DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

Mercedes’ quarterback competition isn’t completely over, but it’s fairly close.

After a strong couple of scrimmages, sophomore Zach Gomez will start for the Tigers this week at Calallen. Gomez has stood out because of his quick feet and ability to extend plays.

“He’s a very confident kid, a very strong kid,” Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. said. “He just takes what the defense gives him.”

Adame said Gomez will get most of the reps with the first team during practices this week, but that senior D.J. Saenz also will see time under center.

Aside from finding their quarterback, the Tigers may have also found another offensive weapon during the preseason.

Sophomore running back Fabian Ledesma impressed with his speed and athleticism. Ledesma had three touchdowns during last week’s scrimmage at Port Isabel, including a pair of runs that went for more than 50 yards each.

RELOADED LINE

PSJA High is young and raw this season, but coach Steve Marroquin likes the growth he saw during the Bears’ two scrimmages.

The most improvement from the first scrimmage against San Benito to last week’s finale against Brownsville Veterans Memorial came on the offensive line. The Bears are replacing all five starters from last season and currently have a seven-man rotation: Andy Enriquez, Nathaniel Herrera, Nick Salazar, Orlando Huerta, Michael Portillo, Oscar Sanchez and Jacob Gonzalez.

“You have to have great continuity up front,” Marroquin said. “They’re the ones who run the show. They improved and you could see it.”

All seven have never played varsity football, nor have they played together. The first step is getting them acquainted with the Bears’ base offense.

“These are guys hungry for competition,” Marroquin said. “The most important thing is being able to execute before anything else. It’s assignment football, and their communication is better and we’re doing a good job moving from one play to the next.”

A GOOD PROBLEM

Donna High does not have a set starter at quarterback, but that’s not a bad thing for the Redskins.

With Amonte Bowen’s healthy return after missing all but two games last season with a collarbone injury, Donna High essentially has two quarterbacks — senior Edward Dougherty, who stepped in admirably during Bowen’s absence last season, and Bowen, who entered 2014 set to be the Redskins’ signal-caller.

During the preseason, coach Ramiro Leal has swapped the two. Against Los Fresnos in the first scrimmage, Bowen played quarterback, while last week against Brownsville Rivera, Dougherty was under center.

Either way, Donna High looked good. Whenever one was at quarterback, the other was at tailback, and the offense ran smoothly.

“We don’t lose or gain anything with the ‘starter’ label,” Leal said. “One doesn’t bring any more than the other. As games go on, if someone is executing better, we’ll stick with them.

“It’s a good problem to have.”

Leal has an idea who will start this week’s opener against Brownsville Veterans Memorial, but it will be dependent upon how each practices. What matters most, Leal said, is that both are on the field.

Whoever is taking snaps and whoever is in the backfield or split out wide is irrelevant.

“It’s been working out pretty good for us and we’re in a rhythm,” Leal said. “I like that they’re not selfish and they’re sharing the load. It’s about the team and they complement each other real well. We’ll go in and see who’s executing the game plan as we go.”

[email protected]

RGVSPORTS.COM

LOS FRESNOS — Los Fresnos endured a slow start in its scrimmage Friday against Edinburg High.

Despite the slow start, the Falcons finished strong by scoring four touchdowns during two quarters of game condition while shutting out the Bobcats. After seeing the Bobcats win the controlled portion of the scrimmage 1-0, the Falcons cruised to a 28-0 triumph during the game situation periods.

Edinburg High scored the initial TD of the night on its second possession during the controlled portion. The Bobcats’ lone score came on a 4-yard run off left guard to cap a 13-play possession.

After that, it was all Falcons.

MERCEDES VS. PORT ISABEL: At Port Isabel, the Tigers topped the Tarpons 6-1 in the controlled session of their scrimmage and 28-7 in live action.

Mercedes scored on five straight drives before the Tarpons were able to get on the board during the controlled session.

Sophomore quarterback Zack Gomez ran for three TDs and threw for another. Sophomore running back Fabian Ledesma ran for three more TDs, including two of more than 50 yards.

“We worked in practice on starting fast and finishing and that’s what I saw tonight,” Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. said. “We had some mistakes last week that I wanted to correct and that was our goal, to continue to improve. I wanted to see how these kids responded and they did exactly what I want to see.”

Mercedes scored three more times, two on the ground and another through the air during the live action session, when most of the younger players were in for the starters.

EDINBURG VELA VS. McALLEN ROWE: At Edinburg, the SaberCats won the live portion 21-14 in their lone scrimmage of the season.

Robert Guerra scored on the ground, as did wide receivers Michael Arguelles and Johnny Davila in the controlled portion. Quarterbacks Fabian Pedraza and Nate Garcia split time in the controlled part, with Pedraza leading the live sets.

More than anything, Vela coach Michael Salinas was impressed with the team’s defense.

“I think our guys ran to the football well,” he said. “We have to clean some things up. Coach (Paul) Reyes and his staff did a good job of giving you multiple sets offensively. But I thought we made strides.”

