Progress Times

09/07/2024

Tonight at Benny La Prade Stadium in Donna, The Juarez-Lincoln Huskies football team snapped their four year, thirty game losing streak by defeating the Donna North Chiefs 28-21. The road win is the Huskies first win of the season and the first of new head coach Danny Cortez’s tenure.

“I’m honestly speechless because it took a lot of hard-work and effort. It’s hard to make kids believe, especially with that streak," Cortez said after the game. "The kids bought into what we’re teaching. Positive energy, positive results. It’s us. It’s about we. It’s not about one man. It’s about the team.”

Touchdowns from Sebastian Lopez, Ramiro Olivarez, Kenneth Gonzalez, and QB John Menchaca provided enough juice for the
Huskies to escape Donna with a win. Clutch defensive stops from Aron Rodriguez and Luis Olivas helped seal the game for the Huskies.

“We work hard. Everyone’s been showing up to practice. This means a lot to us," Menchaca said with tears in his eyes.

The Huskies losing streak, the TEA takeover of La Joya ISD, and the sudden departure of their former head coach were tough obstacles to overcome. Luckily, the entire Huskies community has been supportive of the team, from teachers, to coaches, parents, and administrators. Everyone is rallying behind them.

Senior safety Humberto Mandujano thinks that positivity has made all the difference. “All our fans support us a lot. Our friends, family, and our school. Teachers support us like crazy too at the pep rallies. It feels amazing. We actually have people behind us. Everyone is more united. The team is just together. We all support each other, we hang out with each other outside of school and inside school we got each other’s backs,” Mandujano said after tonight’s big win.

Here are some photos from tonight's game. To view more, click here:

https://progresstimes.smugmug.com/Sports/Juarez-Lincoln/Sept-6-2024-Football-JuarezLincoln-vs-DonnaNorth-JV

Progress Times photos by Joe Vela Photography.

09/07/2024

Tonight at LJISD Pack Stadium, the 1-0 Palmview Lobos faced off against the 1-0 Roma Gladiators in a Week 2 non-district matchup. An early interception from Lobos senior defender Anthony Hernandez set the offense up to get a quick rushing touchdown from senior running back Kyle Bazan to make the score 7-0 in favor of the Lobos.

It wouldn’t be long until Bazan would end up back in the end zone. After a Gladiators punt from an empty possession, Bazan rushed down the sidelines for a 77-yard touchdown to put the Lobos up 14-0. The Gladiators opened up the second quarter with a long drive that resulted in a rushing touchdown to close the gap to 14-7. Before the first half ended, the ball would find its way back into the hands of the Gladiators. Before they could get into scoring position however, Lobos' junior safety/quarterback Joseph Martinez intercepted a pass intended for a Gladiators receiver that closed the first half with the Lobos still leading by a score of 14-7.

After a failed onside kick from the Gladiators, junior quarterback Josue Esparza made some stellar throws and got to work on the ground to get the Lobos into scoring position. This drive resulted in a 14-yard rushing touchdown from Esparza to put the Lobos up 21-7.

The Lobos continued playing fast, yet disciplined defense like they had been all game and there was no sign of them slowing down. Their offense continued to win the battle on the ground. The nail in the coffin came when sophomore wide receiver Adrian Rivas was handed the ball and he ripped through the defense for a massive 86-yard touchdown to put the Lobos up 28-7. The Gladiators would get one more score for themselves, but their attempt at a comeback was not going to happen against this Lobos defense. Final score in La Joya was 28-14.

After the game, Progress Times spoke to head coach Margarito Requenez, “It feels great to start the season at 2-0. All I can say is that I’m proud of my team. This is something that we’ve been building for 365 [days.] We had a nice offseason and the hard work is showing right now.”

Progress Times caught up with offensive coordinator Pete Esparza, “This is a big confidence booster for us. Our offensive line is experienced, we got good running backs, and two quarterbacks that I think are true leaders. These guys are putting in the work every week and it’s showing on gameday.”

We had the chance to speak to Kyle Bazan after this big win, “First of all, shout out to my lineman. We’ve built more chemistry and we’re playing with a ton of confidence. We want to bring this confidence into the district season.” Bazan capped it off by saying, “This turned out to be a good game.”

