It's been a long time coming for a great football season in Del Valle.
After decades of disappointments, the Cardinals fly high, with an 8-1 record, including a perfect 4-0 in district play.
Their latest shining moment came Friday night, and there was no shortage of drama.
Del Valle quarterback Jozef Cortez suffered through pleasure and pain Friday night.
His three touchdown passes put the Cardinals in position for a momentous occasion, but he had to trust in his teammates after a fourth quarter arm injury sidelined him for the rest of the game.
His team didn't let him down.
 |  |
 | |  |
| | | | | | | |
Cardinals
News 8's Victor Diaz hits the field with our athlete of the week.
 
| | |
| | | | | |
|
They knocked off Hays in overtime, ending a 32 year district championship drought.
"We've been at it for three years I've been at it three years at quarterback and especially to beat Hays it's a big accomplishment to us," Cortez said.
A district crown capped a season of big accomplishments for Cortez who's helped the Cardinals offense take flight.
"Jozef is, he's a leader, when he's on he's tough to beat. He made some really good throws and he's been doing it with his feet as well this year," Courtney Wash, Cardinals head coach.
Cortez had one the area's best performances earlier this season, passing for five touchdowns against Lanier.
His level of play continues to improve and it's a big reason why Del Valle is enjoying more success then ever.
"This is the greatest feeling of my life right now. Nobody even thought Del Valle would be a district championship contender," Cortez said.
Now they're more than a contender, they're the champions of district 17-4A.
