Hidalgo’s Anthony Nava doesn’t remember much about the Pirates’ 2009 state championship run. What he does know is he was in the stands the day Hidalgo hoisted the Class 4A state trophy.
Despite not remembering the game itself, Nava’s older brother, Angel Nava, makes sure the younger sibling doesn’t forget the outcome of the game.
“My brother was on the state championship team,” Nava said. “I was a little kid when they won, but even now he always talks about it a lot, especially once I got to high school. We’re a competitive family, and he has always had that over me. He is a state champion, so he has bragging rights.”
Now, 14 years later, the younger Nava has a chance to join his brother as a state champion, with the Pirates back in the state tournament for the first time since their 2009 championship.
“It is surreal, more than anything,” Nava said. “I remember the day after we won the regional championship, the next morning didn’t feel real. I’m looking forward to going out there and proving ourselves, and becoming a state champion like my brother.”
Anthony, like his brother, has been a key cog in the Pirates’ march to the state tournament. The junior defender helps anchor a defense that allowed just eight goals during district play.
The three-year letterwinner credits his brother for his success on the pitch, developing into one of the Valley’s most physical and intimidating defenders since making his debut as a freshman.
“When I was starting off, soccer wasn’t really my sport, but Coach (Zeke) Morales gave me a chance. That is when I learned a lot from my brother. He taught me how to feel out a player and where to take them. He also taught me how to be patient as a defender. He gave me a lot of tactical advice starting out. Now it is more mental advice as we head to state.”
The Pirates aren’t the only team with championship pedigree on their side. Sharyland High’s Gilberto Alanis played on the Rattlers’ 2012 state championship team.
The then-junior helped the Rattlers go from a second-place finish in their district to Class 5A state champions that season, defeating Katy Morton Ranch in penalty kicks to win the title.
Alanis will be back at the state tournament with the Rattlers when they take the field for their Class 5A state semifinal against El Paso Bel Air, this time roaming the sidelines in pants and a polo as the first assistant on the Rattlers’ coaching staff.
“The difference between a player and a coach is that once the game starts the nerves go away as a player,” Alanis said. “Now being on the sidelines it is very hard for me to not be nervous. Every game the nerves are coming and going. It has been an amazing journey, though, and I’m just glad to be where we’re at.”
Alanis has shared his state tournament expertise all season long, fielding questions ranging from how his team did in certain rounds and what they did to win.
No question has been more common than what it felt like to win a state championship, however.
“I just tell them that whenever we win, they’ll know exactly how it feels,” Alanis said. “I think that keeps them motivated to want to win. But the message I really try to give them is to take it one game at a time. We are where we’re at because of our mentality. I try to pump them up and scream at them in a good way. Most of all, though, I’ve told them no matter what happens to keep their heads up and have faith. If they have faith in what we’re doing and what their teammates are doing, everything will come together.”
Despite different types of championship pedigree, Alanis and Nava share a common goal heading into this week’s state tournament: adding to their team’s legacy.
The Pirates take the field first at the UIL state tournament, facing off against San Elizario in a Class 4A state semifinal at 6:30 p.m. today. The Rattlers follow at 5 p.m. Thursday against El Paso Bel Air. All games are being played at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
