Coming into Week 2, the gossip surrounding the Sharyland Rattlers was they had “speed to kill.” On Friday night, the visiting Flour Bluff Hornets found that out and more in a 48-18 pounding by Fred Sanchez’s young but extremely talented team.

At least for tonight, that speed to kill came by way of junior wide receiver CJ Cavazos. The undersized but extremely quick athlete burned the Hornets for three first half touchdowns grabs. Cavazos, who isn’t shy about burning a corner and then verbally letting him know about it afterwards, scored on touchdown passes of 30, 10 and 35 yards.

Read more: Rattlers thrash Flour Bluff, make case for Valley’s best

With the Hidalgo Pirates and the Veterans Memorial Patriots both off to 0 – 2 starts this season, something had to give Friday night at Tom Landry Stadium. The fact that this game was both the Patriots’ district 32-4A opener and their third home game in a row, made it a must win for Coach David Gilpin’s team.

With Patriots’ quarterback Adrian Morales on the sidelines after suffering a season ending knee injury last week, freshman quarterback Santos Villarreal took the reigns of the Patriots’ offense and led his team to a 13 - 8 victory against Coach Jorge Pena’s Pirates.

Read more: Patriots' defense puts one in the win column

EDINBURG - The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced the 2011 Women's Athletics Fundraiser (WAF) Gala on Saturday October 8 will now be held at the historic Shary Mansion. The estate, now owned by UTPA, is located on 4915 N. Shary Road in Mission. The theme for the event will be “Black Tie & Tennies.” Guests are encouraged to wear their best formal attire along with their favorite pair of sneakers.

The event was also extended an additional hour, beginning at 7 p.m. and now ending at 10 p.m. Attendees will enjoy live music, a fashion show, and both a live and silent auction. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Drinks including cocktails, beer and wine will also be served. Tickets for the event are $50 per person.

Read more: UTPA Women’s Athletic fundraiser shifts to Shary Mansion

UTPA Athletics has had a busy summer preparing for the basketball season ahead this year. Both Bronc basketball teams will start their regular home seasons on November 18 with the men hosting a five-team tournament featuring Toledo, Texas State, South Carolina Upstate, and Victory University, and the women welcoming Texas State, all to the UTPA Fieldhouse. The rest of the home schedules include numerous in-state rivals visiting UTPA, along with a full slate of Great West Conference contests.

Read more: Broncs basketball offers Winter Texans discount pricing

It wasn't pretty. At all. In fact, both teams have a ways to go before they begin competing at a high level. However, in the end of the Tom Landry Classic, the Mission Eagles pounded out a 20-0 win over the Veterans Memorial Patriots.

The key play of the game—or perhaps the beginning of the end for Veterans—came just three plays in when Patriot quarterback Adrian Morales suffered a knee injury after being tackled while scrambling. Morales—who will undergo a MRI in the next couple days—was replaced by Mauro Perez.

Read more: Game of the Week Wrap Up: Hard hitting Eagles take down Patriots

Rivalry is a concept in sports that predates just about everything but sports itself. It’s older than Hank Stram’s 65 Toss Power Trap. It’s older than the Wave. But unlike the power running game of the past and unlike the undulating of a crowd standing and throwing their hands above their heads in unpracticed synchronicity, the rivalry has not lost it vibrancy. Friday night, it certainly won’t be lost on every single person in attendance at Tom Landry Stadium when the Mission Eagles and the Veterans Memorial Patriots resume their annual grudge match in Week 1 of high school football. 

It isn’t lost on the players either.

“This is for the whole City of Mission and we’re looking forward to it,” said Veterans Memorial receiver and defensive back Ruben Peña. “This is more than a game. This is for the town and to paint the city blue.”

Read more: Mission, Veterans Memorial headed toward old-fashioned rivalry