The District 31-5A standings got a bit clearer following PSJA Memorial’s 20-14 overtime victory over Harlingen South Friday at Boggus Stadium. The victory coupled with Edinburg High’s win at PSJA High broke a four-way tie between the teams as it entered Week 8 action.

Memorial improves to 3-2 in district and is tied with the Bobcats for third place. Quarterback Manny Mancillas scored the game-winning touchdown – after the Hawks fumbled the ball on the first drive in overtime – from a yard out.

Edinburg High at PSJA High

Edinburg High is mirroring last year’s run to the postseason after winning its third consecutive game Friday – a 17-7 victory against PSJA High at PSJA Stadium.

Like last year, the Bobcats dropped their first two district contests before winning five straight and advancing three deep in the postseason. So far, the Bobcats are following in exact path.

Edinburg High raced out to a 14-0 halftime lead and held on in the second half after the Bears had sliced the deficit in half. The Bobcats added a Kristov Martinez field goal to seal the win, moving Edinburg High to 3-2 in district.

PSJA North at Edinburg North

PSJA North escaped Cats Stadium with a 31-28 victory over Edinburg North Friday after playing catch up nearly the entire game. The Raiders tied the game four times before marching down the field on the game’s final drive, when Edgar Ruiz booted a 23-yard field goal to send the Raiders to 4-1 in District 31-5A.

The Raiders can clinch a playoff berth with a win next week against Edinburg Economedes.

McAllen Rowe at McAllen Memorial

The first playoff spot in District 30-5A goes to McAllen Memorial thanks to its 63-35 victory over McAllen Rowe Friday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs remained perfect on the year, improving to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in district, and are seeking their first district title since 2008.

The Warriors fell to 2-3 in district and a tie for fifth place, but still have a good shot at making the playoffs with games against Mission High and La Joya High remaining.

Sharyland at Mission

Sharyland bounced back from its loss to McAllen Memorial last week, trouncing Mission 52-23 Friday at Tom Landry Stadium. The Rattlers shook off an early slow start before rolling to 4-1 in District 30-5A.

Sharyland can wrap up a postseason berth next week at home with a win against La La Joya High. The Eagles, meanwhile, suffered their sixth straight loss after beginning the season 2-0.

Brownsville Lopez at San Benito

San Benito is in good shape to lock up a playoff spot after downing Brownsville Lopez 42-23 Friday at Bobby Morrow Stadium. The Greyhounds scored 35 unanswered points after the Lobos held a 9-7 lead early in the second quarter.

San Benito improved to 4-1 in District 32-5A and a win in any of its final two games will send the Greyhounds back to the postseason. San Benito hosts Brownsville Porter next week followed by a trip to Hanna in its regular-season finale.

Los Fresnos at Brownsville Rivera

Los Fresnos continues to separate itself from the bottom half of District 32-5A, inching closer to the postseason after its 52-28 victory Friday at Sams Stadium against Brownsville Rivera. The Falcons can clinch a playoff spot with a win against Brownsville Pace next week.

Rio Grande City at Edcouch-Elsa

The showdown is set.

Rio Grande City gave Edcouch-Elsa all it could, but the Yellowjackets proved to be too much in the end, defeating the Rattlers 42-21 Friday at Yellowjacket Stadium. The ‘Jackets (8-0) stayed unbeaten as they travel to what will be a raucous Bobby Lackey Stadium next week for a date against Weslaco East. Both teams boast 6-0 district records and the winner will be the frontrunner for the District 32-4A crown.

But on Friday, Edcouch-Elsa had to earn the victory. The Rattlers tied the game at 14 in the second half and got within 28-21 in the third quarter, but two late touchdowns by the ‘Jackets sealed the win.

Roma at Hidalgo

Roma’s 35-24 victory over Hidalgo Friday at Bill Pate Stadium might go a long way in determining District 32-4A’s final playoff representative. The Gladiators now control their own destiny as they sit in a tie with the Pirates for fourth place with 3-3 league marks.

With a win against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln next week coupled with a Hidalgo loss and Mercedes loss, the Gladiators will clinch their first-ever postseason berth.

Valley View at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a 24-0 victory over Valley View Friday at La Joya ISD Stadium.

The Huskies sit at 2-4 in District 32-4A and would have to win out to have any chance of making the postseason for the first time in school history. Juarez-Lincoln travels to Roma and Rio Grande City in the final two weeks.

La Feria at Port Isabel

Port Isabel showed again Friday at Tarpon Stadium why its season continues to be a Jekyll and Hyde one. The Tarpons posted a huge 51-35 victory over La Feria that made the District 32-3A standings an even bigger headache.

Four teams entered Week 8 with identical 1-1 records and after Friday four teams are tied for first place, including the Tarpons. Port Isabel essentially put the game away at halftime, leading 24-7.

The Lions, meanwhile, dropped their second consecutive game after beginning the season 6-0. The losses have come at a bad time for La Feria, which sits in fifth place at 1-2.

Zapata at Rio Hondo

Thanks to Zapata, the race to the postseason in District 32-3A will be one to watch in the final two weeks. The Hawks upset Rio Hondo 21-6 on the road, creating a four-way tie for first place.