Reyes said he thought his new defense applied pressure but needs to improve its conditioning and do a better job getting off the field on third down.

DONNA NORTH VS. SHARYLAND PIONEER: At Donna, Pioneer won the controlled (2-0) and live part (4-0) of their scrimmage.

In the extra session, the Diamondbacks scored once again before blanking Donna North.

“We didn’t give up big plays; we stopped the run,” Pioneer coach Jason Wheeler said. “We did a pretty good job of getting off the field on third down. And offensively we were balanced. We passed well, (making) short passes.

Alec Cruz caught two short passes before taking it 50 yards for a TD. He also scored on the ground. Middle linebacker Joe Garza also impressed.

Pioneer didn’t commit a turnover all night, even as it auditioned three running backs. Wheeler also said the team was “in better shape” than last year, thanks to added focus on conditioning during two-a-days.

LA JOYA VS. MISSION VETERANS: At La Joya, Mission Vets drew a 1-1 tie in the controlled portion of its scrimmage before winning 7-0 in the live set.

Diego Hernandez connected with Bobby Tovar on a 60-yard TD in the controlled part. He also found Landry Gilpin a 45-yard score in live action. With three starters out on offense and two on defense, coach David Gilpin said his players looked “rusty.”

“First time out of the box is always a struggle but you see tremendous improvement the next week,” Gilpin said. “The good thing is, there wasn’t one smile in our post-game huddle. Sure, we got a win against a quality opponent, but we have work to do. So while this win is important, tomorrow’s film session is equally important.”

LAREDO NIXON VS. ROMA: At Roma, Ramon Espinoza tallied 123 yards and three touchdowns as Roma won 29-0 in a live, four-quarter scrimmage.

Andy Marroquin threw for 115 yards and a touchdown, finding Damian Villarreal on a 55-yard strike. Alexis Escoto intercepted a pass, and Angel Gomez recorded a safety when he sacked the quarterback in the end zone.

“Getting a shutout is good,” Roma coach Max Habecker Jr. said. “We still have to improve. So we’ll go out there and address what we need to do to get better.”

MISSION HIGH VS. EDINBURG NORTH: At Edinburg, Mission High beat Edinburg North 3-1 in the controlled portion and 14-7 in the live.

“We looked a lot better than we did a week ago, definitely,” Mission High coach Mario Pena said. “We executed better on offense. We definitely did a better job attacking on defense.”

Execution was the primary focus on offense, as the Eagles continued to keep their new, up-tempo offense mostly under wraps ahead of the season opener.

LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN VS. GRULLA: At Rio Grande City, La Joya Juarez-LIncoln and Grulla split both the controlled portion of the scrimmage and the two live quarters 1-1.

Huskies coach Tommy Garcia said quarterback Obed Fernandez showed well as both a rusher and passer, while Robert Garcia scored a touchdown and had another 70-yard score called back due to penalty. Juarez-Lincoln started five sophomores on offense and another five on defense.

“We saw some good things from them, they just have to grow up and mature right now,” Garcia said.

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

ELSA — Junior quarterback Marco Aguinaga may not know what to expect from Edcouch-Elsa’s new pass-happy offense. The season opener is still a little more than a week away.

But he can feel it.

“I like it. My elbow doesn’t like it,” Aguinaga said. “I know I need to step up in my passing game, but as a quarterback you always want more responsibility and I like what I’m seeing.”

The Yellowjackets wanted to go a different direction offensively after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season last year. They brought in Gene Garza as offensive coordinator. Garza was head coach at La Villa from 2007-2011 and an assistant coach at Edcouch-Elsa for five years prior to that.

Garza is recognized for his offensive mind, favoring a style of play that sets up the run by passing the ball instead of the vice-versa method utilized by much of the Valley, particularly in District 32-5A where the Yellowjackets reside. Edcouch-Elsa’s running game accounted for 66.5 percent of its offense last season.

“We will definitely pass the ball more than run,” said Garza, whose offense borrows principles from Mike Leach and Urban Meyer.

During practice earlier this week, the Yellowjackets ran a lot of four-receiver sets. Not once did they hand off the ball for a run during offensive drills. They used the short, middle and long of the field.

It’s quite a different look from E-E offenses in the past that were ground-and-pound, with the quarterback more of a caretaker than playmaker.

“You’re going to see a bunch of nickel packages (defensive alignments that use an extra defensive back) from defenses going against our offense,” defensive end Julio Contreras said. “It’s very fast and a lot more passing. This offense fits the players we have.”

It starts with Aguinaga, 2014’s All-Valley Newcomer of the Year. Known as more of a runner than thrower, Aguinaga ran for 812 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and threw for 1,108 and nine, respectively.

But his accuracy and confidence have improved. Garza said Aguinaga is adapting well to the offense and is coachable. He’s also surrounded by a slew of pass-catching talent in Andrew Segura, Moises Gomez, J.J. Flores and others.

“Our offensive coaching staff is doing a heck of job with multiple formations and utilizing the types of kids we have,” E-E coach Joe Marichalar said. “Their goal is to put up points, and do it fast. We have the kids to do that. We have a lot of speed, so it’s a big plus for the type of offense we’re learning.”

