DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

ROMA — With star running back Ramon Espinoza out indefinitely, Roma has never been so committed to its culture.

Its process of progress, from Valley doormat to playoff participant the last two years, built upon family and work ethic, has never been stronger. So though the Gladiators, thought by many to be the top threat out of District 31-5A this season, are without a central piece to their puzzle, their faith in the “next man up” is unwavering.

“Ramon’s a good kid, and it’s hard on us,” Roma coach Max Habecker Jr. said. “Of course there’s concern. I care about the kid. We care about the kid. Ramon is legit. But we have kids who have been working hard and now they have to step up.”

Espinoza, the top returning rusher in the Rio Grande Valley after running for 1,743 yards and 20 touchdowns last year, is sidelined because he hasn’t been cleared from April surgery to fix a fracture in his arm. A projected six-week recovery has turned into four months because the arm has not healed correctly. There is no timetable on Espinoza’s return.

But the Gladiators aren’t lost without the 5-foot-6, 160-pound power. Athletic senior Damian Villarreal has been moved from receiver to tailback. Junior Bryan Garcia played against Rio Grande City last season and rushed for 120 yards on 19 carries. Sophomore Felix Gomez had two touchdowns during last week’s scrimmage against Grulla.

Against the Gators, nine Gladiators rushed for 260 total yards. Quarterbacks and slot receivers had carries as well. The offensive line also returns all five starters, a necessary boon to keep the running game thriving.

“It’s a sad situation and we want Ramon back as soon as possible, but we know it comes down to the offensive line,” senior tackle Juan Ramirez said. “It doesn’t matter who’s back there running the ball, we’re going to do our job. We’re going to come together and keep this offense going.”

Otherwise, Roma is in strong shape. Sixteen starters return from last year’s 8-3 team. District 31-5A coaches rave about the Gladiators’ potential, many ranking them as the district favorite.

Roma is a sexy pick to make a lot of noise in Valley football this year, but Habecker doesn’t want his players to hear any of it. He’s aware how quickly the favored can become the unfavored.

“We’re not thinking about that stuff,” Habecker said of the preseason hype. “Right now we’re taking it one game at a time. We are going to be realists to the fact that we know what got us here. It wasn’t us getting too big for our britches. It was a process and taking things one game at a time. As far as that takes us is as far as we’re going to go.

“A lot of these kids have been through two playoff runs already. They understand what it is to work. It’s my job to keep them focused and hungry, and that’s my challenge.”

Players have bought in.

“The past is the past,” senior safety David Lozano said. “We have to keep moving forward and set a new bar. We have a strong team, a strong family, but this is a new team.”

A WINNER AT QB

Senior Andy Marroquin returns to call the signals for the Gladiators.

“Andy is a winner, and that’s the bottom line,” Habecker said. “He’s not flashy and he just gets the job done. When he runs, he runs efficiently. When he throws, he throws efficiently. He’s what we need.”

Marroquin was a capable ballcarrier last season, but with Espinoza out he may have opportunities to do more of that.

STRONG ON DEFENSE

Seven starters return for Roma’s 3-4 defense that was far and away the top unit in 31-5A last season, holding teams to 14.3 points on 222.4 yards per game.

“I have to continue to keep them in shape and making sure we work on our fundamentals,” Habecker said. “We want to be a defense that can always revert back to our fundamentals to make plays.”

Senior linebacker Gerardo Gonzalez (89 tackles, eight sacks, three interceptions), linebacker Eddie Alaniz (44 tackles, seven sacks) and defensive back J.J. Pena (three interceptions) are the leaders of the pack.

“We have to hustle, hustle, hustle,” Gonzalez said. “Run to the ball and gang-tackle. That’s all we want.”

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ROMA’S PROGNOSIS

RB Ramon Espinoza’s indefinite absence because of injury is concerning, but the Gladiators have plenty of quality running backs to fill in to go with all five returning offensive linemen. Plus, the defense will be dominant as always with seven returning starters. Expect a big year for Roma.

Projected 2016 Record: 10-2

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: Max Habecker Jr.

Year at school: Tenth

Career record: 40-52-1

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

RIO GRANDE CITY — The message was simple, cliché even, but the basics matter most right now for Rio Grande City.

“Do what you’re told,” coach Aaron Garcia told his players after practice Wednesday afternoon, “and we can be pretty special.”

Garcia, in his first year at the helm of the Rattlers, went on.

“Again, it’s not this,” he said, holding up five fingers. “It’s this,” he continued, closing that hand into a fist to represent togetherness.

