(Hidalgo, Texas)-The Hidalgo Pirates just keep getting better year after year with head coach Monty Stumbaugh. The Pirates ended their season in a three-way tie for the 16-4A Division I title at 3-1, along with La Feria and Zapata. The Pirates lost to Zapata in their last game, 24-20 during the COVID-19 shortened season. “It was tough but we managed to play some games last year,” said Stumbaugh. “We have a good team coming this season and we’ll be alright.”
In the State 4A Division Bi-District Championships, the Pirates traveled to play the Alice Coyotes and lost 21-14.
The Pirates return five starters on offense and four on defense. Players to watch are QB Steven Martinez (6’2 185lbs), OL Saul Hernandez (4A All-State 5’10 260lbs), TE Dustin Earhart (6’0 220lbs), OL David Garza (6’3 290lbs), and OL Issac Longoria. Defensively, the Pirates will have kicker/punter Reynaldo Cantu returning along with DL Damyn Zepeda, DB Hugo Jauregui, LB David Carbajal, DB Kevin Cerda, and LB Miguel Barrera.
At Grulla High School, the Gators will be much improved in 2021 under head coach Abel Gonzalez. The Gators return nine starters back on offense and seven on defense. “We should be much better,” says Gonzalez. “It was a tough season in 2020, but we are back.”
On offense, the Gators will see OL Lupe Bazan (6’2 280lbs), OL Jovanny Lopez (6’1 245lbs), OL Guadalupe Bazan (6’3 240lbs), RB Jorge Guerrero (6’0 215lbs), WR Ryan Sifuentes (5’6 150lbs), and WR Roberto De La Garza (5’7 145lbs).
The La Feria Lions and head coach Oscar Salinas will be favorites to challenge for the 16-4A Division I title this season. Returning are six offensive players and four on defense. Players to watch are QB Aaron Trevino, RB EJ Serena, OL Rudy Sanchez (6’2 250lbs), WR Joaquin (5’9 130lbs), WR Isaiah Longoria (5’7 130lbs), and OL Orlando Morales. On defense, players to watch are DL Angel Garza, LB Caleb Martinez, DB Justin Rodriguez, and DB Elijah Vela (5’8 150lbs).
With five teams competing for four playoff spots, La Feria, Hidalgo, Grulla, all look to clinch berths. Zapata could take fourth place. HSSM picks the Hidalgo Pirates to win the outright District 16-4A Division I title in 2021 with La Feria and Grulla taking 2nd and 3rd place spots.