A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Eagle Pass High School
Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
-Vince Lombardi
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Foster -Veterans Memorial Stadium
The CC Winn Mavericks are now 2-3 in district play after a last minute win over former and first ever Silver and Black Attack Head Football David Charles, his nephew Roland Charles III and the upstart Laredo Martin Tigers on Friday culminating homecoming at CC Winn.
This game took me back, waaaaayyyy back to when the quarterback’s father Roland was in grade school playing for not The CC Winn Mavericks, but The Ray Darr Mavericks in 1989 where his Mom and my Instructional Leader were there with us when we won our first game ever. Their father Coach Charles was also a lifelong friend.
We played against David Charles and not The Laredo Martin Tigers, but The Graves Tigers and then as fate would have it, I was transferred to Graves and had the pleasure of coaching Xavier Charles to a City Championship. Wow.
Homecoming festivities at both of our schools are always well-organized, full of youth, vibrance, creativity, unity and togetherness. When it comes to choosing a theme, dividing and encouraging our students to make their decision on the many choices they have to build a float and impress our parents and community helping them to join in and support their Alma Mater.
I actually also consider this to be my homecoming as well as I had a lot to do with starting our new school many years ago and I saw a lot of old friends who made the trip down including members of The Thundering Maverick Band in the bleachers who sat in with the band, a great idea by the way, but we definitely need to motivate our hometown fans to come out and make some noise at home games.
Since Mr. Carlos Martinez was there, I’ve tried to coax our directors to learn The Empire’s Theme for defense especially now that we have a really good one. Coach Saul Salas deserves a lot of praise for putting these kids on the field and giving opposing offenses all they can handle. And our fans need to come together and find ways to give opposing teams a hard time as well.
But this is how the game went down.
Eddie Hurtado scored for the Mavericks at the beginning of the second quarter. Then it was Roland Charles to Ojeda, a long pass set up a short run for Charles to bash it in for the Tiger touchdown.
7-7 tied since the first. Then a 50 yard TD pass from Roland Charles to Hutton, a penalty wiped it out at 8:44 remaining in the half
Punt.
Mavs from their own 18 to TD man Bryan Leos, then an incomplete pass, Cruz runs for first down.
Eddie Hurtado to the 35. 2nd and 3. Hurtado gets a first down to the 43, Cruz leaps over a defender and gets another first down. Ball on 35. Hurtado first down to the 23.
Next a pass to Jaime Rojas, then an intentional grounding call moved us back, 3rd down, free play, off sides that was not called followed by off setting penalties.
Cruz throws into the end zone to Matthew Villaseñor.
Later, a good defensive play by Big Beto Munoz stopped Martin and it was 2nd and 6 from the Winn 27, before a pass to Hutton 1st down. 1:38 left in the half. A good stop by The Mavs and a good tackle by Bobby Cabrera getting Valdez who had the left side.
The Mavericks got the ball over on downs either after Charles almost connected in the end zone. Still tied. 7-7 was your halftime score.
In the third, Cruz was moving the offense then he hit Javier Rojas for a big gainer.
Leos up the middle for fourteen yards, Cruz long run negated by a holding call, Leos to the 34.
Then on 2nd and 15, Cruz throws to Javier Rojas for ten yards which was caught for ten, but never saying die Rojas tip toeing along the sideline, staying in bounds and into the end zone for The Maverick touchdown! Rojas did the rest. 7:58 3rd. 14-7 Mavericks.
Big run by Angel Valdez, to the 41, Charles gains four, second and six, third and two, Valdez gets to the 48, 1st down, incomplete pass, next play Elian Ojeda 52 yard touchdown run! PAT good. 14-14. 6:27 left in the third quarter.
Tigers kick off and no one covered it. Tigers fall on the ball on the Maverick 34. First down.
Later, it was third and 10, incomplete pass, 4th and 10, long pass from Charles to Gabriel Hutton to the four, handoff to Valdez tripped up at the two yard line then the next play no gain for Valdez, but on 3rd and goal, touchdown Ojeda on a swing pass.
Bad snap PAT no good. 20-14 Tigers. 3:15 3rd.
Tigers try to stun the Maverick return team, but Jesus Mata recovers the on sides kick.
Then it was Leos to the Tiger 48, 3rd and 6, pass incomplete, flags on the play, DPI 15 yards, 1st and 10 at the 33, Leos to the 27, Cruz looked to be corralled by the defense, then he leaps over a couple of defenders and he takes it into the end zone for the Maverick touchdown! Sugaki’s kick is up and good, score, Winn 21, Martin 20.
