NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
Center Mario Trevino has heard it all in two full seasons on Weslaco East’s varsity team. Last year, he won offensive lineman of the year in District 32-6A. Still, he knows what the critics say.
“Weslaco East doesn’t return anyone.” “They don’t have anyone coming back.”
While familiar faces like Richard LeFevre, Roy Pedraza and J.C. Vargas are out of high school, the Wildcats still have playmakers.
On defense, pillars Freddy Cardenas and Jacob Banda return for their senior years. And much of the offensive line remains intact.
“Honestly, I kind of like being the underdog,” Trevino said. “Ever since I’ve been here my freshman year, they’ve always been, ‘Ah, they don’t have nobody coming back’ So, it’s just great to know people are counting us out.”
He said the offensive line will be solid once again.
“We’re all just trying to come together as a unit and just finding a way to work things out,” Trevino said.
With LeFevre moving on to a college career at the University of the Incarnate Word, a new shot caller will be under center for coach Mike Burget’s squad, which opened practice Monday. Trevino, who will snap the ball to projected starter Antonio Cedeño, said he likes what he’s seen from the 6-foot native of Monterrey, Mexico.
“I like how he’s picking things up, the calls and everything,” Trevino said. “LeFerve is someone to barrel over guys, but Antonio, he won’t back down, either. As an O-linemen, it’s great to have faith in your receivers as we have here with the whole core. When we’re running, it’s good to know we can have a play action in there.”