By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the NEWS
The wait is finally over. After two-a-days in the grueling heat, the players and coaches are eager for the start of the regular season. For the Port Isabel Tarpons, the new season begins with the same expectations-win district and make a playoff run.
Port Isabel lost several key players to graduation, including standout running back Luis Ramos, who rushed for 1,441 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. A multi-year starter, Ramos finished with 3,701 career rushing yards. Now, his younger brother Jesus Ramos (171 yards) returns and will look to fill the sizable shoes left behind by his older sibling.
As a run-heavy offense, the Tarpons will rely on its stable of running backs to shoulder the bulk of the workload. Leading the group is Ramos, joined by Angel Dominguez (267 yards), Elijah Alvarez (313 yards), Bryan Ramirez (223 yards), and Michael Finona (250 yards), giving Port Isabel plenty of experience in the backfield.
During the summer, backup quarterback Grayson Estes and a handful of receivers excelled in 7-on-7 competition. Showing great poise, accuracy and a strong arm, Estes will now be taking the reins in 2026. The Tarpons don’t air it out often, but when they do, expect it to payoff big dividends.
Defensively, standout defensive end Jerry Troncoso proved to be a handful as a starting sophomore last season. Now, the Tarpons can expect a bigger, stronger, quicker Troncoso to anchor the defense line and make his presence felt at the line of scrimmage. Returning to the team is big and physical Ryan Cinfuegos whose power and tenacity provide a major boost to the defense unit. Cinfuegos will join Michael Finona and Denzel Garza to form one of the more formidable linebacking corps in the district.
Look for Ramos and Dominguez to return kicks on special teams, while Ramirez looked sharp on punting duties during the preseason.
After sharing or winning the district outright the last four seasons, the Tarpons will have several teams gunning for them this year. A victory over CC London in the opening week of district play would set the tone for another run at the district title.