Zapata, Rio Hondo, Port Isabel and Grulla share 2-1 district records.

Grulla at Progreso

Grulla disposed of Progreso 35-8 Friday at Red Ant Stadium. The Gators improved to 2-1 in District 32-3A and sit in first place with three other teams.

Grulla, however, might have the most difficult road to the postseason left with a home date against Rio Hondo next week followed by a trip to Zapata in Week 10.

Corpus Christi West Oso at Raymondville

Raymondville rebounded from its tough loss to Lyford last week, defeating Corpus Christi West Oso 26-16 Friday at Burnett Stadium.

The Bearkats improve to 2-1 in district and are tied with Corpus Christi Miller for second place in District 31-3A, though Raymondville holds the tiebreaker based on its head-to-head game. The Bearkats travel to Robstown next week for a matchup against the winless Cottonpickers before a home showdown with district leader Orange Grove (3-0) in Week 10.

Corpus Christi Miller at Lyford

Coming off a big victory over cross-town rival Raymondville in the Cotton Bowl last week, Lyford couldn’t keep its momentum going, falling to Corpus Christi Miller 56-48 Friday at Bulldog Stadium.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 1-2 and a tie fourth place in District 31-3A, but they are still very much alive in the playoff race. Lyford travels to Corpus Christi West Oso (1-2) next week in a pivotal game, where the loser will likely be eliminated.

McAllen Memorial at Sharyland

McAllen Memorial ended Sharyland’s impressive 18-game district winning streak following its 28-14 victory Friday at Rattler Stadium. Should the Mustangs win out, Memorial will dethrone the Rattlers, winners of the last two district titles, as District 30-5A champions.

The Mustangs built a 21-0 halftime lead and never looked back. Memorial remained unbeaten, improving to 7-0 and 4-0 in district, while the Rattlers (6-1, 3-1) suffered their first loss of the season.

McAllen High at Donna

Leave it to McAllen High to begin its furious run for a playoff spot midway through the season.

The Bulldogs made the District 30-5A standings a headache after their 38-10 upset of Donna at Bennie La Prade Stadium. With Friday’s win, the Bulldogs are in a four-way tie for third place with the Redskins, McAllen Rowe and La Joya Palmview. All teams are at 2-2.

Like last season, McHi dropped its first two district contests before winning four straight and clinching a playoff berth.

La Joya Palmview at McAllen Rowe

 McAllen Rowe blanked La Joya Palmview 24-0 Friday at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Warriors and Lobos are tied with Donna and McAllen High for third place in District 30-5A with 2-2 district marks.

Mission High at La Joya High

 La Joya High remained alive for a playoff spot after its 29-21 victory over Mission Friday at La Joya ISD Stadium.

The Coyotes moved to 1-3 in district and are one game back in the race for the third and fourth playoff spots.

PSJA High vs. PSJA Memorial

PSJA Memorial quarterback Manny Mancilla kept the Wolverines’ playoff hopes alive, scoring from 15 yards out with less than a minute remaining that led to Memorial’s 21-16 victory over PSJA High Friday at PSJA Stadium.

The win creates a four-way tie for third place in District 31-5A. At 2-2, PSJA Memorial, PSJA High, Edinburg High and Harlingen South look to battle it out for the final two playoff spots.

At the end of next week, two will emerge from pack after the Wolverines travel to Boggus Stadium to take on the Hawks, while the Bears host the Bobcats.

Edinburg North at Harlingen High

 Even a 35-14 victory sounds odd for Harlingen High, but coach Manny Gomez will take any way it comes.

The top-ranked Cardinals (7-0, 4-0) remained perfect on the season after defeating Edinburg North Friday at Boggus Stadium. Though the score sounds close, the game was never seriously in doubt for the Cardinals, who led 28-0 before the Cougars (1-6, 1-3) finally put up a score in the fourth quarter.

Edinburg Economedes vs. Edinburg High

Edinburg High climbed back in District 31-5A playoff contention after their 34-7 victory over Edinburg Economedes Friday at Cat Stadium.

The Bobcats will travel to PSJA Stadium next week for what will be a pivotal matchup with PSJA High, who are both tied with PSJA Memorial and Harlingen South for third place in district.

San Benito at Weslaco High

 Weslaco High is in good shape of repeating as District 32-5A champions following its 21-14 victory over San Benito Friday at Bobby Lackey Stadium.

The Panthers (7-0, 4-0) remained unbeaten and handed the Greyhounds their first district loss. Weslaco finishes the season with a home game against Brownsville Rivera Oct. 27 and two trips to Sam Stadium, including its regular-season finale Nov. 5 at Pace.

Brownsville Lopez vs. Brownsville Porter

Brownsville Lopez notched its first district victory with a 45-34 win against Brownsville Porter Friday at Sam Stadium.

At 1-3, the Lobos and Cowboys trail Los Fresnos by one game in the race for District 32-5A’s final playoff spot.

Brownsville Hanna at Los Fresnos

Not even a 12-0 deficit rattled Los Fresnos.

