Ready for tip-off: 29-5A boys’ hoops preview

United South's John Garcia (24) and Nixon's Ricky Arana (10) will have a say in this year's District 29-5A boys' basketball race. (PHOTO BY ULYSSES S. ROMERO | LAREDO MORNING TIMES)

Up to this point, the 2011-12 Laredo high school sports season has been the Year of the Bulldog. That doesn’t figure to change much as the 29-5A boys’ basketball campaign tips off tonight.
United South hosts Martin, Nixon hosts LBJ, Cigarroa hosts C.C. Winn, Alexander travels to Del Rio and United heads to Eagle Pass. All games are scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
This year is as wide open as one can remember, though Alexander, off to a fast start at 13-2, is the favorite to take home the district championship.
It won’t lack threats, however. United figures to be right in the mix again as well, with United South returning a nice amount of talent and Martin a darkhorse to create quite a stir.
Once again, it figures to be another memorable year for Laredo high school basketball.
“I think the games in this district will come down to how they’re officiated because of how physical games are these days,” LBJ coach Bill Groogan said. “It’s like rugby now. It’s scrum after scrum. That’s what’s happening. And it’s everywhere.
“The game has gotten really, really rough, and the reason why is because everyone is focused on getting their teams bigger and stronger.”
It’s for that reason why many feel Alexander, United and United South – in no particular order – have the advantage, with everyone else fighting for fourth place in district.
“They have seven or eight guys that can step in there and fill the void,” Groogan said of the aforementioned three. “They have size and height. Eighteen (district) games is a lot of games, you know.
“The best teams with a chance are those with size.”
The Nixon Mustangs (9-5) are the youngest team in 29-5A, but coach Pete Solis Jr.’s squad has gotten off to an impressive start in spite of the lack of experience.
The Bulldogs, winners of this year’s Border Olympics and Edinburg tournaments, return six, including three starters. They have the most depth in the frontcourt with the likes of Diego Solis, Philip Connor and Nolan Wilson, to go with a backcourt stable of Alex Bryand, Brian Swain, Beau Kraus and Kevin Garcia.
“We’re playing well,” Alexander coach Luis Valdez said. “We’re still juggling having Alex and Brian back, coming in from football. The guys have played well. They’re a good group of kids. They play for each other.
“The unselfishness of everybody has been the key for us. No one cares about stats.”
The Tigers (9-6) return eight, including four starters. The addition of 6-foot-5 Gabriel Rubio has added a different dynamic to an already dangerous attack.
“The past two years, I’ve been making the schedule to where we have a week to prepare for district,” Martin coach Hecky Noyola Jr. said. “I know how important it is to start district 1-0.”
The Wolves (7-5) return seven, including three starters and their core in 3-point marksman Javier Rodriguez and rangy playmakers Peter Servin and Ricky Castro.
“I think we’re a middle-of-the-packer. I hope, anyway,” Groogan said. “We have quality players, but we’re not very deep. Physically we’re a small team. Not only are we short, but we’re light.
“Those who have big-bodied athletes have the best chance to win this thing.”
The Longhorns (5-8) return five, and one starter, but plenty of shot-blocking and rebounding with Eddie Vasquez, Rudy Gonzalez, Jorge Cardenas and Andrew Zipprian.
“We’ve made great improvements since our first day of practice,” United coach Archie Ramos said. “We have great depth, but we’re looking for some consistency.”
United South (9-6) returns a district-best nine from last year’s squad, including two starters. The Panthers have the depth and size to compete for a district title, with sharpshooter Jose Cardenas and big men Rolando Valdez and John Garcia leading the way in the paint.
“We’re still trying to find our consistency, our rhythm,” South coach Carmelo Gonzalez said. “We haven’t hit our peak. We’ve been playing well, but sometimes we just don’t play that good. Our record kind of reflects that.”
Cigarroa (6-8) returns six, including three starters, and Nixon returns two, no starters.
“Every team, every game is going to be a war,” Valdez said. “Boys’ basketball is one of the more competitive sports in our district; kids today play so much basketball that everyone is pretty even.
“You have to come out ready to play. Every mistake is magnified.”

