“It was a sloppy game on both sides of the ball. Hondo has an amazing defense. They’re a very well coached team who is coming off a District Championship and looking to repeat.” 

   According to Coach Paulo Valero, “The girls fought extremely hard and made it close in the 4th quarter. The player of the game was Silvy Salazar. 

   In the 1st, 3rd and 4th quarters combined the score was 34-31 Hondo. 

   In the thirrd quarter Hondo went on a 11-3 run to win the game 45-34. 

  The Lady Mavericks traveled to Somerset on Wednesday where they knocked off a playoff contending Somerset squad 65-58. 

   “We came back with our biggest victory of the season beating a playoff tested Somerset,” said Coach Valero, who named Player of the game Gyselle Rangel with 19 points.

   The Lady Mavericks  traveled to Poteet on Saturday. Results were not available at press time.

This year, the Mavericks will be playing a school they may have a little more in common with: the newest high school in town, who according to Head Coach Cody Simper took their lumps last year as the new kid on the block and are all the better for it.

"We're really proud of where we are as a team in just our second year as a varsity program," said Simper on a recent phone interview. "We played a lot of young guys last year. Taking their lumps has paid off."

His young squad not only bounced back from their growing pains, they actually were leading their game last week at Calallen for the district championship. Coach Simper said they are glad they played Calallen when they did because it will help them when ultimately preparing for the playoffs. 

"We're fortunate enough to have stayed healthy this season even though Calallen pulled away from us in the second half 46-25," he added. "We are the new school in the CCISD and we are proud to be in the Division I State Playoffs this year."

The Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Eagles will line up Running Back Frank Jones, a senior who scored on a 10 yard run against the Tigers. They run a two Quarterback set with sophomore Joseph Gonzalez who scored on a two yard run and threw for another and junior Quarterback David Soto.

Their other standout on offense is junior Wide Receiver Seth Solis who scored on a 10 yard pass from Gonzalez.

When asked about his offensive line, Simper had the following to say about them: "We have a senior-heavy O-line. They are the unit that makes our team go."

On defense, the Eagles will line up 6' 0" 210 Lb. Defensive Lineman LJ Salazar and 5' 9" 230 Lb. Defensive Tackle Deltyn Demerson, both seniors.

"Our defense has played really well all year," said the  coach. "Our defensive line is the most experienced group on the field."

About Coach Eric Villaseñor's CC Winn Mavericks, Simper had the following to say: "The one thing that stands out on film is their effort. They seem to be well-coached. They play hard on every play."

In a game where running back DeeAndre Torres would once again be the focal point and driving force behind the Eagle Offense, the Eagles struck on their first drive with a one yard run to pay dirt to put the Burnt Orange and White up 7-0 after the Jose Riojas PAT.

Then it was the Eagle Defense who came up big on the Rams’ second possession when Eagle Linebacker David Kypuros soared into the cool Del Rio breeze and picked off Ram Quarterback JD Torres and ran it into the end zone for six, 14-0 Eagles.

After taking over the ball again in the second quarter, Eagle Quarterback Richie Luna began to orchestrate the Air Raid Offense we’ve grown accustomed to seeing, incorporating his arsenal of weapons, almost all of which have been News Gram Players Of The Week like Albert Guevara, Norby Zavala, Riojas and Rey Rey Mendoza. But it would be Torres who would cap off the drive with a big run up the middle of the Ram Defense 20-0 after the blocked PAT.

The Eagle Defense would strike once again with an interception by Joshua Monsivais, giving the Eagles the ball again with just under a minute to go in the half. A 23 yard field goal by Riojas would give the Eagles a 23-0 lead that they would take into the locker room at the half.

The Eagles would score again on a reverse to Jose Riojas to cap off the scoring and the Jack-Of-All-Trades would put the pigskin through the uprights himself to give the Eagles the 30-0 victory.

It was a dominating performance by the Eagles in all phases of the game that gives them the confidence they will need to begin their trek into the State Playoffs this weekend against the McAllen Bulldogs right here in Eagle Pass at the Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium, an apropos venue to celebrate this accomplishment in November, a month where we honor football coach, Cozel Foster, and the rest of our veterans who fought for the freedoms we have here today.