JACKET TARGETS

Because of the aforementioned talent at receiver, Aguinaga will have plenty of weapons to choose from.

Segura is a deep threat, while Gomez is deadly over the middle. Flores is arguably the fastest of the bunch. And that’s not even considering players like all-around athlete Tey Valdez and 6-foot-2 receiver Adrian Rodriguez.

“Anyone can make plays,” Marichalar said. “We’re expecting a lot of great things with those guys, and we need it. Our skill is going to carry us. Our emphasis will be winning the trenches and letting our skill guys make plays.”

QUICKER LINE

The Yellowjackets graduated all three starters on their defensive line, but they’re confident in the pieces stepping in.

Junior Elias Muñoz and senior Julio Contreras are the staples up front, but there is plenty of young depth, including juniors Eddie Gomez, Jacob Hernandez and camp surprise Seth Garcia.

The 5-foot-8, 195-pound Garcia has stood out because of his energy and strength. He is one of Edcouch-Elsa’s top powerlifters.

“Because of his strength, I knew he was going to be able to help us,” Marichalar said. “I just didn’t know he’d be as explosive as he is. He’s opened some eyes and he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

The Yellowjackets’ line lost some strength and girth, but makes up for it in speed and quickness. That will allow more creativity in the read-and-react, technique defense.

“They’re going to be fast and they’re going to make plays,” linebacker Sammy Alaniz said. “We’re not worried about the D-line.”

MORE TOGETHER

Another aid to the new offense will be the offensive line, led by junior center Elijah Sanchez and senior guard Jared Cantu.

The line has been sound in protection during scrimmages and practices, giving Aguinaga plenty of time to work. In general, Aguinaga and Cantu said there is better chemistry on offense.

“The coaches are more disciplined, the quarterback is getting it together and the O-line looks good,” Cantu said. “We’re more united. Everybody last year wasn’t really flowing with each other. We’re more of a team and we’re just working harder.”

[email protected]

===============================

EDCOUCH-ELSA’S PROGNOSIS

The Yellowjackets are desperate to snap a streak of two straight years of losing in the first round of the playoffs. A new offense could be a big help, but the natural development of key players that were sophomores last year will make the biggest difference.

Projected 2015 Record: 9-3

TENURE

Coach: Joe Marichalar

Year at school: Third

Record at Edcouch-Elsa: 15-7

================================

Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View

Hidalgo

McAllen Rowe

La Joya Palmview

PSJA Southwest

Mission High

Mercedes

PSJA High

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln

Edinburg Economedes

Edinburg North

Edinburg Vela

Edinburg High

Progreso

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. likes what he sees from the Tigers’ defense this preseason.

“They’re aggressive and they’re relentless,” Adame said. “We want physicality. I like the speed, I like the effort and I like the toughness. Because of the way we’re practicing, we feel like this team will be fast to the ball and do a good job tackling.”

The Tigers have veterans in linebackers Fabricio Quintanilla and David Alvarado, and cornerback Damien Ledesma, but otherwise return just one starter on the unit. Adame said there is a good rotation on the defensive line, but no true standout, and the quarterback of the defense, the middle linebacker, has a few competitors, with senior Adrian Noriega the frontrunner for the starting spot.

“Adrian is a big boy with quick feet,” Adame said. “He’s instinctive and can find the ball, and as a linebacker you need that. That’s what’s impressed me the most. When he hits you, you’re going to feel it.”

The Tigers graduated their leading tackler in Jorge Solis, and defensive backs Roel Garcia and Tristan Gutierrez, who combined for seven interceptions. Still, that hasn’t deterred the reigning District 32-5A champs from boasting high expectations.

“We’re as quick as last year,” Quintanilla said. “We’re attacking the ball and nothing’s changed. We know we’re going to be taking everybody’s best shot and we’re ready for it.”

FAST JAVS

PSJA Southwest notched a program-best 6-4 record last season by starting games fast and error-free.

“We preach that, maintain and finish strong,” Javelinas coach Jesus Reyes said. “We have to be ready to play every night, be confident in ourselves.

“When people start fast, it’s because they don’t make mistakes. One play flows into another.”

A fast start did not happen during Southwest’s scrimmage last week at Raymondville. Reyes liked the effort, but acknowledged his team was sluggish from “too much excitement.”

“As far as playing hard and focused, our kids did that,” he said.

Reyes praised the work of the offensive line and how the running backs and quarterback Darren Estrada took care of the ball. He also said the defensive line performed well, led by Ricky Ramirez.

Southwest has a controlled scrimmage this week versus McAllen and Hidalgo.

“We just want to go out there and execute,” Reyes said. “We don’t want misalignments and missed assignments.”

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH?

Junior Victor Romero stood out during Edcouch-Elsa’s scrimmage last week at Hidalgo.

Romero, a receiver/cornerback, scored two touchdowns and seems to be another weapon for the Yellowjackets’ new open, pass-oriented offense.

