The Mercedes Tigers will venture away from home to challenge the Sharyland Rattlers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Sharyland will face off against a team with plenty of momentum: Mercedes extended their winning streak to four on Friday. The Tigers put the hurt on Edinburg North with a sharp 42-21 victory. The score was all tied up 7-7 at the break, but the Tigers were the (much) better team in the second half.
Diego Bravo
| 09/19/25 vs Edinburg North | 105 |
| 09/12/25 vs Rowe | 26 |
| 09/05/25 @ Donna | 86 |
| 08/28/25 @ Edinburg | 35 |
| 10/18/24 vs Lopez | 24 |
| + 2 more games |
Mercedes relied on the efforts of Robert Sanchez, who gained 237 total yards and four touchdowns, and Diego Bravo, who rushed for 105 yards and one TD on only 12 carries. That's the most rushing yards Bravo has posted since back in September of 2024.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Mercedes was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 363 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 185 rushing yards in three consecutive contests.
Sharyland not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since September 19, 2024 (when they won 50-11). They breezed past Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Southwest to the tune of 40-7.
Mercedes better keep an eye on Calvin Harris. He was instrumental in Sharyland's win, rushing for 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only eight carries, while also throwing for 125 yards and two TDs. Oscar Cantu was in the mix as well, providing the Rattlers with two scores.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Sharyland's defense and their three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Esteban Gomez, Jose Luis Vega, and Derik Reyna, who each picked up one sack apiece. Sharyland received some extra help from Luis Mireles, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Mercedes' record is now 4-0. As for Sharyland, their record now sits at an identical 4-0.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Mercedes has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 234.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Sharyland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 195 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything went Mercedes' way against Sharyland in their previous matchup back in November of 2024, as Mercedes made off with a 45-20 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Tigers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
