PORT ISABEL – It’s nice accomplishment to get the playoffs. Former Port Isabel coach Monty Stumbaugh is now the head coach in Hidalgo, but he hasn’t forgotten about his playoff success with the Tarpons.

In 2012, Port Isabel reached the 4th round round.

“It was great for the kids,” said Stumbaugh. “A lot of hard work from the kids and coaches, it’s exciting.”

It was an even bigger accomplishment to make it farther than any other team in the area that year.

“That’s what you try to do,” said Stumbaugh. “You always try to get to Thanksgiving and beyond. After that, everything is gravy.”

This past Saturday, David Gilpin led Mission Veterans to a 3rd round win at the Alamodome.

“It’s great,” said Stumbaugh. “I haven’t seen them play, but I know coach Gilpin does a great job over there.”

Being a veteran of the 4th round, the longtime Valley coach had this to say.

“You just do what you do, you prepare like you always do,” said Stumbaugh. “You take it one game at a time. Your next goal is to get to the semifinals.”