“We wanted to see what he can do,” Edcouch-Elsa coach Joe Marichalar said. “He showed he can handle it. He opened up some eyes with his playmaking ability.”

Marichalar said he initially wanted to work Romero in as a returner. But Romero saw some time at receiver and produced.

The 5-foot-7, 145-pounder adds another dynamic dimension to a speedy wideout core of Andrew Segura, Moises Gomez and J.J. Flores.

“Vic’s one of our fastest guys,” Marichalar said. “We knew what he could do, we just didn’t know if it could happen at the varsity level. I was going to slowly transition him, but he got in and he started making plays.”

[email protected]

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

MERCEDES — Mercedes is the reigning District 32-5A champion, and there is enough returning talent for the Tigers to defend their title.

But if they are to do so, the Tigers have to find their next quarterback, and quickly. After boasting All-Valley signal-caller Rene Presas the last two seasons, Mercedes is hoping sophomore Zach Gomez or senior D.J. Saenz can step into some big shoes.

“No one’s clearly won that job,” Mercedes coach Roger Adame Jr. said. “Both have done some good things and both have made mistakes. Hopefully after our scrimmages are done, we’ll have a clear understanding of who’s the frontrunner and then let him take more snaps with the (starters).”

The 5-foot-11 Gomez is more of a running quarterback, ideal for the Tigers’ play-action system. Saenz, also 5-11, has a strong arm with good accuracy.

Gomez has a good arm as well, but is not as accurate as Saenz, and Saenz is not as fast as Gomez. Gomez was the quarterback of the junior varsity last season, while Saenz backed up Presas and was the quarterback for Mercedes’ 7-on-7 team this summer.

“They’re both tremendous quarterbacks,” senior receiver Brandon Gutierrez said. “It’s a tough battle and whoever gets that starting spot will have earned it. With us, that means doing everything in our power to get as open as we can. We have to make their job as easy as possible.”

Adame talked to several coaches around the Valley and state that use a platoon system at quarterback. He is prepared to go that route if need be.

“They tell me, ‘Coach, there’s going to be one that stands out. It just may take a little longer,’” Adame said. “The good thing about both of these kids is they’re out their competing and competition is always good. The bad thing is they’re having to split the reps. No one is out there fulltime.”

Adame said he has made tweaks to his offense to accommodate each quarterback, but the thinking remains simple: take what the defense gives you.

“It depends what the situation is and what the defense gives us,” Adame said. “We don’t want to get greedy. We want these kids to know what they’re seeing and understand where they go because of it.”

STRONG OUT WIDE

With the Tigers going through a transition period at quarterback, Adame said he will lean on a veteran core of receivers in the meantime.

Mercedes returns its top two receivers in seniors Gutierrez and Daniel Martinez, and senior Raul Dena played in seven games.

“They do a tremendous job with their speed and catching the ball,” Adame said. “They’re working hard with the quarterbacks with the reads. With them and the running talent we have, it will help these quarterbacks blend in.”

Added Martinez: “We have a lot of young guys, and with the experience we have coming back we’re just trying to bring the same intensity we’ve always had.”

VELA’S BACK

Senior running back Isaac Vela hurt his leg during a Sept. 15 practice last season, missed three games and then played in bits as he was never completely healthy the rest of the way. In all, he played in just six of 11 games for the Tigers.

But coaches and teammates speak glowingly of Vela during camp these days and of the work he put in during the offseason.

“Toward the end of last season, he came back but he wasn’t the true Isaac,” Adame said. “He worked hard this offseason, making sure he was going to leave his mark his senior year.

“He put on 15 pounds of muscle, he’s shiftier, and his vision, of course, has always been there. He’s back to when he has the ball in his hands, he’s making something happen.”

Vela gives the Tigers a running game they sorely lacked in his absence.

“I feel real good. I feel fast,” Vela said. “I’m making the right reads again and I feel like myself out there.”

COMING UP

The Tigers return 10 starters and 18 lettermen, and they will be dependent upon a few budding sophomores with potential.

On offense, lineman Danny Melendez, running back Fabian Ledesma and Gomez all figure to play significant roles this season. Defensively, linebacker Roger Adame, the coach’s son, and defensive backs Raul Arteaga-Vilano and Ivan Vela, Isaac’s brother, are likely to see a lot of time on the field as well.

“The main thing is getting them used to the speed at this level,” Adame said. “They look good and they’re fighting, and no positions are set. We had all-district seniors last season who got beat out by younger guys, so this team knows no one’s job is safe.”

[email protected]

=============================

MERCEDES’ PROGNOSIS

The Tigers are confident they will defend their district title, but priority No. 1 is finding a quarterback. The rest is in place for Mercedes to build upon 2014.

Projected 2015 Record: 6-5

TENURE

Coach: Roger Adame Jr.

Year at school: Second

Record at Mercedes: 9-2

=============================

Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View

Hidalgo

McAllen Rowe

La Joya Palmview

PSJA Southwest

Mission High

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

SAN JUAN — PSJA High hopes to sustain the same identity it’s had during the two seasons so far under Steve Marroquin. That could be a challenge this year.

