By Mike Gonzalez
The Brownsville Herald
 

November 18, 2005 — Scott Ford has just about seen it all this year.

The Los Fresnos third-year head coach has viewed his share of wins, losses, blowouts and yes even down to the wire games in 2005.

Just last week, the Falcons made history by capturing their first Class 5A playoff victory with an emotional 44-41 double overtime thriller over Weslaco in the Division II bi-district round. Perhaps one too many nailbitters, but Ford will take them as long as Los Fresnos continues its journey in the postseason.

The Falcons take on Laredo United in the Class 5A Division II area round at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Rio Grande City. With a victory, Los Fresnos (9-2) will make its first trip to the regional round since 1997 when they did it as a Class 4A program.

So far this season, leadership has been key for a roster that consists of 28 seniors on the squad, which includes quarterback Brandon Kretz. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder was solid in his first-ever playoff start going 18-of-29, 186 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The senior also had Los Fresnos’ first score on an 18-yard run.

When there’s containment on Kretz, tailback Luis Campos is there to carry the load. The junior had a season-high 211 yards and two scores on a solid Weslaco defense. Throughout the season, Campos’ numbers have been on and off because of the number of carries but wins mean more to him than statistics.

“We don’t mind (who gets the credit),” Campos said. “As long as we win, it’s all good. We just want to win.”

For now, all eyes are on Laredo United (10-1), which like Los Fresnos has a very explosive offense.

“They’ve got a good quarterback and good receivers,” Ford said. “They have a big play capability on offense.”

It all starts with quarterback David Garza, who has thrown for 2,670 yards, 26 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with an impressive 63 percent completion.

Like Kretz, Garza has big-play abilities with his arm and legs. Garza is the team-leader in rushing with 548 yards and 14 touchdowns. His favorite targets are Juan Camacho (46 receptions, 1,189 yards, 17 touchdowns) and Juan Berlanga Jr. (31 receptions, 512 yards, seven touchdowns).

Playing in District 32-5A where most teams threw the ball, the Falcons’ D are accustomed to air attacks. With that said, Los Fresnos linebacker Justin Springer knows how important it is to frustrate the offense.

“We can’t let them get into a rhythm,” Springer said. “We need to do our assignments.”

One offense that was able to exploit Los Fresnos defense was Harlingen South. The Hawks had a total of 499 yards on offense with 268 coming through the air.

“They have very good passing team,” Springer said. “They’re pretty quick, and their quarterback has a good arm.”

The winner of tonight’s match plays the winner of the Smithson Valley-San Antonio Jay game next week.

mgonzalez@brownsvilleherald.com