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McAllen High was the only team to defeat Memorial in district
last season, and start this season as the favorite to take the
30-5A crown. McAllen finished tied with Memorial for district
in 2006 with a 5-1 record. The Bulldogs return four first and
second team all-district selections to build around in 2007.
Senior tailback Manny Udor leads the Bulldog offense. On
defense, senior LB Sam Weisman is one of the top defenders in
the district. McAllen High has a nice core of experience
back, and should finish at or near the top of this district.
Rio Grande City also looks like a strong contender for a
playoff spot. The Rattlers handed McAllen High its only
district loss last year in a 42-35 shootout. Junior QB RJ
Alaniz returns. Alaniz earned all-district recognition as a
sophomore last season. The offense averaged 30.7 points per
game. Senior FB Armando Garza adds experience. The
defensive unit is anchored by senior DL Eduardo Rangel. RGC
barely made the post-season last year, and will look for a
return trip this season.
Donna and Mission Sharyland could battle it out for the
other two playoff spots. Donna’s top returning player is
senior DL Jose Umanzov. Senior RB Robert Guzman will pace the
offense. Sharyland finished with just one win in district
last year, and will look for improvement in 2007. Senior QB
Jonathan Sarver will be one who the Rattlers look to for
inspiration this season.
McAllen Memorial graduates one of the most hyped players
produced by the Valley recently in Bradley Stephens. It’ll be
interesting to see where the Mustang program goes now that
he’s gone to the college ranks. Senior OLB Robert Curl is the
Mustangs’ top returning player. McAllen Rowe and La Joya
appear to have a lot of work to do in order to get in on the
playoff race this season. Rowe has one of the top offensive
players in the district in senior TE Alex Chalk. Senior OL
Andy Santos earned second team all-district recognition for La
Joya last season. La Joya was expected to be one of the top
teams in south Texas, but never found consistency.
McAllen High, Rio Grande City, Donna and Sharyland are the
projected playoff teams but no one team returns a ton of
experience so this race could be wide open once district play
kicks in. |