The Falcons scored 35 unanswered points and were on their way to a 42-26 victory over the Golden Eagles Friday at Leo Aguilar Stadium. The win gives the Falcons the head-to-head advantage over Hanna, who are both tied for fourth place in District 32-5A at 2-2.

Los Fresnos looks to have the easier road to the playoffs with matchup against Rivera, Pace and Porter left. Hanna will host district leader Weslaco High next week.

Edcouch-Elsa at Roma

Edcouch-Elsa rolled to a 42-3 victory over Roma Friday at Gladiator Stadium.

The Yellowjackets remain tied with Weslaco East for first place in District 32-4A.

Now comes the hard part for Edcouch-Elsa.

The ‘Jackets will host second-place Rio Grande City next weekend followed by what could be the Game of the Year at Bobby Lackey Stadium against Weslaco East on Oct. 28.

The Gladiators, meanwhile, travel to Hidalgo next week for a pivotal matchup with the Pirates that might end up determining the final playoff spot. The Gladiators (2-3) trail the Pirates (3-2) by one game in the district standings.

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Mercedes

Mercedes defeated La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 17-8 Friday at Tiger Stadium. The victory keeps the Tigers alive for District 32-4A’s final playoff spot.

The Tigers are tied with Mission Veterans Memorial for sixth place in district at 2-4, but hold the tiebreaker over the Patriots based on their head-to-head matchup. Mercedes heads into its bye week next weekend and finish the season with a trip Valley View and home game against Roma.

Hidalgo at Valley View

Hidalgo survived a scare from Valley View Friday, rallying past the Tigers 25-20.

Thanks to Roma’s loss to Edcouch-Elsa, the Pirates are alone for the final playoff spot in District 32-4A. Next week’s showdown with the Gladiators at Bill Pate Stadium figures to be for all the marbles as the winner would hold the tiebreaker with only two weeks remaining.

Rio Hondo at La Feria

Rio Hondo flexed its muscle Friday and showed La Feria who the real leader of the pack is after downing the Lions 22-17 Friday at Lion Stadium.

The Bobcats raced to a 22-3 halftime lead, but two second-half touchdowns by La Feria sliced its deficit to 22-17. But the Bobcats defense would not let the Lions get any closer.

Rio Hondo stands alone in District 32-3A with a 2-0 mark, while the loss leaves La Feria in four-way log jam for second place. The loss is also the Lions’ first of the season.

Grulla at Port Isabel

Grulla quarterback Reymond Penablanca lifted the Gators to a 27-26 victory over Port Isabel Friday at Joe R. Sanchez Stadium. Penablanca scored from a yard out with 35 seconds remaining, moving the Gators to 1-1 in District 32-3A and into a four-way tie for second place.

Grulla looks to improve its district mark next week with a trip to Progreso, while the Tarpons host La Feria in a pivotal game at Tarpon Stadium.

Progreso at Zapata

Zapata was relentless during its 77-0 thrashing of Progreso Friday at Hawks Stadium.

The Hawks, who are in a four-way tie for second place, move to 1-1 in district and travel to District 32-3A leader Rio Hondo next week. The Red Ants are 0-2 in district.

Raymondville at Lyford

Lyford kept its season alive after defeating Raymondville 47-14 Friday during the Battle for Willacy County at Bulldog Stadium. After coming off a 43-20 loss to Orange Grove last week, the Bulldogs got back in the thick of the District 31-3A race with a win they desperately needed.

At 1-1, Lyford is in a four-way logjam for second place with the Bearkats, Corpus Christi West Oso and Corpus Christi Miller.

One coach captured on video making an obscene gesture at a vanquished foe, while the other gets picked up for DUI, weeks after a third had held unsanctioned workouts and been nabbed. An outlandish and cowardly player ghetto-kicks another defenseless kid in the head (hard) after the latter’s helmet has come off. That’s just from local high school headlines.

Out in Lubbock, overzealous Texas Tech rooters hijack a couple of A&M buses in the dead of night, filling them stem to stern with manure. Professionally, the king of shenanigans, Al Davis, who ruled the roost in terms of controversy and brazen disregard for convention (scruples) since the 1960s, finally succumbs to the beckoning mystery of death at age 82.

Had enough, pilgrim? Welcome to the world as we now know it: permissive and promiscuous, undisciplined and unvarnished, and unapologetic to boot. It’s as if the entire universe is engulfed in a terrifying yet riveting (ultimately stultifying) reality TV show, where every single inhabitant of Earth gets the chance to make a cool fool out of her/himself at least once, hence attaining the almost sacred goal, to be noticed, popular, a celebrity, someone. To be free.

It’s all about Me. Didn’t you get the Tweet? Facebook me, baby, and get the real deal, about…Me…no one is going to do anything to us, because we got the First Amendment, Freudian psycho-analysis, and Dr. Spock on our side. Hey, they say it on SouthPark, so fuck it.

Again…had enough?

