(Mission, Texas)- “We were 0-2 from the start, and now, we are 3-0,” says Mission Veterans Memorial HS head football coach, Dave Gilpin. “Nobody likes being 0-2, that’s a tough way to start the season. Heck, we were getting blown out.” On Thursday night, the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots (3-2, 3-0) will travel to play Sharyland (3-1, 2-0) at Richard Thompson Stadium in a key District 16-5A Division II game. The winner will take over first place.
The Patriots opened their season, losing to Mission 13-12, followed by a blowout against San Benito 51-0 on September 3rd. “That loss was ugly,” said Gilpin. However, the next three games were impressive against Valley View (59-14), Roma (48-3), and Edcouch-Elsa (27-21). “We are playing good football right now,” added Gilpin.
Leading the Patriots is senior quarterback, Ricky Reyna, who ranks No.2 in passing in 16-5A DII with 1,101 yards and 13 touchdowns with six interceptions in five games. WRs Marckopolo Cavazos leads the team with 18 catches and 326 yards with five TDs along with Dylan Velasquez with 24 catches and 383 yards. Against the Yellowjackets, Velasquez caught seven passes for 100 yards.
Four teams are tied for first place in District 16-5A DII. Mercedes (5-0, 3-0), Mission Veterans (3-2, 3-0), Pioneer (3-1, 2-0), and Sharyland with a 3-1, 2-0 overall record. After Friday night, three teams could be sporting undefeated records. “It’s a tough district,” says Gilpin. The Ratters have outscored their opponents 153-107 while the Pats are almost the same with 146-102.
Sharyland Rattler head coach, Craig Krell is probably one of the nicest head football coaches to meet, but on game day, he is intense and will give anyone that “gameday stare down.” This is Krell’s first year as a head football coach, and like Gilpin, Krell is no stranger to the football sidelines. “I’m looking forward to this season,” Krell told HSSM. “I’m excited.”
The Rattlers have rotated two quarterbacks and both have done a great job under center. Senior Orly Lopez (20-of-35 353 yards) and Chase Gerlach (13of-37 264 yards) will see action on Thursday along with leading running back, Alan Guerrero (60 carries 505 yards). WR Alejandro Gonzalez leads the team with nine catches for 214 yards.
