By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — Tired of being pushed around in its inaugural year, Sharyland Pioneer focused on strength and conditioning during the offseason.
With a glut of young, inexperienced players, the Diamondbacks lacked the physicality and stamina to keep up with their District 31-5A counterparts in 2014, especially given its lack of depth. Now, with a stable of returning lettermen, including 10 starters back on each side on the ball, Pioneer is noticeably bigger during two-a-days.
“When you’re experienced, stronger and more mature — all that combined — the kids have more confidence,” coach Jason Wheeler said. “You could talk about it all you want, but if you don’t believe, it won’t show on the field. And they’re really starting to believe now.”
Admittedly “the smallest and weakest team” in district last year, middle linebacker Joe Garza said the offseason work has already paid dividends, considering it came one win short of going to the state 7-on-7 tournament, and won its scrimmage handily Friday, blanking Donna North.
“The guys have more energy,” Garza said. “We’re just trying to come together and have the team chemistry and be more physical.”
After going 3-7 last year, including 1-5 in district, quarterback Alejandro Ramirez said the team is coming off the line with more aggression. As a whole last year, he said, “we needed to be meaner, more physical and have some finesse, as well.” Now, he feels they have that.
Whereas last year they had tired legs, and little depth, going into late stages of games, the Diamondbacks now have the roster size — both physically and in numbers — to be more competitive. Last year, Garza was their lone player with varsity experience, having started for Sharyland High as a sophomore.
But going into Year 2, Pioneer has 50 returning lettermen, including 40 seniors, on a roster expected to house 60 players.
“With more returners, it’s a lot easier,” Ramirez said. “People know each other’s plays. People can block for someone they can trust. So it makes it easier to get out there and work hard as a team.”
UNDER CENTER
After taking his lumps his first varsity season, Ramirez appears more polished heading into his senior year.
During two-a-days, Wheeler said Ramirez is in better shape than he was last year. He’s developed into a leader, and he’s added a running game to establish a dual threat.
Part of that is due to his participation in the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Ramirez, who returns as the starting quarterback, said he worked on his footwork, picking up coverages and establishing a better rapport with his wide receivers.
“Getting help from collegiate quarterbacks, getting positive reinforcement, I felt that it brought me more confidence coming into the season,” Ramirez said. “And playing with the receivers I know, I feel we could achieve something better.”
Last year, he completed 51.5 percent of his passing attempts, but he struggled, at times, to adjust to the varsity game, throwing for a district-high 13 interceptions. Through 10 regular season games, he threw for 823 yards and four touchdowns.
IMPROVING ‘D’
The Diamondbacks are switching from a 3-4 front to a 4-3, hoping to emphasize speed.
They plan to go with four defensive ends and four defensive tackles to try to stay fresh. Against Donna North, it won the controlled (2-0), live (4-0) and overtime (1-0) sets.
Last year, the team was five deep on the D-line. This year, it has eight capable players, and Wheeler said it’s helped them play with high intensity.
Jose Nicoleau, a guard and defensive tackle, and Sean Colunga, a nose guard, have made an impression, so far, along with defensive ends A.J. Cervantes and Senon Moya. With Garza, a standout middle linebacker and three-year starter, Pioneer is hoping to improve on the No. 5 defense in yards allowed last year in a seven-team district.
IMPROVED LINE
The improved play on offense, so far, is partly attributed to the offensive line. Wheeler said center Fernie Perez and right tackle James Heath have played instrumental.
Given their physicality, Wheeler said they’re “winning the line of scrimmage” more than they did last year. Sophomore Cameron Gould a 6-foot-3, 280-pound sophomore, has been also impressed during two-a-days. The right guard could see time at backup center, as well.
PROGNOSIS
With 50 returning letterman and 10 starters back on both sides of the ball, Pioneer should be more competitive in district. It’ll need wins against some of the top teams in 31-5A, though, to sneak into the playoffs.
Projected 2015 Record: 5-5
TENURE
Coach: Jason Wheeler
Year at School: Second
Record at School: 3-7