The Bears return just one starter on a defense that has carried the program under Marroquin, including last season’s playoff run.

“We have a saying here that we’re not going to rebuild, we’re going to reload,” Marroquin said. “That’s exactly what we’re trying to do. The kids are pumped up and ready to go. I like their energy and passion.”

The biggest hole is replacing All-Valley middle linebacker Christian Sanchez. Sergio Mendez, whose leadership Marroquin praises, will step in, but he started only three games last season. The Bears hope Mendez and some other potential diamonds in the rough can replace the impact Sanchez had upon opposing offenses.

One of those up-and-comers is senior defensive end Brandon Rios, who had four sacks in the three games he started last season.

“We have a challenge in front of us,” Rios said. “The team from last year had good players and this defense led us to the playoffs. It’s time for us other guys to step up.”

PSJA High was District 32-5A’s top defense, via points and yards against, by far last season. And with the offense further behind the defense in camp so far, it’s essential the Bears find a way to stop people if they’re going to play into mid-November.

The good news is the inexperienced players given more responsibility are showing the right attitude.

“These young guys have heart,” senior defensive end Carlos Martinez said. “Since day one this year, we’ve worked harder. I know we lost a lot of people, but it doesn’t mean we can’t win.

“It’s about making sure we’re a team. We have a lot of young pieces and we just want to make sure we’re working hard. It’s about making sure we have a positive attitude.”

MATURED UNDER CENTER

After being part of a three-man rotation at quarterback last season, senior Andrew Castañeda is set to be the man this season.

“Andrew’s the guy right now,” Marroquin said. “His play will dictate that. He learned a lot from last year and he’s gone through ups and downs. But I really like the place he’s in right now.

“I’m cautiously optimistic, but I feel good about what he can do this year.”

In nine games last season, Castañeda completed just 42 percent of his passes and had nine interceptions to three touchdowns. But he has looked like a different player during camp.

“He’s more motivated and dedicated in what he’s doing,” senior offensive lineman Oscar Sanchez said. “He’s doing a great job and he’s stepping up.”

Marroquin said Castañeda’s leadership and ability to manage the game have improved considerably. At his best, the 6-foot-1 Castañeda gives the Bears’ offense a vertical game because of his strong arm.

“It’s a lot easier for me this year,” Castañeda said. “I thought I matured last year, but I really grew up from last year. I didn’t know anything then, but I’m a lot smarter, better now.

“I’m ready to take this team as far as it needs to go.”

ONES TO WATCH

While inexperienced and young, the Bears do boast promise.

Marroquin raved about the play of senior athlete Alex Mancha, a three-year letterman who will play on both sides of the ball and averaged 13.9 yards per catch last season.

Marroquin also likes sophomore speedbug Joachin Almaguer and senior running back Marc Castillo. The backfield pair, affectionately called “Thunder and Lightning” by Marroquin, are strong complements to each other; Almaguer with his speed and energy and Castillo with his power and sturdiness.

STRONG NUMBERS

In his third year as head coach, Marroquin is excited about the direction of the program.

This year, Marroquin said there are 95 kids on the varsity and junior varsity teams, and 50 kids on the freshman team. They’re the most Marroquin has had so far.

“Our numbers are up, the program is up and the kids believe in the things that we’re doing,” Marroquin said. “We’re just getting after it.”

[email protected]

===============================

PSJA HIGH’S PROGNOSIS

To make the playoffs for a second straight year, the Bears will need a big impact from their defense. But that could be a chore with just one returning starter from last season.

Projected 2015 Record: 4-6

TENURE

Coach: Steve Marroquin

Year at school: Third

Record at PSJA High: 12-9

================================

Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View

Hidalgo

McAllen Rowe

La Joya Palmview

PSJA Southwest

Mission High

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

PHARR — PSJA Southwest fell one game shy last season of making the first playoff appearance in the football program’s short history. But there is enough on hand this season to play more than 10 games, and it starts with senior running back Jesus Acosta.

Acosta ran for 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Javelinas last season. Those numbers led District 32-5A.

“My goal is to hit at least 2,000 yards, and if I can’t do that then I’m definitely going to get more than the 19 touchdowns,” Acosta said. “I’m going to depend a lot on my offensive line. They’re blocking, they’re opening holes and there’s going to be more green grass for us.”

Acosta is the anchor, but he will have support around him in quarterback Darren Estrada, halfback Hector Pecina, receiver Brian Sifuentes and others. And it’s because of that support that coach Jesus Reyes is hoping his team is more diverse than it has been in the past.

“Jesus is going to get his carries,” Reyes said. “He gets stronger as the game goes on and he wants the ball. But we want to be more balanced. We want to be as close to 60-40 (running to passing) as much as we can.”

Aside from Acosta and Pecina in the backfield, David Alvarado adds more depth as a ballcarrier. Tight ends Eli Flores and Joaquin Perez are not as big as those in the past, but they’re faster and quicker.