Good defense by Gus Zapata tripping up Valdez stopping a score. Sack! Azael Olveda and Julian Valdez met at the quarterback! 4th and goal. A wide open Alex Celabra in the left of the end zone. The Tigers go for two, but there was a flag. No good. Key.
Big Roland Charles began the Tiger drive at their 29 exactly at the beginning of the fourth quarter, this where the missed extra point may come into play. 20-21 in the 4th quarter.
Roland Charles finds a receiver wide open on a swing pass with no one in the immediate area to cover him. Two point conversion no good. OPI. Score 26-21. 5:39 left in the game.
A last-minute score doomed the Tigers, who were tied 7-7 at halftime with the Mavericks and even led 26-20 late. Winn put together a final scoring drive and scored a touchdown to win 27-26.
Cruz across the 30 for six, Leos finds space and carrying the Tiger D to the 39, Cruz gets 7 2nd and 3, incomplete pass then Leos gets a first down. Two minute time out. Game winning first down.
Pass to Angel Espinoza, Leos takes it inside the five, flag on seven, holding, Cruz to the four. First down. Touchdown Leos! :50!
Bobby Cabrera interception almost a pick six at the end.
Final score, Mavericks 27, Tigers 26.
-------
Los Mavs culminan su ‘Homecoming’con una victoria distrital de 27-26 sobre los Tigers
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports -Estadio Foster-Veterans Memorial
Los Mavericks de CC Winn ahora tienen un récord de 2-3 en su récord distrital tras una victoria de últimos minutos sobre el entrenador David Charles, quien fue el primer Coach de Winn, su sobrino Roland y los prometedores Tigers de Laredo Martin el viernes, culminando su regreso a casa de CC Winn.
Este partido me hizo recordar. De cuando el padre del mariscal de campo, Roland, estaba en la primaria jugando no para los CC Winn Mavericks, sino para los Ray Darr Mavericks en 1989. Su madre y mi líder de instrucción estuvieron con nosotros cuando ganamos nuestro primer partido. Por cierto, tuve una estrecha amistad con el padre de los Charles.
Jugamos contra David Charles, no contra los Laredo Martin Tigers, sino contra los Graves Tigers, y luego, por pura casualidad, me transfirieron a Graves y tuve el placer de entrenar a Xavier Charles para ganar un campeonato de la ciudad. ¡Guau!
Las festividades de bienvenida en ambas escuelas siempre están bien organizadas, llenas de juventud, vitalidad, creatividad, unidad y compañerismo. A la hora de elegir un tema, dividimos y animamos a nuestros estudiantes a tomar una decisión entre las muchas opciones que tienen para construir una carroza e impresionar a nuestros padres y a la comunidad, ayudándolos a unirse y apoyar a su alma máter.
De hecho, también considero este mi regreso a casa, ya que tuve mucho que ver con el inicio de nuestra nueva escuela hace muchos años y vi a muchos viejos amigos que vinieron, incluyendo a miembros de The Thundering Maverick Band, en las gradas.
Sin duda, necesitamos motivar a nuestros aficionados locales para que salgan y hagan ruido en los partidos en casa.
Pero así es como fue el partido.
Eddie Hurtado anotó para los Mavericks al comienzo del segundo cuarto.
Luego fue Roland Charles a Ojeda, un pase largo preparó una carrera corta para que Charles la rematara para el touchdown de los Tigers. Una anotación de último minuto sentenció a los Tigers, que al medio tiempo empataban 7-7 con los Mavericks e incluso llegaban a liderar 26-20.
Winn armó una última serie ofensiva y anotó un touchdown para ganar 27-26. Empatados 7-7 desde el primer tiempo. Luego, un pase de touchdown de 50 yardas de Roland Charles a Hutton, penalizado, anuló el partido a 8:44 del final de la primera mitad.
Despeje.
Mavs desde su propia yarda 18 al anotador Bryan Leos, luego un pase incompleto, Cruz corre para el primer down.
Hurtado a la 35. 2.º y 3. Hurtado consigue el primer down a la 43, Cruz salta por encima de un defensor y consigue otro primer down. Balón en la 35. Hurtado consigue el primer down a la 23.
