Author: Dennis Silva II

by Dennis Silva II

2014 CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW: Already impressive, E-E’s Krysta Martinez has more work to do

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

ELSA — In two years, Krysta Martinez has already accomplished what most high school athletes only dream of.

The Edcouch-Elsa junior cross country runner has won five straight individual district championships, qualified for the Class 4A state meet each of the last two years, and earned a trip to nationals last season.

But Martinez figures she has more in store before her storybook career comes to an end.

“This year I want to break my (personal) time and place at least top three in state,” Martinez said. “It feels good doing what I’ve done, but I have more goals and I have to keep pushing myself.”

Martinez finished 12th at state last season after finishing 27th her freshman year. That is a considerable leap, and she’s working another big leap this season.

Martinez’s workouts include running six miles in the mornings before hitting the weights, and then running another three miles in the afternoon.

“There’s a lot of competition,” she said. “State is somewhere you have to work harder than you ever have before. It takes a lot of focus, and I’m already there.

“I’m going to have to fight to get where I want to be.”

Edcouch-Elsa girls cross country coach Juan Perez III said that should be no problem.

“She has more experience,” Perez said. “That’s the biggest thing. Nothing is surprising anymore. She puts in the time and she has the talent.

“There are people who just get by on talent, but she also works hard, and that’s why she is where she is.”

Martinez set a personal record of 18:05 last season, but, of course by her standards, it’s not good enough. She’s aiming for at least a 17:45.

“The goal is always to improve on what she’s done before,” Perez said. “It’s not going to be easy. People know who she is, and there are other athletes who will be hungry, trying to beat her.

“She’s done well these last two years, and hopefully we continue to build on that.”

From the time she started running in seventh grade, becoming enamored with the sport when she watched her cousin Fabian Garza compete at his own meets, to now, Martinez has improved her pacing and finishing kicks.

Her final mile is often as strong, if not stronger, than her first.

“She has speed and endurance, and that’s hard to find,” Perez said. “She’s a strong finisher and she’s learning how to run her race. She’s a more mature runner.”

Martinez desires to run at the University of Oregon, known for its premier running programs. That is her ultimate dream. First, however, she has unfinished business as a Yellow Jacket, and there is no telling what story is told when it’s all said and done.

“I know I can’t be content with success,” she said. “I can get better, I can do more. I have to keep working hard and pushing harder.

“Nothing will be given to me because of what I’ve already done.”

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Here are six runners to keep an eye on as the 2014 cross country season approaches:

Mission Veterans Memorial junior G.J. Reyna: Finished second at the district meet last season with a time of 15:36.16. Placed fifth at regionals with a time of 15.25.

Mission Veterans Memorial junior Martin Garcia: Has been running since he was a freshman and is a key ingredient in turning around the Patriots’ program. Big things are expected from him this season.

PSJA Southwest junior Victor Pedraza: Placed fourth at the district meet last season with a time of 15:42. Finished eighth at regionals with a time of 15:24.

Edinburg Economedes senior Emily Suarez: Always a threat to dominate a meet, Suarez had a down year last season by her standards, but still finished fourth at the district meet and earned a trip to regionals.

Sharyland Pioneer senior Lizette Chapa: Chapa is one of the stronger runners in Class 6A and should be ready to produce an impressive swan song for her senior campaign.

Edcouch-Elsa sophomore Leslie Alvarado: Alvarado is following in teammate Krysta Martinez’s tracks after qualifying for state last year as a freshman. Alvarado finished second at the district meet with a time of 19:11.07 and sixth at regionals with a time of 18:14.9.

by Dennis Silva II

Edcouch-Elsa closer to getting answers after scrimmage with Weslaco East

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

ELSA — It wasn’t who Edcouch-Elsa thought it was getting, but it was enough.

The Yellowjackets scrimmaged a depleted Weslaco East on Friday at Benny Layton Sr. Memorial Stadium. The Wildcats, who scrimmaged Mission High last week, held out their entire starting offense and starting secondary on defense.

Edcouch-Elsa won the controlled portion (25 plays each) 6-0, and then won the live portion (two 12-minute quarters) 3-0 on an uncontested 39-yard field goal from Mauricio Ochoa.

But the happiest coach afterward was East’s Mike Burget.

“I don’t want to scrimmage on a Friday and then play next Thursday (against Brownsville Rivera),” Burget said. “I want to see what the backups had, and they showed a lot of heart. They held a pretty good team down. I’m proud of them.”

The Yellowjackets’ main interest was the quarterbacks, and they only made what figures to be a tough decision more difficult.

In the live portion, junior Andrew Segura, No. 1 on a four-man depth chart, went 1-for-4 passing for 20 yards and carried it four times for 11 yards. Sophomore Marco Aguinaga, the No. 2 QB, went 2-for-3 passing for 18 yards and ran it twice for 20 yards.

Both were strong in the controlled portion. Segura was 2-for-3 passing for 15 yards, with six carries for 40 yards. Aguinaga went 2-for-3 passing for 23 yards and six carries for 70 yards and a 46-yard TD.

Each had a strong arm and showed dynamic running ability. Segura was better between the tackles and within, while Aguinaga showed his stuff on the outside.

No. 3 QB Moses Gomez saw snaps under center in the controlled portion, but not the live.

“Those guys did a great job,” Edcouch-Elsa coach Joe Marichalar said. “Us as coaches, we have to sit down and be very thorough about what we’re looking for. Their ability to make plays … if they don’t see something, either can tuck it and go. It’s good for us.”

