By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Friday, Aug. 21 the Port Isabel ECHS football team travel to Weslaco to take on the Panthers in its final scrimmage of the preseason.
Unlike the previous week where Port Isabel edged out St. Joe and showcased an impressive passing game, the Tarpons struggled on both sides of the ball against a tougher Class 6A opponent.
The scrimmage format was divided into two segments: four controlled quarters followed by two live-action quarters.
Weslaco opened up the controlled portion of the matchup with a 34-yard touchdown pass on the second play of the scrimmage, giving the Panthers an early 6-0 lead. The Tarpons “Seawall Defense” came up big against the Panthers next two drives which included an interception by PI’s Logan Bennett.
But Weslaco managed to strike again and extend its lead to 12-0 lead before the teams switched positions.
After being stopped in their opening offensive drive, the Tarpons managed to score in their second possession off a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Bryan Ramirez. The score remained 12-6, as the Panthers’ defense clamped down on the Tarpons’ offense for the remainder of the quarter.
The Tarpons defense were in a ‘bend but don’t break’ mode as they kept the Panthers scoreless during Weslaco’s second offensive quarter.
Meanwhile, the Tarpons went on to score once in their second quarter via a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Grayson Estes to receiver Ramirez, as the controlled portion of the scrimmage ended in a 12-12 tie.
The Tarpons opened the live action play but were quickly forced to punt. Starting from their own 37-yard line, it didn’t take the Panthers long to marched down the field and find the endzone. A combination of backup play and both defenses stepping up prevented either team from scoring again, as the scrimmage ended with the Panthers holding a 19-12 advantage.
Considering Weslaco is favored to win their district, the Tarpons’ struggles were understandable against such a formidable opponent. At the same time, the scrimmage provided Port Isabel with a valuable measuring stick, highlighting areas the Tarpons need to on and improve before the start of the regular season.
Port Isabel will hit the road for its season opener as the Tarpons travel to La Joya Palmview on Thursday, Aug. 27, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.