5A

Week 11 5A Team of the Week: Laredo Cigarroa Toros

by
Adam Ogburn
November 9

Laredo Cigarroa Toros named Texas HS Football's Week Eleven 5A Team of the Week after defeating Roma 29-28 to secure their first playoff berth in 20 years.

5A Team of the Week: Cigarroa Toros

Cigarroa and playoffs were two words that were not used in the same sentence heading into this season.

When Lawrence Ellison took over the Toros this offseason, he inherited a program on a 32-game losing streak.

“When I got here in February, I fully believed we could make a push for the playoffs,” Ellison said. “Whenever I said it, I could see the looks on the faces of whoever I was talking to, ‘How about you just win a game first.’ Some even voiced it with a laugh. That is how low the program was at the time. Just one win would make everyone happy.”

Fast forward to this week and the Toros entered their final game against Roma with five wins. One more victory would seal their first playoff berth in 20 years.

It would go down to the wire. With Cigarroa trailing 28-21, Israel Gonzalez scored on a 21-yard keeper to cut the Roma lead to one. With potential tiebreakers in mind, Ellison didn’t hesitate. He kept the offense out on the field and Gonzalez rushed in the ensuing two-point conversion to make it 29-28.

Cigarroa cornerback Rudy Huerta would ice the game with an interception on the ensuing possession, sending the Toros back to the playoffs for the first time in 20 years.

Cigarroa back in the playoffs is a great feeling for everyone. Our community loves the Toros and supports us passionately,” Ellison said. “The kids and the staff busted their tails to get us to this point. I am very proud of all of them, and the community is ecstatic about where the program is now. As happy as they are, I still get the question, ‘HOW?’ It is so far beyond the expectations.”

Gonzalez finished with 113 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while Carlos Aburto paced the Toros with 165 rushing yards.

Gonzalez also had a 27-yard touchdown pass to Luis Guerra, while Gilbert Guzman had Cigarroa’s other score on the ground.

The Toros haven’t backed down from a challenge all year long, so they won’t be daunted heading into this Thursday as they face 9-1 Corpus Christi Ray in the bi-district round.