E-E’s offense was more fluid in the controlled portion than the live portion, as East’s defense became more sound as the game wore on. The other Yellowjacket standout was Tay Valdez, who had two carries for 27 yards and a reception for 11 yards in the controlled portion.

“He’s an athlete,” Marichalar said “The kid can play.”

Burget liked how his running backs, which got nothing going between the tackles, became more confident going outside. And he was able to give a lot of kids a lot of reps.

“We had a lot of kids that played a lot tonight, and that’s what scrimmages are for,” Burget said. “Next Thursday, we play Brownsville Rivera and that’s when you’ll see our team.”

Marichalar and his staff, meanwhile, will go to the film to see which quarterback starts next week’s opener at McAllen Rowe. They could make the decision today, or it could go into next week.

The second-year coach did get answers though, particularly with other young players stepping into the spotlight for the first time.

“I think we have a better idea of which kids can respond when they get hit,” Marichalar said.

[email protected]

by Dennis Silva II

2014 Two-A-Days: Lines are the key for inexperienced Edcouch-Elsa

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

ELSA — The message around Edcouch-Elsa is “winning the trenches.” Dominate the offensive and defensive lines. Control the battle up front.

And the reason for that is simple. The Yellow Jackets have no choice.

With only five returning starters, second-year coach Joe Marichalar’s team has as much uncertainty as talent. The quarterbacks are raw. The running back used to be an outside linebacker. The wideouts have skill, but desperately need game time, just like the linebackers and secondary.

When Marichalar looks at his offensive and defensive lines, however, he not only sees promise but strong, physical ability. There is also a lot of that, which helps.

“The depth there kind of puts you at ease,” Marichalar said. “Seeing what we’ve seen, we know these kids can get it done in the trenches. And with the quarterbacks being young back there, they have to. We just need them to get that experience.”

On the offensive line, it starts with 6-foot-4, 256-pound guard Gabriel Armendariz, the lone returning starter. He will be surrounded by center Jayson Munoz (5-11, 230), tackle Miguel Quintana (6-1, 255) and guard Elijah Sanchez (5-7, 220). Armendariz’s job is mainly to bring the others, like 6-5 senior tackles Marco Garza and Michael Orozco, along sooner than later.

“It pushes me harder, being the only returner,” Armendariz said. “I’m just trying to help these young guys. We have to get them ready. I have faith in our guys that they’re going to do the best they can.”

Indeed, Armendariz thinks this year’s line can be better than last year’s veteran unit.

“We’re more vocal,” he said. “We communicate more. We’re fast. We’re going to be able to get around guys.”

O-line coach Frank Martinez sees the same, and wide receiver Chon Hernandez said the offensive line is so good that there will be more passing from the ’Jackets this season because of its ability to hold blocks longer.

“The guys that are coming up are young, but are showing a lot of potential as far as working with the other kids,” Martinez said. “Other years, it’s taken awhile for kids to work together. This year, they’ve started working well together real fast.”

Defensively, the line is anchored by 6-2, 270-pound tackle Ray Dinnall-Guerra. A lot is expected of Dinnall-Guerra, who has his goals set on playing Division I college ball, and he has responded.

“Ray became a leader this offseason,” defensive line coach Martin Marichalar said. “He was here all summer, he didn’t miss a day. In years past, he would miss. But he committed himself and he’s a true leader now.”

Dinnall-Guerra will be joined by tackle Gabriel Rodriguez (5-10, 254) and defensive end Alex Garza (6-1, 215), all seniors.

“I’ve had these kids since they were freshmen,” Martin Marichalar said. “They’re going to be seniors, so the big thing is technique. It’s way better, and they should be able to compete at an even higher level.”

On paper, the Yellow Jackets look thin. In reality, however, coaches say this is as strong of a team talent-wise as last year’s. There is more depth, stronger physical talent. Game-planning and personnel packages will be key for Edcouch-Elsa, mixing and matching just right to get the most bang for the buck.

“The obvious is we’re a young team, but watching these guys you see kids who are picking up things fast,” Joe Marichalar said. “We had good success in spring ball, got all the wrinkles out and now they’re into it. Hopefully it transitions to game time.”

SOMETHING NEW

Edcouch-Elsa has always had team captains, but this season Joe Marichalar took it further. Four captains were voted upon for this season, and each will wear a ‘C’ on his jersey with four gold stars underneath. The emblem is something that has never been done at the program.

“Hopefully we build a new tradition and these guys take it to a whole other level,” Marichalar said. “We’re hoping to get a domino effect for the betterment of the team.”

Senior running back Lino Sanchez will probably be the main captain, Marichalar said, because of his unselfishness of moving from outside linebacker, his strong suit, to the offensive backfield. The other three captains are Dinnall-Guerra, Hernandez and Rodriguez.

“I feel I have a bigger responsibility toward the team,” Hernandez said of being captain. “I can’t just be a better player for me, but for the team. I’m excited about it. I know this is my last year and I want to make a statement, I want us to make a statement.”

QB BATTLE

The Yellow Jackets have had a quarterback battle since last season ended, and recently Marichalar listed his depth chart. Junior Andrew Segura is No. 1, followed by sophomore Marco Aguinaga, junior Marco Gomez and senior Phillip Moreno.

“It’s a big responsibility, and I’ve got to work hard,” Segura said. “It’s a lot of competition, being the No. 1 guy to help lead this team farther than where we got last year.”

