The Mercedes Tigers rallied from a halftime deficit Saturday to earn a dramatic victory over Mission Veterans and securing their spot in the 2026 Texas State 7-on-7 Tournament in College Station.

Trailing 14-7 at the break, the Tigers found themselves in a must-score situation late in the game. Junior quarterback Louie Rincon connected with his younger brother, incoming freshman Liam Rincon, on a 20-yard touchdown pass to tie the contest and keep Mercedes’ state tournament hopes alive.

With momentum on their side, the Tigers completed the comeback when R.J. Pena hauled in the game-winning conversion pass in the end zone, giving Mercedes a 28-27 lead and sealing the victory.

The Tigers became the fifth and final Rio Grande Valley team to qualify for this year’s state tournament. Mercedes joins Edinburg Economedes, PSJA North, and Weslaco High in Division I, while Port Isabel qualified in Division II.

The Texas State 7-on-7 Tournament is scheduled for June 25-27 at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station. Tournament pool assignments are expected to be announced early next week.

Mercedes will now prepare for its 10th appearance at the Texas State 7-on-7 Tournament. Previous state tournament trips came in 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2025, and now 2026.

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