Here are some photos from tonight's game. To view more, click here:

https://progresstimes.smugmug.com/Sports/Palmview/September-9-2024-Football-Palmview-vs-Roma-MM

Progress Times photos by Mario Magallon Photography.

09/06/2024

The La Joya Palmview Lady Lobos volleyball team improved to 2-0 in District 30-5A play Tuesday night after securing an impressive win against the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies in straight sets, 25-7, 25-15, 25-17. ⬇️

Home Sweet Home By Tyler Green | September 6, 2024 | 0 Lady Lobos defeat Lady Huskies   The La Joya Palmview Lady Lobos volleyball team improved to 2-0 in District 30-5A play Tuesday night after securing an impressive win against the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies in straight sets, 25-7, 25-15, 25-17....

09/06/2024

Todays Football Contest!
Enter our contest for FREE for a chance to win a $25 gift card. ⬇️
https://www.progresstimes.net/football-contest/

09/06/2024

Week 1 could’ve gone better for the seven football teams from the Mission, Sharyland and La Joya ISDs, the Big 7. The Palmview Lobos and the Mission Eagles were the only two Big 7 teams that emerged victorious from their 2024/2025 season opening games.

Will Week 2 go better? Only time will tell. All we can do for now is look at the matchups and hope for the best. ⬇️

Big 7 football: Week 2 Roundup By Luciano Guerra | September 6, 2024 | 0 Huskies, Patriots, Rattlers and Coyotes seek first win   Week 1 could’ve gone better for the seven football teams from the Mission, Sharyland and La Joya ISDs, the Big 7. The Palmview Lobos and the Mission Eagles were the on...

09/06/2024

Tonight at La Joya ISD Pack Stadium, a Week 2 non-district matchup between the Palmview Lobos and the Roma Gladiators will take place. These two teams are coming off great wins to start their 2024/2025 seasons but only one of them can come out on top in this game. Who will continue undefeated and who will fall to 1-1? ⬇️

Friday Night Lobos By Arnold Cadena | September 6, 2024 | 0 Palmview Lobos start the season on right foot   Tonight at La Joya ISD Pack Stadium, a Week 2 non-district matchup between the Palmview Lobos and the Roma Gladiators will take place. These two teams are coming off great wins to start their...

09/05/2024

South Texas Health System Clinics is seeing double after twins Juliana and Jacqueline Falcon begin their journey in family medicine.

Progress Times article from Aug. 30th ⬇️

Rio Grande City twins join STHS as family doctors By Maria Ruiz | September 4, 2024 | 0 South Texas Health System Clinics is seeing double after twins Juliana and Jacqueline Falcon begin their journey in family medicine.   After graduating from their residency program with Doctor’s Hospital at Re...

09/05/2024

ONE MORE DAY
Week 1 Football Contest!
Enter our contest for FREE for a chance to win a $25 gift card. ⬇️
https://www.progresstimes.net/football-contest/

09/05/2024

Jaime Miller, La Joya Independent School District’s new chief of human capital and talent development, says she’s ready to help the district expand and maintain a productive workforce.

Progress Times article from Aug. 30th ⬇️

New LJISD administrator aims to retain, expand top staff and teachers By Maria Ruiz | September 4, 2024 | 0 Jaime Miller, La Joya Independent School District’s new chief of human capital and talent development, says she’s ready to help the district expand and maintain a productive workforce.   ...

09/05/2024

The anonymous survey traditionally paints a picture for the board and the community depicting what the district’s employees feel it’s doing right and what they feel it’s doing wrong.

Employees participated in the survey in February, but they didn’t find out the results until this month.

Progress Times article from August 30th. ⬇️

https://www.progresstimes.net/2024/09/03/mcallen-school-board-trustees-voice-support-for-employee-survey-after-quiet-results-rollout-plan-to-cancel/

09/04/2024

The Edinburg Police Department promoted a new sergeant Friday morning and highlighted lifesaving officers who rescued civilians in the line of duty.

