Let the fun begin

So just like that the 2007 regular season is officially over and we’re into the postseason. Now the fun really begins.

I thought I’d take this time to quickly run through the bi-district matchups and offer up my predictions. This should be fun because I’m sure I’m going to offend someone out there.

CLASS 5A

HARLINGEN SOUTH (27-3) vs. LOS FRESNOS (19-8)

Let me just start by saying that the Falcons are a very solid ballclub, loaded with young talent. Here’s a team that just one year ago won only three league games and finished next to last in the standings.

But as improved as the Falcons are, they’re going to need a miracle to beat the Hawks.

Hey, anything’s possible, but the Hawks aren’t ranked No. 7 in the state for no reason. They’re that good.

They enter today’s playoff series opener having won their last 14 in a row and they show no sign of slowing down.

HARLINGEN (14-12) vs. BROWNSVILLE LOPEZ (18-6)

The Cardinals are fortunate to have the home-field advantage in this best-of-3 series. They’re going to need it.

I wouldn’t call the Lobos a lock here, but if the Cards hope to advance past this round, they are going to have to play a near perfect series. And lately, they’ve had trouble playing consistent ball.

Still, don’t be surprised if Harlingen pulls this one out. Lopez is very solid, but so is Harlingen when they want to be.

I smell an upset.

WESLACO (23-6) vs. EDINBURG NORTH (12-14)

The Cougars have home-field advantage for this series, but it won’t matter.

I expect the Panthers to roll onto the area round.

It’s not that North is unworthy, it’s just that Weslaco is a bit more experienced and playoff savvy.

LA JOYA (26-3) vs. EAGLE PASS (18-14)

I’ll admit that I don’t know much about Eagle Pass. But I do know a little about the Coyotes and I know better than to think they’ll lose this series.

Like Harlingen South, the Coyotes were in a league by themselves this season and

should have no trouble advancing to the area round.

RIO GRANDE CITY (15-13) vs. LAREDO UNITED (25-6)

This one’s difficult for me to call because I know little about either team.

Still, the Rattlers limped into the playoffs, losers of their last four games.

I’m not sure the Rattlers have what it takes to hold off the No. 1 seeded Longhorns.

McALLEN (21-8) vs. LAREDO MARTIN (18-11)

Here’s another tough call because I’m unfamiliar with Martin.

Still, the Bulldogs are a veteran club that battled tooth-and-nail with the likes of La Joya and actually walked away winners.

I’d put my money on the Dogs to move on, setting up an area-round date with either Harlingen or Lopez.

SHARYLAND (21-6) vs. LAREDO ALEXANDER (13-17)

Rattlers all the way here. I don’t know much about Alexander, but Sharyland is one savvy team and unlikely to bow out in the first round.

Besides, I’d like to see Sharyland and Harlingen South hook up in the area round.

EDINBURG (18-8) at BROWNSVILLE PORTER (18-11)

This one is the hardest match to call because it’s a one-game, winner-take-all contest.

Both teams are solid and pretty evenly matched.

If I have to find one advantage, I’d say Porter gets the nod for having the game at home.

Cowboys fans are pretty wild and they might give their team the boost they need.

CLASS 4A

MERCEDES (10-14) vs. ALICE (23-6)

After a slow start, the Tigers came on strong in league play and earned their first playoff berth in several years.

Coach Jaime Castaneda’s squad deserves a lot of credit for the job they did this season.

But I think their postseason journey might be a quick ride.

The Coyotes compete in District 31-4A along with state powerhouses Calallen and Robstown. Competition like that tends to season a ballclub.

The Tigers will have their hands full in this one.

ROMA (8-17) vs. CALALLEN (26-6)

The Gladiators clinched the final playoff spot in 32-4A on Monday.

Their reward, however, is a Wildcats team that’s ranked No. 2 in the state.

Any questions?

CLASS 3A

PORT ISABEL (10-14) vs. ZAPATA (23-6)

To be honest, I really didn’t think the Tarpons would make the playoffs.

But I learned a long time ago to never count out the Tarps in any sport. I just forgot.

Still, PI will have its hands full with the Hawks and I’m not sure they have the depth to win this series.

LA FERIA (14-5) vs. LYFORD (10-12)

This one’s not as easy to pick as you might think.

On paper, the Lions seem superior. However, the Bulldogs held their own in District 31-3A along with state powerhouse Falfurrias.

This one could go either way, even though Lyford holds the home-field advantage.

Still, I think the Lions can pull this one out.

CLASS A

LA VILLA (11-7) vs. FALLS CITY

It’s been quite a year in Cardinal Land.

First the football team went three deep, then the basketball team went all the way to the regional semifinals.

The athletes on these two teams are the very same on the baseball team and I expect they’ll have similar success here.