After winning its first two games with relative ease, the La Feria Lions will face their first test of their non-district slate when the Mercedes Tigers come to town Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
In some ways, Mercedes is a mirror image of La Feria. The Tigers (1-1) lost a tight game to McAllen Rowe 28-25 last week, and brought back 16 returning starters this season.
The Tigers’ defense is anchored by linebacker Brandon Adame, who was named District 16-5A DII’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2018. Mercedes is quarterbacked by sophomore Michael Cisneros, who recorded 439 all-purpose yards in a losing effort last Friday.
WEEK 3 ACTION AROUND THE EAST VALLEY
Harlingen South will look to rebound after dropping last Friday’s contest against PSJA North 32-16 when the Hawks (1-1) head to McAllen High to take on the Bulldogs (2-0) in a nondistrict matchup tonight at 7 p.m. Harlingen High also faces a daunting road test. The Cardinals (2-0) will play at Converse Judson at 7 p.m. Friday. The Rockets (2-0) lost to Austin Lake Travis in the University Interscholastic League Class 6A Region IV championship game last season, 38-21.
Rio Hondo will square off with Brownsville St. Joseph at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Bobcats (1-1) defeated the Bloodhounds (2-0) 59-33 in 2018. St. Joseph is coming off wins against Grulla and Progreso, while Rio Hondo picked up its first victory of the season last week against Zapata, 17-16 in overtime.
Raymondville is set for the Cotton Bowl with rival Lyford at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Bearkats (1-1) picked up their first win of the season 31-19 against Grulla last week, putting up 389 total yards.
Zaraivion Armendarez rushed for 170 yards on 14 carries, while Justin Cantu racked up 146 yards on 15 carries.
Lyford dropped a nondistrict matchup with Hidalgo last week as the Bulldogs fell to 0-2.
La Villa is still winless heading into the annual Sugar Bowl with Santa Rosa at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Cardinals (0-2) and Warriors (1-1) are both looking to bounce back after difficult losses in Week 2.
After losing 21-14 to the Los Fresnos JV squad, Santa Maria will hit the road again to face Premont at 7:30 p.m. The Cougars (1-1) and Cowboys (1-1) are both looking to go above .500.
Premont forfeited last year’s game against Santa Maria.
Marine Military Academy lost 40-20 in last week’s home opener against Benavides. The Leathernecks (0-2) will try to turn things around when they play at Monte Alto at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Blue Devils (0-2) lost 35-0 to Falfurrias and are also in search of their