CREAM OF THE CROP

My picks for the top four Laredo teams heading into district play:
1. ALEXANDER (13-2): The Bulldogs have what Valdez thinks is most essential to a championship team: chemistry. “Size in basketball helps a lot, to be sure,” he said. “But you also have to have ballhandlers and shooters. As far as depth, Martin has made the playoffs before playing just five guys. What I think is key is team chemistry, a team that’s unselfish.”
2. UNITED (5-8): The Longhorns are raw, but blooming with potential. A rough early schedule provided plenty of growing pains, but significantly telling was how United played Alexander in the Border Olympics final a few weeks ago. The gap between the two is not as wide as the records indicate. “I don’t think we’ve lost a game,” Ramos said, “I just think we’ve gotten beat by really good, talented teams, and there is a difference.”
3. UNITED SOUTH (9-6): The Panthers return a lot of starters from last year’s team that finally put South back into the postseason. But they lost their identity with the graduation of guard Kevin Flores and forward Carlos Hernandez. “Now it’s more of a shared thing,” Gonzalez said. “What Carlos and Kevin were doing as far as leaders has been distributed and the young guys are stepping up pretty nicely. Everyone’s playing into the roles and I’m pleased with how they’ve improved.”
4. MARTIN (9-6): After going through a trying year last season with a young crop, Noyola can finally reap the benefits. Along with star guard C.J. Martinez, the Tigers also have a formidable frontcourt with Edgar Benavides and probable newcomer of the year Gabriel Rubio. “I did stats a few days ago and what impressed me was that we’re assisting on a lot of baskets, about 16 assists per game,” Noyola said. “I like how we’re moving and sharing the ball. We struggled with that early on.”

FIVE TO WATCH

My preseason picks for Laredo’s All-City team heading into what is sure to be a memorable district season.
 POINT GUARD: UNITED SENIOR THOMAS JOHNSON: The fearless floor leader has made strides in his growth and is ready to lead a team that has its share of uncertainty surrounding it. “He’s had a great offseason,” Ramos said. “Sometimes I feel he thinks he has to do too much, but he’s seen others step up and he’s leaning on his teammates more. He’s trusting them more.”
 SHOOTING GUARD: LBJ SENIOR JAVIER RODRIGUEZ: Averaging 13.8 points per game, Rodriguez will be targeted by opposing defenses, and for good reason. There are few shooters like him around. “He’s a much more mature player than he was a year ago, especially defensively,” Groogan said. “I imagine nine other teams in this district would like to have him. He can shoot it. He’s improved his release time, shot selection and mental toughness.”
 WING: UNITED SOUTH SENIOR JOSE CARDENAS: Speaking of sharpshooters, Gonzalez will be leaning hard on Cardenas, whose smooth stroke will be needed to keep defenses honest and allow the Panthers’ size to go to work.
 FORWARD: ALEXANDER SENIOR DIEGO SOLIS: Averaging 14.2 points, on 55 percent shooting, and 7.9 rebounds per game, Solis is the early frontrunner to take home the District 29-5A and All-City MVP awards. “He’s just been a hard worker,” Alexander coach Luis Valdez said. “Since the end of last year, he’s been in the gym and weight room. He was chosen as captain recently and that’s big because we as coaches don’t choose captains. It’s up to the players, so it says a lot about what his peers think of him.”
 CENTER: MARTIN SENIOR GABRIEL RUBIO: The 6-foot-5 big man who came to Martin last December from Nuevo Laredo has made the Tigers a must-see game this season. Rubio is averaging 15 points, six rebounds and four assists per game. “He gives us another body in the paint and that helps us out big time,” Noyola said. “He’s long and athletic and gets a lot of rebounds and can alter shots. He takes pressure off our guards and teams have to make decisions defensively now.”

District 29-5A football updated standings

District 29-5A football is a league that’s very top-heavy. Nothing new, obviously. Just saying.

Alexander, United and Del Rio have all clinched playoff berths. The race for the fourth spot comes down to Eagle Pass or LBJ.