Segura is regarded as a breakaway runner with great speed who can also throw. Aguinaga is poised beyond his years and gets rid of the ball quickly, and Gomez is the best passer. Moreno is a gritty, get-it-done type.

“It’s a tight race,” Marichalar said. “They’re all good, all can start at any school. But based on our offense and things we do, we decided the depth chart puts us in position to be successful. It’s not set in stone. I told the guys when they get their moment to shine, seize the moment. We’re evaluating on a daily basis.”

Either way, the four will be on the field. Gomez and Segura also play tight end, and Aguinaga and Moreno are receivers.

SURPRISES

Two surprises in camp this summer have been junior safety Tay Valdez, whom Marichalar sees as a “two-way guy” in the like of former standout Diego Garcia, and senior defensive end Jesus Tinajero.

“His technique is great, and he worked hard all summer,” Martin Marichalar said of Tinajero. “He’s going to show off this year.”

[email protected]

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PROGNOSIS

Edcouch-Elsa has a lot of potential, but it’s a matter of how quickly that can pay off under the Friday night lights. Still, the Yellow Jackets are always a threat to compete for the district title and it’s generally unwise to take them lightly.

2014 Record: 7-4

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TENURE

Coach: Joe Marichalar

Years at school: 2

Record at Edcouch-Elsa: 9-2

by Dennis Silva II

2014 Two-A-Days: Mercedes has everything in place for strong season

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

MERCEDES — Mercedes senior safety Roel Garcia is four interceptions away from setting the school record. But he hasn’t had time to fine-tune his craft during practices this month, not with the Valley’s top returning passer and receiver also wearing the same colors.

Senior quarterback Rene Presas and senior receiver Joshua Garza are the closest thing to a dynamic duo that the Valley has this season; Presas, the gunslinger who threw for 2,475 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, and Garza, the beneficiary who hauled in 42 passes for 942 yards and nine TDs.

“They’re good. They’re tough,” said Garcia, a three-year starter who also plays receiver. “They already have chemistry. They do everything real fast. Everybody in this offense knows where they’re supposed to be and when they’re supposed to do it.

“You have to be on your game to be ready to go up against that offense.”

It’s Presas and Garza that have made Roger Adame Jr.’s transition from defensive coordinator/first assistant to head coach seamless. In the 6-foot, 225-pound Presas, last season’s RGVSports.com All-Valley Newcomer of the Year, Adame sees a breakout season waiting to happen.

“The communication with the receivers, the communication with our staff has just been awesome,” Adame said. “Even before 7-on-7, Rene was getting those guys out there, throwing routes, building relationships with guys. He’s taken the bull by the horns.”

And then there’s Garza, a 5-10, 165-pound wideout who gives Presas the ideal target.

“When you have a guy like Josh Garza, one of the best receivers in the Valley, he’s going to test you, so we’re only getting better as a defense every day in practice,” Garcia said.

The fact that his two premier offensive talents also happen to be his best leaders is a plus for Adame. Presas and Garza have spent as much time in the weight room and running routes on empty fields as they have in the film room.

“We have potential. We have guys who can make plays, and we can’t take anything for granted,” Adame said. “You look at someone like Josh Garza, and he’s fighting out here like he’s battling for a starting spot. That’s what I want. Those are the leaders I’m looking for.”

Aside from Presas and Garza, the offense has seen players like explosive running back Isaac Vela and sure-handed receiver Brandon Gutierrez blossom into bigger roles. The more, the merrier.

“We have a lot of weapons,” Garza said. “We put in a lot of work this summer. We’ve gotten better — our receivers, Rene. Everyone’s stronger, everyone’s on the same page.”

THE HUNTED

With 13 returning starters, including seven on defense, the Tigers are a favorite to win the District 32-5A title.

It’s about time, senior linebacker Rick Blanco said.

“Usually we’re always being underestimated, that we won’t be on top, but at the end we always come out proving everybody wrong,” Blanco said. “We love that feeling.”

Mercedes is two years removed from its last district title, when it shared it with Edcouch-Elsa and Mission High in 2012.

THE BEST ‘D’?

The Tigers have just one defensive line starter returning, but they’ve got two linebackers returning and their entire secondary, which is also their sprint relay team during the track and field season.

Also, keep an eye on junior linebacker Fabricio Quintanilla, who has opened eyes this offseason.

“Everyone’s on the same page,” Blanco said. “We’re working hard and we’re ready. We’re going to be in the best shape ever.

“We should be the best defense in the Valley.”

TOUGHER, STRONGER

If there’s one big difference under Adame, who has kept the offensive and defensive terminology the same, it’s that the Tigers are a more physical team.

It started in practices, with more one-on-one drills and more situational football, like the offense going against the defense at the goal line.

“We feel it,” Blanco said. “Everyone’s getting hit hard, everyone’s getting bumps and bruises. Coach is pushing us hard and he’s making us feel how hard we need to go.”

Adame said the physicality needed to be taken up another level if the Tigers are to meet their expectations.

“We want a district title and to win in the playoffs, and to do that we need to be more physical,” he said. “These guys have embraced that. You find out quickly the guys who only look great in shorts and a T-shirt.”

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PROGNOSIS

Mercedes returns a lot of offensive firepower, and the defense has experience. If the Tigers can stay healthy and focused, the sky is the limit. The program’s third district title since 1999 is definitely within reach.

