McALLEN — Former McAllen Memorial head coach Bill Littleton unexpectedly announced his retirement June 2, leaving a hole at the helm for the first time in 18 years
The vacancy only lasted 20 days, with Moses Patterson being named interim head coach after spending the previous eight years as the Mustangs’ defensive coordinator.
On Monday, Patterson led his team onto the gridiron, ushering in a new era of McAllen Memorial football.
Patterson will look to fill big shoes left by Littleton, who left the Mustangs as its winningest head coach, recording an 156-87 mark, including 14 playoff appearance.
“I think there is always pressure when you’re talking about Memorial High School in any sport,” Patterson said. “The kids know what is expected of them. They know that, traditionally, they have a target on their back.
“But, at the same time, we talk about culture. That’s a big part of it. We expect our guys to do the right things and go out there and work hard. If we do that, a lot of the other stuff is going to take care of themselves.
He inherits a team overflowing with potential, returning 17 starters from last season’s co-district championship squad, the most of any team in District 16-5A DI.
The offense brings back eight starters, including four of five linemen. Junior left guard Thomas Domian will be an imposing presence in the trenches, measuring 6-foot-3, 255 pounds.
He’ll be joined by returning letterman Alejandro Avila, Devin Villarreal and Jaylun Williams, who should help the Mustangs’ ground-and-pound offense continue its dominance, averaging 320.3 yards per game last season.
Running backs Ethan Castillo and Max Alaniz-Choy will step into prominent roles, serving as backups last season. Castillo was the Mustangs third option last year, toting the rock 78 times for 468 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Alaniz-Choy made the most of his limited action, registering 14 carries for 259 yards and three touchdowns.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to have some excellent ball carriers in the backfield,” Patterson said. “We feel like we’re going to have that same situation this year. But, really and truly, I believe everything starts up front with our big guys. They’re done an exceptional job. They’re ready to go.”
The defense returns nine of 11 starters, the most in the district, including twin siblings Jaden and Jalen Muhammad. The playmaking safeties combined to force seven turnovers last year.
Meanwhile, senior inside linebacker Juan Fuentes and defensive end Marcos De Ochoa are back to anchor the front seven. De Ochoa is coming off a 76 tackle and 8 sack season, while Fuentes, a two-year starter, ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 63, adding six tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
“The defense has been flying around to the football and moving really well,” Patterson said. “There is a lot of communication going on. I think that speaks back to bringing nine back. They’re very familiar with each other and know what to expect. We’re looking forward to them being a big part of the puzzle this season.”
While following Littleton’s legendary career won’t be an easy task, he is ready to take on the challenge, Patterson said, using what he learned from his predecessor to lead the Mustangs.
The team has rallied behind Patterson as he enters his first year at the helm, senior tight end Eric Rodriguez said.
“It’s like Coach Littleton never left,” he said. “He (Patterson) took over right where Coach Littleton left off. We’re just rolling with the punches and going with it. He’s a great guy. He knows a lot of stuff. You ask him a question and he’ll fire an answer right back at you. He’s got great experience and we’re just happy to have him.”
McAllen Memorial kicks off the season with a non-district matchup Aug. 27, hosting Edinburg Vela at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs open up District 16-5A DI competition Sept. 3, taking on crosstown rival McAllen High at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.