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It’s been hard to understand the Port Isabel Tarpons this season.

PI, favored by many to win 32-3A, lost its first three district games by a combined 14 points, and led the area in turnovers and bad breaks.

But all of that changed against La Feria last week. And the Tarpons hope it was just in time for a possible playoff push.

The Tarps (2-5, 1-3 district) amassed a mind-boggling 565 yards rushing and totaled 631 against the Lions.
It was also the third-best single game total in Valley football this season.

There were more good vibes to go around.

Joe Vega (200 yards rushing) had his best game. So did C.J. Barrera (110 yards, 3 TDs). Kyle DeMoss (121, 3 TDs) had his second-best outing.

Tarpon Football was in full form.

“Our kids have been working hard and finally something good happened for them,” PI head coach Monty Stumbaugh said. “Hopefully this will help us get the momentum going. We’ve gotta win out and we know that. We’re gonna enjoy this for a day and then go to work for Zapata.”

Now a date with second-place Zapata (3-1) is on the slate at home. A win over the Hawks would put the Tarps in great shape heading into the final two weeks of the season (Raymondville, Progreso) in terms of staying alive for the playoffs.

SHOWDOWN IN SANTA  ROSA: A big 32-2A game is set for Friday at Warrior Stadium when the Hebbronville Longhorns come to town.

Both Santa Rosa and Hebbronville come in at 2-0 in district play and the pair is likely the strength of the league at the moment. Expect Bishop and San Diego to battle it out for the final playoff spot.

However, the Warriors come in rolling.

Running back Josh Watrous leads the team (707 yards rushing, 10 TDs) and he had his best game against Premont with 179.

A big plus has been the Warrior D, which has been huge as of late, including giving up just 75 total yards at Premont a week ago.

In addition, Aaron Ramirez and the Santa Rosa special teams are also heating up.

A Warrior win in this one could clear the path toward reclaiming the district championship.

ON TAP: Big games this week include Rio Hondo at Raymondville and Zapata at Port Isabel. The Bobcats have won three straight while another loss for the Bearkats would make a playoff push complicated.

The other games have Lyford at Hidalgo and Progreso takes on La Feria.

GRIDIRON GREATS: Here are the standouts from Week 7:

* Lyford’s Johnny Esparza passed for 466 yards and two TDs against Progreso. Wideout Jacob Carranco caught 8 passes for 112 yards in the game.

* B.J. Flores had another outstanding game, going for 161 yards (his sixth straight 100-yard game) and a couple of TDs at Zapata.

* John Pena went for 146 yards on a season-high 29 carries in the Pirates’ loss to the Bobcats.

* Rio Hondo’s Alan Garza had a season-high 107 yards rushing with a TD against Hidalgo.

* David Dominguez had his second straight 100-yard game, (100) to help the Hawks beat Raymondville. In the same game, Manuel Salinas had a season-best 148 yards through the air.

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