Luego un pase a Jaime Rojas, luego una sanción por pase intencional al suelo nos hizo retroceder, tercera oportunidad jugada libre, fuera de juego que no se sancionó, seguido de penalizaciones por desplazamiento.
Cruz lanza a la zona de anotación a Matthew Villaseñor.
Tercera y 10, pase incompleto, cuarta y 10, pase largo de Charles a Gabriel Hutton a la yarda cuatro, entrega a Valdez, tropezó en la yarda dos, luego en la siguiente jugada no hubo ganancia para Valdez, tercera y gol, touchdown de Ojeda.
Mal centro, punto extra no válido. 20-14 Tigres. 3:15 3ra.
Luego, Leos llegó a la 48 de los Tigers, 3.º y 6, pase incompleto, pañuelos en la jugada, DPI 15 yardas, 1.º y 10 en la 33, Leos llegó a la 27. Cruz parecía estar acorralado por la defensa, ¡luego saltó por encima de un par de defensores y se metió en la zona de anotación para el touchdown de los Mavericks! La patada de Sugaki fue alta y buena, anotación, Winn 21, Martin 20.
Roland Charles encuentra a un receptor completamente desmarcado en un pase giratorio sin nadie cerca para cubrirlo. La conversión de dos puntos no sirve. OPI. Marcador 26-21. Quedan 5:39 de partido.
Cruz cruza la 30 para seis, Leos encuentra espacio y lleva a la defensa de los Tigers a la 39, Cruz consigue 7 yardas en 2.º y 3, pase incompleto y luego Leos consigue la primer oportunidad
Dos minutos de tiempo muerto. Sería la jugada ganadora.
Pase a Ángel Espinoza, Leos lo lleva dentro de la 5, bandera en la 7, sujetando, Cruz a la 4. Primer down. ¡Touchdown para Leos! ¡50!
Intercepción de Bobby Cabrera casi para touchdown al final.
Resultado final: Mavericks 27, Tigers 26.
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Old Mines Road
The game of golf Is mental. But what I really love about the game is the touch and the perfection that goes into hitting the ball wherever it may be laying and use your senses, all your senses to make sure you hit it, with the right club mind you, with what? That’s right ladies and gentlemen, you have to be the best of yourself. On every shot.
Both our teams traveled to The Max on Friday and Saturday and The Eagle Pass Eagles and The CC Winn Mavericks.
The Eagles finished 2nd overall and The Lady Eagles finished 3rd.
Aquiles Garcia shot a low round of 80, Geronimo Castano shot an 80 on Day 2 after an 88 on Friday. Braulio Ramos had two 88’s Daniel Boone and Sebastian Gutierrez also participated and shot in the high eighties and low nineties.
Individual
medalists:
Aquiles García finished 3rd in the Boys Division
And Renata Borrego finished 5th in the Girls Division.
Regina Appleton won the closest to the pin & longest drive contests for the ladies skills competition and Braulio Ramos longest drive contest.
By Jose G. Landa
The Eagle Pass High School Mighty Eagle Band earned a First Division rating at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Region 11 Marching Contest held this past weekend at Rutledge Stadium in Converse, Texas, hosted by Judson Independent School District.
The band’s performance was evaluated by a panel of UIL-certified judges who assessed musical performance, marching precision, and overall presentation. A First Division, also known as a Division I rating, is the highest score a marching band can receive at the regional level, signifying a superior performance that meets or exceeds UIL standards of excellence.
In the UIL system, each band is judged on its own merit rather than against other schools. Receiving a First Division places the Mighty Eagle Band among the top-rated programs in the region and qualifies them to advance to the Area Marching Contest, where selected bands compete for a chance to move on to the state level.
Both Eagle Pass high schools continue to showcase their students’ dedication and discipline through their marching band programs, contributing to the city’s growing reputation for musical achievement.
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-CC Winn High School
"Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
-Vince Lombardi
What do these quotes
mean to you?
All together, these quotes encourage persistence, hard work, and dedication as keys to achieving your goals.
What is your name, position & jersey number?
My name is Shakira Rodriguez I’m #14
And I play MB and OH
Could your team benefit from reading them and living up to them?
Absolutely! It keeps the team untied and pushes everyone to do their best.
Who are your parents? Any siblings? Names, ages and what elementary schools or which junior high do they attend?
My parents are Serena Lopez and Ramiro Rodriguez. I have 5 siblings. 2 in day care, 1 in Rosita valley elementary, 1 in CC Winn high school, and 1 in college.
