High School Sports Magazine-October 2006 Issue

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Volume 2 Issue 2October 25-November 27, 2006

RGV H.S.Football Update:

Who’s InWho’s Out

Volleyball Playoffs

Sharyland, McHi, teams to

beat

Whatever it takes...

Playoff Brackets

RGV Golf

Results

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All stories and photos published by High School Sports Magazine may not be reprinted without written permission. Stories may be submitted

for consideration in the upcoming issues. High School Sports Magazine prints 13 issues annually beginning in August and ending in July.

Mail all inquiries to: High School Sports Magazine

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Copyright protected 2006.

a company of HSSM Media Group L.L.C.

David A. AmadorPublisher

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Jason O. MartinezB.B.A., C.P.T.

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Volume 2 Issue 2 October 25-November 27, 2006

Printed in the U.S.A.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET6 www.hssmOnline.net

FRIDAYStory by David A. Amador, HSSM Sportswriter

Whatever It Takes!

NIGHTRIVALRIES

The state-ranked Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets traveled south to meet longtime 32-4A rival Mercedes. Watching from the Tiger Field House prior to kickoff was second-year head

www.hssmOnline.net HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET

FRIDAYStory by David A. Amador, HSSM Sportswriter

Whatever It Takes!

David A. Amador/HSSM Photo

7

NIGHTRIVALRIES

The state-ranked Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets traveled south to meet longtime 32-4A rival Mercedes. Watching from the Tiger Field House prior to kickoff was second-year head

football coach Gilbert Leal. The stands were filled to capacity with perfect weather playing


conditions. Fans showed up wearing their school colors, while school administrators roamed the sidelines making sure that this game would be intact. On the Mercedes side, Mayor Joel Quintanilla introduced several guests and drew cheers from a community that desperately wanted a win over their rivals, Edcouch-Elsa. Only in his second year, Leal smiled when he says, “Our town loves our Tigers. Playing Edcouch-Elsa under these conditions with both teams undefeated, well, this is what Friday night rivalries are all about.” High School football team rivalries are intense and bragging rights do make a difference in South Texas. Some of the most intense rivalries exist between teams from Mercedes vs Edcouch-Elsa, Harlingen vs Harlingen South, McAllen H.S. vs McAllen Memorial, and PSJA-PSJA North. “Anything can happen with games like these. You never know who might win,” said Leal. The Yellowjackets, who are now ranked No.11 in the AP polls boast an impressive 34-game win streak with three straight 32-4A district titles. Last year, the Yellowjackets advanced to the State 4A Division II Quarterfinals, only to lose to New Braunfels Canyon. “My phone never stops

2006 City Champs. The McAllen Bull-dogs defense stack up against McAllen Memorial QB Mitch-ell Bunger. Bulldogs prevailed 28-7. (HSSM Photo)


ringing off the hook,” says Yellowjacket football coach Joe Solis. “Many football fans become coaches and scouts and they all give me advice on how to beat Mercedes,” he laughs.

Tri-City Rivalry. RB Isaac Huerta of PSJA North gets tackled by Richard Garza and JR Castillo of PSJA Bears in their annual matchup. (HSSM Photo)


On the sidelines, coaching staff members from Edcouch-Elsa could be heard motivating their players and encouraging each one to “play harder” while the coaches on the Mercedes sidelines were more calmed, communicating with their Tiger football players with hand signals and lower monotone voices. At this point, Ronnie Villalpando broke loose on a missed tackle and scored on a 41-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback George Rubio to give the

Yellowjackets an early 7-0 lead with 8:35 left to play in the first quarter. This drew a comment and

a smile from KGBT’s disc jockey Hugo De La Rosa or as he is well known as “Mr. Ni Fu

Birl Bowl Rivalry. Logan Brown led his Harlingen South-Hawks past the Harlingen Cardinals. (HSSM Photo)

Ni Fa”. He said, “the Yellowjackets would be too much for the Tigers.” In response, I took him up on his comment and said the “Tigers would come back and win.” This long-standing rivalry dates back to 1948 with Mercedes defeating the Yellowjackets 6-0 and they would continue this streak for five years before losing 18-13 in 1953. For the past 10 seasons, the Tigers have managed to win just one game. “Our players cannot face the fact that if the Yellowjackets lose

to the Tigers, it would never be forgotton,” adds Solis. Leal knows that the Tigers last win dates back to a 21-20 victory in 2002. Another stingy rivalry moves west, to District 30-5A where McAllen High School had to welcome a new school to their town in 1982: the royal blue and gold Mustangs from McAllen Memorial H.S. Immediately, the

Ready for the big rivalry game. Senior Ed-couch-Elsa DL Eric Fox. (HSSM Photo)


