By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MONTE ALTO — Earlier this year, Osiel Canales took over the program at Monte Alto, replacing coach Cesar Castillo, who left to take an assistant job at Donna North.
For the past four or five years, Canales had been away from football, leading the baseball and basketball teams. So he said he wasn’t privy to the ins and outs of the football team, and why it struggled to win district games, let alone compete for a playoff berth.
His focus now, he said, is keeping a positive attitude and looking forward.
“It’s just listening to suggestions (from players and coaches),” he said. “A lot of positive reinforcement. I’m not saying we’re 100 percent ready, but we’ll get there.”
The past three years have tested the players’ resolve. The Blue Devils haven’t won a district game since their first year, in 2012, when they finished 4-6 overall and 3-3 in district. Now in District 16-3A, Division I, Monte Alto plays a compact schedule — 10 games, but with only four district outings.
The previous two years, the fourth and final playoff berth in the five-team district went to teams that won only one district game — Cotulla and Freer.
Their goal, as it’s been the past four years, is to break that hurdle.
One of the more challenging aspects in that mission is Monte Alto’s lack of numbers. Historically, the program hasn’t had enough to feed more than one team. In fact, even at the Class 3A level, the Blue Devils have found themselves on the lower end of roster size within their district.
Canales, however, is encouraged by the turnout during two-a-days, saying he’s close to reaching a 30-man roster. As school gets under way, he anticipates that number growing. For now, though, it seems like many will have to play both ways, like Stephen Baxter, a returning wide out. The senior will double as a backup quarterback and starting cornerback.
“It’s an honor to go both ways to help your team,” Baxter said. “We’ve had to grow up fast here, knowing we had to compete (both ways because of low numbers). … But we feel pretty confident in our abilities to get out there and start a tradition at Monte Alto.”
Under Canales, Monte Alto will run a spread, utilizing some of their speed with a deep receiver corps, like last year. They’re hoping, however, to test out their run game in the early going, and seeing if they could keep defenses honest with Hector Carlos, Damian Martinez and Alex Sanchez.
On defense, it is implementing a 4-3 lineup. Junior linebacker Marcos Oseguera figures to play a prominent role there once he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Like past years, the Blue Devils will have six non-district games to sort out position battles and implementing a new system.
“Once we get a few weeks under our belt — a month or two, a couple games — it’ll come,” Canales said. “The learning is happening quickly. They’re internalizing everything fast. They’re like sponges. And it all comes back to their attitudes. If you come in with a good attitude, you’re going to learn.”
UNDER CENTER
Benito Galvan is the presumptive starter under center.
Canales lauded his dual-threat quarterback for his athleticism, saying he’s very agile and possesses a strong arm. Though this is his time operating in a spread offense, Galvan has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to lead the offense.
“He’s got tremendous speed, long legs, a good arm,” Canales said. “If he’s not playing quarterback, we’ll probably use him as a receiver. And he can play defense, too. Some of these guys playing offense will probably play defense, because they’re key players and we’re going to need to have those guys on the field.”
Other than Baxter, Joseph Perez and Danny Perez could also get snaps this season.
NEW STAFF
Amos Salas, a coaching veteran of 20 years, will be the team’s offensive coordinator. He was previously at Santa Rosa.
Rolando Rojas, who will start his 13th coaching campaign, will take over as defensive coordinator.
“They’ve been doing a tremendous job,” Canales said. “They have so much experience, and the energy level is there. Great, positive attitudes. We’re pleased with the way we’ve started.”