Beyond the Sidelines: 2025 High School Football special

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Valley Sports Team has put together a Valley high school football special program — Beyond the Sidelines.

The show highlights what to anticipate at Friday night light games in the fall and big game events across the 956. Additionally, the special celebrates athletes and coaches excelling on and off the field.

Hear their stories:

Coach Marcus Kaufmann & Derek Garcia

Over at PSJA North, Coach Marcus Kaufmann has built the raiders' program into a Valley powerhouse over the last handful of years. PSJA North senior lineman Derek Garcia loves being a raider.

His parents graduated from PSJA North in 1996. Garcia and his siblings grew up going to raider games. Like his older brothers Dante and Danny, Derek was destined to be a Raider football player.

Derek shared the field with his older brothers as a freshman. Dante and Danny were stars on the 2022 team that played in a regional final. Derek made his mark after they graduated.

Kaufmann says he is appreciative of the Garcia family's impact on his program. Good news for Raider fans. Another Garcia coming through the pipeline -- Derek's younger brother --- Devin.

Cardinal Defensive Lineman Jerry Sanchez

Jerry Sanchez takes nothing for granted. The Harlingen football player says he is inspired by his mother, Maria Esmeralda Sanchez. Maria had cancer when she was younger and beat it.

Jerry's mother shared her story to uplift people fighting cancer.

In Jerry's sixth-grade year, Esmer faced another battle. She was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Growing up in a sports-loving family, Jerry cherishes the moments he spent with his mom at athletic events. He fondly remembers his first freshman game.

"I was freshman light, she went there, I looked at her," Jerry said. "I play for her. That freshman game it was a big thing. I think the following month is when she passed."

Gone but not forgotten. Jerry keeps his mother's memory alive.

Eddie Ramirez

Mercedes offensive lineman Eddie Ramirez uses his large frame to help set the tone for the Tigers.

Ramirez stands out on just about any football field in the Valley.

"I think I've been the biggest guy since elementary," he said. He knew early on football was his game.

"Since I was in tyfa ball in the trenches playing o line," Ramirez said. "I always loved the hitting. Like a sport I get away from life. I space out in football. Me and football. I love it."

Coach Roger Adame says Eddie has been a starter for the past four years.

"Tremendous job. Great leader," Adame said when describing the Ramirez. "Overall great competitor. Great individual as far as getting people motivated."

Ramirez takes pride in leading the squad.

"I take charge of my full team. I make sure all are ready before we go out. I'm ready, they all ready. That's how it is," he said.

He said he can't thank god enough for another year to put on the pads and helmet.

"Every day you gotta thank the lord you get to play this game," Ramirez said.

To watch the full 2025 high school football special watch the video above.