Mission vs Memorial – Big 7 Game of the Week
Tonight, McAllen’s Veterans Memorial Stadium will be buzzing with excitement as it hosts a District 16-5A matchup between the 1-0 Memorial Mustangs and the 0-1 Mission Eagles. These two teams enter the game on vastly different spectrums: the Mustangs riding high on their perfect district record, while the Eagles will be eagerly trying to secure their first district win. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as a victory for either team would not only boost morale but also significantly impact their playoff dreams in this competitive district.
Mission senior wide receiver Christopher Kirk and the Eagles will be looking for their first district win tonight against the Memorial Mustangs. Progress Times photo by Mario Magallon
The Eagles had a promising non-district run, finishing with a 2-1 record. They opened their season with a narrow 23-21 win over the Veterans Memorial Patriots, followed by a strong 36-22 victory against the Sharyland Rattlers. However, their first district game against the prestigious Edinburg Vela Sabercats presented a steep challenge. The Sabercats are a powerhouse in the district, and the Eagles knew that facing them would require their best effort.
In the first half, the Sabercats dominated by building a 24-0 lead. Yet, instead of folding under pressure, the Eagles showcased their resilience in the second half. Led by running back Thomas Aparicio, who ignited the team’s comeback with a spectacular long rushing touchdown, the Eagles started to chip away at the Sabercats’ lead. Quarterback Diego Salinas followed suit with a rushing score of his own and then connected with receiver Christopher Kirk for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to just 24-21. Despite their valiant efforts, the Eagles’ last possession ended in the hands of the Sabercats, preventing them from completing the comeback.
The Eagles’ ability to rally and nearly pull off the upset against a top contender speaks volumes about their potential. This is a testament to the changes that the Eagles have made over the offseason. This Eagles team has shown grit and determination unlike any other team they’ve had in the past couple of seasons.
Head coach Danny Longoria told Progress Times about the game against the Sabercats, “We’re a lot tougher than most people give us credit for. On the same token, we should’ve come out that way in the first half.” He continued, “At the end of the day when we put four quarters together, we’re we a solid team. A team that can compete with a lot of teams. I know our district is very competitive but we will come out and do our best against Memorial.”
In preparation for the Mustangs, the Eagles have been focusing on exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses. The Mustangs come into this game riding high after a commanding 42-0 win over the Rio Grande City Rattlers. Their offense can be very balanced when needed, but they didn’t need their quarterback to do much in their last game. The Mustangs accumulated nearly 300 rushing yards, driven by the dynamic running back duo of Jaydin Soliz and Braxton Speights, who combined for five rushing touchdowns. However, the Eagles’ run defense has been strong. This raises the question about whether the Mustangs will have to adjust their game plan to include more passing plays. Mustangs’ quarterback Kane Coy will need to be on his game, especially against the Maroon Monsoon that is the Eagles’ defensive line and linebackers.
Longoria spoke about the game plan in place for this upcoming matchup, “Controlling the line of scrimmage, not giving up the big play, and tackling very well. They’ve got great running backs and a great quarterback. I think if we do that and limit their big plays, like they’ve had in the last couple of games, then we have a good chance in this one.”
On the flip side, the Mustangs’ defense has been solid, but they have shown vulnerabilities, allowing an average of 25 points per game against their four opponents this season. The Eagles boast an explosive offense led by Salinas, who has racked up over 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns so far. Aparicio has contributed significantly to the offense with over 700 yards and a couple of touchdowns. The aerial attack, with receivers Shelby Sital and Kirk combining for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, makes this Eagles offense a well-rounded machine.
As both teams prepare for this critical showdown, one thing is clear: tonight’s game will not only be a test of skill but also a battle of wills. Both teams are hungry for victory, and the outcome of this matchup will surely create waves for the district season. With such a massive game being played, Eagles’ and Mustangs’ fans can expect an electrifying game filled with intensity and high stakes between these two juggernauts.
Progress Times wishes the best of luck to both of these teams as they duke it out for a playoff position in their district.