BY NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
McALLEN — The energy is high, the linemen are going full blast and McAllen Memorial coach Bill Littleton is periodically stopping the drills to give one-on-one instruction to his big men up front.
It must be September, maybe October. Nope, it’s spring and the 20-year veteran coach (16 with the Mustangs) is showing no signs of slowing down or losing his enthusiasm.
During his 17th spring ball, Littleton still enjoys getting his squad prepared for another campaign.
“It’s always a fun time. Spring ball is always one of my favorite times,” Littleton said. “You’re trying to make good football players. You’re trying to teach them your scheme and what you’re trying to do. You’re also looking at some new stuff you might want to implement for next year. We’re evaluating players from top to bottom.”
Class of 2020 safety Diego Villarreal was one of those players going through evaluation last spring. Since then, he’s become a big part of the Mustangs’ secondary. He recorded 43 tackles and one interception. He was a strong one-two punch with fellow 2020 safety-turned-linebacker Michael Morales.
“Last year we didn’t have that many returning starters, but we all came together and since not a lot of us had experience, we kind of all worked together,” Villarreal said. “Now we’re ready to go into the season.”
Morales had four picks and 71 tackles to highlight a new era of defense on campus.
“Me and Michael have been friends since eighth grade,” Villarreal said. “I’ve always loved playing with him. When I got to play with him again last year — we understand each other. We know how to do combos and stuff so it helps us out.”
The coach elaborated on his defensive continuity. More impact players will come back for another varsity season.
“It’s not like last year where we replaced nine starters,” Littleton said. “We’re not doing that this year, so we’re a lot better than what we were last year.”
The former dominator of District 30-6A will enter 2019 determined to bounce back after falling short of a fifth straight district championship. PSJA High claimed that while the next three teams finished 5-2. The Mustangs finished second but needed to win their last game of the season against McAllen Rowe to earn a postseason berth.
“After last season, we were left with a little bit of a bitter taste in our mouth after we finished second, which is no slouch. We felt like we had an opportunity to win, it but we didn’t get it done,” Littleton said. “I think it was a little bit of a wake-up call and a little bit of a humbling experience for them. Hopefully, it made them a little bit hungrier coming into the fall.”
The Mustangs still have one of the most electric backs in the region in Campbell Speights, who is just 27 yards away from 5,000 in his career. Speights will be a senior.
“Just like I say at the start of every spring: he’s bigger, he’s stronger and he’s just as fast and that’s a true statement,” Littleton said. “He hasn’t lost any speed, his weight room numbers have gone up tremendously. We’re really excited. He’s just a great kid. He’s going to have a great season if he can stay healthy and does everything he needs to do.”
Even though last year’s opening week starter, Sean Skaugen, will graduate, the Mustangs are in fine shape at quarterback. Joseph Lara was called into action last season and led Memorial into a playoff spot down the stretch.
“The first game was a little nerve-wracking, but as it went on it became a little easier on my part. Overall as a team, we did great,” Lara said.
Lara, Littleton and offensive line coach Robbie Jasso know as the line goes, the Mustangs will follow.
“We have a big line. We have the size and everything. They’re just helpful when we ground and pound, just pushing back the defense,” Lara said.