Del Valle’s Defense Comes Up, Deon Hankins Continues Pace

Del Valle’s defense comes up big in win against Ysleta

Defense wins championships, and Del Valle’s defense won a heated Lower Valley championship with a resounding second half performance in a 37-26 win over Ysleta for a 2-0 start in district 2-5A.

After giving up 209 total yards in the first half, Jesse Perales and his staff made key adjustments to limit Ysleta to just 122 total yards in the second half all while forcing two second half turnovers and a safety.

The Consquistadores also had nine tackles for loss in the ball game, with five sacks and forced three total turnovers.

Del Valle running back Raymond Morales ran for a career high 180 yards, and four touchdowns including an 83-yard touchdown sprint in the first half.

Del Valle defensive back Jose Valenzuela picked off two passes, and nose guard Matt Tellez piled up three sacks and was a major force in the middle.

Ysleta has not beat Del Valle since 2008, making it eight straight in a row in the Battle for the Lower Valley.

Del Valle sees Canutillo next week who is also off to a 2-0 start in district in what could be an early district title elimination type game.

Deon Hankins, Parkland defense overcomes Bel Air

He maybe just a sophomore, but Parkland running back Deon Hankins is knocking on the door for the best player in the city title belt.

Hankins posted a fourth straight 200-yard plus effort, running for 261 yards and four touchdowns as Parkland held off Bel Air 37-27.

The uber talented sophomore currently ranks number one in the state in rushing yards after Friday’s performance with 1,082 yards in just four games, and also ranks sixth nationally.

Hankins is a load at 6’1, 205 pounds, but has also shown off his speed, and is averaging 9.2 yards per carry.

While Hankins continues to torch defenses around the city, the Parkland defense rose to the occasion in a key early district game after giving up 60 points to Eastlake last week.

Veteran linebacker Frank Kriegbaum intercepted three passes, including a 64-yard pick six in the first half.

Bel Air has knocked Parkland out of the playoff picture the past two seasons, and with the game tied at 27 heading into the fourth quarter, the Mats defensive unit was finally able to put away the Highlanders.

A renewed program culture, rejuvenated schemes, and a stud running back have Parkland in a healthy position to snap their playoff drought.

Adrian Chavez returns for Eastlake

Eastlake pounded Riverside 50-0 on Friday, but the best news for the Falcons besides a 2-0 district 2-5A start is the return of running back Adrian Chavez who has been out with a leg injury.

Chavez only saw four carries, but ran for two scores and 69 yards in the rout.

After last week’s shootout with Parkland, Eastlake has regained their confidence after a tough start against some stiff competition to open the season.

The 2-5A race is wide open with Eastlake, Del Valle, and Canutillo all starting 2-0. The district title race between these three contenders will be a nip-and-tuck race in October.

Week Four Gameballs: