Who's DeMoss?
Junior QB hoping to land starting role with Tarpons
August 26, 2008 - 7:48PM
By ARMANDO GARZA
RGVSports.com
PORT ISABEL - Kyle DeMoss knows there's plenty of work to do.
And the new Port Isabel quarterback is determined to get it done.
A year after calling the signals for the Tarpons junior varsity, DeMoss has moved up to the big leagues.
The junior's quest begins Friday night in the Valley Morning Star/Brownsville Herald Game of the Week against West Oso.
"I've waited for my time," DeMoss said. "Now it's time to take advantage of it."
Instantly, DeMoss has become a focal point of Port Isabel's well-versed football community and their lofty goals.
"I went to Wal-Mart one time and someone came up to me and asked if I was gonna be the quarterback," DeMoss said. "So I've got a lot of people noticing me. So there's big expectations. And I have to do my job."
While steadily improving in the team's first scrimmages, DeMoss has some competition for the spot. Senior Alex Herrera, who tossed a TD pass in last Friday's scrimmage vs. Mercedes, is on his heels, pushing him every day.
"We've got high expectations for him (DeMoss). Right now, he's in a battle with Alex," PI head coach Monty Stumbaugh said. "They're in for a little dogfight, which is good. We need a little competition to see who's gonna take over."
DeMoss will get the call against the Bears and the game can be seen as an open audition of sorts.
"We'll start out with Kyle and see what happens," Stumbaugh said. "He's gonna have to be a leader by example and take charge in the huddle. I think he can do a fine job."
Through the first two scrimmages, DeMoss has shown flashes of brilliance. His athletic frame and good instincts give him the capabilities to make plays. But, again, he knows there is room for improvement.
"I could be doing everything better," he said. "I haven't really hit something perfect. I just want to get my things done and make good choices.
The (offensive) line's been doing real good and our two starting backs (Diego Garcia, Rolando Alaniz) are hurt, so they'll be coming back."
Indeed with Garcia and/or Alaniz suiting up, the pressure will be taken off of whoever is under center. Joe Vega has also come on during the preseason.
Stumbaugh said DeMoss "throws the ball well and is faster than people think," later adding, "he's a tough kid who's tough to bring down. But he's been a little jittery, that's all."
Against West Oso, any jitters have to stay on the sidelines.
DeMoss summed up why.
"They're real quick," he said of the Bears.
"They have lots of speed and quickness," Stumbaugh added.
Overall, DeMoss said the Tarpons are improving, and with a little more seasoning, they'll get to where they want to be.
"We play real well together," he said. "We just need to get a couple of things down and we'll be good."
Armando Garza covers sub-4A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. He can be reached at
armandog@valleystar.com.
VMS/HERALD GAME OF THE WEEK
WEEK ZERO
CC WEST OSO AT PORT ISABEL
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday
WHERE: Tarpon Stadium, Port Isabel (grass)
TICKETS: Are $6 for reserved. $4 general admission. $3 for students. For more information, call (956) 943-0110.
LAST MEETING: West Oso 20, Port Isabel 14, OT (2007)
SERIES HISTORY: 3-2 West Oso
OF NOTE: The two teams played into overtime last season, with West Oso winning a 20-14 decision at West Oso. ... The Bears are known for their speed. Shedrick Howard averaged over 100 yards per outing last year. David Fox and Markeith Smith join him to form a fast backfield... The Tarpons will have a new QB in Kyle De Moss ... Tarpon Stadium suffered minor damage from Hurricane Dolly, notably the famous sign proclaiming PI's success over the years. PI has had only one losing season since 1972.
www.rgvsports.com/articles/demoss_2554___article.html/west_isabel.html
MERCEDES TIGERS 