Bulldogs showed no mercy to their new cross-town rival and blanked the Mustangs 21-0. Fans in the stands would dress “purple and gold” and being Bulldogs, meant being loyal. With the Bulldogs owning an 16-8 overall record, they were looking

to dethrone the Mustangs, who have won the city championship title from the past two years. “It’s always a great game between both schools. The students and players gear-up for

this game. It’s fun and anything can happen,” said third-year head coach Bill Littleton. However, this year would prove to be different for the Mustangs. Both teams entered this district match-up undefeated in 30-5A, with the winner emerging as the would-be front runner for the district title. Again, the Bulldogs wasted no time, like they did back in 1982, by out playing the Mustangs 28-7. The Bulldogs held the Mustang’s star running back, senior Bradley Stephens to a season-low 107-yards rushing and kept senior quarterback Mitchell Bunger stacked by Bulldogs throughout the evening. “They just whipped us,” says Littleton. “My hats off to head coach Tony Harris of McHi,” he added. Since then, the Bulldogs have now clinched a Class 5A playoff spot, with hopes of winning a possible 30-5A title too. As for the Mustangs, they will advance to the post season as well, and who knows, they could face the

Tough Hit. Edcouch-Elsa QB George Rubio is tackled by Mercedes defenders. (HSSM Photo)


Crazed Yellowjacket Fans In The Stands. More than 10,000 fans showed up for the annual 32-4A Edcouch-Elsa/Mercedes matchup. Top left photo is Yellowjacket head coach Joe Solis and Mercedes head coach Gilbert Leal with Tiger player Marcos De La Rosa. (HSSM Photo)

Bulldogs in the third round of the state playoffs in Class 5A Division II. Despite all the hear-say, the Harlingen South Hawks always seem to tout the Harlingen Cardinals, stating that the “Hawks are the better team in Harlingen.” Call it Pride. No matter how much pride the Hawks have, the Cardinals always manage to win. As a matter of fact, the last time the Harlingen South Hawks defeated the Red-Birds, dates back to 1998 when the Hawks won 35-14, and they would repeat with another win in 1999. Since then, the Hawks have bowed down to their cross-town rival. Both squads would meet again in 2006, along with the some 12,000 fans making their annual pilgrimmage to Boggus Stadium on October 6th. The Hawks proved that they would be the better team on this night, ending Harlingen’s win streak of six years, winning 17-8. And finally, if the word “rivalry” ever did change it’s meaning, then the pure definition of this should be defined as: PSJA vs PSJA North. Last year, the PSJA Bears won the 31-5A title and advanced to the third round of the state playoffs, while the PSJA North Raiders stayed home. What a difference one year makes. So far, the PSJA North Raiders are perfect for the season at 8-0, while the Bears are hoping to clinch the fourth playoff slot in District 31-5A. PSJA High met their woes in their first district game of the season in this heated rivalry as head coach Orlando Garcia pulled out some early “trick or treats” from his hat and blanked the Bears 24-0. Issac Huerta caught a 51-yard touchdown pass down the sidelines from quarterback Mike Hinojosa with 7:59 left to play in the first quarter to take an early 7-0 lead. A few plays later, Alex Jara took a flea-flicker pass from Hinojosa for another strike in the end-zone, to up the score 14-0. This lead would quiet the fans sitting on the home side, while Raider fans cheered jubilantly in the stands. “The kids look forward to playing in this game every year. It creates a great atmosphere for both schools. These type of games are fun to coach. This year was different because we had to play the Bears in our first district game so this was more added value. Coach Mel Rios of the Bears and I both agreed on just playing this thing and getting it out of the way,” laughs PSJA North head coach Orlando Garcia. Friday night rivalries, you either love it or hate it. These games will always bring communities together. “Games like these brings every town together for one night,” said Solis. In the end, it would be Edcouch-Elsa taking advantage of three Mercedes Tiger’s turnovers and the final score: Edcouch-Elsa 24 Mercedes 10. “These Friday night rivalries between our schools will last for a longtime. It brings communties together,” added the Yellowjacket head coach.

www.hssmOnline.net HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET 17

Wait Until Next Year. Edcouch-Elsa would prevail in this rivalry matchup against Mercedes. Players meet at mid-field to end the game with a traditional hand shake. (HSSM Photo)


PlayoffPredictionsClass 5A Feature Four Playoff Spots

Who’s In & Who’s Out

HSSM Football Playoff Brackets

Football FactsThe last Rio Grande Valley high school football team to play in a state championship game were the PSJA Bears in 1963. The Bears lost to Corsicana 7-0. PSJA also advanced to the state cham-pionship game in 1962, also losing to Dumas 14-3. Both appearances were Class 3A games.

The Donna Redskins defeated Quanah 28-21 in the 1961 Class 2A State Championship game.

The first Texas State High School Championship game played in 1920 between Houston Heights and Cle-burne ended in a 0-0 tie and co-champions.

On the Bubble. Edinburg Bobcat RB Adrian Casares looks to leads his teamto another state play-off berth in 31-5A while the Sharyland Rattlers will have to wait till next year.(HSSM Photo)