Here are the current standings and points for and against for each team:

Dist. 29                Rec      Dist        PF PA 
Alexander          (8-0)      (7-0)       370 84
United                (6-2)      (6-1)       373 106
Del Rio              (6-2)      (6-1)       300 107
LBJ                    (5-3)      (4-3)       115 135
Eagle Pass      (4-4)       (4-3)        191 260
C.C. Winn         (3-5)      (3-4)        142 282
Nixon                 (3-5)      (2-5)        210 218
Martin                (2-6)       (2-5)       112 249
United South     (1-7)      (1-6)       138 353
Cigarroa            (0-8)      (0-7)        58 237

Updated 29-5A high school volleyball standings

Following Tuesday’s slate of games, here are updated 29-5A volleyball standings. The Alexander Lady Bulldogs, ranked No. 13 in Class 5A in the state, are at the top of the district.

ALEXANDER              10-0          25-1

CIGARROA                  8-2            18-7

UNITED                        8-2             18-12

C.C WINN                    5-5             13-12

NIXON                         5-5             15-16

MARTIN                      3-7              12-11 

LBJ                              2-8               8-16

DEL RIO                     2-8               5-12

UNITED SOUTH       0-10             5-17

Updated Laredo individual H.S. football stats

Updated Laredo individual high school football stats through Week 3.
Passing
This much is clear through four weeks of high school football in Laredo: the title of “top Laredo quarterback” is Brian Swain’s to lose.
The Alexander senior tore through another defense last week in Eagle Pass, completing 16 of 24 passes for 436 yards and four touchdowns. His efficiency is off the charts, as Swain has completed 69.5 percent of his passes and is averaging 13.3 yards per attempt. Impressively, he has yet to throw an interception in 82 attempts.
United’s Alec Salas is on a quick climb toward the city’s top passers. After a four-touchdown night two weeks ago, he threw for five scores against United South last week, completing 17 of 24 passes for 234 yards. He has thrown for nine touchdowns in two games since collecting his lone two interceptions against No. 4 Smithson Valley in the Longhorns’ season opener.
Joseph Contreras had another solid night for the Nixon Mustangs last week, throwing for 187 yards and three touchdowns to one interception, but he only completed 47.2 percent of his passes (16 of 35) against C.C. Winn.
That significant drop in percentage leaves him at 57.2 for the season so far.
After a sluggish performance against Alexander two weeks ago, South’s Robert Camarillo, who leads the city in passing attempts, reacquainted himself with greatness by completing 32 of 43 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown against United last week.
Camarillo did, however, throw two picks and now leads the city in that department.
UP-TO-DATE PASSING LEADERS: 1. Brian Swain, Alexander (57-of-82 passing; 1,090 yards; 11 TDs/0 INTs); 2. Robert Camarillo, United South (84-of-118; 834; 6/3); 3. Joseph Contreras, Nixon (47-of-82; 664; 10/2); 4. Alec Salas, United (47-of-76; 620; 9/2); 5. Albert Estrada, Martin (12-of-36; 105; 1/1); 6. Victor Martinez, Cigarroa (2-of-11; 29; 0/1); 7. Luis Vaca, LBJ (2-of-3; 22; 0/0).
Receiving
Laredo has a new overall top receiver this week as United South’s Carlos Vedarte moved into No. 1 after compiling 103 yards on 10 catches in last week’s loss to United.
Alexander’s Daniel Ramos and Xavier Skaggs moved into the top three, and the city’s former top receiver, Nixon’s Jesus Perez, dropped to fourth after he’s seen a decline in production due to defenses gearing heavily toward him following his breakout season opener.
