BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
PHARR — Coach Michael Evans may be a stranger to PSJA Southwest, but he’s no stranger to the Valley.
Evans started from the ground up and has coached for some of the best teams in the area. After being approved by the PSJA Board of Trustees on Monday to take over the Javelinas, Evans will have a shot at turning around a program that fell short of making the playoffs in 2016.
“(The job) means it’s a new step in my career,” Evans said. “It’s an opportunity in my life that I have been looking for since I started in this business.”
Evans began his coaching career at the sub-varsity level at Valley View. He spent three years coaching at the varsity level at San Benito.
The last five years have included a four year stint as defensive coordinator at Los Fresnos, before moving to the same position at Brownsville Veterans this season.
Evans has used a 4-2-5 defensive scheme throughout his career.
“You always have to adapt to your athletes,” Evans said. “But, we have had a lot of success the last five years based out of a 4-2-5. So, I plan on doing that still.”
The Javelinas finished the season with 269 points allowed and a -43 point differential. Their 316.3 yards allowed were the fourth best in District 31-6A under coach Jesus Reyes.
On offense the Javelinas will graduate the district’s leading rusher Justin Corona and starting quarterback Joe Salinas, but they return Andrew Becerra, who amassed 833 yards in his junior year behind Corona.
Evans is excited to hit the ground running tomorrow to make his mark in his first head coaching opportunity.
“Hopefully we can be a team that people say plays fast, plays tough and with great effort,” Evans said.