(McAllen)-As the season winds down to its final weeks of the regular foot-ball in the Rio Grande Val-ley, many Class 5A teams find theselves scrambling for playoff spots with the new four team playoff system. Football teams from 5A Division I and II classifications will now feature four teams making the post season under the new UIL playoff format. For teams like Edinburg High School, head football Robert Vela says this will now even out the brackets as to how many games it takes to win a state cham-pionship. “Now it will take six games to win the state title in both Division I and II. As for the Bobcats, we have played tough games in a district I consider probably the toughest in the state. We need to win out to make one of the four slots,” he adds. The Bobcats are 1-3 in 31-5A, now that Harlin-gen and Harlingen South were transferred in under the new realingments.“Mathimactically, we are are still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Are chances are slim but we have to win

out. Our backs are against the wall,” says Vela. The Bobcats will have to defeat Harlingen (4-3), PSJA (3-4), and PSJA North (7-0) in order to make the playoffs. PSJA North and Harlingen South pretty much control their own destiny in 31-5A, along with McAllen (7-1), McAllen Memorial (6-2), and La Joya (3-4) from Dis-trict 30-5A. “We still have a chance to finish the district as co-champions,” says La Joya head coach Oscar Vil-lasenor despite their 57-13 blowout loss to McAllen Memorial last week. “Our defense is struggling with only three starters back from last year’s Regional finalist team. We can still win out and clinch a spot as


HSSM Football Playoff Brackets

2000 5A Division I - Midland Lee 33, Westlake (Austin) 21 5A Division II - Katy 35, Tyler John Tyler 20 4A Division I - Bay City 24, Denton Ryan 2 4A Division II - Ennis 38, West Orange-Stark 24 3A Division I - Gatesville 14, Wylie (Abilene) 10 3A Division II - La Grange 20, Forney 17 2A Division I - Sonora 27, Blanco 24 2A Division II - Celina 21, Mart 17 1A - Stratford 49, Burkeville 14 6-Man - Panther Creek 42, Highland 36

2001 5A Division I - Mesquite 14, San Antonio Taft 13 5A Division II - Lufkin 38, Westlake (Austin) 24 4A Division I - Denton Ryan 42, Smithson Valley 35 - OT 4A Division II - Ennis 21, Bay City 0 3A Division I - Everman 25,

Sinton 14 3A Division II - Commerce 14, La Grange 11 2A Division I - Blanco 16, Van Alstyne 0 2A Division II - Celina 41, Garrison 35 1A - Burkeville 27, Celeste 8 6-Man - Whitharral 27, Richland Springs 20

2002 5A Division I - Converse Judson 33, Midland 32 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 45, Smithson Valley 14 4A Division I - Texarkana 42, New Braunfels 11 4A Division II - Denton Ryan 38, Brenham 8 3A Division I - Everman 35, Burnet 14 3A Division II - Bandera 27, Greenwood 24 - OT(2) 2A Division I - Corrigan-Camden 33, Bangs 14 2A Division II - Rosebud-Lott 34, Cisco 0 1A - Petrolia 39, Celeste 18 6-Man - Calvert 51, Sanderson 46

2003 5A Division I - Galena Pk North Shore 23, Conroe The Woodlands 7 5A Division II - Katy 16, Southlake Carroll 15 4A Division I - North Crowley 20, Bay City 6 4A Division II - La Marque 43, Denton Ryan 35 - OT(3) 3A Division I - Gainesville 35, Burnet 24 3A Division II - Atlanta 34, Marlin 0 2A Division I - San Augustine 28, Tuscola Jim Ned 7 2A Division II - Garrison 27, Bangs 0 1A - Windthorst 28, Shiner 27 6-Man - Strawn 67, Fort Davis 62

2004 5A Division I - Tyler Lee 28, Spring Westfield 21 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 27, Smithson Valley 24 4A Division I - Ennis 23, Marshall 21 4A Division II - Kilgore 33, Dallas Lincoln 27 - OT(2) 3A Division I - Wylie (Abilene)

17, Cuero 14 3A Division II - Gilmer 49, Jasper 47 2A Division I - Boyd 17, Newton 14 2A Division II - Crawford 28, Troup 14 1A - Shiner 33, Stratford 19 6-Man - Richland Springs 58, Turkey Valley 38

2005 5A Division I - Euless Trinity 28, Converse Judson 14 5A Division II - Southlake Carroll 34, Katy 20 4A Division I - Highland Park (Dallas) 59, Marshall 0 4A Division II - Lewisville Hebron 28, Calallen (Corpus Christi) 0 3A Division I - Wimberley 21, Gainesville 7 3A Division II - Tatum 38, Hutto 34 2A Division I - Newton 28, Argyle 20 2A Division II - Celina 28, Omaha Paul Pewitt 12 1A - Stratford 21, Big Sandy 20 6-Man - Throckmorton 68, Turkey Valley 22

Past State Football Champions 2000-2005

Too Many Headaches. The 30-5A McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors are still winless in district play and will have to wait till next season to make another playoff run. Pic-tured is Rowe senior DL Mike Flores. (HSSM Photo)

co-champions,” he adds. On the downside, Rio Grande Valley teams who will not being making the playoffs in 2006 are the McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors, Sharyland, Edinburg North, PSJA Memo-rial, Brownsville Hanna, Rivera, Roma, Valley View, and Progreso. “We are still rebuilding but we will work hard each week to prepare for every game”, says Nikki Rowe head coach Gary Lauer. Some say that records speak for themselves, but do not tell that to the Donna Redskins. District 30-5A newcomer, Don-na (2-6) controls their own senario. A win over

either McAllen Memo-rial or Sharyland would clinch a playoff spot for head coach Tom Chavez and his Redskins. The Weslaco Pan-thers (6-1) will be play-ing Los Fresnos (7-0) at Bobby Lackey Stadium on November 10th for a possible district title. This game would be a rematch of last year’s bi-district game, when Los Fresnos kicked the game winning field goal to advance to the second round of the State 5A