And yet…the fact of the matter is that people have been making mistakes for a long time, as far back as The Fall if you swing that way. The screw-up was not invented in 2011…just perfected. Still, the difference today between Adam and Eve (she had no attorney, pity) is manifold, starting with the 24/7 media culture that cuts both ways, from incredible potential for publicity with one blade to a nowhere-to-hide prison with the other. Perception is reality, And the Multiplier Effect of repetition makes it seem like we are way worse. We are probably no better, but perhaps no worse, than the ancient boneheads.

Either way, what it boils down to is this: like the old Biblical injunction maintains, one cannot teach to the child what one does not hold for oneself. Meaning that with Adults Gone Wild as freedom overcomes us like a toxic, intoxicating gas, how can we expect our youth to all of a sudden toe the line, bite the bullet, and follow the rules? Rules are for suckers, man. Isn’t that the message we send, implicitly, downward? At least the kids have an excuse, albeit a hackneyed one. And us?

Now, The Observer holds no brief for or against the local characters involved in the previously recounted incidents of jurisprudence, except to hope that each of the principals can make a reasonable account of themselves from here on out. And this is not to suggest that they be made to do penance in the old-fashioned manner, hirsute-style. Far be it for a classic and recidivist sinner from way back to throw any stones.

But it is to say that what is in play here is vastly more comprehensive than a single incident, and a dynamic that we are relatively powerless to affect. It is the veneer coming off the whole deal, the onrushing signs and symbols of a world culture that has veered headlong into the civilizational ditch with such resolute and earnest stupidity that it boggles the pondering mind.

Gil Scott-Heron used to intone in a slightly overrated way that The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. But what if I told you that the late protest musician was dead wrong, and that “it,” along with every other inconsequential breakage of wind in the continental United States, is being constantly televised (endlessly and instantly publicized, unconsciously glamorized, eventually lionized, at the end of the day subsidized, socialized into our youth).

Take that to the park, Occupy McAllen, and smoke it. The kids are us, like it or not. Isn’t pretty. Neither are we.

30-5A: FINALLY, IT’S ON

So the Game of the Decade is upon us and kudos to Tres Barrera for that well-crafted bit of hyperbole. I mean, of course it isn’t in the grand scheme of things, Valley football-wise, but so what? It is for Memorial and Sharyland, straight up, making the fast-rising Rattler QB a prophet. So be it. No night will probably ever be as important for most of these kids, and that is very cool. Miss this one at your own risk.

The styles are dissimilar, which is always a plus on the fan side. The power of the Mustangs versus the speed of the Rattlers, but do not be surprised if the outcome turns on one outfit being able to master the other’s specialty. Here, have you noticed the passing of Matthew Kaufmann lately? And the wheels on Raul Jimenez? And have you noted the hard knocks the Rattler D has been laying on folks in the trenches all year long?

What it may come down to is kicking. Which means Shary has the edge, along with homefield advantage. Will that be enough to counter Revenge, which is what Memorial’s after following last year, when Sharyland whipped their butts so bad? Go and see.

While the Twin Towers try to topple one another, it will be McAllen at Donna and Palmview at Rowe, with the Redskins and Lobos seeking to keep pace on second place in this competitive loop. The Bulldogs rebounded this weekend and the Redskins did too. The Warriors are never fun to play because one tends to use up a helluva lot of oxygen keeping up with them.

31-5A: THE BEATDOWN GOES ON

Folks have expressed continuous irritation over what they see as the over-coverage of the Harlingen Cardinals, and rather than call attention to the sour grapes crushed at the feet of the naysayers, suffice to say that the Redbirds are on pace to break their own Valley record for points in a season. They won’t be stopped until the third round, and did you happen to see the Judson score? Hammered by Wagner, 20-10. So much for that No. 7 ranking in the state.

This week, it’s Edinburg North getting the unenviable task of playing Christian to the Harlingen lion. The Cougars needed a win against city rival EHS Friday to avowing being 1-2 heading into Death Week. But they did not move the ball as they are capable of doing, after a valiant effort by the suddenly maligned Bobcat D.

EHS gets Economedes (0-6) as it begins the trek onward from 0-2, like last year. But with most league teams playing competitive if not superlative football, it will be tougher for the ‘Cats to run the table again. This is not to say they don’t do it. Any team with Super Sal Martinez on it can expect some magic every week.

The big game from this league pits the Hawks of Harlingen South against a Pharr North group that has already forgotten the 48-7 blasting at the hands of you-know-who. The Raiders run, the Hawks pass. This will be good. Keep an eye on linebacker Austin Lambert of South, who leads a young but improving defense. Also watch Jorge “Jesse” Garza, who will probably be in on at least a dozen tackles Thursday. He always is.

32-5A: ON MURDERER’S ROW?

Hand it to the San Benito Greyhounds, cuz de iz for real. Following the comeback win against Pace, they decked Los Fresnos fair and square and now for Weslaco. It is an odd Panther contingent that comes in 6-0, and one is waiting to see whether they have just not cranked it up yet (the history suggests this is so) or perhaps that they are just not that dominant in 2011.

If Jacob Puente takes care of the ball against a nasty Weslaco D, this one has the makings of a classic. San Benny is sky high while Weslaco is a little on the defensive right now. Expect a huge crowd at Bobby Lackey Stadium, and maybe a little madness on a Friday Night.