The Mavericks struck first on their initial possession of the game and things seemed to be business as usual for the Maverick Offense, but nothing could be further from the truth as the Silver & Black could not get anything going after Ethan Johnston’s six yard tally in the first quarter to put the visitors up 6-0. The missed extra point foreshadowed things to come as the Coyotes played inspired in front of their home crowd.

A big pass play from Quarterback Michael Mata to Running Back Domingo Davila on a 30+ yard strike to put the Coyotes on the board 6-6 after the failed PAT.

The home team would not look back with another TD pass from Mata to Wide Receiver Joshua Sandoval, 13-6 Uvalde at the half.

Mata would strike again in the second half with a touchdown pass to Wide Receiver Sotero Martinez. The two-point conversion was good and the ‘Yotes were up 21-6.

But the home team was not done, Running Back D’Andre Carroll would tack on a 60+ yard run through the Maverick Defense to make the final score Uvalde 27, CC Winn 6.

The Mavericks will travel to the Alamo City, Schertz to be exact and Lenhoff Stadium to tangle with another Corpus Christi school in the first round of the State Playoffs, this time Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial at 7:30.

Coach Eric Villaseñor and his team went as far as the third round of the playoffs last season, defeating Corpus Christi Carroll before going on to Area to knock off Laredo Nixon, which could be a possibility again this year. The Mavericks would then go on to the State Quarter Finals to square off against a very formidable Sherman Foster squad who lined up CD Lamb, now a true freshman starter at The University of Oklahoma. Lamb may end up playing in the BCS Final Four Playoff this season.

What we know at this time is that the Mavericks will face another Corpus Christi school, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial in the first round. The Mavericks will play on Friday, November 17 at Lenhoff Stadium in San Antonio at 7:30 PM.

The Eagles have several playoff scenarios that can occur this season, but first things first, they need to defeat Del Rio to have a share of the District 29-AAAAAA Championship before knowing who will be waiting for them in the first round of the playoffs.

In District 30-AAAAAA, McAllen Memorial is 5-0 and has clinched a share of the district title. McAllen Nikki Rowe is 4-1 and can secure a share of the district title with a win over McAllen Memorial this week.

The final two spots will go to La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, McAllen High, Mission High or La Joya High School.

If La Joya loses to La Joya Palmview, the winner of Thursday's game between Mission and McAllen High will advance to the playoffs along with La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. The Eagles can only reach with a win and an Alice loss.

If La Joya beats Palmview and McAllen beats Mission, then McAllen and La Joya advance from a three-team tie which would leave La Joya Juarez-Lincoln out.

If La Joya beats Palmview and Mission beats McAllen, then La Joya and La Joya Juarez-Lincoln advance from a three-team tie that would also include Mission.

McAllen Memorial will be the top seed in Division I unless both La Joya High and Lincoln-Juarez qualify. In that case, McAllen Memorial will be the top seed in Division II.

In District 31-AAAAAA Edinburgh Vela has clinched at least a share of the district title. PSJA High can take the other share with a win over Edinburgh North and a Vela loss to Edinburgh Economedes. Any other result gives Vela the title.

PSJA is in the playoffs and will compete in Division II. Edinburgh High has also clinched a spot and will play in Division I. Vela will be in Division I only if PSJA Memorial is the fourth team. If any other team takes the fourth spot, Vela is in Division II.

In order for PSJA North to advance, it needs to beat Edinburgh and it needs all of Economedes, Edinburgh North and PSJA Memorial to lose.

The Eagles will be going in Division II and a Bi-District foe is yet to be determined due to the playoff scenarios listed above.

Whatever the case may be, we need to come out as a community and support both  teams to make the big show. Two teams, one community.

  Rodriguez took out his opponent in the first round via submission, Guillotine Choke Hold in the first round at 1 minute 35 seconds. 

   Rodriguez has been impressing the MMA world through out his amateur career and has now jumped to the next level in the pro circuit. 

   Rodriguez is in hopes and is seeking eventually making it to the UFC. 

