PHARR –For the first time in their 13-year history, the Valley View football team is in the playoffs.

“It’s pretty crazy that we are the first team to make it to the playoffs,” said senior quarterback Simon Fernandez. “It’s really exciting for us.”

The Tigers finished 3-7 last year and 2-8 the year before that. Three years ago, they were 0-10.

Fast forward to this season and the Tigers finished the regular season 7-3, punching their playoff ticket in a shutout of Cigarroa.

“We’re so proud of our boys,” said head coach Elifonso Esquivel. “It’s all about the kids. Working hard with them. Our community is all fired up. They are experiencing something that has never happened here before.”

But it doesn’t get easier from here. The Tigers are facing Calallen Friday.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, so we’re going to give it 110 percent,” said Fernandez.

“We’re playing a team that is state ranked, probably in the top three, but we’re not going to back off,” said Esquivel.

Friday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm in Calallen.