The Falcons meanwhile must come up to scratch against a pesky Hanna club that dropped a 10-6 decision to Pace over the weekend. The Eagles were not sharp early, giving away some field position and a gimme TD on a fumbled snap at their own 1. Which way will the Eagles go? That’s the question of the day. And for that matter, can Los Fresnos get back on track? Big Game 2.0 from 32-5A.

32-4A: ON THE HORIZON

Here’s another Game of the Decade for you…oh wait, EE and East don’t duke it out for a few weeks yet. But the anticipation is building. So much for “ a down year” in Valley football as some media pundits have opined. What makes an “up” year? How can we have a state-ranked squad in the making, several other unbeaten, and very competitive races on the lower levels and be mired in a “down year”? It doesn’t seem so down to the kids who are dreaming of the playoffs and the coaches who are facilitating those dreams on a daily basis in practice. Not sure about that whole “down year” thing.

At any rate, Hidalgo is back in the hunt, did you hear? The scandal-plagued Pirates (last time I ever use that tired-ass drumbeat again, and this one was a counter-protest against Hidalgo-hatred, by the way) pulled one off against Mercedes by two, and now has a winnable road game at Valley View to come.

Rio and Roma, who still have designs on Dance cards come November, are at home this week, the Rattlers against Mission Vets and the Gladiators versus E-E. Rio did the job against East, playing with pride and making more than a game of it. Roma knocked off the spirited Patriots and now must see where it’s at against an Edcouch team that has allowed a meager 29 points in six wins. Eric Morales passed for three scores in the ‘Jackets easy triumph over Valley View, and if that Missing Link is going to repeat itself down the line, why won’t the ‘Jackets be favored if by a whisker Oct. 28? Because East gets them at home, dummy. Oh.

32-3A AND FRIENDS ON DECK

While we wait for Lyford and Raymondville to come home, Snoopy, come home, let us entertain the notion that the latest installment of the Battle of Willacy County should be a really fine ball game. Lyford is giving up a lot points right now, such as 43 to Orange Grove Friday, and it’s tough to score 44 every night. Raymondville on the other hand is clicking along well, having pounded Corpus Christi Miller with D.J. Quiroga at QB and Alex Montalvo beginning to be the consistent playmaker the Bearkats need.

They gon’ be crankin’ it long before kickoff at the Superette for this one.

This will be one of the best weekends of a “down” year in Valley football, with the Willacy battle being joined by another long-time hatefest. Rio Hondo takes on La Feria, and what’s this, another injury at quarterback for the Lions? They have nine lives indeed in 2011, but the logic dictates that if Jesse Ramon is unable to go Friday night, La Feria will be up against it. Especially versus a surging Bobcat defense that appears to be hitting its stride.

The only drawback for Rio Hondo has been the conspicuous absence of Jorge Bermudez, who was injured early on and is yet to be 100 percent ready to play. He did catch a 28-yard TD from Juan Puga Friday. Look out, La Feria.

Down on the small-school street, Santa Rosa appears to be weathering the storm and after a 30-27 victory against Taft put the record at 3-3, it’s time for a bout with the Odem Owls. Odem lost to San Diego by 16 in its latest action, and check back here down the road for the preview on the Oct. 21 brawl between Santa Rosa and the other league fave, San Diego. But before the Warriors get to that marker, they need to come to play Friday, because the Owls are no slouch.

La Villa meanwhile has given up more than 200 points but still has the dangerous offensive weapons. Trouble is, the Cards are working in a district where the other three teams have a combined record of 13-5 right now. The leader of that pack is Ben Bolt, which has one loss on the year (to Shiner) and seems like a tough customer for anyone these days. Charlotte and Kenedy (what is this, “The Real World”?) are the other solid contenders in that tiny, little powderkeg of a district. Now is the time for La Villa to step up, minimizing turnovers and getting Ricky Cantu loose early and often.

NUMBERS ON PARADE

Rio Hondo had three 100-yard rushers last week and also got a 69-yard kickoff return from the explosive Sean O’Brien. As for returns, Sharyland’s Estefan Castillo ran a kick back 90 yards for six and Harlingen South freshman Jaeden Taylor scooted 65 yards with another.

The Cardinals continued their onslaught of specialty TDs with a 19-yard interception return from Jesus Zuviri while Pace notched the aforementioned fumble recovery in the end zone (Luis Mendez).

The biggest kicker in the world, Alex Segura of Palmview, pounded three field goals through against Sharyland, from 22,29, and 41 yards. No. 99 is the Valley answer to gigantic Cleveland Hall of Famer Lou Groza. And Eric Galvan of San Benito might end up being the difference against Weslaco, after nailing three-pointers from 49 and 37 yards versus Los Fresnos.

Nine guys ran at least 60 yards for scores over the weekend, with Rigo Rodriguez of Memorial going the longest, 80 against La Joya. Teammate E.J. Aguilera added a 76-yard burst.

Justin Salinas of McAllen passed for 337 yards in a week where no one else we could come up with bested 200. Brian Blake of Harlingen and Econ glider Woody Flores broke 200 rushing with Ed “Freaky” Friday at 190 along with Josh Castor of P-SJ-A.