2014 Record: 10-3

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TENURE

Coach: Roger Adame Jr.

Years at school: 1

Record at Mercedes: 0-0

by Dennis Silva II

2014 Two-A-Days: Offense picking up for PSJA High

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

SAN JUAN — PSJA High second-year coach Steve Marroquin said it during spring ball and he reiterated it again earlier this week.

The area the Bears have seen the most progress this offseason is offense.

“Spring ball helped us out a lot and the kids did their part in the summer with 7-on-7,” Marroquin said. “They’ve been doing the things they’ve needed to get better.

“I like our continuity and I like our tempo. For me, it’s always been about those two things. Those things translate well to winning.”

PSJA High rebounded from a 1-9 2012 season to go 6-4 last season, falling 10 minutes short of its first playoff berth since 2010. Defense was responsible for the turnaround.

The defense will again be strong this season, with six returning starters, but the offense figures to finally be on par.

“The offense is starting to move the ball more,” senior receiver/defensive back Bobby Guajardo said. “Last year, the defense is what got us wins and almost got us to the playoffs, but now the offense is starting to come along. It’s more of a balanced game for us.”

After being forced to start the last three games of last season because of injury, junior Andrew Castaneda will have his first full season as starting quarterback. Coaches and teammates rave about his maturity.

“He’s been doing better,” senior receiver Nathan Sifuentes said. “He’s more vocal. Last year he was more quiet, but he’s loud now. He’s a leader.”

Castaneda will have help. Andrew De La Cerda takes over as the No. 1 running back, but Marroquin plans to have multiple ballcarriers, including star linebacker Christian Sanchez, Erik Castillo and promising sophomore Mark Castillo.

The offensive line returns just one starter, but the offense consists of mostly seniors. It begins with De La Cerda.

“He knows what it’s like to be a running back at PSJA High,” Marroquin said. “It’s like ‘Running Back U’ over here. The kids that grow up here in San Juan know that in order to win games, we need to run the football.”

Marroquin exhausted four quarterbacks last season because of injuries. The result was a shaky offense that never got comfortable. With Castaneda in charge, the hope is that is cured sooner than later, particularly considering the Bears won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season.

“Teams aren’t going to be taking us lightly anymore,” De La Cerda said. “We’ve turned things around and we know people are going to be expecting more from us. We’re ready for it.”

NEW IN CHARGE

Veteran coach and Bears defensive coordinator Elifonso Esquivel abruptly retired about a month ago. Since then, Eddie Torres and Crespin Gonzalez, veteran coaches familiar with Marroquin, have been named co-defensive coordinators.

The new duo has brought in different looks to a potent 3-4 defense that has graduated into much more.

“It’s not just the same thing anymore,” De La Cerda said. “Now it’s different schemes, a lot of different coverages. It’s good for us as an offense, because it makes practices tougher.”

Marroquin said the most important things Torres and Gonzalez have installed are passion and energy.

“We welcomed them with wide open arms,” Guajardo said. “We went right back to work. They’re adjusting to us, we’re adjusting to them and it’s a process. But we’re getting better every day.”

TRENCHES

The Bears return just two starters each on the offensive and defensive lines. But Marroquin is insistent that that’s where they will win games this season.

“You can’t replace experience, but you can replace it with some young, hungry guys, and that’s what we have,” Marroquin said. “The game is won in the trenches.”

The talent is there. Offensively, the Bears boast 6-foot-2, 255-pound tackle Andres Martinez and up-and-comers Abraham Noyola, Jose Galaviz and Bernie Cortez. Defensively, PSJA High is anchored by the 6-1, 205-pound Sanchez at linebacker and 6-3, 260-pound defensive end Thomas Quiroz.

MOTIVATION

Last year’s season-ending 11-point defeat to McAllen Memorial has been fueling the Bears all offseason.

PSJA High was a little more than 10 minutes away from beating the Mustangs and advancing to the postseason. But Memorial rallied and eventually prevailed, earning the playoff trip instead.

“Whatever we did last year wasn’t good enough,” Marroquin said. “It didn’t get us where we wanted to be. It was a heck of a ride, but we fell short. We still have unfinished business.”

That game has stayed etched into the minds of every Bears player.

“We learned to never quit,” junior lineman Rollie Garza said. “I think we thought we had it, and we just let it slip away. We’ve got to finish games stronger, better, and never let up.”

[email protected]

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PROGNOSIS

The Bears will be a factor in District 32-5A and could compete for a district title. In a league full of physical teams, PSJA High is arguably the toughest and strongest of the bunch.

2014 Record: 8-4

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TENURE

Coach: Steve Marroquin

Years at school: 2

Record at school: 6-4

by Dennis Silva II

2014 Two-A-Days: Despite loss of talent, La Villa expects to stay strong with balance

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

LA VILLA — La Villa graduated a quarterback that produced 545 passing yards, 541 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. The Cardinals are not concerned.

La Villa saw a running back that amassed 1,300 yards and 22 total touchdowns transfer 15 miles south to Weslaco East. The Cardinals aren’t worried about that, either.

Those things are out of the control of coach Joe Salinas and the 10 starters that do return from last year’s impressive 8-3 campaign. When he is asked about the loss of signal-caller Robert Serna, Salinas answers with junior Macario Perez, now the man under center. And when Salinas addresses the departure of tailback Lupe Moron, he cites opportunity.

“It’s hard to be replace a kid like Robert, but Macario has a lot of talent and skill himself,” Salinas said. “He has the potential to be as good as Robert. Losing a kid like Lupe evens out the playing field for the backs. The kids are looking at it as an opportunity to get more carries.

“Lupe was very productive, but now we can spread the wealth a bit more.”

Perez was a slot back for La Villa last season. Now he’s calling the shots. Like Salinas, he’s not occupying his thoughts with the loss of talent or playing the ‘what if’ game.

“Lupe and Robert are some big shoes to fill, and we’ve just got to do it,” Perez said. “This has been a learning process and the offense is coming along. We know the offense, we know the schemes, we know the cadence. We feed off each other’s energy and we’re building that chemistry.”

The Cardinals will be multiple offensively, with variations of the spread and Salinas’ precious slot-T incorporated, and though they lost their two best ballcarriers from last season, they still plan to run the ball, run it a lot and run it well.

“It’s an adjustment,” admitted lineman Michael De La Fuente. “Our backfield is new. The blocking schemes are new. But, still, our running game and our offensive line is our strengths. We’re going to keep running the ball and keep scoring those points.”

Sophomore Ramiro Cantu remains in the backfield and figures to play a lead role, and Isaac Silva and Arnold Salazar add depth. Along with Perez, that’s four strong runners Salinas has to tote the ball.

The veteran coach knows that. The players have embraced it.

“I was here every day in the weight room, showing up and getting everyone to come,” Cantu said. “We’re going to need everybody to put in work this year. More and more people have been showing up, and everyone’s giving effort.”

Serna and Moron are two big losses, sure, but the way the Cardinals see it, there is more to gain.

NICE SURPRISES

One of the surprises of camp so far has been junior center Joey Espericueta.

“I’m hoping if he stays healthy, he can be a big part of our offense,” Salinas said. “We’re going to have a good mix of youth and seniors on that (offensive) line, and we’re going to be relying upon Joey to be a big cog.”

Another promising talent is guard Matthew Felix, who is stronger than his brother Armando, who played last year, and runs a 5-flat 40-yard dash.

“The linemen are the strongest part of us,” Perez said.

REBRANDING THE ‘D’

The Cardinals return just four starters to a defense that surrendered 15 points per game last season. It’s the one area that is a legitimate concern.

“We lost a lot on defense and we have to keep working,” De La Fuente said. “Right now, that’s not a strong point for us. We have to address our defensive line and the corners. If we can do that, we’ll be OK.”

A new defensive coordinator is in place in Alex Richards, who hails from Corpus Christi, and though La Villa will be inexperienced on that side of the ball, the plan is still to attack, attack, attack.

“We want to give the defense time (to gel),” Salinas said. “One of the things Coach Richards emphasizes is communication. We’re not going to sit back; we’re going to come after you. A scheme like that takes time, and I think the coaching staff is patient enough to see that through.

“These kids have a lot of pride. We’ve done a good job finding guys who play with passion and find the football.”

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

The Cardinals still made the area playoffs last season despite a new coach in Salinas and an entirely new foundation, going from the spread to a slot-T.

“I wouldn’t say we were surprised,” Cantu said. “We were confident going in. We had a good season two years ago, a lot of guys coming back, and I knew we’d have a shot at being just as good.”

Cantu’s sentiments are common around La Villa practices this season. Expectations have not wavered.

“I feel we can make a deeper run in the playoffs this year,” De La Fuente said.

dsilva@themonitor.com

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PROGNOSIS

This is coach Joe Salinas’ fourth year at La Villa. He has never won fewer than seven games in a season at the helm of the Cardinals. He knows how to win, and La Villa has plenty in the tank to threaten for a third round playoff berth.

2014 Record: 8-4

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TENURE

Coach: Joe Salinas

Years at school: 4 (2006, 2007, 2013, 2014)

Record at school: 26-9-0

by Dennis Silva II

2014 Two-A-Days: Castillo slowly building foundation at Monte Alto

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

MONTE ALTO — Heading into its third year as a varsity football program, Monte Alto has been running in obscurity.

The Blue Devils have struggled getting kids to participate, have never won more than four games in a season, and, until coach Cesar Castillo came along last season, had never even had an offseason program.

But it is because of Castillo that Monte Alto has something to believe in. Castillo, befuddled by the idea that a varsity football program had no offseason structure or strength and conditioning program, implemented those things, and he has seen the rewards this summer.

“It’s night and day. We can compete physically now,” Castillo said. “There were times last season when we’d step out on the field and I just knew we couldn’t match up physically. That’s no longer the case. We’ve established an offseason, some programs, and the boys have taken advantage.”

The numbers are up, too. At this time last year, Monte Alto had 23 varsity players. This year, it has 27, and Castillo expects to have more than 30 by the time the season rolls around. Castillo has worked hard to recruit kids, and because of the slim depth he has reworked his game plans.

No, not scheming X’s and O’s, but for adequate rest, planning strategically so starters are as strong in the fourth quarter as the first.

“It’s easier in the sense that I already know what to expect at a small school,” said Castillo, an Edcouch native who has coached at Weslaco East and PSJA High. “Last year was my first time at a small school and I didn’t know what was coming. I was surprised by the numbers, but now I know. This year has been better, as far as preparation, but it doesn’t make it any easier as far as expectations on these kids.”

Players have embraced the idea of football as a year-round job. Better late than never.

“Offseason and those strength and conditioning programs have been huge,” junior lineman Omar Reyes said. “The coaches have helped us out a lot. We’ve seen them do their part, doing what it takes to make us better, and now we have to do our part.”

It’s exactly what Castillo wants. If his players see the commitment the coaching staff is putting forward, Castillo said, they will work just as hard in return. Commitment is the primary principle Castillo desires in setting a foundation for success.

“Us being dedicated shows them that we have pride in this school, and they in turn show it by being out here,” Castillo said. “We want the kids to be winning off principles of what has already been established. I’m hoping we win, of course, but I want to build something long-term.”

The process has started.

“That offseason was huge for us,” junior quarterback Frank Rojas said. “We’ve all gotten a lot stronger. It’s as easy as that. The offseason gave us something to improve with, and we all feel better coming into this season.”

GOOD START

Castillo has liked what he has seen in practices, specifically noting the strong effort. Monte Alto returns 14 starters to a program that went 4-5 last season, so there is more of a sense of purpose compared to this time last year.

“We have a bit of everything,” Rojas said. “We know the offense, we have the talent. We look more mature. We have more experience. We’re more focused.”

Rojas is a lefty signal-caller who will have plenty of weapons in the likes of receiver Patrick Andrade and running backs Erik Estrada and George Guajardo.

“We’ve been improving, and we’ve just continued to get better,” junior linebacker/fullback Hector Carlos said. “We’re learning something new every day.”

CLASS IN SESSION

Rojas, Andrade, Carlos and offensive linemen Valerio Cavazos, Miguel Galvan and Cesar Reyes are part of a significant junior class for the Blue Devils.

“Our strength is our junior class,” Castillo said. “They’re the ones that have been the biggest class since freshman year. Their effort and their commitment has been awesome. They’re great role models for the younger kids.”

The class has the opportunity to do what Castillo wants in setting a long-term establishment for success at Monte Alto. Most of the Blue Devils’ talent will come from that group.

BUILDING TRADITION

Speaking of long-term success, building a tradition is something that is very much on the minds of Blue Devil players. The first step is getting to the playoffs.

“It’s been driving us every step of the way,” Omar Reyes said. “We have that hunger in our eyes. We want to win. The strength of our team is family. We’re as strong as our weakest link. We know that, we’re more mature and we’re ready to play.”

Added Carlos: “We’re thinking playoffs. We don’t see it as a hard challenge. We just see a big goal in front of us. We’re pretty excited with the idea that we can start something new here, we can start a tradition.”

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PROGNOSIS

Monte Alto simply does not have the numbers that other teams, like Dilley, Hebbronville and Freer, do in its district. But the talent is there, no question, and Rojas is a quarterback who can lead them to program history. The Blue Devils have what it takes to get to the playoffs, despite their lack of resources, and this is the season they finally get there.

2014 Record: 4-6 (only 9 games scheduled for regular season)

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TENURE

Coach: Cesar Castillo

Years at school: 2

Record at school: 4-5-0

by Dennis Silva II

2014 Two-A-Days: Grulla has what it takes to capitalize on program-best 2013

RIO GRANDE CITY — Optimism has never been greater at Grulla High School.

The Gators are coming off a school-best 8-4 season that resulted in the football program’s first bi-district playoff championship. Twelve starters return this season, seven on offense.

But Grulla is not without some holes, including a fairly glaring one. A three-year letterman and 2013 All-Valley Offensive Player of the Year is no longer under center; Rey Peñablanca graduated in the spring.

Now it’s up to senior Eddie Anzaldua to step up and be the man. It’s a job he sounds ready for.

“I’ve been playing quarterback since my elementary years,” Anzaldua said. “I’ve been used to it, and it feels pretty good to be the guy now. I don’t feel any pressure. I have more responsibility, sure, but I can handle it.”

Anzaldua is not the dual-threat Peñablanca was. But he’s bigger (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) and has a better arm. Whereas the Gators primarily used shorter, quicker routes under Peñablanca’s leadership, they’re able to open things up more with Anzaldua.

“It’s been different, but we’ve just got to get accustomed to him, get things working,” senior tackle Aaron Barrera said. “Rey was an All-Valley player, but Eddie has a cannon for an arm. Our passing game is going to be better.”

Anzaldua is part of a big senior class for Grulla. The Gators have 42 players on varsity this season opposed to the 32 they carried last season. It is this senior class that won district championships in their eighth and ninth grade years, with Anzaldua as the quarterback, before most of the players moved up to varsity their sophomore years.

“It helps a lot,” Anzaldua said. “We have pretty good communication and the bond is already there. We trust each other. The mentality has been to play like a champion.”

The Gators have their four receivers returning, including explosive senior Troy Trillayes, and will have a deep tailback rotation that includes Albert Zuniga, MJ Garza and CJ Cantu. So the help will be there for Anzaldua.

Now it’s a matter of how quickly he can acclimate himself to running the show for a District 16-4A DI title contender.

“He was a little shaky at the beginning, a little nervous, but he’s gotten better,” Trillayes said. “We’ve talked to him about staying calm and just throwing the ball, and he’s improving. He looks more and more comfortable out there.”

LINE ‘EM UP

Anzaldua will be buoyed by a deep, veteran offensive line, led by Barrera, that coach Abel Gonzalez III said will be stronger. Aside from the 6-1, 270-pounder Barrera, there is also guards Nazario Garza (5-10, 270) and Gilbert Vera.

Gonzalez said this is the biggest offensive line Grulla has had.

