WESLACO - Vela locked down the Valley's regular season win streak at 18 until next season with a 52-0 victory over Economedes on Friday night.  The victory also stamped the Sabercats as one of two Valley teams to go 10-0 in 2017.  San Benito also completed the regular-season sweep with a 53-0 decision over Harlingen in the annual Battle of the Arroyo.  The victory also avenged the last time the Greyhounds tasted a regular season defeat.  San Benito last lost in the regular season to the Cardinals in last year's rivalry game.

A check of pre-season predictions by the First & Goal team on the Valley Football Preview found generally good results.  The team correctly forecast 6A district titles for McAllen Memorial, Vela and San Benito.  The picks hit on eight of the 12 playoff entrants from 6A.  5A selections were a little softer, but still solid.  Pre-season selections of Pioneer and Mercedes failed to pan out, although Mercedes could earn a share of the 32-6A crown should Donna upset Brownsville Veterans on Saturday.  Five of the eight 5A playoff teams were tabbed.  The predictions failed to recognize a rising tide in Brownsville football.  Hanna was picked eighth (and last) in 32-6A.  The Eagles finished in a three-way tie for second place.  Pace is headed for the post-season, even though CHANNEL 5 forecasters saw the Vikings as the eighth (and last) choice in 32-5A.  Lopez was picked to miss the playoffs as a fifth place team.  The Lobos finished with just two losses on the season.

The final regular season edition of Dave's Dozen comes out Monday night on CHANNEL 5 NEWS at 10.  Dave Brown has all the final scores on First & Goal Final for November 10th.