Week 1 of the Texas high school football season has arrived, and with it comes a slate loaded with rivalry games across the Rio Grande Valley.
“The Battle of Conway” between Mission High and Mission Veterans, the “Tri-City Classic” between PSJA High and PSJA North and the “Starr County Super Bowl” are all marquee matchups, while the “Bird Bowl” between Harlingen High and Harlingen South serves as the headliner in The Monitor’s Game of the Week.
For most rivals, eyes have been locked on Week 1 since the conclusion of the 2021 campaign.
“As soon as the season ends, that’s all we focus on,” Mission Veterans senior linebacker Luis De Hoyos said.
Mission High has held the Patriots’ number in recent “Battle of Conway” history, reeling off four straight victories against their crosstown rival, including a 13-12 win during last year’s matchup. Both teams will have new faces under center during this year’s contest, with junior Vincent Abrego taking the reins at Mission Veterans and sophomore Diego Salinas piloting the Eagles’ offense.
The contest could turn into a defensive slugfest, with both teams’ experience coming from the defensive side of the ball this year. Kickoff between the Eagles and Patriots is set for 7 tonight at Richard Thompson Stadium in Mission.
In Pharr, one of the Valley’s top offenses is set to take on one of the Valley’s top defenses as the Bears and Raiders collide in the 31st edition of the “Tri-City Classic.”
PSJA High deploys a high-flying aerial assault led by third-year quarterback Jaime Lopez. Meanwhile, PSJA North fields one of the Valley’s stingiest defenses, returning experience at every level. The series has been almost equal throughout the years, with PSJA North holding a 16-14 advantage. The Raiders have gotten the best of the Bears during their previous two matchups, outscoring PSJA High 77-23 en route to two straight victories.
Rivalry week continues across the Valley into Starr County for a season-opening battle between Rio Grande City and Roma, dubbed “The Starr County Super Bowl.”
The Rattlers have taken the past two games in the series, including a 25-14 victory last year, and the Gladiators’ last win was a 32-31 nail-biter during the 2018 season. The Starr County Super Bowl record leans in RGC’s favor during the previous 10 meetings with a 6-4 head-to-head advantage over Roma. Action starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Roma.
Other Week 1 games to watch include Lyford at Port Isabel at 7 tonight, Edinburg High at McAllen High at 7:30 p.m. Friday and San Benito at Brownsville Veterans at 7 p.m. Saturday.
