LA FERIA HIGH SCHOOL

HT: 5’10” WT: 204

Position: Pitcher/First Base

Parents Name: Alfonso & Maria Rodriguez

What are your team goals for this season?

A District Championship, As Well As Advance As Far As Possible In The Playoffs.

What are your individual goals for this season?

To Be A Great Leader For My Team And To Put Our Team In The Best Position To Win Games.

Have any colleges contacted you and if so which ones?

No

What has been your most memorable game as a player so far and why?

The Game When I Pitched A Perfect Game.  Just To See How Well Our Whole Team Played To Sit Down Every Batter That Went Up.

Which player (pitcher/batter) do you recall has been the toughest to face so far?

Not sure.

If you are a pitcher, do you enjoy pitching or hitting more? Why?

I Like Pitching More Because I Feel That I Have More Control Over The Game.  My Performance Results In A Win Or A Loss.

Who is your favorite baseball player?

Jon Lester From The Boston Red Sox.

Who has had the biggest influence on you on the baseball field? Why?

My Father, Because He Has Always Motivated Me To Get Better And Better.

Which is your favorite baseball movie?

The Sandlot.

If you could look ahead 10 years where do you see yourself?

Having A Successful Career In The Medical Field.

What number do you use? Why?

I Use Number 7 Simply Because It Has Been My Number Since I Was A Freshman.

What Are Your Team Goals For This Season?
We Want To Take One Step At A Time To Bring The District Title Home.

What Are Your Individual Goals For This Season?
Give 100% For My Teammates To Give Them The Best Opportunity To Win The District Title.

What Has Been Your Most Memorable Game As A Player So Far And Why?
It Was My Sophomore Year Against La Feria, In The Bottom Of the Sixth I Came Up Up With A Clutch Two Out Bases Loaded Base Clearing Game Winning Double To Keep The District Title Within Our Grasp.

Which player (pitcher/batter) do you recall has been the toughest to face so far?
Toughest Pitcher Hands Down Is Michael Velasquez From Robstown.
Do You Enjoy Pitching or Hitting More?
I’d Rather Hit, Because There Is Nothing Better Than To Feel Yourself Knock The Cover Off The Ball And Just See It Fly.
Who Is Your Favorite Baseball Player?
Josh Hamilton
Who has had the biggest influence on you on the baseball field? Why?
My Dad Because He Always Has The Best Advice Due To The Fact That He Was A Successful Coach And Also Because He Is Just A Great Father.
Which Is Your Favorite Baseball Movie?
For The Love of the Game

If You Could Look Ahead 10 Years Where Do You See Yourself?
Wherever God Wants Me To Be.
What number do you use? Why?
#2 The First Reason Es Because I Am Jr. And The Second Reason Is Because I Used To Admire Derek Jeter And The Number Just Stuck.

Head Coach: Felipe Barrera, 3rd season, 5th overall
Assistant Coaches: Karlos Carrasco, Carlos Salinas
Career Record: 72- 43
2009 Record: 17-11, District: 11-3
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1991, 1997, 2004

Coach Felipe Barreraʼs Pirates have played in the playoffs for the last two seasons, and this year should be no exception with the return of several talented players and newcomers. “We have a chance to be a really good ballclub this season,” said Coach Barrera who has been part of an Eagle Pass team that reached the State Tournament. “We have what I believe is enough talent; now we must play as a team,” added Coach Barrera.
The Pirates will have to knock off defending district champion Zapata in order to gain the district crown.
Returning for the Pirates are Juan Moya (sr.), 3B/C, who was a 1st team all-state player last year. Moya has belted 10 HR during his sophomore and junior seasons. Moya will be moved to catcher this season. John Peña (sr.), 2B/P, was a 2nd team all-district selection last season. Lionel Flores (sr.), P/3B, was also a 2nd team all-district pick last year. Amado Aranchendieta (soph.), 1B, is another member of the 2nd team all-district team.
Several newcomers will be a vital part of the Pirate team. Josh Mejia (soph.), OF; Gerardo Reyes (jr.), OF; Trey Jones (sr.), SS/P/C, a transfer from Mission High School will all add to the team. Jorge Flores (fresh.), P/OF, will be one of the better young pitchers in all of South Texas. Tres Barrera (fresh.), SS/P/C is Coach Barreraʼs son; he will be another outstanding ball player for the next four years.
“We believe we have a good schedule with the tournaments in McAllen, La Joya, and Sharyland which will get us ready for district play,” said Coach Barrera.
With good talent returning, the Pirates hope to surpass the 2009(17-11), 2008 (18-8), and 2007 (19-10) teams. Last year the Pirates defeated Falfurrias in a three game series in bi-district before losing to Bandera in the Area round (5-0) in a one game playoff.

Head Coach: Don Derryberry, 1st season
2009 Record: 5-16, District 2-11
School’s District Title: 1999

Coach Don Derryberry moves over from Donna to take over the Bearkat program. The Bearkats return a few players for the 2010 season including: C.J. Medrano (sr.), INF/P, Mike Trevino (sr.), INF/OF; Richard Villarreal (sr.), OF; Alex Montalvo (soph.), C, and Ruben Mendoza (soph.), OF.