And finally, for the fun stat of the week. Take a look at this list, of, well, let the headline tell you…

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE VALLEY TEAM

124      Port Isabel 63, Rice Consolidated 61              2003

123      P-SJ-A Memorial 65, Palmview 58                2010

121      Sharyland 73, McAllen Memorial 48              2004

120      Donna 64, Brownsville Rivera 56                   1995

117      Weslaco 77, Brownsville Porter 40                2011

114      Weslaco 69, Brownsville Lopez 45                2007

111      Edinburg 57, Economedes 55                          2004

111      Weslaco 62, Edinburg North 49                      2007

111      McAllen Memorial 56, Palmview 55             2010

111      Victoria East 76, Harlingen South 35              2010

109      Los Fresnos 75, Brownsville Porter 34          2009

108      McAllen Rowe 55, McAllen High 53                        2010

The answers appear in almost exponential form from Zero Week onward, as fans and media learn more about who’s who and what’s what. Teams go through the same process, figuring out personnel, strategy, and team chemistry (or not) with each shot out of the box.

For those clubs who performed poorly in their 2011 opener, Week One offers an opportunity to go back to the drawing board, move people around, and most importantly, readjust the ethos and feel of the unit. This week in practice a handful of coaches around the area will be hard at work, convincing their kids that “that ain’t us,” in reference to the initial contest just passed. Just as many leaders will be stressing to their groups that they need to keep up the good work and build on beginning successes.

Like a fast-drying alloy or healing wound, a football team’s mentality and emotional outlook will reach equilibrium, and once this happens, the sum will tend to remain thus, as Newton reminds us in a slightly different context.

I have always been a firm believer that in most cases, the second ball game a team plays is usually the linchpin of the caper. A repeat performance good or bad is one that generally casts the die, while an improvement or drastic de-evolution offers one more chance.

Under this latter scenario, a coaching staff will play the contrast game with their charges during film study and walk-through, praising the positive, excoriating the negative, and exhorting the crew to make up its mind: are we like this, or are we like that? The mentors will frantically (though calmly on the outside) seek to reverse course and find the groove.

There are always outliers who start poorly and then roar form behind, and this is mainly due to a killer early schedule, i.e. the way EHS and Robert Vela used to do it. In this case, a club can play well and still not gain the desired result. The tack there is to keep telling the kids, wait until district, though for obvious reasons, this is a somewhat risky scheme. Too many losses, no matter who the opponents, can erode team spirit, which can in turn lead to discipline problems, me-first opportunism, and general chaos. And general chaos, though one will argue that disequilibrium is indeed an equilibrium of sorts, is a sure-fire recipe for a long, tiring campaign.

LOOKING AHEAD

So now on to Week One, where a handful of matchups captivate our attention, including the debut of the 2011 Cardinals of Harlingen, a real slobberknocker pitting Rio Hondo and Edcouch-Elsa, and a vital test of mettle for San Benito, among others.

Everyone is talking about Harlingen-Abilene to come, and with ample justification; however, there are miles to go before we sleep in that bed. Opponent Carroll stomped CC Ray in the opener, 52-7, made the playoffs last year, and is picked second in 27-5A behind SA East Central. While this is assuredly not the Tiger juggernaut of old, it is a sound club that will give the Redbirds a useful diagnostic test early.

Oh to be there for RH-EE. After clobbering Robstown 54-6 behind five TD passes from Juan Puga, the Bobcats invade The Black Hole looking to stir the Valley pot with an upset. Standing in their way is a Yellowjacket squad that dealt PI a crushing 48-0 loss last week, and this point total shows that the offensive woes the program has weathered the past few seasons might be at an end. Perhaps a stretch to pick the 3A over the 4A, but the action should be fierce, from the opening whistle to the final gun.

Now, San Benito has got some weapons, and definitely has the will to win against a Weslaco East outfit that stomped it into the dust last year. Speaking of psychology, Spencer Gantt down in San Benny is sure to be reminding his guys about 2010, and it works wonders to froth up some mad early in a practice week. Makes you want to pulverize the guy in front of you. Worked for the Germans after World War I, for awhile anyway. East killed an average Zapata group to start, and Aaron Munguia rushed for 156 yards behind that super O-line. The Wildcats at home seem a safe bet; San Benito has to depart Bobby Lackey having left it all on the field, one way or the other. Another blowout loss to a lower-class school will be damaging to program momentum.

Looks like Los Fresnos has banished the head demons of 2010, after taking out Del Valle in OT. The Falcons now get to tangle with a P-SJ-A team hitting the field for the first time. In this scenario, the Bears will have to shoo those starting butterflies away as quickly as they can, because the Falcons broke the seal Saturday. As North is at Rowe Thursday and Memorial at Lopez Saturday, the stands will be packed with friend, foe, and independent voter Friday night at home, which adds to the roar. How well will the offense forge ahead without fallen comrade Bryan Ramirez?