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET20 www.hssmOnline.netHIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET28 www.hssmOnline.net

HSSM State Football Playoff Brackets


ONLINE netGet updated HSSM scores and stats all season longat www.HSSMonline.net

HSSM

30-5A StandingsMcAllen HSMcAllen MemLa JoyaDonnaRio Grande CitySharylandMcAllen Rowe

31-5A StandingsPSJA NorthHarlingen SouthHarlingenEconomedesPSJAEdinburg NorthEdinburgPSJA Memorial

32-5ALos FresnosWeslacoSan BenitoBro PaceBro LopezBro PorterBro RiveraBro Hanna

32-1ALa VillaBruniSanta MariaBen BoltBenavidesAgua Dulce

4-03-12-12-21-20-30-3

4-03-13-12-22-21-31-30-4

4-04-03-12-21-31-31-30-4

2-01-11-11-10-10-1

7-16-23-42-65-22-51-6

7-06-14-34-33-41-73-43-4

7-06-15-22-52-51-61-60-7

6-05-12-42-51-31-4

32-4A StandingsEdcouch-ElsaMissionMercedesMission VetsWeslaco EastRomaValley View

31-3A StandingsRaymondvilleZapataFalfurriasLyfordSan Diego

32-3ARio HondoPort IsabelLa FeriaHidalgoProgreso

32-2AHebbronvilleBishopFreerPremontBanqueteSanta RosaRiviera

3-03-02-12-21-30-30-4

2-02-00-10-10-2

2-02-01-10-10-2

3-02-02-12-10-20-20-3

7-05-25-33-42-61-60-7

5-34-42-42-40-8

8-06-25-14-33-5

4-22-45-24-32-41-51-6

District Overall

District OverallRGV Football Standings

Robbie MezaRio Hondo 32-3A

Jeremy SpringerLos Fresnos 32-5A

Mishak RivasWeslaco 32-5A

Mike SaenzHarlingen 32-5A

Issac GarciaLa Joya 30-5A

Tony GonzalezMission Vets 32-4A

Division II playoffs. Both teams already have clinched playoff spots. The Panthers feature an offense that averages 400 yards on the ground per night. Running back Mishak Rivas leads the district with another 1,000 yard rushing season along with team-


HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET 23

Noe GarciaDonna 30-5A

Joseph HanksMcAllen Memorial 30-5A

Ray De Los SantosSan Benito 32-5A

Tony BaiyeriSharyland 30-5A

HSSM POLLSTOP TEN

1. Los Fresnos2. Edcouch-Elsa3. PSJA North4. Weslaco5. McAllen6. McAllen Memorial7. Rio Hondo8. San Benito9. Harlingen South10. Mercedes

7-07-07-06-16-16-27-05-25-25-3

Overall Record

WR Earvin TaylorDL-Jarret CantuLB-Nick La MantiaDL-Rene HinojosaQB-Gilbert ZepedaQB-Al PenaC-Garrett MasonDB-Gilbert AlmanzaTE-Rigo MoralesS-Clayton CretorsLB-Alex LozanoLB-Michael AguilarOL-Jorge GuerraWR-Martin CarreonRB-Ryan RichardsonDL-Jason GarciaWR-Rigo De La CerdaLB-Frank VargasWR-Ross GuzmanLB-Milo GarzaLB-Randy EnriquezOL-Mario MarmolejoOL-Mark BarbosaOL-Omar PorrasDL-Juan VillapandoWR-Mac LopezOL-Eric WalkerDL-Kenneth JusticeLB-Danny DiazWR-Robert SanchezOL-Charlie WiebuschQB-Billy Garza

Texas A&MTexas A&MTexas A&MTexasTexasOklahoma StDukeTexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ITexas A&ISul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossSul RossTexas LutheranTexas LutheranLindenwoodLindenwoodRice UniIllinois

MissionSharylandSharylandWeslaco EastPSJA NorthRio Grande CityMcAllen HSLa FeriaBro PaceHarlingen HSPSJAHarlingen HSRoma HSBro RiveraEconomedesBro RiveraPSJAPSJAPSJAPSJA NorthPSJA NorthPSJA MemPSJAPSJAPSJA MemPSJALos FresnosPSJA NorthLa JoyaHarlingen HSSharylandBro Porter

Making TheRosterRGV Athletes Playing College Football

mates, senior RB Mike Garza and Marco Alvarez leading the way for the Panther running attack. “We have been waiting for this game all season long,” says Panther head coach Tony Villarreal. “It will be a game for the district title,” he adds. The San Benito Greyhounds will also be making the playoffs for a third consecutive year. That leaves just one playoff spot remaining in 32-5A. All five Brownsville schools are still alive for the final slot, with the edge going to Pace. In Class 4A, Mission Veterans, Weslaco East, Mercedes, and Mission all still have a chance to fight for the final two playoff spots. Mercedes is coming off a tough 24-10 loss to Edcouch-Elsa and they should clinch a spot in 32-4A, as long as they win out. The Patriots and Weslaco East will need help from Edcouch-Elsa and Mercedes if both teams expect to clinch the last third place spot. Mission is the surprise team in 32-4A with only one loss and they are assured of a playoff spot by winning one

