Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

MCALLEN, TX -- Three weeks ago, McAllen Rowe’s season was seemingly done. Stuck at 3-4 and out of the playoff picture, the Warriors needed a miraculous finish—and they got it. Thanks to quarterback Javi Obregon, Rowe turned it around, winning its last three games, culminating in last week’s heart-pounding 50-43 double-overtime win over district champion Weslaco East. Obregon accounted for 411 yards—passing for 323 and one touchdown and running for 88 yards and four scores. He was especially tough in the extra sessions, scoring on a 10-yard run to knot the score at 43-43 in the first OT and engineering the winning drive in the second. That earned Rowe a date with Harlingen South in this week’s playoff opener. Obregon, a 5-9, 160-pound senior, leads the Valley with nearly 3,000 passing yards and 32 TDs. 

Javi joins his brother Albert, a former Rowe QB, as a Built Ford Tough Player of the Week. An all-district player, Javi plays multiple positions for Rowe’s baseball team. Owner of a sparkling 89% scholastic average and a consistent Honor Roll member, he also participates in FCA, student government, and other school activities. 

“Javi’s been huge for us,” says Coach Paul Reyes. “It’s his third year operating out of the spread offense and he’s really comfortable running it at an up-tempo. He’s great with his teammates and they realize he competes to win on every play. He’s the ultimate gamer.”