“We have the speed and we have the experience,” Pecina said. “We feel we can carry this team far. We have Darren doing his thing at quarterback, we have speed with me outside and Jesus through the middle.”

But there is no question who the Javelinas will turn to when times get tough. Acosta ran track and played soccer during the offseason, put on almost 20 pounds of muscle and has shown a sense of urgency during camp.

“He’s going hard every play,” Sifuentes said. “He’s running to the end zone on every drill during practice, finishing through. He stays after practice to work. He’s doing everything he can.”

IN GOOD SPIRITS

The Javelinas went 6-4 last season, winning twice as many games as they won the previous two seasons combined. Because of that, the culture around camp these days is more enthused and uplifting.

“We’re a year older and the boys are excited,” Reyes said. “The attitude has been tremendous and it’s been a big difference from the first couple of years. Everything around us is positive.”

The primary key behind last season’s success was the leadership and no-nonsense attitude of the seniors. Reyes said the 15 seniors this season will be asked to step up.

So far, so good.

“We see a lot of brotherhood. We see people helping each other,” Sifuentes said. “We see commitment. We’re seeing a lot of good things out there.”

The hope is that will lead to better results.

“(6-4) is not what your goal is as a team,” Reyes said. “What it is, is something to build on. We want to be better and we want to make the playoffs.”

ENTER ESTRADA

Southwest enters its fourth season of varsity football play, and for the first time there will be someone new under center.

Estrada, a first-team all-district slot receiver last year, replaces the graduated Carlos Portales, the only signal-caller the Javelinas have known.

“I have some big shoes to fill, but I feel I can get the job done and work at a faster pace to get some wins,” Estrada said.

Estrada is playing quarterback for the first time since he was in eighth grade. He is a two-year varsity letterman.

“I’ve known him since middle school,” Acosta said. “He’s got speed and he’s got the arm. We’re not going to miss a beat.”

THE X-FACTOR

Junior strong safety Oscar Garay is an intriguing prospect for Southwest.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Garay played well last season despite it being his first year playing football at any level.

“It was a good experience, jumping right into things,” Garay said. “I’m glad I was just able to contribute. We had a great year and now we want to do even more. We have to keep working harder, keep going the extra mile.”

Garay, who will also see time at receiver, worked on his footwork, strength and conditioning during the offseason to get ready for a bigger role this year.

“He’s been excited, he’s a motivator,” Reyes said. “He’s having fun.”

[email protected]

========================================

SOUTHWEST’S PROGNOSIS

The Javelinas return 10 starters and 20 lettermen from a 6-4 team that finished one game shy of the playoffs. Behind the district’s top running back in Jesus Acosta, Southwest could make school history and get that elusive postseason berth this season.

Projected 2015 Record: 7-3

TENURE

Coach: Jesus Reyes

Year at school: 4th

Record at Southwest: 9-21

========================================
Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View

Hidalgo

McAllen Rowe

La Joya Palmview

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

DONNA — Last season was baptism by fire for Donna North. In their first year of varsity football play, the Chiefs were packed with sophomores, went 0-10, lost by an average of 27.4 points and were outscored 365-91.

Donna North’s potential for success this season will be dependent upon what it learned last year and how it adjusts.

“Our kids come back with a year’s experience,” Donna North coach Tommy Sauceda said. “That’s the biggest thing. It’s a year’s worth of experience for the offseason, a year’s worth for the summer program. They now know how to practice right, how to lift weights right.

“We talk about having the right intensity, a sense of urgency. We’re doing some good things and they’re ready to go. Our kids now know what it takes to compete.”

One positive his team can build on from last season, Sauceda said, is its attitude.

“We never quit. We competed,” he said. “We just need to put all four quarters together. We need to develop some consistency, get some first downs and play field position.”

Year 2 figures to be another trying one for the Chiefs, but a foundation is being established. Donna North, which returns 14 starters and 27 lettermen, wants to slow games down, run clock and ground-and-pound.

Igniting that will be an able offensive line. Led by juniors Juan Martinez and Luis Castilla, the line will be the rock of Donna North’s identity.

“We’re more mature and we’ve grown up,” Castilla said. “We’re more physical and stronger and it’s shown in camp.”

The offensive line will pave the way for the Chiefs’ go-to playmaker, junior running back Dominic Ochoa.

“I’ve known those guys for two years, some I’ve played with since middle school,” Ochoa said. “They trust me, I trust them.”

If Donna North can consistently control the trenches, which would be quite a feat for a young team, it could take a considerable step forward this season.

“It’s about getting off the ball faster, being quicker and being more physical,” Castilla said. “We’re doing better working toward a common goal, which is to win.”

RUNNING STRONG

Ochoa split time in the backfield last season and finished with more than 500 rushing yards. Many games, he was the Chiefs’ lone source of offense.

“How Dominic goes is going to be how our offensive linemen go,” Sauceda said. “Things are going good and they’re going to be our bread and butter in moving the chains and slowing down the game a little bit.”

Ochoa worked on his speed and agility during the offseason to counter what he expects to see from more attentive defenses this season.

