This season, sophomores and juniors run rampant on P.I.’s defense.

And that’s not a bad thing.

Led by four-year starting linebacker Edward Garza, the performance by the defensive unit has been stout week in and week out.

In non-district play, Port Isabel (3-4) held opponents to only 19.2 points per game. That includes matchups vs. undefeated Rio Hondo (6-0) and St. Joseph Academy, who are both averaging almost 40 points per contest.

The young Tarpons have competed well vs. some senior-heavy ballclubs. Defensive leaders this season include (in no order):

• (Sr.) Edward Garza (57 tackles, 2 fum. recovery, 3 TFL)
• (Jr.) Michael Finona (42 tackles, 3 fum. caused, 3 TFL)
• (Jr.) Grayson Estes (42 tackles, 1 int., 1 TFL)
• (So.) Jerry Troncoso (39 tackles, 1 fum. caused, 1 sack, 4 TFL)
• (So.) Denzel Garza (32 tackles, .5 sack)
• (Jr.) Tristan Green (40 tackles)
• (So.) Hazzaiah Perdomo (22 tackles, .5 sack, 3TFL)
• (So.) Jahi Vasquez (29 tackles, 1 TFL)
• (So.) Miles Moore (27 tackles, 1 TFL)
• (So.) Jesus Ramos (19 tackles, 3 TFL)
• (So.) Angel Dominguez (24 tackles, 1 fum. caused)
• (Jr.) Bryan Ramirez (17 tackles, 1 fum. recovery)
• (Jr.) Alvaro Rocha (.5 sacks)
• (Jr.) Elijah Alvarez (1 fum. caused, 1 TFL)

What the unit lacks in experience, they make up for with grit and tenacity. Starting on the defensive line, DE Jerry Troncoso is quickly becoming a household name. The sophomore has been virtually unblockable this season. Him, Perdomo, Moore, Vasquez, Jay Valdez, and Jose Alonso are consistently holding quarterbacks under duress, allowing the linebackers and defensive backs extra time to read routes and fall into the correct coverages.

The linebacking core is led by Edward Garza. He shifted from middle linebacker to OLB this season but has still been the heart of the defense. His younger brother, Denzel, took over MLB duties and continues to get more comfortable every week. Revolving linebackers include OLB Finona, Alvarez, Ramirez, Pedro Gomez, and Alvaro Rocha.

The Tarpons have seen major improvement this season in the secondary. Cornerbacks Dominguez and J. Ramos provide the defense with much-needed speed on the edge. They’ve been able to keep up with receivers step-for-step, recording multiple pass deflections and near interceptions.

Safeties Estes and Green have done a great job preventing big plays against the seawall. Busted coverages have been few and far between. Neither are afraid to step up and meet running backs in the hole, delivering big hits all season.

Combined with a relentless pass rush, the Tarpon defense has the ability to make game-changing plays at any time.

This week, they’ll be put to the test vs. Kingsville King. The Brahmas (5-2) come into the district matchup running a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Isaac Cason (875 total yards, 10 TD) has gotten comfortable in the pocket in his first varsity season. His main weapon at wideout is Christian Flowers (427 total yards, 6 TDs) who also sees action in the running game.

King’s offense also features the preseason district MVP, RB Damarius Montgomery-Buckley. So far, he’s rushed for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns on 158 attempts. He has given defenses fits this season, so it will be interesting to see how Port Isabel plans to diffuse him.

If the Tarpons are able to contain Montgomery-Buckley in the run game, it could allow P.I.’s pass rush to frustrate first-year QB Cason into some errant decisions.

Thursday night’s game will kickoff district 16-4a competition for the season. The four teams in the district are: Port Isabel, Kingsville King, La Feria, and Grulla. Last season saw a three-way tie between the Tarpons, Lions, and Brahmas, with P.I. taking the first seed.

The district championship will be an especially coveted prize this season as the neighboring district, district 15-4a division ll, showcases three state-ranked teams – Cuero, Sinton, and Rockport-Fulton. The winner of 16-4a will have the opportunity to skirt those three opponents in the first round, making an Area Round appearance much more likely for the first seed.

But first things first. The Tarpons and Brahmas meet up this Thursday in Kingsville, with both teams looking to start out 1-0 in district play. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm. If you are unable to attend, check back into http://www.portisabeltimes.com this weekend for your free, in-depth game report.

*All stats reported are unofficial. Please feel free to email Jonathan Delgado at johnslawnstx@gmail.com with any comments, questions, or corrections.