Raymondville High School’s varsity boys and girls soccer teams conclude their District 32-3A schedule hosting La Feria during ‘Parent’s Night’ on Friday. The girls’ game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and the boys will play at 7:30 p.m.

On this year’s boys team are Omar Barajas, Jose Garcia, Ruben Angulo, Alder Figueroa, Daniel Galvan, Pedro Soria, Raul Huerta, Ernesto Medina, Alberto Gonzalez, Cristian Vargas, David Medina, Jose Rivera, Cirilo Cacique, Jesus Turrubiates, Jeffrey Santana, Adam Garcia, Juan Torres, Deremy Tijerina, Adulfo Vargas, and managers Arturo Vasquez and Jeremy Whitman.

Heading into their game against Weslaco East this past Tuesday, Raymondville’s boys were 1-8-1 in district competition this season.

Head Coach Allan Flores has a mostly young bunch this year which he believes will prosper in the future from their current growing pains.

“We don’t have a soccer class so these kids do not have the advantage like other schools who have a soccer period but I am still very proud of what we have been able to accomplish,” Flores said. “We have had great improvement these last couple of years. Most of our team this season is made up of sophomores and juniors and with that caliber of players and them being seniors next year we should very much be in contention.”

Flores and assistant Roy Rios - both of whom have coached at Raymondville for the past three years - almost led the Bearkats to the playoffs a couple of seasons ago, when only three teams advanced, as Raymondville finished fourth.

“We beat Kingsville and Alice twice, went up against Mission Veterans, Mission and Roma,” Flores said. “Those were some of the strongest competitors in our district.”

Both coaches are hoping their players will specialize in soccer next season.

“Some of these boys participate in off-season football, baseball or track while also playing soccer,” Flores said. “So you’re talking about some young boys who stay very busy for four hours a day.”

Flores consistently preaches the need for more aggressive play on the field instead of timidity.

“A lot of being successful is self confidence, these boys are playing very well and learning to pass the ball,” Flores said. “In soccer you sometimes have to be creative and many of these boys do not want to disappoint us but I tell them that they cannot be afraid to make mistakes. You have to take chances and if you fail to accomplish your goal then you take things back to practice and polish them.”

IN ACTION: BULLDOGS

The Lady Bulldogs varsity and junior varsity soccer teams finish their District 32-3A schedule visiting Weslaco East at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Lyford High School’s varsity baseball team competes at a tournament in Falfurrias this Thursday through Saturday. Lyford’s junior varsity baseball team competes at a tournament in Port Isabel Thursday through Saturday.

The Lady Bulldog varsity and junior varsity softball teams visit Port Isabel at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday.

Lyford High School’s varsity boys and girls track teams compete at the Jim Hudson Relays in La Feria on Friday. Lyford’s junior varsity boys and girls track teams compete at the Lion Relays in La Feria on Thursday.

Lyford High School’s boys and girls golfers compete in Port Isabel on Friday.

Lyford High School’s varsity, junior varsity and freshman tennis players host a tri-match invitational Friday and Saturday.

IN ACTION: BEARKATS

Raymondville High School’s varsity baseball team hosts Lyford at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The Lady Bearkat varsity and junior varsity softball teams host Rio Hondo at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday.

Raymondville High School’s boys and girls track teams compete at the Jim Hudson Relays in La Feria on Friday. The Bearkat junior varsity boys and girls track teams compete at a meet in Lyford on Saturday. Myra Green Middle School’s boys and girls track teams compete at a meet in La Feria on Thursday.