What’s your career highlight?
I’d say my highlight would be when nailing a kill in a tough rally
What’s your favorite defensive play?
My favorite defensive play is blocking
Favorite offensive play?
My favorite offensive play is hitting to take the lead.
Talk to me about your last few matches , especially the last one that got you nominated… Our last few matches have been tough but we always push trough and we really try our best and give it everything we have. Sometimes that’s what matters most knowing we fought hard and kept pushing until the end.
Who’s your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Andi Jackson from Nebraska because her exceptional athletic talent, including her dominant middle blocking and versatile offensive skills, combined with her admirable character traits, strong work ethic, and commitment to being a role model and leader both on and off the court. She is a team player who values her teammates and coaches and is dedicated to growth, making her a dynamic and inspiring figure.
Talk to me about your coaches.
They teach me the right techniques, keep me motivated, and help me improve my skills. I really appreciate them no matter what and not just for me, to my team as well. Love you coaches!
What advice would you give to a youngster trying your sport for the first time?
Have fun and don’t stress about being perfect right away. Focus on learning the basics and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, that’s how you get better! Also, stay positive and keep trying even if it feels tricky at first. You got this!
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium
The Eagle Pass Eagles played an exceptional team game on Thursday night against a foe that has perennially scored in the thirties and forties with exceptional quarterback play and spectacular wide receivers.
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Southwest High School, San Antonio, Texas
Official team and individual results were released last week, and the Winn Boys performed incredibly well as you will see. First the official Team Results:
Place Score Bib Number/Name, Class - A, Team, Time & Pace.
1 - 784 - Dante Jimenez - Eagle Pass Winn
16:59.60 - 5:29/M
2- 906 - Kalub Flores - San Antonio Southside
17:47.13 - 5:44/M
3 - 787 - Rene Mendoza - Eagle Pass Winn
17:56.33 - 5:47/M
4 - 786 - Felipe Pina - Eagle Pass Winn
18:03.84 - 5:50/M
5 - 843 - Brennyn Devine - San Antonio MacArthur
18:05.33 - 5:50/M
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Memorial Junior High
“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” -Vince Lombardi
What do these quotes
mean to you?
What these quotes mean to me is These quotes emphasize the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication in achieving success. They suggest that success is not easily attained and requires relentless effort and determination.
What is your name, position & jersey number?
My name is Isaiah Balderas, I play wide receiver and outside linebacker, my jersey number is #5.
Could your team benefit from reading them and living up to them?
Absolutely if they take them to heart, they’ll not only push harder but also find meaning in the struggle.
Who are your parents? Any siblings? Names, ages and what elementary schools or which junior high do they attend?
My parents are Claudia and Robert Tovar, I have 3 siblings the oldest one is Jaime balderas and is in C.C. Winn, my younger ones are Robert Tovar lll and Catalina Tovar.
What’s your
career highlight?
My career highlight for me probably was this past game against del Rio on kickoff when I got him at the 10 and tackled him in the end zone.
What’s your favorite
defensive play?
My favorite defense play was last year against the eagles, when I was in the backfield playing safety and dove to intercept the ball
Favorite offensive play?
My favorite offensive play was against Uvalde of last year when the qb threw it for 20+ yards and I caught it for a touchdown to help our team out.
Talk to me about our last few matches, especially the last one that got you nominated…
Our last few matches were all good teams and after every game we would go fix the little mistakes we had made during the game. The last game was a great game against del Rio there one good team and it felt good going out there and playing the sport I love most and going against people with alot of talent
Who’s your favorite
athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Amon-Ra St. Brown he is a wide receiver for the Detroit lions and he is my favorite athlete because of how he plays, his mentality, and his route running.
Talk to me about
your coaches.
coach reyes is always helping me and believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play defense, coach Garza always motivating me to keep going in special teams and to never show your weaknesses, last but not least coach Rosa’s always giving me the opportunity to do what I love best, and always helps me through every step of the way. Overall I have some of the best coaches and I appreciate all they do not just for me but for the whole team.
You play sports. Team sports where you are a part of a unit, and individual sports where it’s you against another opponent, a clock like track or a sport like golf or tennis. What do you think about your sport and how important are the academics? I’ve always said, “It’s cool to be smart.”
