(Port Isabel team captains, Grayson Estes, Bryan Ramirez, Tristan Green, and Logan Bennett during Kingsville matchup. Nov. 6, 2026. Pictured by Constancio Martinez Jr)
By: Constancio Martinez Jr
On Friday, November 6, the (4-6, 3-4) Port Isabel Tarpons hosted the (4-6,
4-3) Kingsville Brahmas in district matchup.
Entering the matchup, Port Isabel was coming off one of its most lopsided
losses in recent history after losing to Rockport-Fulton 71-6, meanwhile Kingsville
was coming off a 28-7 win over La Feria.
Having already secured a playoff berth, Kingsville was looking to improve its
playoff seeding. Meanwhile, with Port Isabel already eliminated from playoff
contention, the Tarpons took the field playing for pride.
The Brahmas received the opening kickoff and began their first possession
with three consecutive rushing attempts by bruising running back Damarius
Montgomery-Buckley. However, the Tarpons’ “Seawall Defense” came up big,
holding Montgomery-Buckley to just seven yards on three carries and forcing
Kingsville into a punting situation.
As the ball was snapped, PI defensive end Jerry Troncoso managed to get a
hand on the punt, blocking the kick and giving the Tarpons excellent field position.
Taking over at the Brahmas’ 37-yard line, Port Isabel got to work and went
on a five-play scoring drive, capped by a beautiful 28-yard touchdown pass from
quarterback Grayson Estes to younger brother, Preston Estes, giving PI an early 7-
0 lead.
On Kingsville’s ensuing drive, the Brahmas got a big kickoff return to
midfield, putting them in favorable field position. However, the Tarpons ‘bend-
but-don’t-break defense ultimately forced the Brahmas to turn the ball over on
downs.
On a side note, during the drive, PI outside linebacker Ivan Medina
delivered a big hit on Montgomery-Buckley, bringing him down for a loss. Medina,
who at best stood at 5-foot-6, proved that it isn’t the size of the dog in the fight,
but the size of the fight in the dog.
Starting from their own 23-yard line, the Tarpons went on another scoring
drive, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run by Alvaro Rocha. One of the highlights
of the drive came before the score with Rocha breaking free for an 18-yard gain.
A blocked extra point attempt left Port Isabel with a 13-0 lead with 5:21 left
in the second quarter.
Still in the second quarter, Port Isabel extended their lead to 21-0 as
quarterback Estes scrambled for a 38-yard TD run.
The Brahmas finally put together their first scoring drive of the night as
Montgomery-Buckley ran the ball in from 5-yards out. The score cut Port Isabel’s
lead to 21-7.
With less than a minute remaining before halftime, quarterback Estes
connected with a wide-open Jesus Ramos for a 75-yard touchdown. PI led 28-7 at
halftime.
As the second half got underway, the Tarpons picked up where they left off,
putting together an eight-play scoring drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run
by running back Michael Finona. Port Isabel now led 35-7.
However, Kingsville halted the Tarpons’ ensuing drive with an interception
near the goal line. The momentum quickly shifted in the Brahmas’ favor as they
capitalized on the turnover, scoring on their next offensive play with a 49-yard
touchdown run by Montgomery. Port Isabel still maintained the lead, 35-14.
Penalties on both sides of the ball by Port Isabel proved costly as they
halted their drive while also helping the Brahmas in their drive, as Kingsville
managed to score once more on a 5-yard TD run by Montgomery. The score
trimmed PI’ lead to 35-21 with six minutes left in the game.
However, Port Isabel put the game out of reach with a nine-play scoring
drive capped by a 1-yard TD by Elijah Alvarez. But a pair of penalties turned what
would have been a routine extra point attempt into a 40-yard kick, which was
ultimately missed.
Although the Tarpons had about a dozen penalties including two player
ejections, the Tarpons walked away with a 41-21 win.
Despite a disappointing season, defensive coordinator Albert Barbarena III
was pleased how his defense ended the season.
“The kids played with a lot of urgency. Our defense was communicating
very effectively and made plays for the team. That RB was a solid one but our
guys really swarmed to the ball and gang tackled well.” Said Barbarena III. “A
great way to end on a good note.”
Kingsville will now face off against Bandera in the playoffs. Other matchups
include: Ingleside versus Cuero, CC London versus Navarro, and Rockport-Fulton
versus Gonzalez.