Progress Times article from August 30th. ⬇️

Edinburg PD promotes new sergeant, recognizes lifesaving officers By Maria Ruiz | September 3, 2024 | 0 The Edinburg Police Department promoted a new sergeant Friday morning and highlighted lifesaving officers who rescued civilians in the line of duty.   Inside the Edinburg Auditorium, police offic...

09/04/2024

The Rio Grande Valley is in the national limelight following the debut of the documentary ‘Going Varsity in Mariachi’ on Netflix last Thursday.

The documentary follows Edinburg North High School’s Mariachi Oro through the 2021-2022 school year, highlighting the ins and outs of the Mariachi student regime.

Going Varsity in Mariachi would be featured at the Sundance Documentary Competition in 2023, where it won the Best Editing category and premiered at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

Progress Times article from August 30th.

RGV mariachi documentary debuts on Netflix By Maria Ruiz | September 3, 2024 | 0 The Rio Grande Valley is in the national limelight following the debut of the documentary ‘Going Varsity in Mariachi’ on Netflix Thursday.   The documentary follows Edinburg North High School’s Mariachi Oro throu...

09/03/2024

Mission Fire Fighters Association Local 3609 President Mike Silva said Tuesday that a grievance he’d filed this month against Fire Chief Adrian Garcia had been resolved and no longer feels communication lapses in the department are worth discussing anymore.

Progress Times article from August 30th. ⬇️

Mission fire union president says grievance against chief resolved By Matt Wilson | September 2, 2024 | 0 Mission Fire Fighters Association Local 3609 President Mike Silva said Tuesday that a grievance he’d filed this month against Fire Chief Adrian Garcia had been resolved and no longer feels com...

09/03/2024

The 13th Court of Appeals dismissed last week an appeal filed by Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Place 1 Sonia Treviño after a judge reversed her runoff win against Ramon Segovia and declared him the winner this month.

Progress Times article from August 30th. ⬇️

Appeal dismissed after judge declares Segovia winner of Hidalgo County JP election By Matt Wilson | September 2, 2024 | 0 The 13th Court of Appeals dismissed last week an appeal filed by Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Place 1 Sonia Treviño after a judge reversed her runoff win again...

09/02/2024

La Joya’s soon-to-be vacant city manager position received this month mostly applications from individuals with Rio Grande Valley city or Hidalgo County work experience on their resumes.

Progress Times article from August 30th. ⬇️

County, city veterans apply for La Joya city manager opening By Matt Wilson | September 2, 2024 | 0 La Joya’s soon-to-be vacant city manager position received this month mostly applications from individuals with Rio Grande Valley city or Hidalgo County work experience on their resumes.   Current ...

09/02/2024

The Sharyland Lady Rattlers volleyball team demolished the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs in straight sets, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, at Sharyland High School to secure their first district win of the 24-25 season.

Progress Times article August 30th. ⬇️

No Mercy By Tyler Green | September 2, 2024 | 0 Lady Rattlers rout Lady Mustangs in Castillo’s return   The Sharyland Lady Rattlers volleyball team demolished the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs in straight sets, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, tonight at Sharyland High School to secure their first district ...

08/31/2024

Tonight, Tom Landry Stadium hosted a non-district matchup between the Mission Eagles and the Veterans Memorial Patriots. This game was the 23rd game played in this Battle of Conway rivalry.

The Patriots elected to start with the ball. Their first possession came to an end quickly after a fumble that was recovered by the Eagles. Soon afterwards the Eagles would take the first swing on the board. Senior quarterback Diego Salinas found his receiver for a 59-yard touchdown that put them up by seven. The Patriots got their next drive started with a big run from junior running back Benjamin Martinez, followed by a long pass that got them into scoring territory. Junior quarterback Cameron Sarinana found senior wide receiver Jordan Rodriguez on a slant for an 8-yard touchdown to tie the game at seven. The Eagles answered back as Salinas passed for a 37-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Christian Kirk. With only two minutes left in the first half, the Patriots’ Sarinana led his team down to the one-yard line and passed to Senior Julian Guerra for a touchdown to tie the game at 14.

Both offenses died down to start the second half. It wouldn’t be until three seconds left in the 3rd quarter before either team would score, but what a score it was. Salinas found Kirk open deep down field for a massive 75-yard touchdown that would send the Eagles into the 4th quarter with the lead. A missed extra point made the score 20-14 in favor of the Eagles.

The Patriots had to get something going now. They fought through the tough Eagles defense and found themselves taking the lead with a Sarinana to Rodriguez 38-yard touchdown pass that made the score 20-21 Patriots. The Eagles drove down field, but not without taking five minutes off the clock. With 2:11 left on the clock and getting stopped near the goal line, the Eagles would send out their freshman kicker Salazar to put them up with a score of 23-21.

The Patriots would have one more chance to drive it down field to win the game. Any hope for that went out the window when the Eagles recovered a Patriots fumble on the kickoff. Salinas, Kirk, and senior running back Thomas Aparicio helped put the game to rest with a 23-21 Eagles win over the Patriots.

Salinas shared what this win meant for the team going forward this season, “I love our team's ability to keep going and believe. We never stopped. This is going to set the tone for the rest of the season.”

Eagles head coach Danny Longoria told us after the game, “I’m very happy for our seniors. They’ve been busting their tails for this program for four years.” He went on to say, “This game was nothing shy of what to expect in the Battle of Conway. I’m happy, I’m joyful, and I'm excited to get to see them start with this win to begin the season.”

When asked about this year's team, Longoria told us, “What I love about this team is that they’re very fun to coach. I’m blessed and I thank the Lord for this team. This is an amazing group of boys.

This marks the 14th win for the Eagles over the Patriots in the 23 years of playing. Congratulations to the Eagles for their exciting win in the Battle of Conway.

Here are some photos from tonight's game. To view more, click here:

https://progresstimes.smugmug.com/Sports/Mission/Aug-30-2024-BOC-Mission-vs-Mission-Vet-MemorialMM

Progress Times photos by Mario Magallon Photography.

08/31/2024

At Richard Thompson Stadium tonight the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks lost the inaugural game of the 24-25 football season against the PSJA Bears by a score of 34-0 . The home loss is the Diamondback’s first season opening loss in four years and their largest margin of defeat since 2021.

“Tonight we just fell a fell short and made some mistakes we’ve got to clean up,” Diamondbacks' head coach Eddie Galindo said after the game.

The Diamondbacks struggled to limit the Bear’s explosive offense. An unreliable pass rush, missed assignments in the secondary, and poor tackling put the Diamondbacks behind the eight ball. To make matters worse, the defense played too many snaps and often found themselves on the wrong side of the field. Despite their stellar play after falling behind 14-0, turnovers and stagnant possessions from the young and inexperienced Diamondback offense dashed any hopes of a comeback.

Although losing wasn’t the expectation, the Diamondbacks are eager to get back to work and reverse their fortunes in week 2.

“You know, every week you either get better or you get worse. We’re planning on getting better. We’re gonna work hard, we’re gonna watch film and look at the little things we can improve on as a whole… we just gotta go back and keep grinding, keep working, and keep getting better,” Galindo said when asked about how his team planned to bounce back in week two.

The Diamondbacks will return to action at Richard Thompson Stadium next Thursday night at 7pm against the Rio Grande City Rattlers as they try to capture their first win of the season.

Here are some photos from tonight's game. To view more, click here:

https://progresstimes.smugmug.com/Sports/Sharyland-Pioneer-HS/Aug-30-2024-Football-PSJA-vs-Pioneer-JV

Progress Times photos by Joe Vela Photography.

08/31/2024

MHS halftime show

08/31/2024

Halftime performance at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium

08/31/2024

Thank you for supporting our youth and future leaders.

A huge shoutout to Dip It By Pilar and Scooter's Coffee Coffee for joining Mission EDC in making an $11,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Mission.

Together we are building a stronger workforce and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.



Teclo Garcia City of Mission, TX - Government Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Dip it by Pilar Boys & Girls Clubs of America Progress Times

08/31/2024

Marcell Elementary Drum Line.

08/31/2024

Tonight we’re at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium for the Battle of Conway between the Patriots and the Eagles, and at Richard Thompson Stadium for the game between the PSJA Bears and the Pioneer Diamondbacks. We’ll be sharing photos and score updates right here at the end of each quarter.

