Community Champions: Riverside, Clint & Tornillo continue playoff runs this week

EL PASO, Texas - And then there were three.

Only three El Paso area teams are left standing in the high school baseball playoffs.

The Riverside Rangers and the Clint Lions in Class 4A, and the Tornillo Coyotes in Class 3A.

All three teams will begin their regional quarterfinal series this week.

A win in this round, and it's on to the sweet 16 of the tournament.

Riverside is riding a wave of momentum since winning the District 1-4A title in the final game of the regular season against Clint.

The Rangers then went on to defeat Monahans in the bidistrict round, and then a victory over Snyder in the area round of the 4A playoffs.

It's the 5th season for Riverside head coach Rick Solis.

He's not the least bit surprised that his team is having this type of success this season.

"We're kind of senior loaded, so there's been a bunch of seniors who have been with us since their freshman year," Solis said. "They've really worked hard these last four years and for me as a coach it makes me happy to see them experience this success."

For Riverside senior and shortstop, Isaac Echiveste, the hard work has certainly paid off.

"I'm honestly just speechless," Echiveste said. "We got a great group of guys, and I'm thankful for that. It's going to take a hell of lot to stop us."

Riverside will face Lubbock Estacado in the regional quarterfinal round.

Game one of the best of three series is Friday in Fort Stockton.

Game two and three (if necessary) is scheduled for Saturday.

The Clint Lions ended the regular season in second place of District 1-4A, behind Riverside.

But the Lions have been able to go on a run as well, taking down Midland Greenwood in the bidisrict round, and then Canyon in the area round.

The Lions will face Andrews in the regional quarterfinal round.

Game one of the best of three series is Thursday in Alpine.

Game two and three (if necessary) is scheduled for Saturday.

In Class 3A the Tornillo Coyotes will continue their postseason run.

Tornillo will face Littlefield in the regional quarterfinal round.

Game one of the best of three series is Thursday in Monahans.

Game two will follow shortly after the conclusion of the first game.

If a game three is needed, that game will be played Saturday in Monahans.

For their accomplishments this season, Riverside, Clint and Tornillo are this week's Community Champions.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.