Jonathan Rodriguez
29-6A will provide a rollercoaster of a district race with teams such as Del Rio, Laredo United, Laredo United South and San Antonio Southwest all pitted against one another as South Texas football begins to gear up for another spectacular season.
Del Rio has a prominent defensive approach with linebackers Manny Arguijo and Jaden Bocanegra leading an excellent linebacking tandem. The defensive line will have the presence of Jose Medoza at nose tackle clogging up the middle and an excellent secondary as well.
Laredo United has an experienced offense to lead them in the district race led by running back Isaac Velazquez and wide receiver Jorge Murillo. Linebacker Joe Casco will be a key component in a defense that is practically fresh with new faces and his experience will be much needed.
At (10-3, 6-1) last year, United South quickly and ferociously climbed up the rungs of the district ladder and showed that they are going to be a team that will test your ability on the field. They will have last year’s defensive MVP Allan Martinez and quarterback Ismael Contreras back again to help conduct their offense.
Southwest will also be in the mix almost their entire offense back from a team that went 8-4 last year and a ground game that is sure to wear down any defense.
For me, I like United South and what they have going on but I was initially leaning towards Laredo United to take the district. After taking a few moments to gather my thoughts, I feel as though United will have to make up a lot of ground on defense despite having some weapons available and feel as though United South has an insatiable appetite to claim the district. United South is my pick.
Prediction: Laredo United South
Cody Daniel
District 29-6A loses a tremendous amount of talent entering the 2017 season and the key to success seems to be which program can fill the voids most sufficiently. Laredo United appears to be the team in the best position to do so. Much like the majority of the district, Laredo United loses plenty, including District Offensive MVP David Sanchez II, but the Longhorns don’t quite lose as much as United South and return more than Del Rio.
The offense will likely be potent upon the shoulders of first-team running back Isaac Velasquez and the new gunslinger will have quality options to work with such as Jorge Murillo and Chris Salinas. A deep playoff run such as the ones Laredo United has enjoyed as of late may not be on the horizon, but a district title very well may be.
Prediction: Laredo United
Tony Venegas
Teams like Laredo United and Laredo United South may not have the same recognition as the likes of Lake Travis and Cibolo Steele, but they are two strong, talented teams that made some noise into the third round of the playoffs last season. United South is coming off of their best season in their young program history and are hungry for more. Meanwhile, the United Longhorns bring back a top-tier and vastly underrated running back in Isaac Velazquez (1,881 yards, 25 total TDs).
Del Rio and San Antonio Southwest also should be very tough as well but I like Laredo United to come out on top. Even with losing a lot on defense an starting quarterback David Sanchez, the Longhorns want to get revenge on their rivals and put themselves back on top in the district race.
Prediction: Laredo United
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