Backup running backs coming through for Los Fresnos

BY MIKE GONZALEZ
The Brownsville Herald

Los Fresnos running backs Danny Mendez and Siriboto Rareba knew they would be needed during the astounding playoff run the Falcons are making.

Little did they know how significant they would be.

Starting tailback Luis Campos went down early in the third quarter in the regular season finale against Weslaco with a high ankle sprain and hasn’t returned since. Mendez was already sidelined with any injury that night, but Rareba entered center stage in a tight ballgame in a hostile environment at Bobby Lackey Stadium.

Admittedly a little nervous, the junior ended the night with 77 crucial yards, which helped the Falcons capture their first district championship at the Class 5A level.

“It was a tight game, they called my number and I had to go,” Rareba said. “I didn’t think I was going to play much. It was an awesome feeling (when we won). I’m just glad I didn’t mess up.”

Then Mendez returned the next week when Los Fresnos faced PSJA High in the Division I bi-district round. The 5-foot-3 sophomore had a quiet night for the most part but lit some fireworks on a key 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that put the Bears’ backs against the wall.

The following week against La Joya in the area round, Rareba had the first 100-yard game of his career with 106 yards on 13 carries while Mendez rumbled for 61.

So yes, when it comes to filling the void of a three-year starter, coach Scott Ford has been more than happy with what both his young backs have been able to contribute. Wideout Esia Rivera has also been helping out in the backfield, mostly for receiving purposes.

“Each kid excels in one of those roles,” Ford said. “It’s been by committee. There’s been no burden on them. Thus far, it’s been a good recipe for us.”

As far as adjustments, not many have been made. With only four running plays in the playbook, Ford has basically put each player in the right spots and plugged in a few wrinkles here and there. Now, the bulk of the offense runs through quarterback Jeremy Springer, and Los Fresnos hasn’t missed a beat. The coach is confident on his offensive scheme no matter if it’s Campos or new players filling the void.

“For us, we feel like we can move the ball on anybody,” Ford said. “We have confidence based on the 12 games we’ve played.”

Now the new duo in the backfield is making the best out of the historic run the Falcons are making. As Los Fresnos (12-0) enters Saturday’s Division I regional round matchup against Austin Westlake, both Mendez and Rareba are going to cherish the moment while it’s in their hands.

“We’re gonna be up there, and it’s a big game,” Mendez said. “We’re definitely looking forward to it.”

A big performance by either one or both could be in their sights as Westlake (9-2) managed to survive San Antonio Jay in its area round game. Jay running back Myron Brew was effective running the football with 153 yards and two touchdowns.

“We’re gonna go out there and make plays pretty much,” Rareba said.

It’s been a drastic change for both of them compared to just 12 months ago.

Just last year, Rareba was playing football at the junior varsity level while Mendez was playing freshman football just getting adjusted to high school as a whole. Now they both have a couple of starts under his belt and have experienced some packed and loud atmospheres.

It was recently when the whole team arrived hours before kickoff in front of Leo Aguilar Stadium where it hit Rareba that he was a member of a varsity playoff football team.

“The last game against La Joya,” Rareba said. “We got off the bus and the (La Joya) fans were taunting us and our fans were cheering for us.”

Now both have an opportunity to be part of Rio Grande Valley history as Los Fresnos looks to join Harlingen High (1989), Mission High (1990) and Edinburg High (1999) as the only teams to win three playoff games in Class 5A.

“It feels great especially me as a sophomore to be part of a team and make history,” Mendez said.

mgonzalez@brownsvilleherald.com

Posted on Nov 30, 06 | 12:00 am