of its two final games against Valley View or Mercedes. Weslaco East will travel to Mission Veterans on November 3rd and the winner of this game should remain alive the final spot in 32-4A. “We need a lot of prayers,” says Carlos Longoria, head coach of the Mission Veterans Memorial team. In District 32-3A, only three teams will qualify for the State 3A playoffs and Rio Hondo (3-0) and Port Isabel (3-0) have clinch both playoff spots with both teams meeting for the district title on No-vember 3rd at Rio Hondo. La Feria and Hidalgo will also meet on the same night at Bill Pate Stadium in Hidalgo for the final playoff spot. If the Pirates lose, they will have to hope that Rio Hondo beats La Feria on November 10th in order to have any hopes of making the post season in back to back seasons. In District 31-3A, Raymondville head coach Alex Leal returns his BearKats to the state playoffs along with Zapata. Lyford still have their playoff hopes alive if they can win out against Zapata and Falfurrias. As for the Edinburg Bobcats, Vela feels that he should blame himself for the Bobcat’s dismal season. “We have no consistently on offense. Our defense has played well. The problem has been too many mistakes. We are just not clicking,” he adds. With the playoffs just around the corner, Los Fresnos and La Villa have cracked the AP Top Ten polls with the Falcons ranked No.10 and the Cardinals ranked No.9. In Class 4A, Edcouch-Elsa ranks No.11, while Rio Hondo is ranked No.12 in Class 3A.

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Increase Your SpeedHave you ever watched a foot race and asked yourself what makes one person faster than the rest? Truth be told, some people are just naturally faster than others because of their genetic or physiological makeup. However, take two people who have the exact same genetic makeup, and have them race. One will win and one will lose, even if it’s by the narrowest of margins, the question is why?

The answer is biomechanics, other words, technique. When watching a race you probably have noticed that each person looks like they run differently. These differences are biomechanical in nature.

Amazingly anyone can improve their basic speed. Aside from genetics, three factors determine how fast a person can run:

• Stride Frequency – The number of strides a person take in a set amount of time.

• Stride Length – The measured distanced of each stride taken.

• Anaerobic Endurance – The body’s ability to sustain maximum effort for an extended time frame.

All three factors are dependent upon each other for the establishment of speed. In other words, a person cannot become faster without improving all three components. For example, the number of strides a person takes in ten seconds will only make them faster if the length of each stride is greater than another’s.

Stride FrequencyStride frequency is one of the max speed factors. Stride frequency is defined as the number of times a foot touches the ground in a given amount of time (usually seconds). This determining factor of maximal speed is the most difficult to change, and thus, has the smallest affect on speed production.

When the foot strikes directly under the body and the lower leg is 90 degrees (or perpendicular to the ground), stride length is optimal. This allows the athlete to reach his or her optimal frequency, which allows the sprinter to maintain maximal speed.

It’s all about stridesHealth & Fitness Tips with Jason O. Martinez B.B.A., C.P.T.

Additionally, where the foot touches down with relation to the body, and how often it touches down, can be influenced by biomechanics, or movement of the hip, knee and ankle joints.

Stride LengthStride length is defined as the distance between touchdown of the toe of one foot and the touchdown to of the toe of the other foot. First of all, the length of each stride can vary due to several factors including but not limited to:

• Strength• Flexibility• Injury

Optimal position of touchdown should be somewhere between

• Leg length• Endurance • Biomechanical technique

It is relatively easy to determine a person’s optimal stride length. All that needs to be done is to watch where the foot is with relation to the upper-body when it touches the ground.

six and twelve inches in front of the sprinters center of gravity. Touchdown any closer to the body’s center of gravity (or behind it) will cause a decrease in force applied to the ground. The greater the force applied to the ground, the greater the speed.

Technique DrillThere are two drills that can help anyone become faster, if practiced and perfected. They are “A” and “B” drills. The “A” drill precedes the “B” drill, and both are learned in a progression from marching or walking, to skipping and finally running.

Sprint Technique Drill # 1 – A’s

This simple drill helps the sprinter achieve high knees and toes when the leg is up in front of the body during the sprinting motion.

Begin by simply walking forward slowly, while staying up on the ball of your foot. As your toes leave the ground to step forward, dorsi-flex the ankle or pull your toes upward toward the knee and hold them there. While holding your ankle in this position, flex the hamstring and pull your heel upward toward your buttocks.

Sprint Technique Drill # 2– B’s

This drill is simply a continuation of the “A” drill. To perform this drill, begin by doing the “A” drill, once your knee is parallel to the ground, flex the quadriceps muscles and swing the lower leg forward and upward. Similar to when you are kicking something. By doing this, you are simulating the leg swing that naturally occurs when running.

Remember, at this point, you are performing this drill at a walking pace. As you progress with more speed, the lower leg will extend on its own because of forward momentum.

When your knee is fully extended, use your hamstring to pull the entire leg backward and downward towards the ground.



