MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
Rio Grande City has been deciminated by injuries this season. So much, in fact, that the Rattlers counted 12 players on the sideline following Monday’s practice.
That stroke of misfortune, however, isn’t inciting a gloom-and-doom feeling around the program, which won its first game of the season in Week 3. Coach Carlos Longoria sees it as an opportunity for other players to step in.
“It’s been terrible for us,” Longoria said. “But I like to use the (San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg) Popovich analogy that we have to keep pounding the rock because eventually it’ll crack. It’s a test of will. … And we have to keep pounding at it because we lost key people.”
The Rattlers are hurting most at the running back position. Chris Longoria, the coach’s son, who also played receiver, among other positions, is likely out for the year. He broke his collarbone in a game against Port Isabel in Week 2.
Justin Guerra has helped shoulder some of the offense. He’s caught three touchdowns in the past two games. Victor Martinez, an outside linebacker, has also stepped up with Juan Toscano out. Martinez, a junior, entered this season as something of a project. The coaching staff intended to work with him this year to get him ready for 2015. But with Toscano’s injury, Martinez has logged more playing time.
Aaron Reyna has also thrived the past two games, especially during Rio Grande City’s 14-9 win over La Joya Palmview. Reyna, a middle linebacker, totaled 24 tackles in that game, after picking up 17 the week before.
“The good thing is, a lot of young kids are getting a lot of playing time,” said Longoria, who is in his fourth year at the helm. “They’re getting good, quality reps at a high level, and it’s only going to help.
“It’s about being persistent. We have to keep plugging away, keep going after it. If you make a mistake, get back in the huddle, get in the line of scrimmage and keep going and going. Sooner or later, it’s going to work. Sooner or later, you’ll get that run, you’ll get that tackle, you’ll get that block. Don’t give up. Just keep pounding the rock.”
BUILDING AN IDENTITY
Roma coach Max Habecker Jr. isn’t too concerned that his team isn’t putting up big offensive numbers, especially in passing yards. So far, it hasn’t needed to.
Of all District 31-5A teams, Roma produces the fifth-best offense (256.6 yards per contest), with the bulk coming on the ground. The Gladiators (2-1) make up for that with the best defense in district, allowing a meager 147 per game.
“It’s all about finding your identity,” Habecker said. “Once you know who you are as a team, you should always be able to fall back on that when you need it most. Playing good defense and running the ball, that’s what we’re trying to do. So when it comes to the games, we know what we hang our hats on.”
As far as the aerial attack is concerned, Habecker said the numbers are more a product of what the defense has given Roma.
“You look at the game (in Week 2) against (Laredo) Cigarroa, they did things that allowed us to run the football (for 360 yards vs. 0 passing yards),” Habecker said. “We work on our pass game everyday just as much as we work on our run. And I know before it’s all said and done, it’s going to help us win ball games.
“I know we can do it. It’s just about when the opportunity arises, we have to do it.”
GOOD GAUGE
After three weeks of competition, Mission Veterans Memorial coach David Gilpin said he’ll have a better understanding of where his team stands after playing PSJA North (1-2) on Friday — the last non-district test for the Patriots.
“The Mission (High) game was close, but we got the (14-7) win. Hard to gauge because of the rivalry,” Gilpin said. “(Odessa) Permian, all the travel and hype and us not playing well, it was hard to tell. I don’t believe (Permian) is 44-8 better than us. That’s what the scoreboard says. So it’s kind of been one of those things where we try to really, really gauge where we’re at.
“I believe we’re good, but I think PSJA North is really going to give us an idea of where we are now.”
The Patriots (2-1) have a bye next week before playing host to the Rattlers (3-0) in their district opener in Week 6.