4A Team of the Week: La Feria Lions
A year ago, La Feria missed the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
But under the leadership of new head coach Craig Foster, the Lions are not just satisfied with a ticket to the postseason in their four team district, they want a district title.
This past Friday, they faced their stiffest test yet with the visit of 7-1 Port Isabel. The Tarpons looked like they were going to leave the Lions in heartbreak after 27 unanswered points gave them a 27-20 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
However, when it came time to be clutch, the Lions had nerves of steel. La Feria receiver Austin Vaughan had two touchdown receptions in the final quarter to give the Lions the 32-27 lead with just a couple minutes to go.
It was a lead that the La Feria defense wasn’t going to relinquish. Port Isabel drove all the way to the La Feria goal line but linebacker Austin Frausto, defensive lineman Anthony Medrano, and a whole host of Lions helped stuff Port Isabel at the one yard line on the final play of the game. It was a play that gave La Feria the clear pole position in the race for the district title.
Offensively, La Feria quarterback Andruw Rivera helped the Lions get off to a quick start with three passing touchdowns in the first quarter alone. He also had the go-ahead passing touchdown to Vaughan late in the fourth quarter.
With the victory, La Feria is just one win away from its first district title since 2021. The Lions will need to get that victory this Friday in their final regular season contest at Kingsville King.
Previous 4A Teams of the Week
Week One: Pine Tree
Week Two: Paris
Week Three: Midland Greenwood
Week Four: Eastside Memorial
Week Five: El Paso Austin
Week Six: Clint Mountain View
Week Seven: Port Lavaca Calhoun
Week Eight: Sweeny