“We’ve always been pretty solid up front,” Gonzalez said. “Even though we are a spread team, you’ll probably see us run the ball 60 percent of the time, maybe more.”

DEFENSE HAS PROMISE

The one potential concern for Grulla is defense. The Gators lost All-Valley linebacker Adnan Cantu and only return five starters on that side of the ball.

“We’ll have the guys. They just need experience,” Gonzalez said. “As far as athletic ability, size, speed, we have it. They have a great grasp of the concepts and we’re just plugging kids and getting guys a lot of reps because we’ll be at least two-deep across the linebackers and secondary.”

The defense will be led by linebackers Desse Zarate and Juan Pena, who tallied 95 tackles last season.

SHINING STAR

With Peñablanca and first-team all-district running back Robert Camarillo graduated, Trillayes will be the guy to watch for the Gators.

Trillayes, a first-team All-Valley selection in 2013 who amassed 1,021 yards of total offense and 12 total touchdowns, is known for his speed and athleticism. He is listed as a slot receiver, but will play anywhere and everywhere.

“I feel I’m more focused and my conditioning is a lot better,” Trillayes said. “I just want to be the best player I can be. I just want people to remember me.”

Gonzalez said Trillayes is ready for a bigger stage.

“Troy’s a quiet kid, naturally, but he’s taken over that leadership role,” Gonzalez said. “He understands he’s going to be keyed on. He’s ready to step up to that challenge, and he’s grown a lot in his understanding of what we’re doing and his role.”

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PROGNOSIS

The Gators are deep, strong, athletic and talented. Last year’s playoff run was invaluable experience, and falling one game short of the district title means they are not running short on hunger. This should be another historic year in the making for Grulla.

2014 Record: 10-3

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TENURE

Coach: Abel Gonzalez III

Years at school: 5

Record at school: 20-23-0

by Dennis Silva II

H.S. football coaches grapple with new play clock rule

The buzz around high school football is “40-25.” That is, the UIL’s implementation for the 2014 season of a 40-second play clock, in addition to the 25-second play clock that had been the norm.

In the past, a 25-second play clock would start as soon as the official set down the ball between plays. Now, a 40-second play clock will immediately start at the conclusion of the previous play.

If there is a dead ball, or an official or team calls a timeout, the following play will begin with 25 seconds on the play clock.

“It favors the offense more than the defense,” Edcouch-Elsa coach Joe Marichalar said. “Our coaches know that. The obstacle will be defensive substitutions and not having as much time to do that. But we were told if guys make a strong effort to get off the field and are not slacking, there won’t be a flag. They’ll respect that. But if they’re slacking, it will be a violation.”

The Yellowjackets are a team reliant upon running the ball, grinding out games. But Marichalar does not see the rule forcing more traditionally schematic teams to play faster.

“It won’t change people’s mentality, as far as game-planning,” Marichalar said. “You’ll still do what puts the kids in best position to succeed. It may cause headaches here and there, but once we get the gist of it we’ll be fine. It won’t be a problem.”

Weslaco High, for instance, is known for its slot-T running attack. And while the new rule figures to favor uptempo offenses, Panthers coach Tony Villarreal is not the least bit concerned.

“We were running a fast-tempo offense before fast became the thing,” Villarreal said. “Back in the old days, everybody used to huddle 10 yards, then sprint to the ball and snap. Not us. We would huddle five yards from the ball and keep going at them to wear them down. Run it down their throats.”

Villarreal said the change may affect those who are undisciplined offensively.

“I think where it will most affect guys is first-year coaches, or coaches who struggle with play-calling, trying to be sneaky, too creative with personnel,” he said. “It probably comes down to your experience in play-calling.”

Mission High coach Mario Peña, who has built a reputation off his strong, dominant defenses, agrees that play-calling will be vital.

“It’s like going against a no-huddle offense every game,” Peña said. “Defensively, we won’t huddle. Our kids will know our defensive calls and know their job. The way the offense picks up calls from the sideline, we’ll do the same defensively. I’ve always practiced against no-huddle defenses and going against fast offenses, and ultimately this comes down to practice and repetition. Getting kids ready.”

Sharyland coach Ron Adame and Mission Veterans Memorial coach David Gilpin, each of whom run fast, uptempo offenses, agree that the rule favors fast offenses and hinders defenses.

Adame, however, noted the fast-paced teams may want to have ball boys on both sidelines now, instead of just their own, to make sure the ball is put in play quicker. Teams may even go as far as to make sure the ball boys are older and understand how significant their job has become.

“You will need a football to be in play ASAP,” Adame said. “The change creates situations with more consistency in crews putting ball in play.”

Gilpin said the rule will force officials to set the ball and get out of the way quicker. It will put more emphasis on the selection of officials. Valley officiating crews have a reputation for not setting the ball in a timely manner. Coaches of fast-paced teams in the past have specifically looked for officials that cooperate with their preferred style.

“Because of some of the crews we’ve had that take a while getting the ball set, this is going to help us,” Gilpin said. “We’re no NASCAR offense, but we are trying to be uptempo. Without a doubt, this rule change will be able to accomplish that. It will force officials to get the ball set and get out of the way quicker.”

So, the consensus? Good for offenses, not great for defenses, puts more of an onus on the officials. Only time will tell.

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2014-15 UIL RULE CHANGES

FOOTBALL

• Implementation of the 40-second play clock in addition to the 25-second play clock.

• Allow sub-varsity teams in Conferences 5A and 6A to play on Wednesday of week one only if the varsity has a Thursday game that same week.

CROSS COUNTRY

• Increase the number of qualifiers to the top four teams and top ten individuals (who are not already on the advancing teams) from the regional meet to the state meet.

TRACK & FIELD

• Allow coaches to coach their players from tee to green.

by Dennis Silva II

Feelings, expectations run rampant for players, coaches on 1st day of practices

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

Eric Gonzalez tossed and turned all Sunday night.

The Weslaco High senior running back could hardly wait the seven or so hours that remained until the Panthers opened preseason practices early Monday morning.

And he wasn’t alone.

“I woke up at 5:30 this morning and I couldn’t wait to get to the fieldhouse,” Gonzalez said during a break during Monday’s practice. “I guess most of my teammates had the same mentality, because when I got here about half the team was already here.”

From players to coaches, the first day of preseason practices produces a range of emotions — anxiety, nervousness, excitement, anticipation. No matter how young or old, the feelings the days leading up to that first day of practice run rampant.

“It’s very difficult to sleep the night before,” said veteran coach Jorge Peña, who enters his first season at the helm of PSJA North. “I was here at 4:30 this morning, pumped up, and practice wasn’t until 7. You still have that bug in you.

“It’s a new program and the coaches and kids are anxious.”

The first day of practices might as well be a holiday. It’s a celebration of a new start. But that privilege of either blowing a whistle or putting on a helmet comes with responsibility.

“The real job is dealing with teenagers and getting them ready to work,” Mission High coach Mario Peña said. “You can get them physically in shape, but it’s more mental than anything else. It takes commitment. You can’t have a good program with part-timers.”

And on the first day, there were no part-timers around.

“If you’re in Texas, football is it,” said McAllen Rowe senior tailback Ino Rios, whose team is looking to avoid a second straight playoff absence. “I’m real anxious. The last month was the longest of my life.”

STORYLINES ABOUND

PSJA North is looking to rid itself of an ugly 0-10 2013 season. Weslaco High, meanwhile, holds great expectations, with 12 returning starters to a team that went to the playoffs last season. Mission High is facing a greater unknown: how will it fare moving up a classification?

Storylines like these, similar or exact, are everywhere this time of year.

“I’m on two hours of sleep, man. I couldn’t sleep,” PSJA North senior linebacker Martin Garza said. “We’ve been waiting for this. The last time we stepped on the field, we had completed a winless season. We’ve worked hard to get back here.”

North had a nice turnout for its first day, more than 90-plus kids. For Jorge Peña, who has to address a lot in a short amount of time, that was needed.

“The first thing you’ve got to do is find out why they went 0-10,” Jorge Peña said. “There was a lot of ‘me-first’ attitude and the concept of team wasn’t where I felt it should be. You identify those issues, and then you attack them. We feel confident we were able to do that.

“The kids are learning to be unselfish and they’re starting to play for the guy next to them.”

Jorge Peña said he demands just two things: great effort and great commitment. He’ll handle the rest, and it begins with a lot of newness, such as incorporating a spread offense at the school for the first time since the 1990s.

“We’re just trying to get things together,” senior offensive tackle Anthony Marin said. “We look good for the first day of practice, and the big thing is 0-10 is done. No more of that. We’re going to win.”

Winning is the norm at Weslaco High, playoff participants each of the last four years and eight of the last nine. But the Panthers aren’t just talking about making the playoffs or winning a district title. They’re talking about going to the third round, and possibly beyond, in the postseason.

Senior linebacker Brandon Torres made sure that mindset was where it needed to be in the days leading up to Monday’s practice.

“It’s about getting everyone’s mindset right,” Torres said. “We need to understand that we’re a force to be reckoned with, and we need to act and play like it. We are the Weslaco Panthers, and we go as far as we want to go.”

And, as is ritual around Weslaco, there are the never-ending inquiries to if this is the season the Panthers start airing it out more.

Cue the Tony Villarreal laughter.

“The question is always are we going to throw the ball more, you know, and my answer is always the same, yeah, sure, we’ll throw the ball more. In practice,” laughed Villarreal, entering his 10th season as head coach of the Panthers. “If we complete them in practice, I’ll do it in a game. It’s always about what you can master.”

THINKING ABOUT FOOTBALL

PSJA North and Weslaco High had good numbers for the first day of practice, about 90-plus in attendance for each. McAllen Rowe was OK. Mission High, however, was low.

“For 10th through 12th grades, we were about 70-75. Usually, my goal is to hit 100,” Mario Peña said. “We have 100 freshmen registered for football athletics, but a lot of kids will wait for the end.”

Mario Peña expects kids to show up as the days go by, but in a higher classification, he will need depth going against the likes of the La Joya and McAllen schools. But while the numbers may not be where they need to be for the Eagles, the confidence is.

“We can compete with anybody, and we’re going to win,” senior receiver Robert Veliz said. “We’re not here to settle for anything less.”

And this time of year, that’s every player on every team’s thinking.

“I didn’t sleep very good last night,” Villarreal said. “We started at 6:30 this morning with the coaches and that meant I didn’t want to oversleep. I was wide awake at 2:30, 3 a.m.

“It’s still exciting. We had a family outing at the beach yesterday, and then I’m watching the (NFL preseason) game last night and my son tells my wife, ‘Hey, look at Dad.’

“The juices start flowing and you start thinking about football.”

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