By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — With a stout offensive line, Sharyland Pioneer coach Jason Wheeler believes his team is in line to have its best rushing season to date.
Last year, the Diamondbacks totaled the fewest rushing yards (1,035) in district, taking a step back from their inaugural season in 2014, when they finished second-to-last. With Johnny Howell (left tackle), Cameron Gould (left guard), Fernie Perez (center), Adrian Benitez (right guard) and Abel Cruz (right tackle) up front, however, Pioneer is optimistic it has a line capable of creating opportunities for a gift set of running backs.
“We’re going to play a little more power football,” Wheeler said. “We have the linemen that’re doing a good job buying in. They’re more aggressive. And we might be able to do some play-action off of our running game. That’s the biggest difference.
“The last couple of years, we had to rely on throwing the ball. This year, we’re going to establish the run more and use that to help us set up our passing game.”
Even with a new offensive coordinator (Eddie Galindo) in place, Wheeler doesn’t anticipate his team veering too far from their spread offense. He still expects a two-back set and between two and four receivers.
And by pounding the ball inside to Brandon Casas, Michael Benavidez and Logan Harris, the Diamondbacks are banking on teams loading the box, opening things up for their wide receiver corps, led by Alec Garcia, Bobby Acosta and Mike Madrigal.
Casas could get the bulk of the looks his senior year, relieved by Benavidez, a freshman, and Harris, who has yet to undergo full contact drills during the spring as he recovers from a knee injury.
“They have the big-play capability,” Wheeler said. “The offensive line, they’ve popped (the defense) during practice, and they’ve taken it 40, 50 yards to the house.
“They run pretty good between the tackles, and they’re just working well as a group.”
It helps, too, that the Diamondbacks are healthier at this stage than they have been in previous years.
Last year, Benitez and Perez were ruled out for the season after sustaining injuries prior to the start of the regular season. Now healthy, they figure to play integral roles in a stronger, more aggressive offensive line.
“We’re hungry,” said Perez, who hasn’t played in the regular season since 2014. “Watching it all unfold from the sidelines last year, the last four district losses, it was frustrating not being to help the team.
“Now that we’re back, we’re hungry and ready to get the season started.”
UNDER CENTER
Jacob Rosales is projected to start at quarterback.
Last year, the freshman played in place of senior Alejandro Ramirez, who sustained a season-ending injury during district. Rosales has taken part in several offseason camps, and has impressed the coaching staff with his grasp of the playbook.
“He seems more comfortable with it,” Wheeler said. “It’s not easy when you’re thrown in the fire as a freshman. Last year, he relied on athletic ability, but the game is starting the slow down for him.
“He’s making proper reads and starting to make better decisions out there.”
PROMISING ‘D’
The Diamondbacks return six starters from a defensive unit last year that allowed the second-fewest yards (257.3/game) in district.
Chief among them are linebackers Jesus Sanchez and Angel Capa, defensive end Senon Moya and defensive line Chris Lara.
Wheeler has lauded the secondary, along with the offensive line, as his team’s biggest strengths heading into the season. Anthony Jimenez, a corner, and safety Albert Ruiz lead that group. Tyler Bulthuis, the backup quarter, is expected to start at safety, as well.
“Everything’s looking good right now,” Sanchez said. “We’re strong everywhere. Guys are stepping up on the line, corners and safeties. We just have to keep practicing, getting stronger and faster.”