The Bearkats have not had a winning season in the last five seasons going 8-14 (2005), 5-15(2006), 7-14(2007), 6-15(2008), and 5-16 last season.  Coach Derryberry will have his work cut out for himself trying to revive the Bearkat program.

Head Coach: Sergio Gonzalez, 2nd season
Assistant Coaches: Gregorio Peña, Andres Alvarez, Brett Esparza
2009 Record: 14-10, District: 8-6
Career Record: 14-10
Schoolʼs District Titles: 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008
Bi-District Title: 2006
Area Title: 2006

The Rio Hondo Bobcats missed the playoffs last season just one game behind 3rd place Port Isabel. The Bobcats will have to rebuild this season after losing versatile Joseph Vela (now playing football in Kingsville).

“After graduating our top three pitchers last year, we are looking forward to seeing Dale Scheible (sr.) and Armando Sauceda (soph.) on the mound,” said Coach Sergio Gonzalez. “Inexperience on the mound will allow several players to receive the opportunity to step in,” added Coach Gonzalez.

Scheible was 2-1 on the mound in 16 innings with an ERA of 3.43 and 13 strikeouts last season. Sauceda was a freshman last season pitched in one game going 0-1.

The Bobcats return 1st team all-district Eben Carmona (jr.) who will lead the young outfi eld. Carmona hit .324 with 2 2B, 1 3B, 7 runs, and 8 RBI. The Bobcats will also return Chris Adames (sr.), SS/C, who received honorable mention all-district last season. Adames hit .324 with 6 2B, 4 3B, 22 runs, 2 SB, and 9 RBI, and he will be moved to shortstop after catching his junior year. Ben Perez (jr.), 2B, hit .270 last season with 2 2B, 12 runs, 4 SB, and 4 RBI.

Newcomers who will impact the Bobcat season are: Efrain Castañeda (soph.), 3B/C; Alexander Garcia (soph.), INF/OF; Tomas Vasquez (soph.), OF; Victor Olivarez (sr.), OF; Nico Cruz (fresh.), C; Cabeb Ortega (fresh.), P, and Matthew Zuniga (fresh.), OF/INF.

“Our team will feature several sophomores and freshmen this year as we build towards the future,” said Coach Gonzalez.

The first five batters in the lineup are pretty much set: Ben Perez, Eben Carmona, Armando Sauceda, Chris Adames, and Dale Scheible. The rest of the lineup is still up in the air.

The Bobcats were in the playoffs in 2007 and 2008 before just missing in 2009. The Bobcats are a team and program that is rebuilding. The Rio Hondo team will have to fi ght Hidalgo, Zapata, La Feria, and Port Isabel for a playoff spot in 2010.

Head Coach: Andy Peña, 1st
Assistant Coaches: Daryl Gonzales, Danny Garcia
2009 Record: 7-15, District: 3-11
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1992, 1995

Coach Andy Peña takes over a program with plenty of experience this season. Former Coach Carlos Pimentel headed back to his home town of Mercedes. The Bulldogs return eight players for the 2010 season.

Joey Quilantan (sr.), P/INF, was a fi rst team all-district selection in 2008 return to lead the Bulldogs. Diego Gonzalez (sr.), P/OF, was a fi rst team all-district selection last season for the Bulldogs. Other returning players include: Nick Cavazos (sr.), OF/P; Jacob Carranco (sr.), C; Jason Carranco (sr.), INF; Jorge Lerma (sr.), INF; Johnny Esparza (sr.), INF; Steve Trevino (sr.), OF/ P; Steven Salinas (soph.), INF, and Jose Seirra (jr.), INF/OF.

The Lyford Bulldogs won their last district championship in 1995. Their last playoff appearance was in 2007 (10-13) losing to the La Feria Lions in bi-district play. In 2008 and 2009 the Bulldogs were 4-14 and 7-15.

The Bulldogs now look to once again climb the ladder in the very competitive 32-3A league.

Head Coach: Craig Johnson, 5th season
Assistant Coaches: Jose Luis Ramirez, Jaime Acuña, Eric Villagomez
2009 Record: 9-14, District: 8-6
Career Record: 41-43 in 4 seasons at La Feria
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1999
Bi-District Champions: 2004, 2006

The La Feria Lions just finished one game out of the playoff last season and would like nothing better than to jump up a couple of steps to gain a playoff spot. “We have what I feel is talent, but we must put it together,” said Coach Craig Johnson.
John Martinez (sr.), C/P, is a solid player who will be one of the Lion leaders this season. Justin Rodriguez (jr.), P/INF, is one of the better pitchers around from the left side. Elias Esquivel (sr.), P/C, has two years of varsity experience with plenty of knowledge of the game. Esquivel is the son of current Lionʼs assistant football coach Elias Esquivel. Aaron Villalon (sr.), OF, also has plenty of ability to do damage to an opponent this season. Albert Rodriguez (jr.) is another returning starter for the Lions. Jose Martinez (jr.), OF, was a great find last season and is a player who is fun to watch.

