GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
McALLEN — Starting from Week 1 last season as only a sophomore, McAllen Rowe’s Joseph Moreno racked up 719 receiving yards — by far the highest total in District 30-6A.
Rowe coach Paul Reyes wasn’t surprised. Not after seeing Moreno’s speed, quickness and agility during his freshman season as a running back.
Likewise, it was no shocker when former starting quarterback Hector Bosquez successfully slid outside to pair with Moreno and form a dynamic combination.
Both are back to reprise their roles in 2015, highlighting Rowe’s pass-heavy offense as the team looks to rebound from last year’ 3-7 campaign.
“With him and Moreno out there, we have some quality outside receivers,” Rowe coach Paul Reyes said. “It’s going to be a tough matchup for a lot of teams.”
The two players offer similar praise for each other. Both are fast, and both are elusive. Bosquez calls Moreno an “unbelievable athlete,” and Reyes says Bosquez is “probably the best athlete that we have.”
Moreno said he’s been working on his hands during the summer, only adding to the confidence he entered with last season.
“I wasn’t surprised, but it was a learning experience for me my first year,” Moreno said.
After working primarily as a quarterback for the first half of the season, Bosquez shifted his focus to receiver and had some monster games, racking up 145 yards against La Joya Palmview and picking up 185 against Mission High.
Bosquez took a good chunk of the quarterback reps during the spring but will mostly focus on receiver during two-a-days. Reyes knows Bosquez will be ready to step in under center if necessary.
“Hector is going to be everywhere,” Reyes said. “He’s going to be back in the quarterback here and there. I guess you could say it’s like a wildcat. … He’s a threat to go any play. The more times we can get him touching the ball, the better.”
Those receiving options will make life easier for quarterback John Perez, who is going through two-a-days as a starter for the first time after backing up Bosquez to begin 2014. He eventually became the full-time starter down the stretch and finished as the district’s leading passer with 1,653 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“It’s like I have two really great guys on either side,” Perez said. “I have options of where to go, because they’re both fast, really quick and can catch.”
GROUND GAME
On top of the pieces Rowe brings back in the passing game, the Warriors return their entire offensive line and running back Jose Chavez, who ranked third on the team with 755 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns last year.
“Chavez is the running back right now, but he has some pressure from a bunch of guys,” Reyes said. “If he wants to take it, he’ll take it. If he hangs back, he has guys who want to play right behind him.”
DEFENSIVE SHIFT
The Warriors are using the fall practices to continue a transformation that began in the spring, working to become more multiple on defense under new coordinator Noel Valero.
An undersized unit, Rowe will look to create havoc with its quickness.
“We’re going to put on some pressure,” Reyes said. “These guys are excited about that. They’re having fun.”
INJURY BUG
A key piece of Rowe’s defense, linebacker Josh Holley, is still working to recover from a broken fibula. He expects to be back to 100 percent in another week or so.
After missing the final four games of last season with a knee injury, Holley is hungry to get back on the field.
“When I come back, it’s going to be amazing,” Holley said. “It’s going to be like fire on the field.”
==================================
PROGNOSIS
Rowe should once against boast a potent passing offense, highlighted by quarterback John Perez and receivers Hector Bosquez and Joseph Moreno. The question is whether a revamped defense will be able to do its part.
Projected 2015 Record: 4-6
TENURE
Coach: Paul Reyes
Year: Sixth
Record at Rowe: 23-29
==================================
Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour: