District 32-3A Preview
By: EJ Holland (Tarpon 84)
As expected last year 32-3A was the most competitive district in the Rio Grande Valley. This district saw its share of shocking moments in 2008 such as powerhouse Port Isabel missing the playoffs for the 1st time this century, Zapata defeating eventual district champion Rio Hondo and excelling as a top 25 team in the state only to have an end of the year meltdown and miss the playoffs entirely, or both Rio Hondo and La Feria advancing to the 3rd round of the state playoffs. 2009 should definitely hold its share of surprises and live up to the excitement of that in 2008. Below you will find an in depth analysis on the district.
Team Previews: order by projected order of finish
1. Port Isabel Tarpons Lat Year’s Record: 4-6 RS: O/D 3/3
Will the tradition be restored in Port Isabel in 2009? The Tarpons missed the playoffs for the first time this century in 2008 and but things look different in 2009. Missing the playoffs in back to back seasons is highly unlikely. The Tarpons don’t have to deal with the effects of a hurricane this season or having no camaraderie. Port Isabel has a brand new weight room and locker room where the team can bond together unlike last year. The team has really come together and looked impressive in their 1st scrimmage against Brownsville Pace garnering a 13-6 victory over the Vikings in 2 live quarters. “We’ve got to get back to what it took to build that tradition and earn it,” said Port Isabel Head Coach Monty Stumbaugh. The Tarpons will definitely have to earn the right to be district champions this year and they have the talent to do just that. QB Kyle DeMoss returns under center and looks to build on last years 1,000 yard passing season. DeMoss was also quietly a top 5 valley QB as far as completion percentage goes. All District HM RB Joe Vega who made his mark on the team last season with 730 yards and 7 Td’s also returns in the backfield. The Tarpons however lost...