Newcomer of The Year R.C. Garcia (soph.), SS, really did a fine job as a freshman in 2009. Coach Johnson says that Garcia has a knack for making plays.
In Coach Johnsonʼs four previous seasons, the Lions have gone: 10-13 (2006); 16-7 (2007); 6-9 (2008); and 9-14 (2009). The Lions will be a team to be reckoned with when district play begins.

Head Coach: Rene Eli Alvarez, 19th season
Assistant Coaches: Gabriel Perez, Mario Benavides, Beto Vela
2009 Record: 20-7, District: 13-1
Career Record: 342-171
District Titles: 1993, 1994, 2009
Bi-District Titles: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009
Area Champion: 1992, 1993, 1994, 2009

Coach Rene E. Alvarez begins his 19th season with enough talent to repeat as district champions. In 2009 the Hawks finished 13-1 in district and 20-7 overall claiming their 3rd district title.

“We have a team that is united. I believe that this is our team strength heading into the 2010 season,” said Coach Alvarez. “The players respect each other and really get along with each other,” added Coach Alvarez.

The Hawks return eight players who gained post-season honors last season. Mike Rivera (jr.), C/P, hit 404 with 1 HR and 10 stolen bases last season. Rivera was an all-district selection in 2009. Ivan Elizondo (sr.), 1B/P, was the 2008 Offensive Player Of The Year and an all-district selection in 2009 at first base. Elizondo hit .426 with 2 HR last season.

Two other Hawks hit over .400 in 2009. Roel Ramos (sr.), OF/P, hit .444 with 1 HR and 13 stolen bases last year. Ramos was a 1st team all-district selection during his junior season. Ricky Martinez (jr.), SS/P, was a 2nd team all-district selection in 2009. Martinez hit .425 with 1 HR and 17 stolen bases.

Jerry Gutierrez (sr.), 1B/DH/P, was selected as the 1st team all-district designated hitter. Gutierrez hit .396 with 4 HR. Joey Saenz (jr.), 2B, was a 2nd team all-district selection. Saenz hit .387 in 2009.

Other important members on the Hawk squad are: Luis Jaime Gonzalez (jr.), 3B/P, honorable mention all-district; Rogelio Campos (jr.), P/INF; Jorge Garcia (jr.), OF; Juan Martinez (jr.), OF; Mark Gutierrez (soph.), UTL; Mark Gutierrez (jr.), 1B/DH, and Robert Bustamante (jr.), INF.

“We must develop our pitching staff in order for us to be successful,” said Coach Alvarez, who currently has one player in the college ranks. Luis Arturo Flores (09) is playing at University of Texas- Pan American.

Probable lineup will include: Ricky Martinez, Roel Ramos, Ivan Elizondo, Mike Rivera, Jerry Gutierrez, Joey Saenz, Rogelio Campos, Luis Jaime Gonzalez, and Jorge Garcia.

The Hawks will battle the Hidalgo Pirates for the district crown in 2010. The Hawks will continue their fine tradition of competitive baseball this season and will look to defend their district crown.

Head Coach: Robert Holland, 14th season
Assistant Coaches: Jessie Garza, Ralph Cantu
2009 Record: 15-14, District: 9-5
Career Record: 219-109
Schoolʼs District Titles: 1988, 1994, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005
Bi-District Champions: 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005
Area Champions: 2002, 2003, 2005

The Port Isabel Tarpons were back to a familiar place by finishing 3rd in district 32-3A to make the playoffs. The 2010 season will also be a great challenge as the Tarpons return only four starters from last yearʼs team.
“We know that Hidalgo, Zapata, and La Feria have good teams, so we have to really play well to knock them off,” said Coach Robert Holland.

The four returning starters include: Jude Green (sr.), SS; Bobby Burke (jr.), P/INF; Matthew Garza (sr.), OF/C, and Lawrence Gonzalez (sr.), 3B. Gonzalez has been a starter for the Tarpons since his freshman season.

Returning letterman include: Joey Cuevas (jr.), INF; Jeff Alford (sr.), INF, and Marcus Rodriguez (sr.), P. Newcomers for the Tarpons this season will be Josh Barker (jr.), P/SS; Blake Sapp (jr.), OF; Tony Mayorga (jr.), OF; Bucky Rivera (jr.), C; Johnny Leora (soph.), 1B; Jesse Leora (soph.), 2B, and James Ramirez (soph.), UTL.

The Tarpons were defeated in the bi-district round last year by South Texas Powerhouse Robstown in two games. They have gone 15-14(2009), 14-11 (2008), and 12-14 (2007) in the last three seasons.

The Tarpons have been a dangerous team under the direction of Coach Robert Holland. The 2010 edition of the Tarpon team will be no different, giving plenty of problems to the top teams in the district.