Rio Grande City is apparently in transition from a culture perspective. Garcia, a Rio Grande City native who was assistant coach at Grulla the last two years and last a head coach from 2007-2011 at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, demands accountability and responsibility, things players admitted were tough to adjust to right away.

“He’s a great coach, but it wasn’t easy at first,” senior offensive lineman Dillon McGuffin said. “He’s putting discipline into this program right away. It was hard at first, acclimating to his ways, but now we’re used to him and it will pay off.”

It’s about the little things with Garcia. After every statement made during his post-practice talk, players responded with an enthusiastic “Yes sir!” It didn’t seem rehearsed or half-hearted.

“The intensity is definitely up,” junior quarterback Jason Perez said. “We’re working a lot harder, whether it’s in the weight room or out here on the field. Coach is really strict and he makes you earn everything. We know we have to be leaders out there on the field and carry out what he demands of us.”

On the field, Garcia has veteran coaches around him. Paul Reyes is the new offensive coordinator, fresh off a lengthy run at the head of McAllen Rowe. Defensive coordinator Kevin Whaley, who used to work with Garcia at previous stints, returns in his post.

The offense is the same in base, a spread alignment, but will be multiple in formation under Reyes, who embraces the passing game. Whaley is keeping the 3-4 defense.

But before any progress is made on the field, Garcia believes it starts with commitment, personally and physically.

“I only know how to do things my way,” Garcia said. “I’m not here to invent football. I’m just here to do what I know how to do. One of those things we stress is responsibility and accountability. We also stress that nobody is above the team. The thing that I’m really happy about is these kids work hard. They’ve shown up and worked. The potential is there, but potential without effort is nothing.”

Garcia said he has grown as a coach since that stint at Juarez-Lincoln, where he posted an 11-29 overall record. But this new gig means more to him, not only because it is a chance to right what went wrong in La Joya but also because this is home.

“You learn some things,” Garcia said. “I wasn’t perfect, and some things have changed here and there. I’ve learned to not let the little things get to me. I’ve really tried to work on that. But I’m still the same person.”

CONFIDENT OFFENSE

Perez returns as signal-caller in an offense that better suits him.

“Coach Reyes is bringing confidence to us,” McGuffin said. “He’s brought an offense that fits our quarterback better. Jason has more of a responsibility and he’s the one making the reads and deciding where the ball goes. He’s a smart guy, so it really fits him. It allows him to use the whole field and be in control.”

Perez said the game has slowed for him.

“It’s a faster pace and we’re throwing the ball a lot more,” Perez said. “There’s a premium on getting the ball out of your hands quick and making the right decisions. It’s the same offense, which makes it easier, but we’re doing a lot more things out of it now.”

In Reyes’ offense, run-pass balance is big. Perez has that in running backs Jaime Gomez and Casimiro Olivarez, and senior receivers Javier Garcia, Diego Garcia, Jacob Guerra and Victor Marquez.

“Jason’s looked good,” Garcia said. “We’re not asking him to be spectacular; we just want him to be efficient. As he gets better and gains more confidence, things will be really great for him.”

TOUGH IN THE TRENCHES

If Garcia has his way, physicality and discipline will be the anchors of this year’s team. That starts on the offensive and defensive lines.

Garcia has refined technique and footwork of his offensive linemen, teaching them different ways to stay low and how to keep their feet moving.

Defensively, 5-foot-11, 255-pound Oscar Montalvo is the rock of a line that includes emerging talent Alejandro Islas.

“Everyone’s going hard every play,” Montalvo said. “We’re all getting to the ball faster and we’re confident we’re going to have a great defense this year. We don’t lack a lot. We’re getting to that ball quick.”

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RIO GRANDE CITY’S PROGNOSIS

Rio Grande City returns nine starters and has promise at key positions like quarterback, receiver and the offensive and defensive lines. If they embrace coach Aaron Garcia’s no-nonsense ways, the Rattlers could surprise some people this year.

Projected 2016 Record: 3-7

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: Aaron Garcia

Year at School: First

Career record: 11-29

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

MISSION — Sharyland Pioneer made a substantial step forward in 2015, doubling its win total from 2014, but that progress came in spite of its offense.

The Diamondbacks won six games last year, one short of a playoff berth. The offseason was spent upgrading an offense that averaged 17.3 points on 210 yards per game.

Coach Jason Wheeler thinks his unit has done just that. In is new offensive coordinator Eddie Galindo. Galindo brings a scheme that has incorporated more of a running game, largely because personnel now allows so. And it was the new-look offense that led to the Diamondbacks’ first 7-on-7 state appearance in July, another encouraging factor.

