DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
MERCEDES — During his first two years at the helm of Mercedes, Roger Adame Jr.’s defenses ranked among the best in the Rio Grande Valley.
In 2014, the Tigers placed fifth overall in yards allowed (228 per game). Last season, they were No. 1, holding opponents to 212.9 per game. Defense has been the backbone of Adame’s foundation since he started as a defensive coordinator at Mercedes in 2009.
As soon as he hung a whistle around his neck and grabbed a play sheet, Adame fell in love with the challenge of game-planning every week — “like a chess match,” he said — and the physical demands of the unit.
“Defensively, we make sure we come in with a workman’s mentality,” Adame said. “They know they have to punch in every time they step onto that field. That means 11 hats to the ball, everyone flying to the ball. We film our practices and we don’t want to see anybody loafing. If someone is, the defense pays for it.
“Every one of these kids wants to make that big tackle. They want the ball run their way, and that’s the relentless, physical mentality we want.”
So while the Tigers’ offense dominated summer headlines with its impressive play en route to a 7-on-7 state appearance, it’s defense that will dictate Mercedes’ fate this season. Seven starters return on that side of the ball, including stalwarts Roger Adame III, Joel Gomez, Sebastian De Leon, Raul Arteaga and others.
“We have speed, for sure. That’s the good thing,” Gomez said. “We have athleticism. Strength-wise, we’re still in an adjustment phase, but I think we’re going to be better than years past.”
The M.O. of the Tigers’ 3-4 defense is simple: win first down. When second down arrives, ideally the offense is in a precarious, pressure situation to have to produce a big play.
Coaches and players agree that if defensive players simply hustle, things will go in their favor.
“It just takes effort,” said Adame III, an all-state selection last year who is as comfortable pressuring the quarterback as he is sliding out into coverage. “There will be mistakes, obviously, but we’re confident effort can make up for a lot of that. They say defense wins championships, so we always want to shut a team out. Then there’s no way we can lose.”
This year’s defense has experience in the secondary with Gomez, Arteaga and David Lopez. That will be the strength of the unit. There are playmakers at linebacker in Adame III and De Leon, and the defensive line has good potential with Ivan Zapata and Rolando Rincon.
Adame said he intends to rotate more along the defensive front to keep guys fresh. That could mean more opportunity for younger guys. Overall, Adame said he has playmakers in the right spots and the scheme, a read-and-react philosophy, to take advantage of their abilities.
“Our goal every year is to be one of the toughest defenses in the Valley, the region, the whole state,” Adame III said. “There’s a brotherhood here to not let anyone down, and it starts with hustle and doing the little things right like not jumping offsides, knowing the coverages and not getting distracted during games. It’s all 11 guys knowing what to do.”
RUN STRONG
Mercedes has a considerable amount of talent on offense. Whether it’s Zach Gomez’s confident presence in the pocket or receivers Richard Urbina, Joe Garcia and Matthew Ledesma blowing by people, there are weapons galore.
But the most important factor this season may be junior running back Fabian Ledesma, who rushed for 724 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. With the Tigers’ defensive-minded style of play, the run game is essential to keeping the defense fresh.
“We know if we can get that running game going, week in and week out, it opens up so much more for us,” Adame said. “Fabian has that workman’s mentality that we talked about with the defense.”
Ledesma, who said he wants more than 1,000 yards this season and is intent on breaking school rushing records, will be the anchor of that success.
“It’s what I want,” he said. “I want that responsibility to be the guy.”
POSITION BATTLES
Mercedes has had position battles at offensive line, linebacker and the defensive line.
The most intense competition has been the offensive line. Danny Melendez and Jesus Barrientes are the lone returners. Others have been playing for the other three spots. Two bright sports have been Jacob Gutierrez and Logan McCutchen.
“Anybody can be replaced at any moment,” Adame said. “If somebody’s outperforming an all-district guy, that guy will be replaced. Right now, there are some positions there (on the offensive line) that are almost solidified, but they’ve got to compete every day.”
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MERCEDES’ PROGNOSIS
There’s a lot to like about the Tigers, who return 15 starters from a 7-4 team. Mercedes has the dynamic versatility on offense and stingy defense to win its second district title in three years.
Projected 2016 Record: 10-2
COACH’S TENURE
Coach: Roger Adame Jr.
Year at School: Third
Record at Mercedes: 16-6