We’ll also be sharing photos and game recaps from both games as soon as we can after the game. So be sure to check back with us often throughout the night.

08/30/2024

The wait is finally over. Big 7 football is back. After nine painfully long months, the 24-25 football season is here. The heartache, splendor of victory and thrill of competition that come with football’s return is here as well.

Our Big 7 teams have been clamoring to take the field and exact revenge, redeem mistakes, and solidify their reputations. Now, the time has arrived. The only thing left to do is play ball. ⬇️

Big 7 Football: Week 1 Roundup By Tyler Green | August 30, 2024 | 0 Friday night lights shine again   The wait is finally over. Big 7 football is back. After nine painfully long months, the 24-25 football season is here. The heartache, splendor of victory and thrill of competition that come with fo...

08/30/2024

Tonight, Tom Landry Stadium will host the Battle of Conway; an annual football matchup between two teams from one city…the Mission Eagles and the Mission Veterans Patriots. ⬇️

Mission’s Finest By Arnold Cadena | August 29, 2024 | 0 Eagles vs. Patriots in the Battle of Conway   Celtics and Lakers, Longhorns and Sooners, Red Sox and Yankees, Blue Devils and Tar Heels, regular season Cowboys and playoff Cowboys, these are some of the greatest sports rivalries of all time....

08/29/2024

For the new Chief of Student, Family, and Community Services, Claudia Gomez-Perez, her position came by chance fueled by opportunities that led her to work with the La Joya ISD for 20 years.

Progress Times article from August 23rd. ⬇️

LJISD’s Chief of Student, Family, and Community Services plans to increase student opportunities via community outreach By Maria Ruiz | August 28, 2024 | 1 For the new Chief of Student, Family, and Community Services, Claudia Gomez-Perez, her position came by chance fueled by opportunities that le...

08/28/2024

08/28/2024

Child-focused healthcare is expanding in the Rio Grande Valley after Driscoll Children’s Hospital celebrated its opening Saturday morning.

Progress Times article from August 23rd. ⬇️

Together, we heal: Driscoll Childrens celebrates three months with ribbon cutting By Maria Ruiz | August 27, 2024 | 0 Child-focused healthcare is expanding in the Rio Grande Valley after Driscoll Children’s Hospital celebrated its opening Saturday morning.   If driving on McColl Road in Edinburg,...

08/28/2024

The Sharyland Lady Rattlers volleyball team demolished the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs in straight sets, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, tonight at Sharyland High School to secure their first district win of the 24-25 season. The win comes after the Lady Mustangs, led by former Sharyland head coach Raul Castillo, defeated the Lady Rattlers two sets to none earlier this year at McAllen ISD's annual Poundfest Tournament.

"Being able to show everybody that we're still at the top feels really good," sophomore outside hitter Pamela Pena said after Tuesday night's victory.

The Lady Rattlers learned from their mistakes and made necessary adjustments by playing methodically and relying on finesse to offset Memorial's tough middle blocker, Karly Bazan. The game plan worked as the Lady Rattlers attacked the outside and dotted the Mustang defense.

"We needed to go pin to pin and, most importantly, get the defense on the other side of the net moving. What got the best of us last time was we weren't really sharing the ball, so that was something we kept reiterating," Head Coach Lydia De Leon said when describing her team's winning strategy.

De Leon, who took over for her long-time mentor after his departure at season's end, deflected the notion that this game meant more because of who was gracing the opposing sideline.

"It's never gonna be a thing where I see him as an enemy just because I've learned so much from him. If anything, it keeps me on my toes because I know how much he knows and how much I've learned from him," De Leon said when asked about facing her mentor Castillo.

With tonight's win, the Lady Rattlers move to 15-2 on the season. This weekend, they will look to build on their hot start in the Sharyland ISD Invitational.

Here are some photos from tonight's game. To view more, click here:

https://progresstimes.smugmug.com/Sports/Sharyland/August-27-2024-Volleyball-Memorial-vs-Sharyland-JV

Progress Times photos by Joe Vela Photography.