Pioneer will still mainly work out of the one-back shotgun, but a two-back look is more of an influence now. Balance is in order.

“We’re going to establish the run, do some more play-action stuff off of it,” Wheeler said. “The deadly RPOs (run/pass option concepts) that are out there, they’re tough. When you give a false run key to an outside linebacker, and they’re throwing the ball right to where that guy left, it’s a tough scheme. It’s given us some fits defensively and I’m looking forward to giving some of our opponents fits.”

Ideally, the main difference between Pioneer’s offense this season compared to last will be tempo.

“Everything’s running real quick for them,” senior defensive back Anthony Jimenez said “More and more, they’re catching us on our heels. With them on the field, it gets us motivated to get some turnovers and give them back the ball and see what they can do.”

Last season, the Diamondbacks averaged just 103 rushing yards. They had to win games defensively. Now Wheeler is hoping athletic ballcarriers like Brandon Casas and Logan Harris are able to diversify the offense on a more consistent basis.

That will be critical for sophomore quarterback Jacob Rosales. Rosales has impressed with his development and power arm. But if a run game cannot be sustained, life will be difficult for him.

Last season, Rosales, who said the game was a bit too fast for him, relied almost exclusively on athleticism. But he’s reading coverages better and his accuracy has improved.

“We’re moving at a lot faster pace,” Rosales said. “Last year, we weren’t as close as an offense. But this year we’re more like brothers. That’s key. Everyone’s playing for each other and everyone’s more positive about the situation we’re in.”

Wheeler is also excited about the return of senior offensive linemen Fernie Perez and Adrian Benitez. Both missed 2015 because of injury. But their experience — each has played varsity ball since his sophomore year — is big. Johnny Howell, a sturdy powerball of an athlete, has been moved to left tackle from the defensive line.

The offensive line is another reason why the Diamondbacks are confident the offense will turn around.

“We have a more balanced team, and at times the offense has even had more of an upper hand on the defense,” Wheeler said. “We’re going to play good defense and we take pride there, but our defensive kids have more respect for our offensive kids because they’re taking it to them. With an offense that can score some points, we can take some chances and be more aggressive defensively.”

FAST AND LOOSE

The Diamondbacks are switching back to a 3-4 base defense from a 4-3 to complement personnel.

Pioneer lacks size on defense, but is quick and athletic. Six starters return, most in the backfield with Jimenez, Tyler Bulthuis and Albert Ruiz, among others.

Wheeler said he may blitz more because of the speed dynamic. His main objective defensively is to create turnovers and score off those takeaways.

“We’ll be pretty good again defensively,” Wheeler said of a unit that surrendered 15.9 points on 257.3 yards, “just in a different way.”

BUILDING A FOUNDATION

As Pioneer heads into its third year of varsity football, a culture is starting to come about.

“There’s a different sense of urgency, swagger, confidence, maturity,” Wheeler said. “Being a young program, that’s a plus. When I talked to the kids our first team meeting, everybody was locked in, everybody was on time. It was nice. It was good. We’ve had a lot more leadership since I’ve ever been here, and that’s exciting.”

The Diamondbacks have 25 seniors this season. Wheeler named 10 of them captains.

“It’s their last year,” he said. “Whatever legacy they want to leave, this is it. It’s important to have leadership. We owe it to send them out in class.”

Pioneer is not carrying as many kids on varsity as it has in the past. That’s intentional. Wheeler has weeded out the non-committal kids to form a base of leaders and kids who care about football.

“We’re trying to get to a higher standard that the younger guys can follow,” Jimenez said. “That’s what I’m most excited about. We want to get those younger guys out of their shell a little bit. Once we leave, they’re the ones that are coming up next.”

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PIONEER’S PROGNOSIS

Pioneer had offensive issues in 2015, and it still went 6-4 and fell only one game short of the playoffs. The Diamondbacks are betting that a new offensive look will get them to the postseason in 2016.

Projected 2016 Record: 8-3

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: Jason Wheeler

Year at school: Third

Record at Pioneer: 9-11

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

DONNA — Donna North has won one game during its varsity football tenure, going 1-19 the last two years. Dominic Ochoa has been the primary offensive threat, rushing for 992 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

But the senior is set up to not only beat those numbers this season, but also lead the way for a competitive campaign for the Chiefs. It starts with first-year coach Matthew Rokovich.

In Rokovich’s I-formation offense, the tailback is king. It’s a vastly different look than the last two years when Donna North employed the spread offense. And while the Chiefs have quality depth in the backfield to complement Ochoa and give him a breather every now and then, much will depend upon Ochoa and his power inside and outside the tackles.

