DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
Opposing defenses are well aware of Mercedes quarterback Rene Presas and his prized target Joshua Garza. The Valley’s top returning passer and receiver, respectively, lead the Tigers’ aerial attack.
But defenses have been getting acquainted with Isaac Vela, too. The junior running back has grown into a central cog, running for 216 yards and three TDs off 36 carries.
“Every time he touches the ball, he’s a threat to get to the end zone,” coach Roger Adame Jr. said. “We want to establish the run.”
So far, so good. The Tigers are averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and six of their eight offensive touchdowns have come via the rush.
It’s no coincidence that as the run game has progressed, so has the offensive line. Jay Martinez, Bob Gonzalez, Frank Casares, Jorge Zuniga and Ernan Borrego have put in work up front, providing open lanes for Vela and for Presas in goal-line keeper situations.
“We’ve taken more of a physical aspect to things,” Adame said, “and those guys have really done well. I’m really proud of how they’ve grown.”
AIR IT OUT, JAVS
Through three games, PSJA Southwest is averaging more passing yards than it did each of the last two seasons.
In their inaugural year in 2012, the Javelinas averaged 60.9. In 2013, it was 134.7. This season, it’s 169.3. Passing yards accounted for 26.5 percent of the offense the last two years. This year, it’s 43.6.
“We’ve got experienced kids now,” coach Jesus Reyes said. “They’ve been in the system three years. We’re seeing that pay off.”
The leader is senior quarterback Carlos Portales, the only signal-caller the Javelinas have known. Portales was a subpar passer, with more interceptions than touchdowns, the last two years. This year? He’s completing 47.1 percent of his passes and has twice as many touchdowns (four) as interceptions.
More telling is that Portales, who will be valedictorian of his class, is the second-best passer among yards in all of District 32-5A. Last season, he did not crack the top five.
“He’s more confident, he’s more efficient,” Reyes said. “All the qualities we knew he had, they’re starting to show.”
And Portales does not lack weapons. Homer Alanis and Darren Estrada give him speedsters on the perimeter, turning simple passes off three-and-five step drops into long bombs.
Portales is averaging 14.9 yards per pass. Alanis averages 26.8 yards per catch; Estrada 39.7.
“They’re consistent. They’re every-day kids,” Reyes said of his two wideouts. “They practice how they play. They’ve been with us since they were freshmen, and they play both ways so they really understand coverages.”
‘SKINS LOOK AT LINE
Some of the concerns Donna High coach Ramiro Leal had about his defense have been answered through two non-district games.
The second-year coach is also now confident that junior Edward Dougherty can assume the quarterback role left by Amonte Bowen, who is out for the season because of a collarbone injury. Simply put, a missed field goal is all that stands in the way of a 2-0 start heading into district play next week.
But issues remain on the offensive line. With just three returning starters in Brandon Cardenas, Troy Billman and Adam Cantu, three spots are open. Left tackle J.J. Vallejo has shown promise, but is inconsistent, and Leal is hoping to find the right home for Cody Zamora, who has played tackle and guard.
“We like what we’ve seen,” Leal said. “It’s just a matter of shoring things up. We’ve alternated kids, moved others around. It’s a matter of who seizes the opportunity.”
So far, however, the line has not hindered Donna’s ground game. The Redskins are averaging 163 rushing yards, but if stability comes to the line sooner than later, that number could be much higher when it’s all said and done.
dsilva@themonitor.com