DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
DONNA — In Year 2 of varsity football, Donna North is still looking for the right pieces.
There is a clear identity coach Tommy Sauceda desires: a punishing defense supported by a clock-chewing running game that wears down opponents. While still evaluating who fits where and who can do what, Sauceda knows that senior Mark Ochoa is an integral part of what he wants his program to be about.
“Mark fits the mold of what we want to do defensively,” Sauceda said. “Mark’s a guy who makes plays, no matter where he’s at. He loves to play football, and the sky’s the limit for him.”
Ochoa is a versatile, athletic defensive back in the Chiefs’ 3-4 defense, playing strong safety this season after playing cornerback last year. He was one of the team leaders in tackles last season, and in Thursday’s 34-23 defeat against La Feria in Week 1 he compiled 15 tackles, two caused fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Donna North went 0-10 last year, and a win still eludes it, but the Chiefs are headed in the right direction.
“We’re giving teams a competition now,” Ochoa said. “We want to win, and we almost expect to win because now we feel we know what this level takes. We’re getting closer and closer to where we want to be.”
Ochoa is one of 12 seniors desperate to leave their high school careers with a win. Sauceda said there has been considerable improvement, with kids knowing assignments better and more comfortable with his ways.
That’s a testament to leaders like Ochoa, who is always giving teammates an encouraging word and eager to help them fix mistakes.
“This is my senior year, and of course I want it to be good,” Ochoa said. “But I also want it more for these other guys. I want to help get us some wins.
“I want them to do well so they can carry this forward and become great when I leave.”
Ochoa started playing cornerback in the seventh grade, where one of his coaches knew he’d be a perfect fit. The coach told him to pay attention to NFL star Darrelle Revis, of the New York Jets.
Ochoa did. He became engrossed with the physicality of the position, and how smart and aware a defensive back had to be.
Revis is the reason Ochoa wears No. 24.
“He’s physical, he’s smart and pretty good at it,” Ochoa said. “I like to think that I’m the same way.”
Ochoa worked hard during the offseason. He got quicker and added 15 pounds of muscle. Moving from cornerback to safety, he had to learn different reads.
But the goal was the same — get to the football.
“By the coverage we run, our safeties are always going to be in a position to make plays,” Sauceda said. “If it’s a run, they’re taught to come downhill. They’re obviously involved in the passing game. They have to be hard and tough, and that’s what Mark is. He’s that type of guy.”
Sauceda said because of players like Ochoa, the Chiefs are fine, despite the win-loss record. It’s Ochoa who is always egging on the offense, doing everything and anything to get his teammates to match his energy and love for the game.
Now, Sauceda said, it’s about turning that passion into wins.
“Mark’s really come a long way,” Sauceda said. “We’ve asked a lot from him — to lead us, to bring us energy, to make sure everyone is always lined up right.
“He’s really starting to play like he’s capable of playing, and he knows now he can bring his ‘A’ game every Friday night.”