Since the start of the 2018 playoffs, Sharyland Pioneer’s last two games have been losses decided by one point each. A failed two-point conversion in the final minutes of a 56-55 first-round playoff loss to Port La Vaca Calhoun prevented the Diamondbacks from advancing to the area round. And to open the 2019 season last week, the Diamondbacks found themselves in another shootout against Harlingen High, but again, a late two-point conversion attempt by Pioneer fell short, handing them a 42-41 loss.

The decision to go for the win by Pioneer’s Tom Lee may have been a risk, but the reward would have been grand. Keeping his offense on the field shows the confidence the second-year head coach has in his group.

Junior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger went off for 301 passing yards on 20-of-30 throwing, picked up another 131 yards rushing and connected with four different receivers for six touchdown passes. Wideouts Lavar Lindo and Allen Davila each hauled in two scores apiece as the Pioneer offense showed why it’s one of the top units in the Rio Grande Valley.

Starting the 2019 season with a loss isn’t ideal, but going down swinging 42-41 against No. 6- ranked Harlingen High, according to the RGVSports.com Top 10 poll, is a positive sign of things to come. Just last year, Pioneer got mollywhopped by the Cardinals 64-17. This time around, they nearly stole a win, and they’ll continue to take chance... Click here to read full article

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