Week by Week Schedules2006 Rio Grande Valley H.S. Football

31-1A, 32-2A, 32-3A, 31-3A, 32-4A, 30-5A, 31-5A, 32-5A

Sponsored by

Oct. 27 Non-district Preparatoria de Saltillo at Mission Veterans, 7:30 p.m. District 30-5A La Joya at Sharyland, 7:30 p.m. McAllen High at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Rowe vs. McAllen Memorial, 7:30 p.m. District 31-5A Edinburg High at Harlingen High, 7:30 p.m. PSJA North at Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. District 32-5A Los Fresnos at Brownsville Porter, 7:30 p.m. District 32-4A Mission High at Edcouch-Elsa, 7:30 p.m. Mercedes at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. Roma at Weslaco East, 7:30 p.m. District 32-3A Hidalgo at Port Isabel, 7:30 p.m. Progreso at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. District 31-3A San Diego at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. Falfurrias at Raymondville, 7:30 p.m. District 32-2A Banquete at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. District 32-A La Villa at Bruni, 7:30 p.m. Benavides at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 District 31-5A PSJA Memorial at Harlingen South, 7:30 p.m. District 32-5A Brownsville Rivera vs. Brownsville Pace, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 District 31-5A

Harlingen High at PSJA North, 7 p.m. District 32-4A Valley View at Mission High, 7 p.m. Nov. 3 District 30-5A McAllen Memorial vs. Donna, 7:30 p.m. Rio Grande City at La Joya, 7:30 p.m. Sharyland at McAllen Rowe, 7:30 p.m. District 31-5A Harlingen South at Edinburg Economedes, 7:30 p.m. Edinburg North at PSJA Memorial, 7:30 p.m. District 32-5A Brownsville Hanna at San Benito, 7:30 p.m. Weslaco High at Brownsville Porter, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville Rivera at Los Fresnos, 7:30 p.m. District 32-4A Edcouch-Elsa at Roma, 7:30 p.m. Weslaco East at Mission Veterans, 7:30 p.m. District 32-3A La Feria at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m. Port Isabel at Rio Hondo, 7:30 p.m.

District 31-3A Lyford at Falfurrias, 7:30 p.m. Raymondville at Zapata, 7:30 p.m. District 32-2A Santa Rosa at Bishop, 7:30 p.m. District 32-A Agua Dulce at La Villa, 7:30 p.m. Santa Maria at Bruni, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS SA Antonian at St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 District 31-5A Edinburg High at PSJA High, 7 p.m. District 32-5A Brownsville Pace vs. Brownsville Lopez, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 District 31-5A PSJA North at Edinburg High, 7 p.m. PSJA Memorial at Harlingen High, 7:30 p.m. District 32-5A Brownsville Porter vs. Brownsville Hanna, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10

Non-district Bruni at Agua Dulce, 7:30 p.m. District 30-5A Donna at Sharyland, 7:30 p.m. La Joya at McAllen High, 7:30 p.m. McAllen Rowe at Rio Grande City, 7:30 p.m. District 31-5A Edinburg Economedes vs. Edinburg North, 7:30 p.m. PSJA High at Harlingen South, 7:30 p.m. District 32-5A San Benito at Brownsville Pace, 7:30 p.m. Los Fresnos at Weslaco High, 7:30 p.m. District 32-4A Mission Veterans Memorial at Edcouch-Elsa, 7:30 p.m. Mission High at Mercedes, 7:30 p.m. Roma at Valley View, 7:30 p.m. District 32-3A Hidalgo at Progreso, 7:30 p.m. Rio Hondo at La Feria, 7:30 p.m. District 31-3A Zapata at Lyford, 7:30 p.m. District 32-2A Hebbronville at Santa Rosa, 7:30 p.m. District 32-A La Villa at Benavides, 7:30 p.m. Ben Bolt at Santa Maria, 7:30 p.m. TAPPS Monterrey Prep at St. Joseph, 7 p.m. Nov. 11 District 32-5A Brownsville Lopez vs. Brownsville Rivera, 7:30 p.m.

Harlingen South Varsity Cheerleaders pictured front l-r are Ashley Townley, Alyssa Ramirez, Kristen Hansen, Lisa At-kinson, Ariel Irby, and Chelsea Kilgore. Back row l-r are Jennifer Bedford, Ashley Kilgore, Rachel Haritakis, Amanda Daniels, Ashley Gray, Alicia Slayton, Courtney Trevino, Lauren Berry, and Daysha Atencio. (HSSM Photos)

WPanther StudentFormer Weslaco

now Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon

“I love sports and I know that I can make a differ-ence in this career...”


(Weslaco)-His boyish look and his million-dollar smile could give Tiger Woods a run for a PGA title. Luckily, for Woods, Dr. Michael Sander is an orthopaedic doctor instead of a professional golfer. “I love sports and I know that I can make a difference in this career,” says Dr. Sander. After graduating from Weslaco High in 1992, he attended The University of Texas at Austin. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with High Honors in 1996. He then entered medical school at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas, and graduated with Honors in 2000. In the summer of 2000, he moved to Iowa City, Iowa, and began training in Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. “I know that being young and having a boyish look surprises my patients,” he laughs. After completing his internship/residency in 2005, Dr. Sander and his family moved back to Texas, for a fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, with Dr. Jesse DeLee. This experience included advanced training in treatment of athletes/sports related injuries, arthroscopic surgery techniques, and total joint replacement. During this year he was active in the care of athletes from UT San Antonio, St. Mary’s University, Medina Valley High School, and many other San Antonio area High Schools. Dr. Sander is overwhelmed with his new practice in the Weslaco. He opened up his doors at the Knapp Medical Professional Building during the summer months and since then, he is glad to have brought his knowledge back home. “I know that I can make a difference in sports medicine by helping teenage athletes and adults,” says Dr. Sander. Their focus is the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the musculoskeletal system, both through operative and non- operative methods. This includes sprains, strains, fractures, and arthritis, with a special emphasis on athletes of all ages. Dr Sander also adds, “Our goal is helping patients keep active, because this is vital for good mental and physical health.”

