The Rio Grande Valley Magic was the first team to return to Hidalgo since the af2 Dorados. Billy Garza led the team at the quarterback spot, throwing for 1,974 yards, 41 touchdowns and 18 picks. Danny Young was on the receiving end of 18 of those scores, while Ramonce Taylor caught 15. John Taylor netted 234 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Victor Anderson picked 11 passes. The team allowed just 19 sacks. The Magic began the year losing four of five, but won four of their last six to end the year at 5-6. Two eight point losses back-to-back prevented them from winning six in a row to end the season. The team qualified for the playoffs and traveled to unbeaten Houston. The Magic proved to be a tough challenge, however, and had a chance to win the game. With four seconds remaining, the Magic attempted a chip-shot field goal from 20 yards. The kick went wide right, leaving one second left for Houston. The Stallions attempted and made a 43 yard field goal as time expired to crush the upset bid 65-62 and avert an overtime confrontation.