The Texas Sports Writers Association is unveiled its 2021 All-State Teams this week with several Rio Grande Valley standouts earning statewide recognition at the Class 4A, 5A and 6A levels led by a pair of first team all-state selections. The TSWA All-State teams are determined by votes from sports writers, editors for newspapers and online publications throughout the state.
Edinburg Vela athlete PJ Rivera was named to the Class 6A First Team Offense as an all-purpose selection. Rivera racked up 925 yards and 13 touchdowns as a runner and hauled in 33 receptions for 507 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver. He helped the SaberCats (12-1, 8-0) win the District 31-6A championship and reach the Class 6A Division II regional semifinals.
Hidalgo senior guard Saul Hernandez was named to the Class 4A First Team Offense. He had a 98% blocking percentage, tallied 55 pancake blocks, 35 knockdowns, and 25 blazer blocks. Hernandez led the Pirates on the offensive line and helped them reach the bi-district round of the Class 4A playoffs.
CLASS 6A ALL-STATE SELECTIONS
First Team – PJ Rivera, All-Purpose, Edinburg Vela.
Second Team – Jack Lugo, Utility, PSJA North.
Third Team – Brandon Hinojosa, Center, Edinburg Vela; Ruben Limon, Linebacker, Los Fresnos; Hector Muniz, Utility, Los Fresnos.
Honorable Mention – Frank Medina, Guard, San Benito; Ramiro Martinez, Tackle, PSJA North; Fabian Garcia, Running back, San Benito; Isaac Gonzalez, Running back, PSJA North; Jose Contreras, Kicker, Los Fresnos; Jake Dufner, Defensive line, Edinburg Vela; Daniel Garcia, Defensive line, PSJA North; Christopher Archer, Linebacker, PSJA North; Mariano Garcia, Linebacker, San Benito; Gregory Jones, Linebacker, Los Fresnos; Anthony Ambriz, Defensive back, Brownsville Hanna; Deanthony Mireles, Defensive back, San Benito; Justin Navarro, Defensive back, Edinburg Vela.
CLASS 5A ALL-STATE SELECTIONS
Second Team – Thomas Domian, Tackle, McAllen Memorial; Mark Champion, Defensive line, Mission Veterans; Luis De Hoyos, Linebacker, Mission Veterans; Kolten Ottmers, Defensive Back, McAllen High.
Third Team – Jose Medrano, Kicker, Brownsville Veterans.
Honorable Mention – Victor Guerrero, Guard, Edcouch-Elsa; Christian Echazarreta, Receiver, McAllen High; Tyrell Treviño, Receiver, Mercedes; Michael Cisneros, Quarterback, Mercedes; Joshua Gomez, Running back, Edcouch-Elsa; Marcos De Ochoa, Defensive Lineman, McAllen Memorial; Nico Herrera, Defensive line, Edcouch-Elsa; Manuel Lerma, Defensive line, Brownsville Veterans; J.J. Alvarado, Linebacker, Mercedes; Gabriel Garcia, Linebacker, Roma; Roan Galvan, Linebacker, Mercedes; Luis Salazar, Linebacker, Edcouch-Elsa; Jalen Muhammad, Defensive back, McAllen Memorial; Felipe Olvera, Defensive back, Mission Veterans; Gilbert Trillo, Defensive back, Brownsville Veterans.
CLASS 4A ALL-STATE SELECTIONS
First Team – Saul Hernandez, Guard, Hidalgo.
Second Team – Gilbert Medina, Kick Returner, Port Isabel.
Honorable Mention – Isaac Longoria, Tackle, Hidalgo; Kevin Cerda, Defensive Back, Hidalgo; Gilbert Medina, Defensive Back, Port Isabel; Zechariah Rios, Defensive Back, Rio Hondo; Fernando Romero, Defensive Lineman, Port Isabel; Dante De La Garza, Linebacker, Port Isabel; Jayden Garza, Punter, Raymondville.
