DONNA — Donna North head football coach Joe Marichalar has stirred up a formula he believes will win games.
He boiled it down to playing fast and being fundamental every down.
Winning has not come easy for the still-somewhat new school.
Last year, the team went 0-10 and it is 3-27 during the past three seasons.
But this season the team plans on hitting the field with a great attitude, and playing the best Chiefs football possible.
“Our goal is to put a better product on the field,” Marichalar said. “When the players line up, we want to execute and play fast.”
He said the team will be balanced on both sides of the ball, and the goal of the team is to play better football.
“We are trying to do the best we can and to put our players in situations to be successful,” Marichalar said. “If it’s our turn to make some noise, then that’s what we expect.”
Moving from Class 5A to 6A last season was a difficult transition for the Chiefs.
“We are expecting to win more than three games this year,” senior receiver Rey Dena said. “It’s all our school has ever won.”
Dena said, the team has been working hard in the weight room and the practice field and plans and make history this year.
“We are going to get our school noticed, and put some wins on the board,” Dena said. “We are ready to compete.”
Dena said the team has its sights on beating cross-town rival Donna High the first game of the season Aug. 30, and neighboring teams in Weslaco when they meet later in the year.
“Last year was not our best year,” Dena said. “But this year it’s a new us, and a new year.”
He said the keys to success are protecting their quarterback and moving the ball.
“Our quarterback can run, he can throw, he can read the defense,” Dena said. “He can do it all.”
He said the team has trust in Brandon Escobar, the Chiefs’ returning quarterback, and is confident in being able to move the ball forward and score against their opponents.
“I’m going out there and going to give it my all,” Dena said. “I promised my teammates that I’m going all out for them and going to score and put points on the board for them.”
He said his mindset going into the season is to do everything he can to help his team win.
The squad will meet Monday morning for its first preseason practice to kick off their two-a-days.
“We have been busting our butts putting in the work to get faster and stronger,” junior defensive back/fullback Fabien Martinez said.
“We went through hard times last season,” Martinez said. “(Going) 0 and 10 is just not going to work out for us this year.”