BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
LA JOYA — Despite a bullish running style that allowed him to rack up 987 yards and nine touchdowns last season, La Joya High back Justin Leanos comes across quiet and reserved. That is until conversation shifts to the Coyotes’ offensive modifications. Then, Leanos is all smiles.
“Actually, it’s been a big change since we got the new offensive coordinator,” Leanos said. “A lot more running.”
Under new offensive coordinator Walter Patterson — an in-house promotion to replace the retired Kenny Vencia — La Joya could be making a few tweaks from last year’s balanced attack. On the heels of the best season since the 2007 La Joya ISD split, the Coyotes have plenty of pieces to work with. Eight starters return on that side of the ball.
“There’s different things that we’re going to go ahead and switch up offensively,” coach George Espinoza said. “Primarily, we’re going to keep it the same. We’re just going to tweak it up a little bit.”
Last season, the Coyotes finished fifth in the district in offense with 254.5 yards per game. Operating primarily out of the shotgun, La Joya boasted a balanced attack, as one of just three teams in the district to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing and passing.
From a play-calling perspective, Espinoza said the biggest difference will be operating under center more often, sometimes in a two-back set.
“Last year, when we were in shotgun most of the time, everybody knew what was coming,” said senior quarterback John Cadena, who is entering his first season as the starter. “Either it was a passing play, or Justin was going to get the handoff. But this year, it’s very different now. We have read options. We’re passing, and we’re giving the ball off to Justin, too.”
Espinoza sees Cadena as a greater rushing threat than last season’s starting quarterback, Julio Garcia. Cadena got a taste of varsity action as a junior but was limited by a deep bruise around his ankle area that would swell up whenever he tried to run or cut.
Espinoza said Cadena would have been more involved if not for the injury. Instead, he appeared in six games, completing 5 of 11 passes for 57 yards and rushing 25 times for 79 yards and a touchdown.
“I learned it’s not easy being a quarterback at the varsity level,” Cadena said of his junior year. “But the things I’m doing right now are going to get me ready and prepared for this season.”
Cadena’s transition to the starting role will be eased by the rushing ability of Leanos, who Espinoza said is the best running back in the district aside from McAllen Memorial’s Trevor Speights.
Cadena benefits from having three starters back on the offensive line, plus four returners at wideout. The receivers group is highlighted by three-year starters Victor Dehoyos and J.C. Maldonado, who each had 16 catches in 2014.
“They have a lot of experience, they know what’s coming, and they know what Friday nights are all about,” Cadena said.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE
Getting the chance to start most of the season as only a sophomore, La Joya middle linebacker Rey Hernandez surprised himself in 2014. He finished the year as the team’s fourth-leading tackler — and top returner — with 48 stops. He also notched an interception, a forced fumble and 1.5 sacks.
“I didn’t expect much of myself, but apparently I did it big,” Hernandez said. “I impacted my team. As a middle linebacker and a young guy, I had to take over as a leader calling the plays.”
Espinoza said Hernandez is an ideal fit for that role: smart, coachable, passionate about the game and a strong leader.
KEEPING THEM STRAIGHT
Despite playing in just six games last year due to a fractured tibia suffered during two-a-days, safety Gabriel Rios recorded 42 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble as a junior. Rios said he had to wear a brace throughout the season and needed time to build up his strength and cutting ability as the year went on.
“Overall, I think I did pretty good last year,” Rios said. “This year, I’m aiming for better stats. And probably to win more games.”
In a secondary that returns four starters, Espinoza said Rios is the leader. Espinoza likened Rios to having another coach on the field.
CONTINUE TO CLIMB
La Joya High is looking to follow last year’s 4-7 record (3-3 in district) with another playoff appearance. After notching the school’s first postseason trip since 2007, Espinoza said he sees a new attitude in the program.
“It’s totally different,” Espinoza said. “The kids are motivated. They’re excited. Whereas before, it used to be the coaches who would exhaust themselves trying to get the kids pumped up, now the tables are turned. … They, themselves, are motivated to be out here.”
LA JOYA HIGH’S PROGNOSIS
With eight starters returning on offense, La Joya is looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance. New quarterback John Cadena will get a boost from returning running back Justin Leanos and top receivers J.C. Maldonado and Victor Dehoyos. The Coyotes also have six back on defense, including a pair of leaders in linebacker Rey Hernandez and safety Gabriel Rios.
Projected 2015 record: 4-7
COACH’S TENURE
Coach: George Espinoza
Year at school: Fourth
Record at La Joya High: 7-24
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