GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
WESLACO — A little-used running back on the Weslaco High varsity roster last year, senior AJ Gonzalez entered the Panthers’ first practice this week as the starter under center.
But Gonzalez shrugs off the notion that he’s making any kind of transition. He’s been running the same offense since he was in seventh grade. He may not have been a quarterback last season, but during the four years prior he learned the ins and outs of coach Tony Villarreal’s slot-t offense.
“I’ve done it since middle school,” Gonzalez said. “So yeah, I’m pretty familiar.”
Weslaco gained a district-best 410.3 yards per game last season before graduating its leading passer, top five rushers, top two receivers and the majority of its offensive line. Still, there’s no sense of panic from Gonzalez or his teammates as they look to back up last year’s District 31-6A title with a strong showing during their first season in District 32-6A.
Gonzalez, with many of the same teammates by his side, has won a district title at every level he’s played quarterback — from seventh grade through a junior varsity crown as a sophomore. But with Desi Rodriguez holding down the starting varsity job last season, Gonzalez had to take a secondary role.
“We had a kid who was a four-time district champ, but he had to ride the pine,” Villarreal said. “And this boy can run you over, and run around you, and throw the ball. He’s developed into a heck of a thrower.”
Now entering his 12th season at Weslaco High, Villarreal has learned to stress having an athletic player at quarterback. He’s had time to implement his philosophy all the way down to the middle school levels and find coaches who can teach his system from the start, so players like Gonzalez are prepared when they finally get their varsity chance. Even in Week 1 of practice, players are already correcting Villarreal on calls and alignments.
The Panthers have averaged 33.1 points per game in Villarreal’s 12 seasons, and never less than 21.8 in any given year. His option-run based slot-t offense uses only seven or eight series but requires attention to detail that players hone over years in the system.
“I’ve been doing this since middle school,” tailback Alex Lara said. “The same offense, learning everything. Learning the more advanced plays. It just comes easy to me.”
Lara stands out in the backfield with his 4.48-second speed in the 40-yard dash and his shifty, elusive, running style.
At 4.50, fellow tailback Justin Coronado is just a fraction slower, but brings a similarly crafty, one-cut approach.
“Everybody knows the offense pretty well,” Coronado said. “We were pretty much all here last year. We had a lot of practice last year, and we’ve come together this year.”
DOMINANT DEFENSE
Weslaco High was the best scoring defense in the district last year, yielding just 162 points. The Panthers bring back about seven starters from that group, led by linebacker Jordan Nichols and safety Diego Rodriguez.
“Those guys probably watch more video and they digest the scouting report better than anybody we’ve ever had here,” Villarreal said.
Also key in Weslaco’s 4-2-5, gap-control scheme are defensive end Justice Free, defensive tackles Sam Posada and Brandon Mendez, and linebacker Izaiah Ramos. All four were starters last year.
“We feel great,” Rodriguez said. “We have a lot of experience coming back on the defensive side, and they know how it is playing in big games and tight situations, and they’ll come up big in those situations.”
STAYING HEALTHY
The primary challenge Villarreal faces as he heads into 2016 is finding depth.
“One of the things is quality No. 2s. That’s a big concern,” Villarreal said. “Our No. 1s are as good as anybody. So that’s what our nonconference is for. We’re going to look at those guys heavily. Obviously, we’re real concerned about the injury factor.”
Villarreal chose to schedule tough, welcoming Class 5A Division I state champion Richmond George Ranch in Week 1. Weslaco also faces San Antonio Marshall and Mercedes before opening a grueling District 32-6A slate.
PROGNOSIS
Weslaco brings back a strong defense and a proven offensive system, but the Panthers will be heavily tested with a brutal non-district slate and a daunting District 32-6A.
Projected 2016 Record: 6-6
TENURE
Coach: Tony Villarreal
Year at school: 12th
Record at school: 83-45