Rio Grande City has been the obvious favorite to win the District 30-5A title in 2007 since last season came to an end. And, with 13 starters returning (seven on offense), along with junior quarterback R.J. Alaniz, that thought is well justified.
The Rattlers also return their skill players on offense, but they will be introducing a relatively unknown back to 30-5A as well. Sophomore Justin Ortega (5-8, 180) is the guy and it’s pretty easy to see how second-year head coach Jesus Lozano feels about this varsity rookie. In fact, the coach can’t stop talking about the kid’s potential.
The only real concern for RGC is on the offensive line, where the Rattlers have replaced four of their guys in the trenches. But, this time of year, all teams have questions. And unless RGC has some key injuries along the way, it should take the 30-5A title. And if Ortega is as good as advertised by his coach, the Rattlers may be one of the teams you mention when talking about the elite squads in the Valley this season.
Wade Baker, 30, is Sports Editor of The Monitor. He graduated from Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. in 2000 with a degree in Mass Communications and moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 2002 for a sports reporter opening at The Monitor. Baker was promoted to his current position in August of 2007 after serving as assistant sports editor for two years. 