“Last year I was getting a feel for the varsity game,” Ochoa said. “This year, I want more. I’ve got to keep pushing.”

ONE FOOT AHEAD

The Chiefs could have a new signal-caller this season.

Right now, Manny Ramirez, who shared time at quarterback last year, and Alex Saenz are competing for the spot, but Saenz has the edge. He will be the starter for today’s morning scrimmage against Port Isabel.

“Alex is getting better and he’s catching up to where he needs to be and what he needs to do at the varsity level,” Sauceda said. “Right now, he’s the frontrunner. He’s looking good and we’re excited to see him out there.”

LEARNING AND GROWING

Donna North will be fast on defense, but it won’t be big. Creating an identity there will be crucial if the Chiefs want to pick up wins.

“Getting tackles, interceptions, three-and-outs,” senior linebacker Manuel Lerma said. “We want to see results.”

The Chiefs are a throwback program that relies on the run game and strong defense. The talent is there for the former, but the latter remains an uncertainty.

“We made some mistakes last season and we learned,” Lerma said. “It was a year where we had to adjust to every single thing thrown our way. This year, we’re working on correcting them and taking what we learned to win some games.”

[email protected]

==================================

DONNA NORTH’S PROGNOSIS
Year 2 will be another challenging one for the Chiefs, but with a roster loaded with juniors they could go far establishing momentum for next season.

Projected 2015 Record: 2-8

TENURE

Coach: Tommy Sauceda

Year at school: 2nd

Record at Donna North: 0-10

====================================
Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View

Hidalgo

McAllen Rowe

La Joya Palmview

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

DONNA — The last time Donna High football won a district championship was 2007. This season, however, could change that.

The Redskins have been favored by multiple respected publications, such as Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine, to win District 32-5A. Returning 13 starters and 21 lettermen from a 6-4 team that finished second in district, Donna High has the ingredients on paper to make it happen, though the Redskins are not necessarily buying into the hype.

“It’s hindsight,” Donna High coach Ramiro Leal. “With having the most experience, I guess most would think we could be the favorites. But there are intangibles involved.

“That year we won district, we weren’t even predicted to make the playoffs. That just goes to show you that you never know.”

Camp practices have been sharper for the Redskins. Players acknowledge a greater intensity, more cohesive team, and, yes, plenty of talent in stock.

“The guys coming back, we’re just pushing everybody else,” senior lineman Troy Billman said. “The intensity is high and that’s how we’re getting better. There’s more of a sense of urgency.”

On offense, the Redskins have the steady (running back Paul Guerra; an offensive line buoyed by the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Billman and 6-foot, 225-pound J.J. Vallejo) and the dynamic (quarterback Edward Dougherty and multi-purpose athlete Amonte Bowen).

“The timing has been the biggest thing for us,” Dougherty said. “We worked hard all offseason with our offense. We know what each other is thinking now. Everybody is on the same page pretty early in the season.”

On defense, the Redskins are inexperienced in the secondary, but still boast an interior, led by defensive end Jorge Ibarra and defensive tackle Cesar Villegas, that is ahead of where it was at this time last season.

“We’re more advanced with our schemes,” Ibarra said. “We’re more versatile. I can go from defensive end to linebacker, our corners can move to safety, our middle linebacker can play outside, and so forth. That’s going to be an advantage for us.”

The Redskins say the right things. They know not to pay attention to preseason predictions and they are modest about what this season holds.

But they are aware they are targets, and they are also aware they can accomplish something that hasn’t been done in seven years.

“The pressure comes with the game,” Leal said. “We know we should be one of the favorites, and we take that responsibility that people are going to try to knock us out. We know people are going to bring their ‘A’ game when we play them.”

BACK IN FOLD

Bowen, who has played quarterback, receiver, tailback and tight end during his Redskins career, played just two games last season after suffering a collarbone injury during the preseason.

This preseason, however, he looks better than ever.

“Amonte put in a lot of work,” said Dougherty, Bowen’s best friend on the team. “Last year, he was about 220 (pounds) and he’s about 195 now. He’s faster, stronger and he just looks good out there.”

Leal is unsure how he will work Bowen and Dougherty together. They may split time at quarterback; one under center with the other at receiver. But the coach is certain finding that answer is a priority.

“We have some ideas, we have some concepts,” Leal said. “We have to find a way to have both of those guys on the field.”

STEPPING IN

The Redskins lost some experience in the defensive backfield, where they employ two cornerbacks and a safety as part of their 4-2-2 alignment.

“We’re a bit behind there, but with the kids we have we’re confident we’ll catch up pretty quick,” Leal said.

Seniors Marcos Castillo and Jarrod Garza will be asked to step up at the corners. Junior Noe Perez steps in for all-district performer Jon Marty at safety.

JUST FOR KICKS

The kicking game was a sore point for the Redskins last season.

A potential game-winning field goal was missed in a 14-13 loss to Weslaco High. Two field goals were missed in a four-point win against Brownsville Veterans Memorial. During a 14-7 overtime win against PSJA High, the Redskins prevailed despite missing three field goals.