Skaggs and Ramos each created nightmares for Eagle Pass last week. Ramos had six catches for 135 yards and Skaggs scorched the defense for 180 yards and two touchdowns on five catches, including a long of 77.
United’s Derek Esparza was the real star of last week, though. He caught seven passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns.
UP-TO-DATE RECEIVING LEADERS: 1. Carlos Vedarte, United South (24 catches; 356 yards; 3 TDs); 2. Daniel Ramos, Alexander (18; 353; 4); 3. Xavier Skaggs, Alexander (20; 319; 3); 4. Jesus Perez, Nixon (15; 308; 4); 5. Orlando Contreras, United South (37; 266; 2); 6. Derek Esparza, United (12; 170; 3); 7. Terry Dalehite, United (7; 161; 1); 8. Trey Sciaraffa, Alexander (6; 156; 1); 9. Cesar Ruiz, United South (13; 141; 0); 10. Rolando Flores, United (14; 100; 1).
Rushing
Though Martin’s Rudy Castillo still leads the city in rushing, United’s Salas had a dynamic week on the ground.
Proving he’s more than just a pocket passer, Salas opened up the offense almost by himself against United South last week by running for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
He is averaging 7.9 yards per carry this season, third-best in Laredo behind Skaggs (9.8) and Swain (8.0).
But everyone is chasing the junior Castillo, who helped lead Martin to victory last week by carrying the ball 24 times for 91 yards and a touchdown.
He is averaging 19.3 carries per game.
UP-TO-DATE RUSHING LEADERS: 1. Rudy Castillo, Martin (58 carries; 338 yards; 3 TDs); 2. Brian Swain, Alexander (31; 247; 4); 3. Xavier Skaggs, Alexander (25; 245; 5); 4. Ritchie Rendon, Nixon (32; 185; 2); 5. Alec Salas, United (21; 166; 3); 6. Alfonso Garcia, LBJ (35; 157; 1); 7. Victor Martinez, Cigarroa (21; 124; 0); 8. Erick Garay, LBJ (15; 104; 0); 9. Austin Ortega, United (11; 87; 1); 10. J.R. Contreras, LBJ (41; 86; 2); 11. Mike Benavides, Cigarroa (10; 66; 1).
Defense
Six Laredo athletes are averaging nine or more tackles per game, three of which play for Alexander and two for Martin.
The Tigers’ Ricky Zavala remains the runaway leader in total tackles so far with 41. Teammate David Reyes is next in line with 33.
The Bulldogs’ defensive stinginess, which is allowing a tad over 10 points per game, is also evident in sacks. Of the seven Laredo players to have accumulated 2.0 sacks, four are Bulldogs.
United has two of the top pass-pickers in Roger Elorreaga and Michael Byrd. Along with Nixon’s Esteban Salinas, they’re the only Laredo defensive stalwarts to have picked off two passes this season.
UP-TO-DATE DEFENSIVE LEADERS:
Total tackles: 1. Ricky Zavala, Martin (41 total tackles); 2. David Reyes, Martin (33); 3. Alexis Flores, Alexander (29); 4. Luis Villanueva, Alexander (29); 5. A.C. Martinez, United (29); 6. Gerardo Villarreal, Alexander (27); 7. Tony Gonzalez, LBJ (26); 8. Christian Trevino, Martin (25); 9. David Garza, LBJ (23); 10. Edgar Mendiola, Nixon (23); 11. Luis Duarte, United South (23); 12. Michael Byrd, United (22); 13. Jose Sanchez, Alexander (22); 14. Jorge Pacheco, Nixon (22); 15. Alex Salinas, United (20); 16. Miguel Orozco, LBJ (19); 17. Horacio Herrera, Cigarroa (18).
Sacks: 1. Gabriel Rodriguez, Alexander (2.0); 2. Jorge Pacheco, Nixon (2.0); 3. Gerardo Villarreal, Alexander (2.0); 4. David Reyes, Martin (2.0); 5. Luis Villanueva, Alexander (2.0); 6. Diego Perez, Alexander, (2.0); 7. Jimmy Montalvo, United (2.0).
Interceptions: 1. Esteban Salinas, Nixon (2); 2. Roger Elorreaga, United (2); 3. Michael Byrd, United (2).

