BY IVAN PALACIOS AND BRYAN RAMOS

PHARR — District 31-6A received a revamped look following realignment earlier this season. The former nine-team district moved to six for the 2022 campaign, with three teams dropping a classification.

Gone are last season’s district champion Edinburg Vela and perennial power PSJA North, both making the move to Class 5A DI. The move shook up the district, with only two of last year’s four playoff qualifiers back this season, opening the door for others to breakthrough.

Four of District 31-6A’s six teams made appearances during RGVSports.com’s 2022 football media day Thursday at PSJA Stadium in Pharr, each gearing up for a run at the district title.

“With this new district, it gives us all a chance to make it,” Edinburg Economedes defense end Ramsey Ramirez said. “It gives us all a bigger chance to make the playoffs. It’s going to come down to who wants it more. With six teams and only four going to the playoffs, it’s just going to come down to who’s hungrier at the end of the day.”

The media day marked the first of three to be held by RGVSports.com this month leading up to the official start of practices Aug. 1.

The Jaguars were joined by Edinburg North, Edinburg High and PSJA High in representing District 31-6A during Thursday’s media day. The Cougars open as early favorites to win, with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine picking them to come out on top.

Edinburg North returns 14 starters (six offense; eight defense) from last season’s team, which finished fifth in the district and just missed out on the postseason. Running backs Mark Hernandez, Ulysses Melendez and Christopher Barrera will be focal points of the offense, combining for 11 touchdowns last year.

“They all have a unique different style,” Edinburg North head coach Damian Gonzalez said. “Mark is one of those hammer guys. Chris is the speedy and flashy guy. Uly brings a mixture of both. They all have experience. They can all do different things with the ball. We’re looking to implement and take advantage of what they bring to the table.”

PSJA High hopes to make some noise this season, returning several key pieces from last year’s squad including third-year starter Jaime Lopez. The junior quarterback led the district in passing yards last season (1,989 yards, 21 touchdowns), adding 400 yards on the ground.

He’ll be joined by a pair of standouts outside in 6-foot-3 receiver Christian Gamboa (615 receiving yards; 15 touchdowns) and explosive wideout Andrew Castillo (485 yards; 12 touchdowns.

“Everyday in practice we run 7-on-7 against Jaime and the offense,” PSJA High defensive back Aiden Munoz said. “I think that helps our linebackers and defensive backs tremendously. Jaime, I think he’s the best quarterback in the Valley. He really dots us up with the receivers that we got. It makes it really fun and gives us a lot of practice.”

A total of 13 teams were represented during RGVSports.com’s first media day, including PSJA North and PSJA Memorial.

The Raiders are prepared for their move down to District 15-5A DI from District 31-6A a season ago. The Raiders were able to piece together a run to the regional semifinals in 2021 and return 16 starters from their Round 3 squad.

“We have to use the experience we have, dominate everybody, win games and go deep in the playoffs,” junior middle linebacker Mikey Gonzalez said.

PSJA Memorial is set to compete in the new-look District 16-5A DII, but more important for second-year head coach Will Littleton and the Wolverines is continuing taking steps in the right direction. The Wolverine’s six-team district includes Mission Veterans, PSJA Southwest, Roma, Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer. Four will earn playoff spots.

“Football season is obviously our favorite time of the year and we’re looking forward to the start,” Littleton said. “Personally at PSJA Memorial, we’re all excited about changing the culture and changing how people think about us. We’ve been working extremely hard and can’t wait to get out there and play ball.”

“Everybody’s bought in and everybody’s been showing up. The culture is changing,” senior running back Oziel Flores said.

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