By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — By graduating two key outside linebackers, Mission Veterans Memorial will look to forge a new identity on defense.
Gone is the size that helped it produce the stingiest unit in District 31-5A a year ago. Now, the Patriots will rely on speed.
Coach David Gilpin draws inspiration from former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, whose upfield pressure philosophy resulted in a penetrating, swarming defense. The move calls for lineup adjustments — such as sliding Ricky Diaz and Jacob Garcia from defensive backs to outside linebackers — to get a quicker attack on the ball.
“Obviously we don’t have 11-20 guys that can run like the wind,” Gilpin said, “but we’re trying to improve our speed in our defensive positions.”
Diaz started at cornerback last year, and Garcia was a receiver and defensive back on JV. They figure to play a prominent role in a 3-4 formation, along with middle linebacker Hugo Cabrera, that is awaiting the return of Marco Mendiola.
Nursing a back injury since spring, the inside linebacker leaves a gaping hole that Gilpin believes “can kill you.” So, they’re auditioning 3-4 players that can possibly fill his role.
The defensive line returns two players, though only Erick Garza has had a clean bill of health. Edgar Villarreal, a defensive end and tackle, has been on crutches since hurting his ankle, and his return date remains uncertain, leaving the Patriots in search for two starters on their three-man front.
The secondary enjoys the most depth, with plenty of interchangeable pieces. Adrian Martinez and Matthew Guerrero are moving from safety to cornerback. Christian Anguiano brings physicality playing either side. And Kevin Liebano, an all-state safety, returns as the team’s biggest turnover creator.
Mixed in with Eric Ganderia, who plays both corners and safety positions, the Patriots believe they have five players consistently capable of slowing a run game, with an aerial defense slowly coming around.
“They’re all coming in with speed,” Diaz said. “Our size is a little bit smaller, but our speed will make up for it.”
RAVE REVIEWS
Through the first week of two-a-days, sophomore Buda Gonzalez has drawn high praise from the coaching staff.
While playing JV, Gilpin often considered Gonzalez the best player on the field. And now with vacancies at running back and inside linebacker, Gonzalez is the leading candidate to fill both starting roles, in addition to special teams.
“He could do it all,” Gilpin said. “By the time he’s done, Buda will be one of the best players to ever play at this school. He’s a special kid.”
Gilpin admires his explosiveness, adding that Gonzalez is “very electric” with the ball in his hands. In open space, Gonzalez has impressed with his ability to run well between tackles and make catches in the backfield.
“Defensively,” Gilpin said, “he’s one of those kids that any time we’re in a blitzing scheme, he’s on the move. He’s got a knack for slipping blocks and making plays.”
BACK ON THE FIELD
Having suffered two collarbone injuries, Colton Kaufman has not played since eighth grade. That could very well change when he gets a look at defensive end.
Originally brought in as an outside linebacker and wide receiver in the spring, Gilpin believes he has found the right role for the senior, who has distinguished himself as one of the hardest-working players on the team.
“He’s a very athletic kid, very strong. Great character,” Gilpin said. “This is a guy who can run with the wide receivers and lift weights with the offensive linemen. We have extremely high expectations for him.”
RELOADING
Roman De Leon and Bobby Tovar return to a receiving corps that was one of the best in district last year.
The two expect to get the bulk of the catches, once again. But with Tovar possibly helping at cornerback and special teams, Jacob Guerrero could get an extended look. Though playing a limited role last year, Guerrero’s familiarity with his teammates is an added bonus.
“Compared to last year, we feel more comfortable playing together,” De Leon said. “We know what we could do. We know our different tricks, and we’re confident with who’s lined up next to us.”
PROGNOSIS
Despite the loss of key players, Mission Veterans should once again make the playoffs. How far they advance, though, could hinge on how its new-look defense develops, trading size for speed.
Projected 2015 Record: 8-4
TENURE
Coach: David Gilpin
Year at School: 7th
Record at School: 39-28