By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
Five weeks of District 16-4A Division II play are now in the books, and the preseason prognostications are playing out pretty much as predicted. This marks the first season in quite some time that the district has featured eight teams, and with more than half of those teams coming from the Coastal Bend area, the regular season is shaping up to feel more like a lengthy playoff run for the Port Isabel Tarpons and their fans.
(4-1 overall, 2-0 district) Rockport-Fulton got off to a strong start, posting back-to-back shutouts in its first two games of the season. On week 3, the Pirates suffered a close 16-14 loss to Port Lavaca Calhoun, but has since bounced back in a big way, defeating Kingsville King and Robstown by a combined score of 114-7.
Rockport-Fulton currently boasts the No. 1 ranked defense in the district, allowing just 23 total points through five games. Meanwhile, its potent offense ranks #2 in the district after putting up 176 total points.
(4-1 overall, 2-0 district) CC London got off to a rocky start in its inaugural season in Class 4A, dropping its season opener to Orange Grove, 21-7. Since then, however, the Pirates won their next four games, including two keys district victories.
London may not be the flashiest team in the district, but it continues to find ways to get the job done behind the play of quarterback Colton Wiseman who has completed 116 passes for 894 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions, and running back J.E. Castaneda who has contribute 269 rushing yards and 151 receiving yards.
The Pirates’ offense ranks No. 3 in the district after scoring 143 total points in five games. Meanwhile, its stout defense ranks No. 2, allowing opponents to score an average of just 17 points per game.
The winner of the Week 6 showdown between Rockport-Fulton and CC London will put itself in the driver’s seat for the district title.
(4-1 overall, 1-1 district) Ingleside has been making a habit of finding the endzone, as its explosive offense currently ranks No. 1 ranked in the district after scoring 225 total points through five games. If not for what some considered an upset loss to Robstown, the Mustangs would likely be viewed as the clear district favorite.
Their defense, which is ranks No. 3 in the district after giving up 99 points, will need to become more consistent as the season progresses if Ingleside hopes to knock off the other district leaders.
(2-3 overall, 1-1 district) Port Isabel, the reigning district champion, is danger of losing its title this season after getting off to a rocky start. In between its opening game win and its recent win over winless La Grulla, Port Isabel had suffered three straight defeats to former district opponents (Rio Hondo & Raymondville), and a key loss to district opponent, CC London.
Granted, the Tarpons have dealt with some key injuries that has affected their defensive play. Offensively, however, the impact should have been minimal thanks to the numerous and interchangeable running back Port Isabel deploys every season.
All the district teams had a bye week this past week, but the time off may have benefited Port Isabel the most as it gave the Tarpons an opportunity to get healthier heading into the second half of the district schedule. Through five games, Port Isabel has scored 117 points while allowing 132.
If Port Isabel prevails in their Week 6 showdown against Ingleside look for the Tarpons to remain in the hunt for the district title.
(3-2 overall, 1-1 district) La Feria got off to a strong 3-1 start to the season, but a 45-7 loss to Ingleside in Week 5 dropped the Lions into the district’s second tier of teams. Through five games, La Feria has scored 118 points while allowing 133.
(2-3 overall, 1-1 district) Robstown appeared to be on the upswing following its convincing 44-29 win over Ingleside in Week 4. Unfortunately for the Cotton Pickers, their district title hopes took a major hit the following week as they suffered a 48-0 shutout loss at the hands of Rockport-Fulton. Through five games, La Feria has scored 100 points while allowing 156.
The winner of the Week 6 showdown between La Feria and Robstown will solidify its playoff chances, while the loser will find itself battling with the rest of the middle-of-the-pack teams for a playoff spot.
Both RGC La Grulla and Kingsville King sit with 0-5 records and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff seeding race.