THE MATCHUP

Port Isabel (1-1) is off and running to start the 2026 season. The Tarpons have rushed for 572 yards through two games, but their passing attack has yet to take flight. The defending District 16-4A Dll champs, coming off a loss to Rio Hondo last week, will try to steer the ship straight before heading into district play.

Raymondville (2-0) comes into the matchup off the heels of a couple of offensive clinics. The Bearkats have scored 109 points through two games this season, and their spread offense has been hard to figure out. They’ve used a mix of RPO’s, designed runs, screens, and deep routes to keep defenses guessing.

The Bearkats may be undefeated, but they’re not unbeatable. Their strength lies in their playmakers, namely QB Jeffrey LeFevre. He has the ability to beat you with his arm and extend plays with his feet – a prototypical dual-threat quarterback. However, he’s been mistake-prone when forced to throw from inside the pocket.

To get a feel for the marquee matchup, Port Isabel Times hit the film room and broke down what we believe are the Tarpons’ Keys to Victory this week vs. the Raymondville Bearkats.

OFFENSE: KEYS TO VICTORY

Mix it Up

Rushing: The Bearkats’ front seven excelled at stopping inside run plays vs. Harlingen South. DTs are large. LBs are quick off the edge, but slow from sideline to sideline. Abuse this weakness early to open up the interior run game in the second half.

Passing: The Tarpons’ offense cannot rely on pass attempts of 15 to 25+ yards. Complete quick routes and Rollout passes to the flats to build a rhythm and lure in DBs before taking shots downfield.

DEFENSE: KEYS TO VICTORY

QB LeFevre likes to escape the pocket. His first instinct is to tuck the ball & run up the A-gap.

D-Line: Stay on your feet. Don’t get kicked out. Crash the pocket without creating an open lane for the QB to run through. Drive your offensive linemen back and force the QB to make bad throws from the pocket. QB does not throw well with bodies in his face. Watch for screens frequently. This is not the week for you to be an All-American.

Linebackers: Hit anyone that crosses your face. Knock WRs & RBs off their intended routes. Stay in front of the QB. Do not over-pursue. Wear down the offense with physicality between the whistles. Get inside their heads. Don’t let them get inside yours.

DBs: Fly on sh*t mentality. Go get your name in the newspapers. Be a Sticky Bandit. Do not relax on broken plays.

BOTTOM LINE

The Raymondville Bearkats will arrive at Tarpon Stadium Friday night with a mission to knock the socks off of Port Isabel. But if the Tarpons stay disciplined, execute their offense, and make QB Lefevre throw from inside the pocket, they should put themselves in a position to win the ball game.

Be sure to check out http://www.portisabeltimes.com this weekend for the latest in-depth Tarpon Football Game Report.

Go Big Blue.