  Rodriguez has roots in Eagle Pass as he grew up in the Eidson Road area of the community  until 2011 when he moved to Iowa where he began his journey towards a professional career in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)field. 

   Drako now living in Sioux City Iowa turned his fighting ways into a flourishing Mixed Martial Arts career competing in the King of the Cage organizational league. 

  Rodriguez competes in the Super flyweight (140lb) Amateur category and is the champion with an impressive undefeated Amateur record of 13 wins and no losses. Rodriguez now starts putting wins together in the professional category, where we’re sure he will excel. 

     The Cowgirls outshot the Lady Mavericks 33.3 percent to 20 percent, hitting 10 for 20 from inside the paint to come away with the victory.

     Gyselle Rangel scored five for the Lady Mavericks with four steals and a block while Ashley Cruz dropped seven to go along with her eight steals and ten boards.

     Silvy Salazar scored five for CC Winn.

     The Lady Mavericks traveled to Hondo on Saturday, but results were not available at press time.

For the Mavericks this week it's big Jaime Rodriguez, and for the Eagles it's just as big Tito Villarreal.

First up is Eagle Pass Eagle Right Tackle, Tito Villarreal:

Who do you consider to be your biggest influences? (Could be your parents, but also include a professional player or national figure)

My Mom. She always supports me, whatever I need and whenever I need it. My uncle Isaac Gonzalez is also a big influence. He's a good guy and a great person to look up to. A good role model.

What are your goals this season?

To win district on Friday and go far in the playoffs.

Who's your favorite NFL team?

The Dallas Cowboys.

College team?

I don't have a favorite college team that I follow.

What's your favorite play and why? 

Dart. Because I go ahead and open up the gaps for DeeAndre and help him get to the next levels.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm looking forward to going to a good college.

Major?

I'm not sure yet.

What does it feel like to come out of the tunnel? What do you feel when you hear the fight song?

A lot of good energy and knowing that you're on a good path. When I hear the fight song, I really feel that energy and know something good is coming, because I know that our band only plays it when we do something good.

Finally, give me some advice to a seventh grader playing football for the first time.

Just to keep on putting in the work and good things will come your way.

Next up is CC Winn Maverick Left Tackle Jaime Rodriguez:

Who do you consider to be your biggest influences? (Could be your parents, but also include a professional player or national figure)

I consider my parents to be my biggest influences because they have taught me to never give up on my dreams and to always keep fighting for what I want, even when adversity strikes. They have always been there for me and have made me the person I am today.

What are your goals this season?

My goals this season were to go out every Friday and play all out and leave no regrets on the field, but to also be one of the best tackles in the district.

Who's your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is The Dallas Cowboys.

College team?

The University of Texas Longhorns.

What's your favorite play and why?

My favorite play is our counter play because I get to pull to the right side and take out the linebacker going full speed. That play is always fun because I get to lead the quarterback through the hole and take out whoever's there. I love running this play inside the Red Zone.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation are to attend a university here in Texas that will help me finance my studies and hopefully give me the chance to take my athletic skills to the next level.

Major?

Sports Medicine.

What does it feel like to come out of the tunnel? What do you feel when you hear the fight song?

Coming out of the tunnel is awesome. It gives me the extra juice that helps us dominate the other team for four quarters. Hearing the fight song makes me feel fired up because when they play it, it's usually after a touchdown and it feeds my confidence.

Finally, give me some advice to a seventh grader playing football for the first time.

To the seventh grader playing football for the first time I say stay committed and trust the process. You'll get your shot. This program changes lives, not only on the field, but off the field as well. This is a great experience to be a part of. If you work hard and trust the process, the results will come, so stay hungry and be patient. Your time will come when you have earned the right to play under Friday Night Lights.

participate in the 2017 State Cross Country Meet held November 4.

"The girls got 14th and it was all I could ask for as a coach," said Coach Juan Gonzalez. "We're young and we're coming back trying for a Regional Championship and then another berth at the State Meet."

"Nathan went out and left it all on the course and tried his best with a 16:12."

Congratulations to Coach Gonzalez and his teams this season on all their accomplishments and we look forward to what the future has in store for this program.