(Port Isabel team captains Tristan Green, Alvaro Rocha, Bryan Ramirez, and Grayson Estes pregame coin toss, PI vs La Grulla. September 25, 2026. Picture by Constancio Martinez Jr)
By: Constancio Martinez Jr
This past Friday, Sept. 25 the (1-3) Port Isabel Tarpons hosted the visiting
(0-4) La Grulla Gators in district matchup. Prior to the game, the Gators were
coming off a 42-8 loss at the hands of the La Feria Lions, while the Tarpons were
coming off a 32-13 loss to CC London. Both teams needed a win as they headed
into bye week.
The Gators received the opening kickoff and got straight to business,
picking up 14 rushing yards on their first play from scrimmage. Two plays later,
running back Luis Villarreal broke loose down the sideline for 59-yard touchdown
run. La Grulla took an early 6-0 lead after Port Isabel managed to block the extra
point try.
The Tarpons responded with a 15-play scoring drive capped by a 2-yard
touchdown run by running back Bryan Ramirez. The drive featured six different
ball carriers as the Tarpons marched down the field. Ramirez’s touchdown gave
Port Isabel a 7-6 lead with 2:26 remaining in the first quarter.
On the ensuing La Grulla drive, quarterback Isaiah Salinas made several key
plays to keep their promising possession alive including a 13-yard keeper and
completions of 15 and 20 yards. But after being pushed back to their own 33-yard
line, the Tarpons “Seawall Defense” had enough. They tackled the runner for a 5-
yard loss and had a 4-yard sack on back-to-back plays, forcing the Gators to punt
the ball away.
On the Tarpons’ next possession, running back Ramirez broke free for 63-
yard run. Two plays later, Ramirez finished the drive with a 12-yard touchdown
run, as the Tarpons now led 14-6 with 4:53 left in the first half.
Port Isabel’s defense continued to stiffen as the game progressed, forcing
the La Grulla into a 3-and-out in their next possession. The Tarpons’ offense,
meanwhile, was not finished. The Tarpons put together a 39-yard scoring drive
capped by an 8-yard TD run by Ramirez.
Port Isabel headed into the halftime break with a 21-6 lead.
As the second half got underway, the Tarpons picked up where they left off
as they went on a 5-play scoring drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown run by Ivan
Medina. The score extended Port Isabel’s lead to 28-6.
After another defensive stand by the “Seawall Defense”, the Tarpons found
the end zone again. This time, Grayson Estes connected with his younger brother,
receiver Preston Estes, on a 52-yard touchdown pass. A missed extra point
attempt made it a 34-6 game.
Port Isabel continued to wear down the shorthanded Gators the rest of the
game, on their way to a convincing 47-6 victory.
There will be no 16-4A Div 2 games for Week 6, as all district teams will be
observing their bye week.
When district play resumes in Week 7, the (2-3) Port Isabel Tarpons will hit
the road to take on the (4-1) Ingleside Mustangs.
Other key Week 7 matchups include the (4-1) CC London Pirates facing the
(4-1) Rockport-Fulton Pirates, while the (3-2) La Feria Lions take on the (2-3)
Robstown Cotton Pickers.