RIO GRANDE CITY — The Grulla Gators opened the 2020 season with three consecutive losses before winning their season finale 28-20 against the Kingsville King Brahmas, punching their ticket to the Class 4A DI playoffs.
Then, the Gators were struck with a devastating blow, having to forfeit their first-round postseason match against the Calallen Wildcats due to a positive COVID-19 test within their program.
Now, the Gators are primed to contend for the District 16-4A DI title, returning 16 starters from last season’s squad.
“With that much experience, it’s easy as far as teaching and installing stuff,” Gators head coach Abel Gonzalez said. “It’s a lot of repetition for these guys. That makes it a little smoother for us as far as our installation period and what we’re trying to put in. But then again with expectations, they’re just expectations and we have to put in the work.
“We got to attack one day at a time and win the day then we will see where the chips fall in the end. As long as we put in the work, if we can stay healthy, I expect some good things from this football team.”
Grulla will field one of the most experienced offenses in the Valley, returning nine starters, including four of five offensive linemen. Anchoring the trenches are Jovany Lopez, a second-team all-district selection a season ago, and Lupe Bazan, a thirdyear starter.
“The fact that we’re bringing four of our lineman from last year, that’s always where I believe it starts, up front,” Gonzalez said. “So, to have that experience there, it’s key for us.”
Senior quarterback Austin Garcia will orchestrate the Gators’ spread offense, stepping into the starting role after spending the past two seasons learning from the sidelines.
Garcia will have an abundance of weapons to work with during his first year, including 2020 District 16-4A DI Newcomer of the Year Jason Vega, a running back, and a pair of first-team all-district wide receivers in Josue Barrera and Roy Guzman.
Garcia’s teammates have praised their new leader through his first few practices, applauding him for taking the next step and emerging as a team captain.
“He’s taken on the leadership role very strong,” Barrera said. “He’s ready for this moment. I know he’s ready. I can’t wait to see what he’s got.”
“Our QB, he’s been with us since freshman year. He’s stepped into the leadership role very beautifully. He’s showing the young guys how we roll and what it means to be varsity,” Lopez said.
The Gators’ defense returns seven of 11 starters, the most of any team in District 16-4A DI.
The defense is led by four seniors in Derick Amaro, Jorge Guerrero, Guzman and Barrera, all who earned all-district selections one year ago.
Linebackers Amaro and Guerrero will navigate the middle of the field, while Barrera and Guzman, who earned all-district selections as receivers and defensive backs last year, will be tasked with patrolling the air.
Amaro believes the Gators defense is primed for a big year after a full offseason under their belt and the return of experience across the board.
“Our defense has been communicating very well,” he said. “We all know how we play. We know where we mess up and how we can help each other. We’re just excited to go out there and hit somebody.”
The Gators open their non-district schedule Aug. 26 at Brownsville Porter, followed by four additional non-district games before kicking off District 16-4A DI play Oct. 8 against the Hidalgo Pirates at home.
“I’ve never seen a team as hungry as we are right now,” Lopez said. “It might be big talk. We might be talking a little too early, but these boys are ready. We’ve been putting in so much work this offseason. It’s just beautiful to see.”
ivan@themonitor. com