Dr. Michael Sander


HSSM Volleyball Action 31-3AAA32-3AAA32-4AAAA

Mission Lady EaglesClinch Playoff Spot

RGV Teams Ready For State

30-5A Champs! Jill Dickerson of Sharyland spikes past McHi defend-ers in their win. The Lady Rattlers are headed to the State 5A playoffs. (HSSM Photo)

(Mission)-The Mission Lady Eagles will meet Corpus Christi Flour Bluff in the first round of the State 4A Volleyball Champi-onships on October 28th at Mis-sion High School. Also making the playoffs are the Edcouch-Elsa Lady Yellowjackets, who will now meet Kingsville King. The winner of this game will take on San Antonio Harlandale in the second round while the winner of the Mission-Flour Bluff game will clash with Port Lavaca Cal-houn. The District 32-4A champi-ons, Mission Veterans Memorial (24-4, 12-0) will play the winner of the Floresville/Gregory-Port-land matchup. The Lady Pats defeated the Edcouch-Elsa Lady Yellowjackets in their season fi-nale 25-15, 29-31, 25-18, 25-22 to seal their perfect season. In Class 3A, the Progreso Lady Red Ants and Hidalgo will join District 32-3A champions La Fe-ria in the playoffs. The Sharyland Rattlers (22-7, 11-1) clinched the 30-5A district title with an exciting 23-25, 31-29, 25-16, 26-24 win over the McAllen Nikki Rowe Warriors. The Lady Rattlers fought back-to-back wins against the McAl-


HSSM Volleyball Action 31-3AAA32-3AAA32-4AAAA

Playoff Bound! The Mission Lady Eagles clinched a 32-4A playoff spot and pictured front l-r are Joyce Ochoa, Casandra Tijerina, and Cassandra Gallegos. Second row l-r are Jessica Contreras, Lupita Hinojosa, Jo Anna Gonzalez, Erica Garcia, and Victoria Rojas. Back row l-r are Monica Flores and Celena Vera. (HSSM Photo)

30-5A StandingsSharyland Nikki RoweMcAllen H.S.DonnaLa JoyaMcA MemorialRio Grande City

31-5A StandingsHarlingenEconomedesHar SouthEdinburgPSJA MemorialPSJA NorthEd NorthPSJA

32-5ABro RiveraBro HannaLos FresnosBro PaceSan BenitoBro LopezWeslacoBro Porter

11-110-29-35-52-82-90-10

11-19-39-38-44-83-93-91-11

12-010-28-47-55-74-81-111-11

22-723-618-813-1014-1211-16 7-15

18-721-619-913-96-188-179-141-23

22-518-79-1111-1313-118-143-141-20

32-4A StandingsMission VeteransEdcouch-ElsaMissionMercedesRomaWeslaco EastValley View

31-3A StandingsZapataRaymondvilleFalfurriasLyfordSan Diego

32-3ALa FeriaHidalgoProgresoPort IsabelRio Hondo

12-09-38-34-82-82-92-9

6-05-23-31-51-6

6-05-14-31-60-6

23-416-614-1312-1311-156-158-16

8-80-015-100-00-0

13-811-1110-118-115-12

District Overall District Overall

RGV Volleyball Standings

SanderPharmacy

Prescription and Compounding Specialists

Michael H. Sanders, R.Ph. 956.968.4528

916 East StreetWeslaco, Texas 78596

Fax (956.968.8254

len Lady Bulldogs and now, the Lady Warriors (23-6, 10-2) to claim the outright title. Head coach Nelly Garza found herself leaping for joy as the Red team won at home for the second straight game against a McAllen school.


RGV H.S. Golf Highlights

McAllen Memorial Golfer Wins

Daniel Naranjo, a junior of McAllen Memorial H.S. fired rounds of 70-70, 4-under par to win the Weslaco Invitational held at Tierra Santa G.C. (HSSM Photo)

The McAllen H.S. Varsity golf team placed second at the Weslaco Invitational held at Tierra Santa G.C. Pictured are l-r Brady Griffin, Alex Nava, Trace Jones, Dustin Hayungs, Alex Muro and head coach Greg Kiger. (HSSM Photo)

(Weslaco)-Daniel Naranjo, a McAllen Memorial junior fired rounds of 70 on both days to finish 2-under par for a total score of 140 to win his first tournament at the varsity level at the Weslaco Invitational Golf Championships held at the Tierra Santa Golf Course recently. Naranjo was six-under for the tournament on his final day until his Nike SQ driver went wide left from the tee box and hit a passing golf cart spectator and bounced out of bounds. He took a one-stroke penalty and used his six iron, putting his next shot some thirty feet from the hole. He would finish the hole with a double bogey. “That shot got away from me but I recovered,” said Naranjo. McAllen ace, Dustin Hayungs took third place honors for the