“It was not on just the kicking, there were intangibles in play,” Leal said. “But the kicking game is a big point of emphasis for us. We can’t leave points out there. We started from day one working on our kicking.”

Kicker Luis Piña and punter Oscar Muñoz return, and they’ve looked promising in camp. Piña is getting better height on his kicks and his timing has improved. Muñoz has looked more comfortable.

“That experience from last year gives them confidence in knowing what to expect,” Leal said.

[email protected]

==================================

DONNA HIGH’S PROGNOSIS

Not only major publications, but some coaches around District 32-5A also feel the Redskins are the favorites in the district. If Donna High can exploit the versatile skills of QB Edward Dougherty and ATH Amonte Bowen, and shore up the kicking game, it has the ideal array of experience and skill on both sides of the ball to prove them right.

Projected 2015 Record: 11-2

TENURE

Coach: Ramiro Leal

Year at school: 3rd

Record at Donna High: 13-8

====================================

Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View

Hidalgo

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

HIDALGO — Change is the key word around Hidalgo football. New coach, new systems. Again.

For the third time in four years, the Pirates have a new coach. David Duty takes over a program that is 20-32 since 2010, seven of those wins coming in 2012, the last time Hidalgo won a district title.

“It’s a slow process,” Duty said. “The reason why I’m here is because it was broke. Hidalgo’s broke. We’ve got to let these kids know that we’ll love and care about them and we want to succeed. We don’t want to have a backseat to any other sports here.”

Duty brings a pistol formation on offense and a 4-3 look on defense, each a different alignment than what Hidalgo ran last year.

The Pirates have experience at quarterback in senior Peter Quiroz, in his third year under center, and talented skill players in receiver Eliud Castillo and running back Jesus Nino.

Quiroz rushed for more than 900 yards last season, and Castillo had more than 900 receiving yards.

“Coach is an outstanding guy who brings a lot to the table,” Quiroz said. “It’s a new offense and a new defense and that’s good. We’re willing to learn. We want to win. We know it’s all things that will make us better during the season.”

Duty has made a quick impression upon his athletes. Last week, he made visits to players’ homes. Practices are often a lesson in positivity, a few pats on the back here and encouraging talks there.

“Coach is just high intensity,” senior defensive end Jerry Hernandez said. “He’s really excited to be here. From what I’ve seen, he’s always the first guy here way before anyone else, and we feed off that energy.”

Now the question is if this new culture will translate to wins on the field.

“We have a lot of work to do, but I like that our core of kids has really bought into what we’re doing,” Duty said. “They’re listening, and more and more we’re seeing more snap, crackle and pop. I like that we’re getting better.”

A FITTING DEFENSE

Duty brought in Joe Garcia, formerly of PSJA Memorial and Edcouch-Elsa, as his defensive coordinator. Garcia, whom Duty called a “home-run hire,” brings the 4-3 defense, different from the 3-4 scheme the Pirates ran last year.

“We’re already looking better than last year’s defense,” senior defensive end Fernando Castro said. “We’ve been working hard on our outside contain, and we’re getting it done. Last year, teams getting around the edges killed us.

“It’s not going to be like last year.”

The Pirates ran the 4-3 two years ago, so it’s not entirely new. Duty can tell. His players already look comfortable in their new setting.

“It’s not a traditional defense,” Duty said. “It’s a different look with those linebackers outside and you have to change some blocking schemes. It’s giving us fits already, and I like that because I know it’ll give other people fits.”

GOTTA FINISH

The Pirates went 1-9 last season, but still could have made the playoffs had they beaten Grulla instead of losing 19-7.

Close games were a common theme for Hidalgo last season. The Pirates lost four games by 12 or fewer points.

“We need to finish,” Quiroz said. “The last two years, we’ve let too many games slip away. We don’t want to keep coming up short, and that’s something we’re working hard to change.”

STEPPING UP

Injuries have already hit Hidalgo. The Pirates are without their starting left tackle and backup left tackle.

But Duty has been impressed with the emergence of senior Said Aleman, a soccer player who never played football before this season.

“He’s a kid we didn’t really have on the depth chart,” Duty said. “But because of injuries, he’s stepped up and he’s looking like a guy we can work with this year. That’s always a good thing to find.”

The Pirates won’t get their starting left tackle, out with a broken arm, until the start of district play, but Aleman’s play has helped stem concern.

“He’s been here every day and he’s getting better,” Duty said. “I like what I’ve seen from him.”

[email protected]

=============================

HIDALGO’S PROGNOSIS

The first step for Hidalgo is establishing a culture, which is desperately needed for a program on its third coach in four years. On the field, the Pirates have the skill position players to compete in District 16-4A, Division I.

Projected 2015 Record: 3-7

TENURE

Coach: David Duty

Year at school: 1st

Record at Hidalgo: 0-0

=============================

Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour:

Weslaco East

Roma

La Joya High

Weslaco High

PSJA North

Grulla

La Villa

Monte Alto

Valley View