Special to the PRESS
Four teams enter, two teams leave. At least, that was the scenario heading into the Week 9 slate of games. However, all that changed when the (4-4) La Feria Lions stunned the (3-5) Port Isabel Tarpons with a 14-7 upset, shaking up the race for the postseason.
Entering the matchup, Port Isabel was riding high after pulling off an upset of their own the previous week, defeating Robstown, 28-20. Meanwhile, La Feria was looking to rebound from a disappointing 41-0 shutout loss to Rockport-Fulton.
As the game got underway, Port Isabel got off to a strong start, marching down the field and finding the endzone on a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Grayson Estes to running back Bryan Ramirez. The score gave the Tarpons an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
While the Port Isabel “Seawall Defense” continued to make stops, the Tarpons’ offense kept on churning out the yards throughout the first half. Unfortunately, self-inflicted penalties by PI and some key defensive plays by the Lions, prevented Port Isabel from adding to its lead before halftime.
As the second half resumed play, the Lions got off to a promising drive, advancing into Tarpon territory.
However, the Port Isabel’s defense once again stood its ground, forcing La Feria to punt.
The Lions’ defense stepped up as well, turning the game into a defensive battle in the third quarter, as Port Isabel clung to a 7-0 lead.
With less than eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lions put together their best drive of the night, marching 95 yards in just four plays. The highlight came when quarterback Noah LaFleur connected with receiver Max Saldana on a 76-yard touchdown pass.
The Tarpons managed to block the extra point attempt, preserving their slim 7-6 lead with 5:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.
After forcing PI to punt, the Lions got the ball back at their own 42-yard line with four minutes remaining in the game. From there, the Lions went on a 6-play scoring drive capped by a 16-yard TD run by running back Martin Berrones. A successful 2-point play gave the Lions a 14-7 lead with 1:42 left on the clock.
On the ensuing kickoff, PI’s return man Bryan Ramirez weaved his way past defenders for a 31-yard return. Starting at their own 41-yard line, the Tarpons needed 59 yards to reach the endzone and potentially send the game into overtime or possibly win the game with a successful 2-point conversion. Unfortunately, Port Isabel’s four straight passing attempts fell incomplete, forcing the Tarpons to turn the ball over on downs as the Lions held on for the 14-7 victory.
Although the loss hit the team hard, offensive coordinator John Calvillo said the team is not giving up on the season just yet.
“Very tough and emotional loss for the kids and staff! We have to continue you battling and finish strong. Told the kids that we are dangerous team to play we have nothing to lose so let’s go out and shock the world.
Our district is the meat grinder on any given day any team can beat anyone.” Stated Calvillo.
The loss drops Port Isabel to 2-3 in district play, leaving the Tarpons tied with La Feria and Robstown for fifth place.
With their 69-0 win over La Grulla, Rockport-Fulton has clinched a playoff berth and remains atop the district standings.
The race for the remaining three playoff spots intensifies as CC London, Ingleside, and Kingsville are all tied for second place with identical 3-2 district records, putting them in a favorable position to secure playoff berths.