BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
EDINBURG — Cristian Espinoza’s offseason to-do list is similar to the one undertaken a season ago — a series of camps that will find the Edinburg North quarterback crisscrossing the state in hopes of refining his skills and adding new tools to his arsenal.
The biggest goal is increased accuracy. Though Espinoza threw for 1,610 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015, he did so while completing a pedestrian 44 percent of his passes. As an incoming senior, Espinoza will shoulder many of the Cougars’ offensive burdens in the team’s quest to return to the postseason.
During spring workouts, Espinoza is already demonstrating a mature sense of patience.
“He’s already doing a good job of letting the play come to him,” Edinburg North coach Rene Saenz said. “He’s not forcing anything and taking what the defense gives him. And if it’s not there, he has licence to take off.”
Espinoza led the Cougars in rushing attempts last year with 110, gaining 359 yards on the ground. Though he possess the ability to escape oncoming defenders, his go-to remains his right arm.
Though the quarterback is entering his second year as a full-time starter, he’s saying goodbye to graduating wideouts Ubaldo Pequeño and Adrian Rivera. Those two combined for 860 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Incoming senior Justin Guerra is pegged to be the team’s No. 1 target through the air. Guerra, one of just four returning starters on offense, split time as a receiver and running back last year, gaining 723 all-purpose yards and seven total touchdowns.
With significant roster turnover at key positions, Espinoza is looking to increase his standing in the locker room by organizing team activities.
“A lot of it comes on the field for sure, and also off the field,” Espinoza said. “I’ll call up some of the receivers and some of the linemen, and we’ll just hang out, or we’ll go to a 7-on-7 tournament. We’ll just do stuff away from the build to get comfortable with one another.”
That increased focus on a cohesive offense is already percolating into spring ball, where Espinoza is calling plays at the line and reading defenses during run-throughs.
“He’s already controlling the line very well,” Saenz said. “His decision making is already improved from last year. He’s carrying himself a different way, there’s a confidence there that is more pronounced.”
STAYING HEALTHY
North finished a disappointing 3-7 a season ago and were eliminated from the playoffs during a 35-28 loss to Edinburg Economedes in the season finale. The dispiriting finish brought an end to a season wrought with injuries and discouragement.
“I don’t think there was one game where we had the same starting bunch on the offensive line,” Saenz said.
Injuries were also sustained to defensive tackle and incoming senior Sebastian Bulos, who missed time from a knee injury, and Espinoza played through wrist pain near the season’s end. Saenz is hopeful for a healthy 2016 campaign, counting on luck and biology.
“I think just being a year older counts for a lot,” Saenz said. “With all of the tackling and crashing and physicality these guys put on their bodies, it takes a toll when you’re 16 or 17 years old. You can grow into yourself a lot in a year. I think our guys will be able to stay on the field more this year.”
HOLES IN THE SECONDARY
One question the Cougars will look to find an answer for emanates from the free safety position. Allstate player John Mendoza and his 11 interceptions are graduating. Spring ball is providing an opportunity for would-be starters to showcase their abilities. Saenz says incoming junior Jacob Guerrero is impressing with his speed.
“So much is asked of that position,” Saenz said. “They have to be quick, recognize the offense and just swarm to the ball. A lot of what we want to do on that side of the ball comes from that spot.”