(Mercedes, Tx)-The defending Class 5A DII Bi-District Champions, Mercedes Tigers will be on the prowl once again in 2021 under 8th year head coach,  Roger Adame (51-26 overall record). 

   The Tigers enter the 2021 season as the team to beat and head coach Adame knows that they will have to play heads-up football on game nights. “Teams will play us tough,” says Adame. “We are excited about 2021. It’s going to be fun.” 

   The Mercedes Tigers advanced to the 2021 Texas State 7-on-7 Football Championships played at College Station. The Tigers picked up wins over Eastlake (27-21), Midlothian (34-18), before losing to Cy Fair 21-12 in the third round of the Consolation Bracket.  “Playing these high caliber teams will prepare us to play in District 16-5A DII. It’s a tough district,” says Adame. 

   Under Adame, the Tigers have advanced to three UIL 5A Area Finals in 2020, 2017, and 2016. “Leander Rouse HS was a good team last year in the area playoffs. We will be much better this season,” adds Adame. 

   The Tigers returns three-year starter, quarterback Michael Cisneros (3,313 yards passing career) and he will be surrounded with plenty of talent too. Tyrell Trevino returns as one of the best wide receivers in South Texas as listed by 

HSSMRecruiting.com. He’s only a junior at 6’2 175lbs. Cisneros, another HSSMRecruiting.com prospect, will also throw to Miguel Jimenez, Joseph Rocha, and Xavier Sanchez. At running back, Jimenez (539 yards), Cisneros (514 yards), and Trevino (239 yards) will all see action. Other players to watch are WR Lee Roy Garcia (6’0 175lbs), and WR Austin Davila.

   Defensively, the Tigers 5A All-State selection, LB Roan Galvan (12 sacks 100 tackles) returns along with LB Jonathan Alvarado, LB Israel Sanchez, LB Jay Ayala, LB Juan Cerda, LB Jayden Gonzalez, DT Jamarion Owens (6’1 300lbs),  and Alan Sanchez (6’1 210lbs).

   The Tigers will be tested early in non-district action,  against 32-6A champions, Hanna on August 27th at Sams Stadium and Edinburg North on September 3rd at home. HSSM picks Mercedes High School to finish in first place in District 16-5A Division II.