By Julie Hickman

BISHOP, TEXAS - The Bishop Badgers' Homecoming week ended with an exciting Friday night lights on October 18, 2024. The Badgers defeated the Progreso Red Ants (0-4 district and 1-6 overall) with a score of 63-0. The win advances the Badgers to 4-0 in district and 4-3 overall for District 16-3A, Division I.

Before the game, Tight End Coach Skyler Garza who played for the Badgers from 2015 – 2017, and has received national recognition by Hudl.com as a top 5 national athlete for his play of the week in 2015, was asked what he expected for the team. Garza replied, “I expect us to play to the best of our ability. Our kids are more than capable of performing well. I believe both teams will play very hard.” He continued, “Everyone has an opportunity to have a big game, and I’m excited to see a lot of new faces spring out today.”

The Badgers went into the district game against the Ants at 3-0.

“I went to school here and I don't think we ever went 3-0 in district. This is my 1st time getting to experience in district and it's awesome!” Garza explained that “It's a great team to be a part of [with] a great coaching staff, and the players are phenomenal. They work hard day in and day out to succeed and it shows.”

Senior Rylee Martinez who plays Left Tackle stated, “It's kind of surreal feeling. You think about this for as long as you play when you were little. Good to play your last year with all your best friends. I'm excited to go out there for our last Homecoming.”

Senior Brendon Ray, Tight End and Defensive End, replied “I expect to dominate in every way. It feels good to be on top, but I also know there's people coming after us and that feels good to have people coming after us.”

Tre Galvan, Senior Running Back, stated that the team needs to “go out there and show the other team what we're all about [so we] can get more wins.”

Martinez added, “I think I can lead the younger guys a little bit more just because I have some more experience. Just kinda mentoring those guys and get them ready for when I'm gone.”

Prior to the game on Friday, the Badgers held their annual homecoming parade, burning of the “B” and crowned Homecoming King Rylee Martinez and Queen Karlie Winters.

The Badgers next stop will be at San Diego against the Vaqueros on October 25.

Menda Eulenfeld contributed to this report.