BY Jon R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
The Weslaco High Panthers have steamrolled their way to a four-game winning streak in which they’ve beat opponents by an average of 42 points. As Weslaco (6-2, 4-0) looks to remain unbeaten in District 31-6A, coach Tony Villarreal isn’t taking anything lightly against Edinburg Economedes.
“They’re a really physical team,” Villarreal said. “We really don’t like playing them so late in the season. They banged us up pretty good last year, and we were hobbling into that Weslaco East game and into the playoffs.”
Physical is a word often used by opposing teams to describe the Jaguars. Villarreal’s biggest apprehension regarding Econ, however, doesn’t stem from game plans or X’s and O’s, but from a close bond with Jaguars coach Gabe Peña.
Villarreal’s and Peña’s relationship dates to 1990, when Peña was hired as a linemen coach for Port Isabel when Villarreal was head coach of the Tarpons. In the ensuing decades, the pair has worked with and against each other at various stops during their careers, but one thing has remained constant.
“Playing coach Peña is like going against family,” Villarreal said. “It’s always really tough going against him. It’s uncomfortable for me, and I really don’t like it very much.”
Villarreal will have to endure such emotions Friday when the Panthers travel to Cats Stadium to play Econ (4-4, 2-2). Weslaco will see a mirror of itself in the Jaguars, as both teams flaunt their ability to run the ball and stop the run. But familiarity does not necessarily breed simplicity in terms of scheming for a victory against Econ.
“You’d think it would be easier to game plan for (Econ), but it really isn’t,” Villarreal said. “With the slot-T (offense), there’s so much misdirection and timing that you have to perfect … And defensively, you have to be able to fill every gap and be fundamentally sound. It’s going to be tough.”
Weslaco sports the second-best statistical defense in 31-6A, allowing 284 yards per game. Econ’s defense sits atop the district, granting opponents just 249 yards per game.
IT’S O.K. TO THROW
Peña has carried lessons learned under Villarreal throughout his high school coaching career. Be it the intricacies of running a program on a day-to-day basis, building a coaching staff or molding well-rounded athletes, it all stems from Villarreal’s tutelage.
“Everything I learned then, I still hold true today,” Peña said. “No one runs a tighter ship than Tony.”
But while Peña has employed many elements of Villarreal’s slot-T offense, this season has found the fifth-year Econ coach adding new wrinkles to his team’s offensive attack.
“My offensive coordinator, Jesse Salinas, he’s convinced me that there’s nothing wrong with throwing the ball more than twice a game,” Peña. “He’s a very knowledgeable coach. He knows every position so well. He’s made it so simple for us to evolve from a slot to a spread look.”
Econ is led through the air by quarterback Jesse Gonzalez, who has thrown for 656 yards and six touchdowns. The Jaguars have gained 1,643 yards on the ground this season.
RESTING RAIDERS
The PSJA North Raiders enjoy their bye this week and will not see the field again until November 5 against Edinburg High. The Raiders (4-5, 3-2) are guaranteed a playoff spot for the second time in as many years under coach Jorge Peña.
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