DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
Willard Lara was an all-state linebacker at Edcouch-Elsa during the early 1990s. Now his son is following in his footsteps.
Joseph Lara, a junior middle linebacker, has emerged as a consistent playmaker for the Yellowjackets’ defense this season. Lara is third on the team in total tackles (54) and second in “big hits.”
He also has a sack.
“The game comes easy to him,” said E-E coach Joe Marichalar, who said Lara’s greatest skill is his ability to recover and still make plays. “He reacts and the ball seems to find him. We love that his motor is crazy, almost like Joel’s.”
“Joel” is the Yellowjackets’ star linebacker, Joel Cardoza. Cardoza leads the team in total tackles (79). Strong safety Nate Rodriguez is second (72).
But because of Lara’s encouraging play, Marichalar has employed Cardoza more in the offensive backfield — last week, Cardoza rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Cardoza has the strength and quickness to be an efficient short-yardage back, and the more Lara can help man the defense, the more Cardoza can help offensively.
“Joe is a youngster coming up through the cracks and he had an outstanding season last year with the JV,” Marichalar said. “Coaches got wind of it, and in due time he’s making all the right decisions, he’s fully committed and what he’s doing now is not surprising. We know he’s this type of player, even if he’s still getting used to game speed on Friday nights.”
COMING ALONG
Heading into this season, Rio Grande City’s secondary was a concern for coach Aaron Garcia.
Every player in the defensive backfield is a junior and played on the junior varsity last season.
“It was a big question mark,” Garcia said.
But the group has thrived so far. The Rattlers are allowing just 112.5 passing yards per game, thanks in large part to the secondary’s precocious playmaking ability.
The secondary — free safeties Israel Lambert and Joel Lopez, cornerbacks Abraham Benavides and Mariano Reyes, and strong safety Nick Cantu — has grown up quickly for the No. 3 overall defense in District 31-5A.
“Collectively, they play pretty good as a group,” Garcia said. “I’m proud of everyone.”
Benavides had two interceptions last week against Laredo Cigarroa and has three total. He is one of the fast risers of the defense and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
“He’s gotten better every game,” Garcia said. “A night like (Friday) can do a lot for his confidence. He’s rangy, he’s got some good size. He’s aggressive and physical.”
MORE TO THE RUN
Mercedes’ running game is still not the dominant engine coach Roger Adame Jr. would like it to be, but it’s closer now than it was weeks ago.
The Tigers are averaging 131.7 rushing yards over the last three games. That’s worlds better than the 35 they were averaging the first two games.
Junior running back Fabian Ledesma is finding his groove, but the Tigers also may have found a key ingredient last week when Matt Gracia ran well against Brownsville Veterans Memorial.
Gracia, little-used before last week, ran 10 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. Before that game, he had just eight carries for 35 yards in two games.
“He gave us a spark,” Adame said. “That first half (against Brownsville Vets), we were struggling to move the ball. The second half, we made some adjustments.
“He’s got quickness, good vision, some explosiveness. He’s hungry. When he gets the ball, he’ll make the most of it.”
Adame said Gracia is a perfect complement to Ledesma. Ledesma is “speed and power,” Adame said, while Gracia is “shifty and a tough runner.”
“During his JV years and 7-on-7 and 2-a-days, he ran the ball well,” Adame said. “We were looking at him as a complement to Fabian. He’s coming around and working hard and he’s getting his opportunities.”
Going forward, Adame said he intends on using Gracia more while Ledesma remains the No. 1 back.
“Those running backs plays are built for either,” Adame said. “We feel confident in both. They complement each other well, and whatever is working that game, that play is what we’re going with.”