La Feria News

Mighty Warriors!!

Santa Rosa Competes in the State 7 on 7 Tournament in College Station

By Ruben Rodriguez
La Feria News

With the summer in full swing, the Annual 7 on 7 Football State Tournament took place in College Station this past weekend. 128 Teams from across the State of Texas all converged to see who is the best of the best and capture championship gold.


Five Teams from the Rio Grande Valley competed in College Station but for one Valley Squad, It was more special. The Mighty Santa Rosa Warriors made their first-ever State Tournament Appearance in 2022. School History was not only made, but Santa Rosa also marked the first time a 3A Team from the Rio Grande Valley qualified for the State Tournament.


Santa Rosa was placed in Pool G of Division Three alongside Childress, Chilton, and Henrietta. In the Opening matchup, Santa Rosa wasted no time and captured a win over Henrietta 34-14. Heading into Game Two, Santa Rosa took on Chilton where they suffered a loss 26-19. Santa Rosa then faced off against Childress, and suffered a tough loss after a hard-fought matchup 25-19. Santa Rosa was then slated to go against Brady where Santa Rosa, despite a valiant effort, fell 25-19.


“Just what an awesome feeling for our kids, parents, program, and community. Our kids were honored and blessed to earn that opportunity.” Said Warriors Coach Joe Marichalar. “I’m proud of the way our Warriors fought. They Showed a true Warriors mentality. They Never Backed down from the challenge. They handled the adversity with true grit, determination, and laser focus.


Despite going 1-3 in the State Tournament, Coach Marichalar and his Warriors are proud and used it as a learning experience. Some of the lessons he knows were learned were Focus, Fearless, and Finish.

Santa Rosa Warriors, photo given to by Coach Joe Marichalar

“Just focus on the task at hand, Don’t make it bigger than what it is. Just do your job to the best of your abilities, one play at a time.” In about being Fearless, Coach Marichalar: “Have strength and courage when taking on the unknown. Just keep on pushing forward through the Highs and Lows.” On Finishing games, Coach Marichalar stated: “We have to work together so that we can finish what we start, no negative talk. Just support one another, have each other’s back until the end.”

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