What I think about my sport is that it’s a very hard sport and a competitive program, there’s nothing but talented people on the field and you’re just hoping for the best outcome. Academics are the most important part of the sport if you don’t pass you don’t play, so to me you have to be an amazing student to be and amazing athlete.
What advice would you give to a youngster trying your sport for the first time?
Some advice I’ll give to the youngsters is that don’t let anybody tell you what your good at and what your not good at, go out there and play ball with all the confidence in yourself that’s all you need.
Give me a message
for our fans.
Make sure you keep god by your side because with him everything is possible. Stay safe and god bless to everyone.
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
-Eagle Pass High School
Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” -Vince Lombardi
What do these quotes
mean to you?
These quotes show me how the hard work I have put in has payed off in many aspects of my life. Even though at times im exhausted doesn’t change my love for volleyball.
What Is your name, position & jersey number?
My Name is Frida Gonzalez and I play outside hitter my number jersey is number 5.
Could your team benefit from reading them and living up to them?
Yes I believe they could benefit my team in many ways it would show them to keep pushing and to not give up. Even if we are exhausted to give it our all and play with our heart.
Who are your parents? Any siblings? Names, ages and what elementary schools or which junior high do they attend?
My parents are Rosario Gonzalez and Noe Gonzalez. I have three siblings. I have an older sister Ximena Gonzalez she is 16 a junior at EPHS and 2 younger brothers one is 10 years old Noe Gonzalez at graves elementary and one is 3 Jesus Ignacio in daycare.
What’s your career highlight?
My favorite career highlight is when they set me the ball to hit and I made 5 points in a row.
What’s your favorite
defensive play?
My favorite offense play if when I was covering for middle blocker and would be there to get the ball.
Favorite offensive play?
My favorite offensive when the would set it and I would make a point.
Talk to me about our last few matches, especially the last one that got you nominated…
I believe that in the game that I got nominated as player of the game I earned it and the coaches saw that even if they put me in a spot I don’t play or not use to it they can count on me in and give it all my effort. I also believe my attitude in that game brought my teammates up by me telling them to shake it off and to work as a team.
Who’s your favorite
athlete and why?
Harper Murray a Nebraska volleyball player is my favorite athlete because she is very dedicated. Her background story shows me that even if you have mistakes don’t let that define you and to keep your head up no matter what.
Talk to me about
your coaches.
My coaches have improved my skills but also taught me valuable lessons about teamwork. Their guidance has shaped me into a better athlete and person. I'm grateful for their dedication and support. Their positive attitude no matter how we are doing in the game helps me keep my head up and keep pushing even if im tired.
You play sports. Team sports where you are a part of a unit, and individual sports where it’s you against another opponent, a clock like track or a sport like golf or tennis. What do you think about your sport and how important are the academics? I’ve always said, “It’s cool to be smart.”
Being part of a team is super cool because you get to work together. Play individual sports, where it's all on you helps you push yourself and improve. Academics are important ! Balancing sports and school can be tough but it teaches you discipline and time management.
What advice would you give to a youngster trying your sport for the first time?
My advice would be to be a team a player. Show respect to your coaches and teammates because volleyball is a team sport not an individual so I believe you should have respect to everyone. Have fun and enjoy the sport don’t let people ruin your love for that sport and continue to pursue it because you never know if that sport can open opportunities.
A.D. Ibarra, News Gram Sports
- Eagle Pass High School
“Winners never quit and quitters never win."
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."
“I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious." -Vince Lombardi
What do these quotes
mean to you?
Go out every game and give it everything. The scoreboard doesn't determine every win or loss. When it doesn't go our way, get up and get back to work. Take the "L" as not a loss but rather a learning opportunity.
What is your name, position
jersey number?
My name is Blair Mefferd. I am a setter and my jersey number is 1.
Could your team benefit from reading them and living up to them?
We would all be better athletes and people if we lived up to them.
Who are your parents? Any siblings? Names, ages and what elementary schools or which junior high do they attend?
My parents are Haley and Randy Mefferd. My siblings are Marlow and Drue Mefferd. Marlow, 9 years old, currently attends Glass Elementary and Drue, who is 5 years old, attends Kirchner Elementary.
What's your career
highlight?
My career highlight is being named captain of the freshmen team and all around setter.
What's your favorite
defensive play?
My favorite defense play is when I get a good touch on the block.
Favorite offensive play?
My favorite offensive play is when I set a perfectly placed ball and my hitter goes in for the kill.
