By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Port Isabel Tarpons Varsity Football Team updated their accomplishment
board with the year “24” on the “District Champions,” list leaving their mark in Port Isabel’s long-storied
football history. The Tarpons have attained a share or the outright district crown for many years now and
this year’s achievement marks the 31st time the Tarpons have accomplished the feat since 1952.
This past Friday, Port Isabel beat Ingleside 28-21 in a Bi-District matchup. The 2024 Bi-District win
marks the 30th time the Tarpons have accomplished the feat, dating back to their first in 1976.
The Tarpons will be looking to add yet another feat to their list, the “Area Champions” accomplishment,
when they face off with the Lago Vista Vikings on Friday night in Kingsville. In their history, the Tarpons
have only obtained this feat 12 times, with the 2013 season being the last time it occurred.
Two weeks prior to updating the board, the team recognized Juan “Juanillo” Fernandez Jr with a plaque
from Tarpon Athletics honoring him as “Super Fan.”
Fernandez was told by fellow Tarpon fanatic and sidekick, Jimmy Garza, that coach Tony Villarreal
wanted to talk to them both. Garza was previously approached by Villarreal and tolf that he wanted to
surprise Fernandez with the plaque for being a great fan.
On the day of the presentation, Fernandez waited patiently for Garza to show. He watched the boys
football practice from his car. Garza finally showed up and they both made their way to the field.
Fernandez then noticed the team jogging towards him,believing practice was over. To his surprise, the
team surrounded him as Villarreal introduced Fernandez to the team. The team went on to cheer and thank
him for his support throughout the years. Taken aback, Fernandez became overwhelmed with emotions and
was thankful for the recognition.
Fernandez is a longtime fan of all Tarpon sports, but is especially fond of Port Isabel’s football and
baseball teams. He recalls first becoming a hardcore fan in the 1950’s and has traveled to countless football
games.