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Lions 7-on-7 Team Headed to State Tournament
- Updated: June 28, 2019
by Billy Watson/LFN
MCALLEN – After throwing three interceptions with two resulting in pick-sixes in the first half, La Feria senior quarterback Dorian Hernandez stepped up and threw three touchdowns in the second half to help the Lions rally to a 28-26 win of the Pirates, which sealed a 4-0 pool play record and spot in the state 7-on-7 tournament in College Station, Texas.
The Lions went 4-0 in pool play at the McAllen state qualifying tournament on June 15 to seal their name in state tourney happening June 27-29.
In their final game of the day, the Lions were able to mount a 22-point deficit against Rockport Fulton to win the pool and punch their names into the state tourney.
Quarterback Dorian Hernandez threw three of his four interceptions in the first half, but quickly cancelled them out with three touchdowns in the second half, and Hernandez said it was a team effort.
“Despite having to comeback from a devastating trail of 26-6,” Hernandez said, “it was one of the best games we have played in the past couple of years as a 7-on-7 group. My teammates made sure I kept my head up high, and they asked me to lead them in the game as I am a team captain.”
Hernandez also rewards his defense for the second-half shutout they pitched on Rockport Fulton.
“The defense played a big part in that game,” Hernandez said, “holding their ground and allowing the offense to start up a rhythm.”
The Lions battled through three other pool-play games with wins over Port Isabel 47-2, Goliad 27-26, and Splendora 28-21.
This year’s state appearance will be the first appearance for the group since 2016, and Hernandez believes the Lions can do better than previous then.
“Teams and crowds underestimate us all the time,” Hernandez said. “It fires up our group of guys, and when they are on a mission to prove the we are a top tier team, they are all dogs on the field.”
The state tournament will be held in College Station, Texas, from June 27-29 at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. Hernandez will seize the moment in his final year of high school.
“It’s an amazing feeling to qualify to state in my last attempt,” Hernandez said. “Past years have haunted me, literally, and it’s a beautiful feeling to be able to go with my senior class whose been wanting this for a while.”