Updated Laredo H.S. football stats (through Week 1)

Offensively and defensively, there was not a more all-around dominant team than the Nixon Mustangs in Week 1. (PHOTO BY CUATE SANTOS | LAREDO MORNING TIMES).

Laredo football statistical highlights from Week 1, and up-to-date overall stats.
Passing
Two rising quarterbacks made their mark last week in dominant fashion.
In a 56-38 defeat to Corpus Christi King, United South senior Robert Camarillo threw and threw and threw some more, to the tune of 43-of-57 passing for a mind-numbing 526 yards and five touchdowns to one interception.
Whew.
He completed 75.4 percent of his passes against a King unit projected to make the playoffs in 28-5A and returns six starters on defense.
That same Friday night, however, Nixon senior Joseph Contreras was tearing up defenses of his own, blistering Valley View for 243 yards and four touchdowns on a cool 12-of-18 passing (66.7 percent).
Contreras, who also threw a pick, had a bomb of 77 yards and averaged 13.5 yards per passing attempt.
Against the No. 5-ranked team in Class 4A, United junior Alec Salas was as cool as a cucumber in the pocket, completing 22 of 38 passes (57.9 percent) for 211 yards, though he had no touchdown passes and threw for two interceptions.
LBJ quarterback Luis Vaca hardly threw at all in the Wolves’ win over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln. He completed two of his three passes for 22 yards.
UP-TO-DATE PASSING LEADERS: 1. Robert Camarillo, South (43-of-57 passing, 526 yards, 5 TDs/1 INT); 2. Brian Swain, Alexander (19-of-26; 346; 3/0); 3. Joseph Contreras, Nixon (12-of-18; 243; 4/1); 4. Alec Salas, United (22-of-38; 211; 0/2); 5. Albert Estrada, Martin (6-of-17; 60; 1/1); 6. Luis Vaca, LBJ (2-of-3; 22; 0/0).
Receiving
A slew of quality performances at quarterback last week meant there were quite a few star receivers as well.
United South boasted the most dynamic threat in Week 1 in Carlos Vedarte, who caught 11 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 19.8 yards per reception.
Teammate Orlando Contreras caught 17 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown, averaging 8.7 yards per catch. Cesar Ruiz also tallied 98 yards on six catches, and Ricky Flores had 58 on three.
Contreras’ primary target last week was Jesus Perez, who hauled in eight catches for 230 yards and four touchdowns. He tallied an unbelievable 28.8 yards per reception.
Derek Esparza led United’s receiving corps with five catches and 68 yards, with a long of 20. Terry Dalehite had 40 yards on two catches and Zachary Williams had 33 on two. Austin Ortega had 27 yards on two.
UP-TO-DATE RECEIVING LEADERS: 1. Jesus Perez (8 catches, 230 yards, 4 TDs); 2. Carlos Vedarte, United South (11, 218, 3 TDs); 3. Orlando Contreras, United South (17; 147; 1); 4. Daniel Ramos, Alexander (6, 125, 2); 5. Cesar Ruiz, United South (6, 98, 0); 6. Trey Sciaraffa, Alexander (3, 68, 0); 7. Derek Esparza, United (5, 68, 0); 8. Ricky Flores, United South (3, 58, 0); 9. Fermin Gutierrez, Martin (2, 57, 0); 10 Alex Bryand, Alexander (1, 43, 0).
Rushing
Week 1’s top rusher was, by far, LBJ’s Alfonso Garcia, a starting linebacker who was used in place of injured tailback JR Contreras. Garcia rushed 30 times for 117 yards and a score.
Nixon’s Ritchie Rendon amassed 71 yards on seven carries, with a long of 38, for a touchdown. Quarterback Alec Salas paced United’s running game with 57 yards on six carries, with a long of 15.
Garcia’s teammate David Garza had nine carries for 54 yards and a touchdown and Wolves quarterback Luis Vaca added 13 carries and 50 yards.
United’s Austin Ortega has 26 yards on two carries
Luis Garcia led United South with 20 yards on six carries.
UP-TO-DATE RUSHING LEADERS: 1. Alfonso Garcia, LBJ (30 carries, 117 yards, 1 TD); 2. Brian Swain, Alexander (20, 113, 2); 3. Ritchie Rendon, Nixon (7, 71, 1); 4. Xavier Skaggs, Alexander (10, 64, 2); 5. Alec Salas, United (6, 57, 0); 6. David Garza, LBJ (9, 54, 1); 7. Luis Vaca, LBJ (13, 50, 0); 8. Jonathan Gonzalez, Martin (10, 39, 1); 9. Rudy Castillo, Martin (11, 31, 0); 10. Austin Ortega, United (2, 26, 0).
Defense
United’s A.C. Martinez led all tacklers last week with 12. He was followed by teammate Michael Byrd and Nixon’s Edgar Mendiola, both of whom had 11 total tackles apiece.
Nixon’s Erick Fernandez and Jorge Pacheco each had nine total tackles, and United’s Jose Herrera and Marco Escontrias and United South’s Luis Duarte each had eight.
South’s Luis Castillo had seven.
Nixon had four sacks last week, as Fernandez, Pacheco, Ovidio Pruneda and Martin Ceja each had one. United’s Justin De Leon also had a sack.
Nixon’s Esteban Salinas had an interception.
(Editor’s Note: LBJ defensive stats were not made available).
UP-TO-DATE DEFENSIVE LEADERS:
Tackles: 1. Christian Trevino, Martin (16); 2. Ricky Zavala, Martin (16); 3. David Reyes, Martin (14); 4. A.C. Martinez, United (12); 5. Michael Byrd, United (11); 6. Edgar Mendiola, Nixon (11); 7. Luis Villanueva, Alexander (9); 8. Jose Sanchez, Alexander (9); 9. Erick Fernandez, Nixon (9); 10. Jorge Pacheco, Nixon (9). 11. Alexis Flores, Alexander (8); 12. Jose Herrera, United (8); 13. Marco Escontrias, United (8); 14. Luis Duarte, United South (8).
Sacks: 1. Gabriel Rodriguez, Alexander (2.0); 2. Gerardo Villarreal, Alexander (1.0); 3. Carlos Ramirez, Alexander (1.0); 4. Erick Fernandez, Nixon (1.0); 5. Jorge Pacheco, Nixon (1.0); 6. Ovidio Pruneda, Nixon (1.0); 7. Martin Ceja, Nixon (1.0).
Interceptions: 1. E.J. Garcia, Alexander (1); 2. Esteban Salinas, Nixon (1).