Jonathon Sloss, a junior from PSJA Memo-rial is the 32-4A golf champion. With the new realignment, he will now compete for a title in District 31-5A. (HSSM Photo)

Nov 2Nov 3&4Nov 3&4Nov 9thNov 10&11Nov 17&18Jan 26&27Jan 27&29Feb 8thFeb 9&10Feb 23&24Mar 2ndMar 2&3Mar 9thMar 9&10

Mar 9& 10

Mar 9&10

Weslaco EastEdinburg CougarsWeslaco EastMission VeteransMission VeteransBrownsville ISDSharylandSharylandMission InvitationalMission InvitationalHarlingen SouthLa Joya InvitationalMercedes InvitationalPort Isabel Invit’Ed-Elsa Invitational

Ed-Elsa Invitational

La Joya Invitational

Varsity GirlsVarsity GirlsVarsity BoysVarsity GirlsVarsity BoysVarsity G&BVarsity GirlsVarsity BoysVarsity GirlsVarsity BoysVarsity BoysVarsity GirlsVarsity B&GVarsity B&GVarsity Boys

Varsity Girls

Varsity Boys

Shary GCLos Lagos GCShary GCShary GCShary GCRancho Viejo GCMission GCMission/CimmaronShary GCShary GCSite TBAMartin Valley GCMid-Valley GCSPI GCOlmos Basin GCSan Antonio, TxBrackenridge GCSan Antonio, TxMartin Valley GC

Admission is FREE To The Public

UPCOMINGRGV HIGH SCHOOL GOLFT O U R N A M E N T S

McAllen ISD Invitational Boys-Top Medalist Results-Palm View Golf CourseLuis Lemus Brandon ReynaAbraham AncerDustin HayungsAdam HaleyDaniel Naranjo

Girls ResultsFelicia EspericuetaRea-Anne LermaJessica SalazarAlejandra CantuMelinda Uriegas

Weslaco Invitational Boys-Top Medalist Results-Tierra Santa Golf CourseDaniel NaranjoVance CavazosDustin HayungsAdam HaleyJonathon Sloss

Girls ResultsFelicia EspericuetaKatlin HovdaAlejandra ValdezRea Anne LermaElizabeth Hovda

1st2nd3rd4th5thtied

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1st2nd3rd4th5th

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138157158161162

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6873798283

www.hssmOnline.net

SharylandSharylandSharylandMcHiEdinburgMcA Mem

Ed NorthHannaEdinburgSharylandEdinburg

McA MemCC MillerMcAllenEdinburgPSJA Mem

Ed NorthWeslacoSharylandHannaWeslaco

Bulldogs with an even par-71 on the final day to lead his team with an overall second place team honors. Last year’s 31-5A District Champion, Adam Haley from Edinburg rebounded from a first day 74 with another even par 71 to take fourth place honors. Jonathon Sloss of PSJA Memorial had a rough day with his putting by missing simple putts for birdies and pars to take fifth place. “This is my first tournament back after four weeks and so I was a little rusty,” said the 32-4A champ from PSJA Memorial. On the girl’s side, last year’s State 5A qualifier, sophomore Felicia Espericueta had no trouble on the golf links at Tierra Santa Golf Course as she shot a 4-under par 68 to win her second tournament of the year. Weslaco’s Katlin Hovda closed in at second with a 2-over par 73, while Sharyland’s Alejandra

Valdez shot a 79, followed by Rea Anne Lerma of Brownsville Hanna (82) and Elizabeth Hovda ended the day with a fifth place finish.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE.NET34

One On OneI N T E R V I E W

with former U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Dave StocktonHSSM sportswriter David A. Amador meets Dave Stockton while on a trip to the famous Pebble Beach

Public Golf Links in Monterrey, California. Stockton talks to HSSM about his career and his love for golf. Encourages high school players to follow their dreams.

HSSM: How special was it for you winning the 1991 Ryder Cup as a captain?Stockton: It was the greatest feeling ever. HSSM: How long have you been playing pro-fessional golf? Stockton: I have been on the tour since 1964. Playing in the PGA and Senior Tours has been very rewarding for my self and my family.HSSM: How many golf

titles have you won in your career?Stockton: I have won several. Winning the PGA Championship twice was memorable and of course, the 14 titles I won on the Senior Tour was special.HSSM: How close are you to your sons David Jr. and Ron?Stockton: Both have played on the tour and we are very close. I be-lieve family is important.

We travel to corporate functions and share these outings.HSSM: What college did you graduate from?Stockton: I graduated from U.S.C. in California with a degree in busi-ness.HSSM: How has golf changed since you played? Stockton: Tiger Woods changed the game of golf. He brought a lot of money to this sport.

Back when I was playing, the prize money was not even close to what play-ers get paid today.HSSM: What will it take for high school students to get to the PGA?Stockton: A lot of patience and education. Get your college degree first and then challenge yourself. This is a busi-ness and you can either succeed or fail if you make the wrong strokes.

Exclusive photos by HSSM/David A. Amador


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Documents

High School Sports Magazine-October 2006 Issue