By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This coming Friday, November 14, the (6-4) Port Isabel ECHS Tarpons will hit the road to face off against the (6-3) Robstown Cotton Pickers in the first round of the playoffs.
After a rough start to the season, where the Tarpons came out of their non-district schedule with a 3-4 overall record, Port Isabel rebounded to finish the regular season undefeated in district play at 3-0.
Port Isabel’s “Tidal Wave” offense wrapped up the regular season averaging 32 points per game, with 3,441 rushing yards and 308 passing yards. As the playoffs begin and the stakes rise, the team will have to lean more on four-year starting running back Luis Ramos — who has averaged just 12 carries per game this season.
In a predominantly run-oriented offense — one that rushes the ball over 90% of the time — Ramos’ production has been eye-opening. He’s accounted for 41% of the team’s total rushing yards and 48% of its rushing touchdowns this season. As in previous years, Port Isabel has been using four to five runners each game. Running back Eli Alvarez ranks second on the team with 71 carries for 313 yards, while Edward Garza, Michael Finona, Bryan Ramirez, and Alvaro Rocha have all averaged over six yards per carry, each bringing a unique skill set to the field.
Quarterback Bryan Martinez has delivered when called upon, throwing for 308 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for 137 yards on 31 carries.
Offensive Coordinator John Calvillo doesn’t plan to stray much from what’s worked late in the regular season but hinted at a few surprises. “We’ll do what we’ve been doing — spread the carries between all backs and wear the defense out, then hit the big play when they fall asleep,” said Calvillo.
Robstown’s defense features several players to watch, including leading tackler Ricardo Ruiz (45 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks), Joaquin Gonzalez (40 tackles, 5 TFL), Joel Mungia (29 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack), and Timothy Sanchez (3 interceptions).
Offensively, Robstown enters the game averaging 21 points per game with a balanced attack that has produced 1,281 passing yards and 1,561 rushing yards. Quarterback Trevin Crowley has completed 86 of 144 passes for 1,232 yards, throwing 14 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Like Port Isabel, Robstown spreads the workload among several runners. Isaiah Gutierrez leads the team with 501 rushing yards on 94 carries and five touchdowns, followed by Ethan Vasquez (52 carries, 355 yards) and Timothy Sanchez (25 carries, 263 yards).
Defensive Coordinator Albert Barbarena III views the Cotton Pickers as a formidable opponent. “Robstown is a very athletic team. They have fast and skilled receivers in #2, #5, and #1. Their running back, #26, is a big load and gains a lot of yards after contact. We have to play very disciplined and make sure we gang tackle. Our defense plans to slow down their big-play capabilities,” said Barbarena III.
The bi-district matchup is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Robstown, with tickets available online.
The final district standings for 16-4A Division II are as follows:
- Port Isabel
- Kingsville
- La Feria
- La Grulla
Other bi-district matchups include La Feria vs. Sinton, La Grulla vs. Sinton, and Kingsville vs. Rockport-Fulton.