(Mission, Tx)- The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks could be the best team in District 16-5A Division II. In only his third season, head coach Eddie Galindo could lead this team to a possible district title.
The D’Backs returns six starting players on both sides of the ball, including senior quarterback, Julian Valdez (2,872 passing yards 27 TDs 893 yards rushing 5 TDs), along with a nucleus of talented receivers. Leading the way is 6’0 Leo Espinoza (38 rec 733 yards), Antonio Carrizales (53 rec 691 yards), Edward Chavez (6’3 180lbs), and Andrew Rivera (105 rec yards). On the line, OT Guillermo Alfaro (6’1 230lbs), C Joel Garza (5’11 200lbs), Copper Woydziak (6’3 240lbs), OG Diego Suarez (5’11 220lbs), and TE Michael Lugo (6’2 220lbs).
On defense, DL Rey Mata (5’10 225lbs), DT Ozzy Sanchez (6’2 265lbs), DT Aaron Olivarez, DE Irving Garcia (6’2 195lbs), LB Alec Espericueta (5’11 220lbs), and LB Marcos Rauda (5’9 190lbs).
The Diamondbacks will travel to play McAllen Nikki Rowe on Friday, August 26th followed by three home non-conference games against Rio Grande City (9/1), Edinburg North (9/8), and Valley View (9/15). The D’Backs ends its non-conference season on the road against Laredo Alexander on September 22 at 7:00 p.m.
The road to the district title begins on October 6th against Mission Veterans Memorial at home and playing Roma on the road will not be easy as both teams meet on Friday, October 13th. “It’s going to be a tough district and I’m looking forward to another season,” says Galindo, now in his third season. (HSSMIMages/Ruiz)