DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
PSJA High’s defense is strong, the catalyst for the Bears’ 2-1 start heading into Thursday’s district opener versus Edcouch-Elsa.
The offense, however, is not. It needs consistency. That is why coach Steve Marroquin is convinced his team can be better.
“The consistency is what’s holding us back,” said Marroquin, whose team is averaging 15.3 points on 228.7 yards. “We have spurts. We can move the ball. But we can shoot ourselves in the foot with mental errors, not knowing assignments … Once we get continuity, consistency, we’re going to be tough to stop.”
The instability begins at quarterback, where Marroquin has used four signal-callers this season.
Andrew Castañeda, a junior who has made just six varsity starts, has seen the majority of the snaps, completing 19 of 47 passes for 196 yards, with one touchdown to five interceptions. Troy Flores (2-for-3, 87 yards) has seen a few snaps, as has Bobby Guajardo in a Wildcat formation.
Sophomore Mark Castillo has also seen time under center.
“I know people may think we’re struggling, and yes we need more consistency, but at the same time we utilize a bunch of kids and we’re going to get better,” Marroquin said. “Andrew’s going to get better and he’s made improvements. He has struggled with accuracy and knowing where to go, but we’re confident he can put us in position to win games.”
Marroquin said Castañeda has improved in confidence and game management, but also emphasized he’s going to “play the kids that give us the best chance to win the game.”
TIGERS’ GOMEZ EMERGES
When Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. looks at this week’s first district opponent, Brownsville Pace, he sees a team better than its 1-2 record.
He sees a dangerous offensive unit that averages 27 points on 250.7 yards, led by a quarterback in Alex Cisneros who leads 32-5A teams in touchdowns and pass attempts, and is second in completions.
Fortunately, Adame has a stout defense, led by a veteran secondary, quick linebackers and a blossoming defensive front that has benefited from the emergence of 5-foot-11, 235-pound nose guard Jose Gomez.
“We lost a centerpiece last year in Rick Hinojosa, so we wanted to see if (Gomez) could hold his own,” Adame said. “He’s coming off the ball, attacking double teams and he’s impressed. He’s a guy who will give you everything he’s got. He’s a practice player, too, and not all guys are. He does it all the right way.”
Gomez, who has a long arm reach, saw little varsity time last year, but committed himself to the weight room once Adame told him he would be counting on him. It has paid off, as he is averaging 10.7 tackles.
NORTH’S ‘D’ ON THE RISE
Donna North’s defense has incrementally improved each week this season. The fact that seniors Marco Olivarez and Jose Sanchez have blossomed as the focus of the unit during that time is no coincidence.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Olivarez leads the Chiefs in tackles with 33. To further take advantage of his size, coach Tommy Sauceda recently moved Olivarez to inside linebacker from outside.
“He has a nose for the football,” Sauceda said. “He does a good job keying his reads and making plays. He’s a bigger body, and being inside gives him more opportunity.”
Sanchez, meanwhile, is a typical outside linebacker. He’s not big, but he’s smart, and like Olivarez he leads by example. He has 26 tackles and two fumbles caused.
“He’s got to be able to get off blocks, and he does that,” Sauceda said. “He’s probably 5-7, 165-pounds soaking wet, so he has to do everything right.
“For the most part, he does that.”
Since the Chiefs’ defense has identified its leaders, things are moving forward.
“We’re playing better fundamentally,” Sauceda said. “Everyone’s taking care of responsibilities. Everybody’s got a job. We have 11 guys getting better at doing their job.”