(La Grulla, Tx)-Moving down from Class 4A Division I to Division II has not been easy for the Grulla Gators. This will be the last season for head coach Abel Gonzales, as he will lead his team with an automatic playoff bid from the University Interscholastic League after awarding District 16-4A DII with four teams.
The Gators are coming off a last place finish from District 16-4A DII and in thirteen seasons, Gonzalez has led his team to the playoffs eleven times. “We are excited to get the 2023 season under way with twenty lettermen returning,” says Gonzalez. “It should be a very competitive district.”
Six players return on onffense and defense. Players to watch on offense are quarterback Andrew Sanchez, running backs Omar De La Garza, and WR Hector Galvan. On defense, DT Damian Galvan, OL Johnny Becerra, and standout 6’4 Lizandro Garcia. On defense, DB Jason Venecia, DL Stephen Merkr, and LB Jose Espinoza, DL Rayl Galvan, and LB Victor Hernandez will lead their defense. The Gators will travel to play Brownsville Porter on Thursday, August 24th to kickoff their non-district season. The Gators will then host September 1st and play Hidalgo. Grulla will open District 16-4A Division II with a home game against the Bishop Badgers on October 12th. (HSSMIMages/Ruiz)