Jonathan Rodriguez
McAllen Memorial separated itself from its district competition by going unscathed against and finishing last year at 8-3. The closest that came to contending for the district title along with Memorial was Palmview who finished (5-6, 4-2) on the season.
This year, it looks as though Memorial has the clear advantage in once again taking district. The Mustangs have six starters returning on both sides with headliners such as running back Campbell Speights who earned District 30-6A Offensive Player of the Year honors and quarterback Angel Almaguer. The offensive line returns some starters so Memorial is looking set on offense.
Memorial had a transfer in defensive back Kelechi Nwachuku that will be helping the team and linebacker Nathan Sanchez will be one tough matchup at the linebacker position.
It just looks that Memorial has to many pieces moving into the right position and that it is their district to lose so give me the Mustangs.
Prediction: McAllen Memorial
Cody Daniel
McAllen Memorial has cruised to a District 30-6A title each of the last three seasons and I don’t expect that streak to end in 2017. The Mustangs return half of their 2016 starters, including talent at key positions, such as safety Kelechi Nwachuku, linebacker Nathan Sanchez, running back Campbell Speights and quarterback Angel Almaguer. With the holes McAllen Memorial will have to fill, players last seasons 8-0-2 JV squad will be assuming roles on the varsity, essentially reloading as part of the premier program in the district.
Prediction: McAllen Memorial
Tony Venegas
McAllen Memorial has been a pillar of consistency in the Valley over the last three seasons, taking home district titles each time. Running back Campbell Speights will only be a sophomore in 2017, but he may be one of the most underrated running backs in state state after rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns as a freshman.
The Mustangs have six returning starters on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Angel Almaguer and also bring back solid talent on defense.
They’ll get challenges from cross-town rivals from McAllen Rowe and McAllen High (McHi), but Bill Littleton should have a solid team once again to help take the Mustangs over the top.
Prediction: McAllen Memorial
Brought to you by:
