MISSION — The way coach David Gilpin sees it, there’s three stages to Mission Veterans Memorial’s history: the first seven years that preceded him (with only playoff appearance, ending a bi-district rout); his first five years (featuring four postseason trips); and now this next stage.
At one point, the Patriots considered postseason admittance the mark of a successful season. For the past several years, Mission Veterans has measured it differently.
“We won’t be satisfied with just making the playoffs this year,” Joel Mares, starting outside linebacker, said. “Our expectations are at least past the second round.”
Such is the ambition of the Patriots, who opened two-a-days this week. In fact, Gilpin likened this year’s team to the one in 2010 that he considers the best football team in the history (of his program).” That squad went 9-1 en route to claiming a share of the district title, eventually bowing out in the area round.
“They were champions,” Gilpin said. “But at the end of the day, I feel this (year’s) team can be better.”
To do that, he said, the Patriots would have surpass each one of those marks.
“I do feel the potential is there for this football team to have a special season,” Gilpin said. “And by special, I mean doing things that have never been done before. … It’s going to be a very tall order because of our schedule, and we understand that.
“Our hopes are right now that as a staff and as a football team and our entire program, we’re going to rise to the expectations. And that’s where we stand here today, as we speak, as we go through our practices, our meetings with our coaches, our expectations are that we will rise up and meet those goals.”
Gilpin will judge his the team’s success by how well they do in the playoffs. Last year they were bounced in bi-district by Laredo Martin, leaving “a bad taste in our mouths” during the offseason, he said. At the same time, it’s made the Patriots even more anxious to return to the field.
“It motivates us because we want to go further than we did last year,” quarterback Santos Villarreal said. “Our team, our coaches, we’re hungry for an undefeated season. I think we just have to execute the game plan. I think we have the team to do it. I know we have a tough schedule, but I think if we execute the plays and listen to what we’re taught, we’ll be successful.”
ATTENTION TO DEFENSE
The Patriots feel confident about their defense this season, particularly in the box. Gilpin gushed about the defensive line and linebackers. The secondary should be formidable, too.
Kevin Liebano, a senior safety, is one of the leaders on that side of the ball. Mares referred to him as a “ball hawk,” who forced plenty of humbles last year. Adrian Flores, a senior outside and middle linebacker, provides plenty of size up front.
“We want to be an aggressive defense,” Gilpin said. “We got some kids at our D-line position that we expect to be really, really good. Secondary-wise, we’re playing some kids both ways. … I feel this is going to be one of the better defenses that we’ve had.”
BACK IN ACTION
Late last season, Villarreal tore a liagment in his right foot that forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Rather than allow his injury to heal with a cast, Villarreal elected to undergo surgery because he “wanted to go hard” this season.
After seven months, Villarreal was cleared to begin working out again. He said he wears insoles now that prevent his foot from bending completing. But other than the occassional soreness he experiences after plenty of running, he said he hardly thinks twice about his once-injured foot.
The senior is set to begin his fourth year starting at quarterback.
PLENTY OF WEAPONS
Mission Veterans expects to score a ton this year. While Villarreal is central figure there, Gilpin said the Patriots have an array of offense threats, particularly with their receiving corps. He understands his squad is known more for its passing. But at the same time, he said, “we certainly aren’t afraid to get the tough yards inside, either.”
John Garcia, a third-year letterman praised for his ball security and durability, should lead the attack on the ground.
“He’s just one of those guy’s that a football player,” Gilpin said. “When the lights come on Friday night, the kids just performs at a high level.”
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PROGNOSIS
The Patriots have high expectations this year, some eying an undefeated regular season. It’ll be tough with four 6A dates scheduled, but Mission Veterans should be competitive again.
2014 Record: 9-3
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COACH’S TENURE
Coach: David Gilpin
Years at school: 6
Record at school: 31-24