Laredo football non-district report card

All seven Laredo high school football programs have each played their non-district game as district play kicks off this week.

Alexander, LBJ and Nixon are each 1-0. Cigarroa would have been there too had it not had to forfeit its win due to playing an ineligible athlete.

Heading into what figures to be another intense year of 29-5A play, here’s my thoughts on each team at this point.

ALEXANDER: The Bulldogs are easily the class of the district. In their 62-20 dismantling of Alice, they were practically flawless. They have the best quarterback and running back in the league, and their defense is arguably the fastest. If they don’t lose sight of the goal and don’t let down against any foe, they have what it takes to be the first Laredo football team to go to the fourth round of the playoffs, if not further. A

CIGARROA: Already the Toros are facing a significant distraction after the mess that happened last week when it was revealed a 19-year-old played during the last two minutes of their Week 0 win against SA Memorial. On top of that, LISD suspended head coach Frank De Hoyos Monday for five days, meaning he will miss the team’s district opener against Nixon on Friday. These Toros look like a carbon copy of last year’s, albeit with more depth in the running game. But before they’re to make the next step, a lot of eyes are on quarterback Victor Martinez and whether the Toros can develop any sort of balance offensively. B

LBJ: The Wolves, too, look like a replica of last year’s team, though, also, they have more depth in the backfield. Even in the absence of starting tailback JR Contreras, two starting linebackers led the way for victory on the team’s Week 1 win. The defense has proved it has the mettle to be amongst the district’s elite, but, again, it will come down to the passing game. Before it’s all said and done, the Wolves are going to have to show they can move the ball through the air just as well as they do on the ground. B

MARTIN: I like the Tigers’ spirit and drive, but in a district that looks to be as tough as I’ve seen in my five years covering Laredo sports, they may get the short end of the stick. Their 19-14 opening defeat at Roma was uplifting, if a loss can be, but they still have a ways to go (Roma was beat by Zapata last week). Quarterback Albert Estrada is oozing with potential and the defense is what will carry Martin if it is to have any success this year; there’s just not enough offense to survive in a league full of teams that can put 30 or more points on the board on any given night. C –

NIXON: The Mustangs were my sleeper pick in the preseason as I had them sneaking in and grabbing that fourth spot for the playoffs. Boy, did they make me look good against Valley View, with their 43-10 win. Nixon has the tools to compete in this district: a star quarterback in Joseph Contreras, a star wideout in Jesus Perez, arguably the top kicker in the league in Jaime Cardona, and an underrated back in Ritchie Rendon. The defense has some questions, but knowing that that’s coach Tommy Ramirez’s forte, I get the feeling that we’ll see that unit grow right before our eyes. I’m very big on the Mustangs this year. B+

UNITED: The United Longhorns faced a demanding Smithson Valley squad in their opener, but they have plenty of question marks, namely at the running back position. Quarterback Alec Salas will be fine under center and he’ll produce yards by the plenty, but I’m curious to see how United fares when defenses play for the pass and force United to beat them on the ground.  The defense also showed plenty of holes. But to be honest, playing the No. 5-ranked team in Class 4A is not an appropriate measure of how good United will be. I don’t see them competing with the Bulldogs for the district title, and I think a team like Nixon will give it plenty of fits, but I do see them sticking to that No. 2 spot in district. B –

