By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
There was quite a celebration Monday at Canales Field for Brownsville St. Joseph’s first football practice, complete with fireworks, a DJ blasting music and strobe lights.
Bloodhounds coach Tino Villarreal admitted to his team that he had some doubts at times about whether it would play this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic before practice began. He told them to appreciate the opportunity and take advantage of it, and the players responded.
At the end of the night, Villarreal said it was one of the best first practices he has experienced in his career, and he was proud of the effort and energy his team showed. He said the turnout was better than he expected, considering the short notice.
“We couldn’t be more excited. We’ve been waiting for this day since Aug. 3,” Villarreal said. “To finally get the green light to come out here and test the protocols, it’s a dream come true for anybody in the Rio Grande Valley right now. There’s excitement mixed with a little bit of caution.”
The practice had all the familiar elements: agility and footwork drills, position groups, some 7-on-7 action to end the night. But there were some adjustments because of safety protocols and guidelines in place.
Athletes and coaches wore masks, gaiters or face shields, and some players kept them on under their helmets. Coaches continuously reminded athletes to maintain six feet of social distancing during breaks and as they transitioned to new stations. Villarreal preached making smart decisions outside of practice, like going straight home to shower and wash workout clothes and equipment instead of going out to eat or to a friend’s house, to keep themselves and others healthy.
“I always told them we’d be out here, I promised them we would, but the last thing we want to do is be part of something that is going to affect our families at home and our community. We want to make sure that we’re out here practicing in the best, safest environment for our kids and the community,” Villarreal said.
The tweaks didn’t seem to bother the Bloodhounds, who still had plenty of fun being back on the field with their teammates. Villarreal said he has a handful of players who transferred to SJA this year, and those additions mixed with an experienced offensive line and a strong senior class have the Bloodhounds expecting big things from this season.
Senior wide receiver Lucky Edge and his brother, Tomas, are among the transfers, returning to SJA after a stint at Brownsville Veterans Memorial. Lucky Edge said it was “super nostalgic” to return to Canales Field, where he played from seventh to 10th grade, and believes the bond between the senior group will lead to a successful season despite the delayed start compared to TAPPS Division II-District 3 opponents.
“The big decision that led to me coming back to St. Joe was that we’re going to play here,” Edge said. “It’s my senior year and I’m expecting a big year, and I didn’t want any ifs or buts. I knew if I came here, we were going to play no matter what, and I’m going to give it my all with all my teammates.
“I think we’re going to have a great season,” he continued. “Even though we’re starting a little bit behind, I think we’re ready. We’ve taken some beatings in the past years, but we’re ready to go and get it. This is our year.”
Junior quarterback Luigi Cristiano is a key player Villarreal is excited about this year, and Edge said the two have good chemistry that they tested at a 7-on-7 tournament last weekend. Cristiano said even though the Bloodhounds only have three weeks to prepare for their first district contest, he’s confident in the work ethic he and his teammates will put forth to be ready.
“We’ve been waiting forever for this moment, and to finally be able to come out here and practice hard, it was awesome,” Cristiano said. “We were a little slow (Monday), first day back, but everyone’s trying really hard and that’s all we can ask for at this point. We’re not in football shape yet, but we’ll be there in no time by practicing hard like we did (Monday). I promise you, Week 1, we’ll be ready. This is the year we’re going to go crazy.”