People were talking up the Little Guys, Santa Rosa and La Villa, before the year started, and that’s reasonable. The Cards blew a 14-point halftime lead against Grulla, while the Warriors slipped past St. Joe, 30-27. Santa Rosa gave up 372 yards in the win, and that might be a little too high a number. La Villa meanwhile managed just 162 yards, 10 on the ground for 21 trips, and suffered three interceptions against the Gators. This is a big Sugar Bowl, for more reasons than the obvious tradition. It’s way too early to be worried, but this contest will go a long way toward establishing that equilibrium we were chatting about earlier. Playing at home, La Villa needs to come out and churn it up.

So much for “Cuellar can’t pass.” All spring and into the fall the word was that Edinburg North’s new QB, Joel Cuellar, was a landlocked country with little chance at world dominance. He may not be Matt Munoz, but he is Joel Cuellar, and after 296 yards against Brownsville Pace in the season opener, the gutty senior has moved part of a mountain and given the Coogs hope for the future. That future starts Friday at Cats Stadium, where Sharyland comes a-callin’ for some football.

The Coogs almost upset Pace at Sams, falling in double OT, and that did wonders for the program confidence. After Cuellar led the team back from behind and scored the tying TD and 2-point conversion as the clock said 0:00, he had established himself as the undoubted leader.

It’s time to see how that buzz will carry over, because Sharyland comes in fresh off a rout of Hanna, a 43-14 win in which some of those new faces we have been waiting for showed themselves. Estefan Castillo, Tres Barrera, Hunter Guzman (back from an injury), J.C. Valdez, these are the offensive luminaries of the hour. DB David Gonzalez is a veteran back there who makes plays with pal Jacob Rodriguez.

And finally, that Thursday grind pitting Pharr North and Rowe. The Warriors won the prize for most points scored in Zero Week, slamming for 62 against Econ. The Raiders did not look themselves in losing to a surprising Donna club. The question is, Are the Warriors that good? The other is, Can North rebound from a disheartening performance?

As we have stated here today, sometimes it’s not about the talent as much as it is about the mind. How to reach the kids, how to show them that redemption is at arm’s length. How to convince them that what they did last week was par for the course, and as well, to get them into the practice routine and off-field covenant that keeps the machine rolling toward the right objective.

Remember folks, the final product you watch on a Friday night has been germinating and marinating in a varied stew of cajoling, prompting, reinforcing, and re-directing all week. It is a delicate dance where the principles are frenetic, mercurial and predictably unpredictable teenagers. Sometimes it sees that good coaches ought to be given sweet bonuses for being able to deal with that tenuous reality alone, beyond the wins and losses.

NOTES AND ASIDES

So who is this Alexis Guajardo character? His 287 rushing yards in a 20-2 win over Progreso puts the Valley View back on the map for sure. The Tigers play at Laredo Nixon this week, versus a club that was 1-9 in 2010 and makes its debut Friday night.

Another high-yardage back last week was Nathan Monterrosa of the new-look Jags of Econ, who went for 196. Gabe Pena’s club put 35 points on the board but yielded 62 to Rowe. The Jags lost four turnovers to stunt their cause, and will need to take better care of the ball Thursday as highly touted McAllen Memorial comes to town.

Speaking of Rowe, Javi Obregon tossed for 316 yards in the win Friday, with new face Robert Valencia hauling in seven balls for 189 yards and three scores. Against a Pharr North secondary that looked confused against Donna, fireworks may be in the offing there.

As expected, Harlingen South showed improvement last week against Victoria East, battling the Titans to the tape before expiring, 44-37. Sean Montemayor compiled 222 yards in the air, and Nick Garcia had six catches, 128 yards, two sixes. The Hawks welcome Pace to Boggus Stadium Friday to see if they can duplicate the offensive show against the Vikings, who can also get up and down the field. Over-under for that one is a fat 85, says here.

And finally, if you’ve noticed some excellent photos on the site this year, let me be the first to admit, it ain’t me. That gorgeous headliner pic for the Donna-North tilt was done by Rey Leal, the photo editor of my student newspaper at UTPA. Leal is an Iraq/Afghanistan vet finishing his degree as a Bronc. The Edinburg North grad is an award-winning camera shooter who also provided the gallery of shots from the Port Isabel-Edcouch game. Keep em’ coming, Rey!