UNITED SOUTH: We knew this team could score. It’s what it prides itself on. But until the Panthers show they can get stops early and often, I don’t see them being anything more than a really exciting team to watch. Quarterback Robert Camarillo and wideout Carlos Vedarte are absolute gems, but they need more help from their buddies on the other side of the ball.  They did play a tough CC King squad in their opener, but the Panthers look like what they’ve mostly been during coach Jose Briones’ era: all show, little substance. C 

District 29-5A volleyball standings

The United Lady Longhorns are thick in the chase for a District 29-5A volleyball title. PHOTO BY CUATE SANTOS | LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Current District 29-5A volleyball standings:

1) Alexander: 3-0
2) United: 2-1
3) Cigarroa: 2-1
4) Nixon: 2-1
5) CC Winn: 2-1
6) Eagle Pass: 2-1
7) Martin: 1-2
8) Del Rio: 1-2
9) LBJ: 0-3
10) United South: 0-3

Week 0 Laredo HS football standout stats

Even with just three Laredo high school football programs in action in Week 0, there was certainly no shortage of statistical accolades.
Considering the vast margin of victory boasted by Alexander (62-20 over Alice) and Cigarroa (48-8 over San Antonio Memorial), as well as a quality output from renovated Martin in its 19-14 defeat at Roma, there were plenty of numbers to be highlighted during last week.
Passing
The top passer from last week was, without question, Bulldogs senior Brian Swain, who completed 19 of 26 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns. His longest completion was for 60 yards.
Cigarroa and Martin hardly threw. Toros quarterback Victor Martinez completed 2 of 5 passes for 18 yards. Martin sophomore quarterback Albert Estrada completed 6 of 17 passes for 60 yards, but Tiger receivers dropped five passes.
Estrada threw for a touchdown and also had a pick.
Receiving
The premier pass-catcher from last week was the Bulldogs’ Daniel Ramos, who hauled in six of Swain’s throws for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Ramos was also responsible for Swain’s 60-yard throw.
Ramos was aided in that department by Xavier Skaggs (five catches or 36 yards, with a long of 23) and Trey Sciaraffa (three catches for 68 yards, with a long of 34). Alex Bryand had one catch for 43 yards.
The Toros’ top receiver was Mike Benavides, who had two catches for 18 yards.
The Tigers had some players who stretched the field in Fermin Gutierrez (two catches for 57 yards) and Rosendo Melendez (one catch for 31 yards). Melendez had a receiving touchdown for Martin.
They also have a solid possession guy in Edgar Benavides, who had five receptions for 22 yards.
Rushing
Now this is a department where many Laredo athletes had a field day.
Cigarroa’s Benavides led all in rushing in Week 0, tallying eight carries for 128 yards and three touchdowns as he pretty much carried the Toros to victory.
Alexander’s Swain was just as dominant on the ground as he was through the air, compiling 113 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Teammate Skaggs had 64 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.
The Tigers were led in rushing by Jonathan Gonzalez, who had 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. Rudy Castillo added 11 carries for 31 yards and Gutierrez had a carry for 14 yards.
Defense
Defense was also a strength of Laredo teams last week.
Martin’s Christian Trevino (16 total tackles), Ricky Zavala (16 total tackles) and David Reyes (14 total tackles) led the way.
At Alexander, Luis Villanueva and Jose Sanchez led the way with nine total tackles. Alexis Flores had eight and Gerardo Villarreal added seven.
Horacio Herrera was the Toros’ leading tackler with seven, though four players had four or more tackles (Alfredo Cepeda, Alex Amaro, Oscar Salinas and Raul Salinas).
Oscar Salinas also had 1.0 sack.
The Bulldogs posted four sacks, led by Gabriel Rodriguez’s 2.0. Villarreal and Carlos Ramirez each had 1.0.
E.J. Garcia had an interception for Alexander. He was the only Laredo athlete to get one last week.

