(Port Isabel, Texas)- The Port Isabel High School Tarpons have made back-to-back Class 4A Division II Area Championship Appearances in Tony Villarreal’s tenure as head football coach since 2020. Last year, the Tarpons also won its first district title since 2016. “We are going to be much better this year,” says Villarreal. “Our team has been working out in the offseason.”
In the playoffs, the Tarpons (9-3) defeated 15-4A Divison II Ingleside 28-13 from the Coastal Bend area. “To beat a team from this area is huge,” added Villarreal. In the second round, the Tarpons lost to 13-4A DII Jarrell 35-21.
With only four teams playing in District 16-4A Division II in 2023, this could be the last season that all four teams (Bishop, Port Isabel, Raymondville, Grulla) automatically qualifies for the state playoffs as the UIL gets ready to realign every team again in February 2024.
The Tarpons will be loaded with plenty of talent as they return 28 lettermen from 2022, including seven on offense and eight on defense. Players to watch are QB Cleveland Smith, RB Andrew LeBlanc, RB/LB Tristan Garcia, OL/DL Steven Martinez, RB Evan Galvan, WR Christian Smith, DE Christopher Gonazalez, LB Edward Goanzalez, and RB Jose Ochoa.
The Tarpons will kickoff their season against Lyford on the road on Thursday night, August 24th.
Pictured are the Port Isabel Tarpons ready for the 2023 Football season. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)