By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Friday, Oct. 9 the Port Isabel Tarpons were on the road as they took on the Ingleside Mustangs in a key district game.
Both teams entered the matchup coming off big district victories. The Mustangs were fresh off a 45-7 win over La Feria, while the Tarpons were coming off a 47-14 victory over La Grulla.
As the game got underway, the Tarpons got off to a promising start as they forced the Mustangs to punt the ball away after a blitz call resulted in a 9-yard sack by Michael Finona.
As the Tarpons’ offense took the field, they were unable to take advantage of the good field position and turned the ball over on downs at the 25-yard line.
Both team defenses continued to hold firm throughout the first quarter, keeping the game scoreless as the teams headed into the second quarter tied 0-0.
The Mustangs eventually found their rhythm, as they reeled off two scores to jump out to a 14-0 lead.
Still in the second quarter, the Mustangs intercepted a Port Isabel pass near midfield and quickly capitalized on the turnover, extending their lead with a 44-yard touchdown pass by Landon Younk.
Trailing 21-0, the Tarpons made one final push right before halftime when quarterback Grayson Estes connected on a 22-yard pass to move the ball to the Mustangs’ 14-yard line. Unfortunately, the Tarpons ran out of time.
The Tarpons finally broke through in the second half, with Alvaro Rocha powering his way to a 33-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The score cut Ingleside’s lead to 21-6.
Later in the third, Ingleside had to settle for a field goal after a key stop by the PI defense. Ingleside now led 24-6.
In the fourth quarter, PI was forced to punt from their own endzone, but punter Bryan Ramirez delivered a booming kick that bounced to the 35-yard line. Unfortunately, the Tarpons’ coverage unit was unable to contain the returner, who took the punt back for a touchdown. The score extended Ingleside’s lead to 31-6, which stood as the final.
It was a tough loss for Port Isabel, as breakdowns across all three phases of the game proved costly.
However, the matchup could have been closer if not for some missed opportunities.
“We dropped two touchdowns passes. Early in the game. One in the endzone and another one wide open.” Said Offensive Coordinator, John Calvillo.
Things will not get any easier for Port Isabel as they take on Robstown in Week 8. The Cotton Pickers are coming off an impressive 47-26 win over La Feria.
With only four district games remaining, a loss to Robstown would significantly dimmish Port Isabel’s chances of securing a playoff spot, making the upcoming matchup a crucial one for the Tarpons.
The game will take place at Tarpon Stadium on Friday, Oct. 16 with a 7 p.m. game start.
Other district results include: Rockport-Fulton over CC London 38-20, and Kingsville King over La Grulla 35-7.