenty of players to complement Rivas and what he does.

Players like quarterback Dylan De Leon, fullback Alex Tafolla and receivers Roy Herrera and Rene Tamez.

People like to downgrade Weslaco’s defense, concerning how many yards and points they give up, but I’ve seen them play well when needed, too.

Throw in the coaching of Tony Villarreal, one of the best around, and you’ve got a dangerous team in the playoffs.

Expect another shootout at Bobby Lackey Friday night, this time as the 8-3 McHi Bulldogs come to town.

The Bulldogs are no gimme by any stretch of the imagination, but that should be expected from a Tony Harris-coached team.

In fact, they have weapons aplenty too, in quarterback Adrian Leal and running back Manny Udor.

McHi has come along nicely and seems to have found its rhythm just at the right time.

So those Panther fans have plenty to be thankful for this year: a great team, and two good playoff games at home.

GIVING THANKS: I wanted to take this moment to give thanks for all of the blessings of 2007 thus far.

It would be hard to do that in this limited space without leaving someone out, but I’ll generalize it the best way I can to cover everyone.

My family first of all, knows how special they are to me. Thanks for sticking by me on all of those late nights.

I’m grateful for my VMS cohorts, Dave Favila, Eladio Jaimez and Paul Conatzer. These guys are a blast to work with and I’ve never had more fun while working.

Also, a special thanks to all of those coaches and players who I’ve had the pleasure to deal with this year: thanks for making my job a little easier.

And last, but certainly not least, the readers. I’m thankful to do what I do and for all of the phone calls and e-mails, good or bad. I always love the feedback no matter what.

To all of the above and anyone I might have missed, have a great holiday today and remember what it’s all about.

Armando Garza is thankful to cover District 32-5A (and others) for the Valley Morning Star. He can be reached at 956-430-6255 or at armandog@valleystar.com