RUSHING

209 Ricky Cantu, La Villa vs. La Grulla, week zero

208 Bobby Gonzalez, East vs. Zapata, week zero

178 Javier Fermat, Palmview            vs. RGC, week zero

144 Aries Villanueva, Santa Rosa vs. St. Joe, week zero

136 John Rojas, Weslaco vs. Mercedes, week zero

129 Claudio Ramirez, St. Joe vs. Santa Rosa, week zero

129 Alex Gutierrez, Pharr North vs. Donna, week zero

120 Nathan Webb, Harlingen            vs. Lopez, week zero

118 Juan Murillo, East vs. Zapata, week zero

113 Sammy Trejo, Pace vs. Ed. North, zero week

111 B.J. Flores, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, week zero

110 Jaime Gonzalez, La Grulla vs. La Villa, week zero

105 Alex Montalvo, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, week zero

105 Orly Oviedo, RGC vs. Palmview, week zero

PASSING

310 Exiquio Gonzalez, Roma vs, Laredo Martin, week zero

275 A.J. Garza, La Villa vs. La Grulla, week zero

255 Louie Gonzalez, P-SJ-A Memorial vs. McAllen, week zero

236 Kevin Trevino, Hidalgo vs. La Feria, week zero

231 Adrian Morales, Vets vs. PI, zero week

219 Emmanuel Lucio, Lincoln-Juarez vs. Raymondville, week zero

203 Bo Moreno, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, zero week

203 Jason Salinas, McAllen vs. P-SJ-A Memorial, week zero

203 Bobby Moran, Sharyland vs. Hanna, week zero

192 Nathan Webb, Harlingen vs. Lopez, week zero

185 Stevie Guerrero, EHS vs. La Joya, week zero

164 Gilbert Vazquez, Lopez vs. Harlingen, week zero

161 Steve Gonzalez, Mercedes vs. Weslaco, week zero

153 Gilbert Gonzalez, Mission vs. E-E, week zero

152 Michael Pacheco, Ed. North vs. Pace, week zero

RECEIVING

154 Patrick Ortega, Harlingen vs. Lopez, week zero

108 Rick Hernandez, Lopez vs. Harlingen, week zero

105 Rico Garcia, La Villa vs. La Grulla, zero week

104 Eliud de la Cruz, Lincoln-Juarez vs. Raymondville, week zero

103 Skylar Janes, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, week zero

103 Jaime Borrego, P-SJ-A Memorial vs. McAllen, week zero

95 Raul Becerril, Vets vs. PI, week zero

91 John Gonzalez, EHS vs. La Joya, week zero

89 Ruben Casiano, Vets vs. PI, week zero

87 Kent Warren, Vets vs. PI, week zero

85 Jake Hrbacek, Ed. North vs. Pace, week zero

84 Adolio Garcia, Hidalgo vs. La Feria, week zero

83 Freddy Chavez, Hidalgo vs. La Feria, week zero

80 Nelson Hampton, Econ vs. Rowe, week zero

80 Trey Dube, McAllen vs. P-SJ-A Memorial, week zero

POINTS

26 Bobby Gonzalez, East vs. Zapata, week zero

24 Javier Fermat, Palmview vs. RGC, week zero

19 Claudio Ramirez, St. Joe vs. Santa Rosa, week zero

18 Omar Ramirez, Santa Rosa vs. St. Joe, week zero

18 Alex Montalvo, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, week zero

14 Ricky Cantu, La Villa vs. La Grulla, week zero

LONGEST SCORING PLAYS

RUNS

89 John Rojas, Weslaco vs. Mercedes, week zero

83 Ricky Cantu, La Villa vs. La Grulla, week zero

75 Aries Villanueva, Santa Rosa vs. St. Joe, week zero

67 Skylar Janes, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, week zero

62 Alex Gutierrez, Pharr North vs. Donna, week zero

61 Fernando Garza, P-SJ-A Memorial vs. McAllen, week zero

60 Gerry Villarreal, Palmview vs. RGC, week zero

56 Nathan Webb, Harlingen vs. Lopez, week zero

RECEPTIONS

88 Patrick Ortega, Harlingen vs. Lopez, week zero

76 R.C. Cervantes, Weslaco vs. Mercedes, week zero

55 Alex Montalvo, Raymondville vs. Lincoln-Juarez, week zero

FIELD GOALS

45 Christian Carrillo, Pace vs. Ed. North, zero week

37 EHS vs. La Joya, week zero

29 Jose Arzate, McAllen vs. P-SJ-A Memorial, week zero

28 Valley View vs. Progreso, week zero

25 Alex Ontiveros, P-SJ-A Memorial vs. McAllen, week zero

25 Jose Martinez, La Feria vs. Hidalgo, week zero

23 Gonzalo Ordorica, Sharyland vs. Hanna, week zero

22 EHS vs. La Joya, week zero

18 Jose Martinez, La Feria vs. Hidalgo, week zero

KICKOFF RETURNS

88 Claudio Ramirez, St. Joe vs. Santa Rosa, week zero

84 Gustavo Garcia, Valley View vs. Progreso, week zero

84 Steve Medrano, Progreso vs. Valley View, week zero

70 Chris Belmares, East vs. Zapata, week zero

XX Steve Hernandez, Palmview vs. RGC, week zero

PUNT RETURNS

80 Alex Cisneros, Harlingen vs. Lopez, week zero

62 George Nino, Mission vs. E-E, week zero

55 Steve Medrano, Progreso vs. Valley View, week zero

42 Joseph Reyna, Pace vs. Ed. North, week zero

INTERCEPTION RETURNS

45 Aaron Garcia, Econ vs. Rowe, zero week

13 Jacob Garza, Mission Vets vs. PI, week zero

XX Chris Sustaita, Pharr North vs. Donna, week zero

FUMBLE RETURNS

60 Jacob Garza, Mission Vets vs. PI, week zero

3 Aaron Garcia, Econ vs. Rowe, week zero

NOTE: missing stats for: Lyford, Roma, Rio Hondo

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