BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
When McAllen Memorial coach Bill Littleton looks at San Benito’s offense, he sees an explosive group that is more comfortable in its second season under coach Dan Gomez.
And when Littleton looks at his own defense, he sees a rapidly improving unit that is benefitting from returning about half of last year’s starting lineup.
The battle between those two groups figures to be a major factor in the clash between McAllen Memorial and San Benito at 7:30 p.m. tonight at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“Overall, I think we’re probably a little bit ahead of where we were at this time last year, ” Littleton said. “We’ve been more consistent through two ball games.”
Defense was McAllen Memorial’s weakness last season, as the team ranked fifth in District 30-6A by allowing 311.6 yards per game. The 2014 unit gave up 59 points to Sharyland High in Week 1 and 38 points to Edinburg Economedes in Week 2.
This year, the Mustangs’ defense held the Rattlers to just 18 points and limited Economedes to 21, yielding an average of 257 yards between the two games.
“They’ve got a lot of experience,” Gomez said. “They have size. They have speed. They have confidence. They’re a very tough defense, so we know we’re going to have our hands full with those guys.”
Littleton said his defense’s biggest strength has been its ability to make adjustments. Between two games, the Mustangs have allowed 26 first-half points and just 12 second-half points.
The group’s only major flaw has been an occasional lapse in gap control.
“The kids have adapted to the adjustments on the field,” Littleton said. “That’s always a winner, when you can get in the chess match and make good adjustments.”
Memorial’s success has come without the help of a returning starter at defensive end in Paul Zuniga, who is yet to play this season due to an ankle injury. J.D. Islas, the Mustangs’ other defensive end, has 20 tackles, while defensive tackle Ricky Miner has 21 stops.
Linebacker Sam Hinojosa has 29 tackles, the most on the team.
“He’s really excited about what he’s doing, and he’s becoming a leader of this football team,” Littleton said. “The main thing I can say about Sam right now is he has a motor, and his motor is running 100 miles per hour.”
The Mustangs’ defense is emphasizing limiting the big play against a speedy San Benito attack. Even after graduating a potent duo in quarterback Cristian Sierra and running back Gabriel Vasquez, San Benito has come back strong behind quarterback J.R. Gaitan and running back Edward Alvarez, averaging 46 points and 473 yards per game during the first two weeks.
“It’s just kids coming in and finding where they’re comfortable and getting the work,” Gomez said. “It’s kids that got some play last year, and some who are new to varsity. We’ve got them sprinkled out everywhere.”
Note: To commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, all first responders and military wearing a uniform will be admitted to tonight’s game for free. Participating first responders and veterans will also be honored during a halftime ceremony.