A start to behold

Xavier Skaggs and the Alexander Bulldogs are off to hot start. As a matter of fact, all Laredo teams playing in Week 0 got off to nice starts. (PHOTO BY CUATE SANTOS | LAREDO MORNING TIMES)

The statement was made loud and clear Friday night.
Laredo football came to play.
Three local programs kicked off Week 0: Alexander, Cigarroa and Martin. They scratched, clawed, ran and pushed their way forward, as if desperate to keep the momentum from last season’s success going.
It was a thrilling Laredo football year in 2010. This season figures to be more of the same, if not more so.
There were the Bulldogs, simply dominating every facet of the game against a perennial power in the Alice Coyotes.
The 62-20 final was not as close as it looked. This was a Bulldogs unit foaming at the mouth, not shying away from its status as District 29-5A’s favorite but grabbing it by the throat.
Some of the numbers would have been ridiculous by “Madden” standards, such as Brian Swain’s 445 total yards of offense and five touchdowns. Or Daniel Ramos’ six catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Or Xavier Skaggs overcoming a slow start for 104 yards. Or Jesus Vasquez’s scoop of a fumble for a score. Or E.J. Garcia officially putting to rest the Coyotes with a spectacular interception in the second half.
And, even with that, had it not been for a late Alexander TD in the fourth quarter, it would have been the Cigarroa Toros owning the largest point differential of the night.
Cigarroa walloped San Antonio Memorial 48-8, but it did so with defense, holding Memorial to 167 total yards and forcing four turnovers.
As impressive of a night it was for Victor Martinez (11 carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns) and Mike Benavidez (nine carries for 138 yards and three touchdowns), it was the defense that stole the shine, as Memorial had one more first down (7) than fumbles (6).
Admittedly, Memorial is no significant threat and is headed for another dismal campaign. But the Toros took care of business nonetheless.
Perhaps, however, the most surprising outcome on Friday came via the Martin Tigers. A raw, fresh bunch muddling in an entirely new offense and defense under a new head coach, they went tit for tat with a Roma team that returns 17 starters from last year’s squad.
And they did so on the road as well, before a tough, spirited Roma crowd. The final score read 19-14, with Martin getting TDs on the ground and through the air.
Coaches dread the hated “moral victory” label, but when you’re starting from scratch again like the Tigers are, Friday’s game would certainly qualify.
The Tigers, who are starting a sophomore at quarterback and have many players employed on both sides of the ball, gave themselves a chance to win, with the ball late in the game needing a touchdown for the win, but fell just short on fourth down.
Everyone wants a win, but then again sports are a lot like life. You have to crawl before you can walk, though Martin is crawling at a considerably faster pace than we expected.
All in all, it was an outstanding start to the season for Laredo football. The Bulldogs, Toros and Tigers all set a tough stage for which LBJ, Nixon, United and United South are to follow upon next week.
But it certainly can be done. And with the way things have gone so far, who knows?
It very well could be.

2011 Laredo H.S. football picks

District 29-5A will be seeing a lot of this - Brian Swain handing off to Xavier Skaggs - as I predict the Alexander Bulldogs to win the 29-5A title. (PHOTO BY CUATE SANTOS/LAREDO MORNING TIMES).

Week 0 of the 2011 high school football season is just two days away. After weeks of scrummaging through stories, talking to coaches, gathering info, I feel I’m ready to make my picks for this season.

So, alas, here we are:

My four playoff picks in District 29-5A:

1. Alexander

2. United

3. Del Rio

4. Nixon

Laredo Offensive MVP:

Alexander senior quarterback Brian Swain.

Laredo Defensive MVP:

Alexander defensive end Luis Villanueva.

Coach of the Year:

Nixon’s Tommy Ramirez.

Other Predictions:

– Martin goes 2-8 in David Charles’ first year as head coach.

– Alexander is regional semifinalist; United is area finalist.

– Cigarroa takes a fall back from four wins to three wins; LBJ does as well, from five wins to four.

– United will find some way to stay amongst the top, even with the graduation of star quarterback Tony Salas and the dark cloud of uncertainty surrounding Billy Williams. But they will find a way due to a team effort, not so much individual. The pieces are in place for a strong year and potential defense of their district title, but this will be a Longhorns team as dependent on one another as any other during the David Sanchez era.

– Obviously, as you can tell by my predictions, this is the year Nixon rights the ship and gets back on track. I have a strange feeling they get it done this year.

Then again, I’ve been wrong before.