Unofficial rivals are the name of the game during South Texas non-district play. In a week three matchup, the Gregory Portland Wildcats travel to Victoria to face off against the Victoria East Titans in what could be one of the games to watch this week. VYPE takes a dive into both teams and what fans can expect this week:
Gregory Portland Wildcats (2-0)
Gregory Portland headed into the 2023-24 season after a great 2022-23 season in which the Wildcats posted a 8-4 overall record and outscored their opponents by a combined 287 points. In a convincing season-opening game, the Wildcats defeated Corpus Christi Calallen 25-7 in front of a home crowd before taking the show on the road last week for a 36-6 victory over Corpus Christi Carroll.
Led by Brandon Coates, Jacob Arroyo, Quinn Supnet, Jacoby Vance, Reed Dooms, Brodie Mitchell, Brayden Garcia, Memphis Hill, Austin Nguyen, and others, the Wildcats are poised for success as they enter week three on the road.
Victoria East Titans (1-1)
Last season, Victoria East posted a 4-7 overall record (4-3 in district play). With a short playoff appearance, it's safe to say the Titans have been fired up this season; looking for another shot at a better record. Putting up a better start already in the 2023-24 season, the Titans posted a season-opening victory against San Antonio Taft (29-21) before recording a tough 35-11 loss against New Braunfels Canyon in week two.
Landon Partida, Nijahrell Prater, Jo'Carri Barnes, Kason Kolle, Bryson Ortega, Caleb Alvarez, among others are athletes fans will want to keep their eyes on in week three as they host a determined Gregory Portland team.
What To Expect
In a rematch from last season's 49-28 Gregory Portland victory over Victoria East, fans are going to want to watch for big plays from the Titans. Searching for redemption, Victoria East will do whatever it takes to amp up their defense and put a stop to the quick style of play that Gregory Portland is known for. The Wildcats are looking to continue their win streak and add another victory to their record.
Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday night in Victoria.