“Coach Rokovic is experienced with offensive lines and he knows what the guys here are capable of,” Ochoa said. “He’s adjusted things to where it takes advantage of our power and front. I love it. The holes are there and everybody’s been locked in.”

Ochoa is well aware that Rokovich has coached 26 offensive linemen to all-state honors over his 33-year career. That means Rokovich is likely to come up with schemes that have no problem springing Ochoa free.

It’s just a matter of Ochoa, who said he is “80 percent” recovered from a meniscus injury suffered late last season, to take advantage and capitalize for a Chiefs team that features 32 returning lettermen, including 16 starters.

“This season is so important, man,” Ochoa said. “We have 30 guys coming back, a lot of seniors. Coach Rok has been to the playoffs before and I want to get there too, and I know we can. We have pretty much the whole team coming back so we have a lot of expectations for this year. There are no excuses.”

Rokovich, who was last a head coach in 1995-1997 at Brackettville and spent the previous three years as an assistant coach at Donna High, believes in throwback football, specifically a ball-control style that wins the turnover battle, doesn’t commit penalties and keeps the defense fresh.

That will be dependent upon how successfully Ochoa, Tony Gomez, Mark Gutierrez and others can run the ball behind offensive line stalwarts Juan Martinez (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) and Luis Costilla (5-10, 210). The new offense has made for a pleasant style of play for the behemoths up front.

“We’re running the ball a lot more, and that means we’re going to hit the defense a lot more,” Costilla said “ I love it.”

So far, things have been good during preseason camp and practices. But the truth of the Chiefs’ optimism lies in whether that success translates to when the games start for real.

“Your best defense is an offense that keeps possession and doesn’t turn over the ball,” Rokovich said. “That’s why I love our offense. We’ll still get in a spread like anybody else, and we can throw it some as part of the package, but we’re going to run the football. We’re going to hit people.”

SAENZ BLOSSOMS

The Chiefs have promise at quarterback with senior Alex Saenz, who completed 54 percent of his passes in throwing for 947 yards and seven touchdowns to six interceptions in nine games last year.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder posted the third-most amount of passing yards in District 32-5A.

“He started nine ballgames for them last year and it shows,” Rokovich said. “He’s a leader in that huddle. He does the right thing and I’m real proud to have him.”

Saenz admitted transitioning from a spread offense to I-formation was a difficult one at first, but he has grown more comfortable. His threat as a passer will open lanes for Ochoa and others.

NEW ‘D’

Aside from a new offense, Donna North also has a new defense, going to a 3-4 base.

“The most important thing is we have the same intensity each day,” safety Alex Gonzalez said. “That intensity is very high. It doesn’t matter what scheme we’re playing or who’s out there, if we have that intensity we’ll win games.”

Rokovich likes the 3-4 because it fits his team of speedy, undersized athletes. The Chiefs lack height, but they are fast and strong. He also likes that stunting packages are more evolved out of the 3-4 look.

“It’s been overwhelming because it demands more from us,” defensive end Chris Villalobos said. “But Coach is putting us in position to succeed. It’s making things tougher on us and it will only make us better as a defense.”

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DONNA NORTH’S PROGNOSIS

The Chiefs like what they see early under first-year coach Matthew Rokovich, but progress is likely to be incremental, even with 16 returning starters. If Donna North can play meaningful football in late October, that would be a success.

Projected 2016 Record: 4-6

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: Matthew Rokovich

Year at school: First

Career record: 11-19

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DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

MISSION — After starring during the first six games last season, throwing for 1,765 yards and 19 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, Mission Veterans Memorial quarterback Diego Hernandez damaged a muscle between his tibia and fibula that abruptly ended his season.

And though Landry Gilpin, son of head coach David Gilpin, came on impressively in relief to ultimately lead the Patriots to a Class 5A bi-district title, coach Gilpin made it clear from the moment the question was asked that there would be no ensuing quarterback controversy.

Hernandez, then a junior, was QB No. 1, and would be QB No. 1 in 2016. Landry, then a freshman and the 2015 All-Area Newcomer of the Year, would be his backup and utilized more elsewhere.

“It brought a smoothing comfort to me and motivated me to work harder,” Hernandez said of coach Gilpin’s reassurance. “I knew I was going to be the man and I knew I had to work for that. I’m more vocal now, I’m picking up on smaller details and that intangible stuff is making a difference.”

Coach Gilpin said the instant dismissal of any quarterback competition was an easy call to make.

“There are a lot of good quarterbacks down here in the Valley and there are a lot of good quarterbacks around this state, but I ain’t trading Diego for nobody,” coach Gilpin said.

Hernandez returned from his injury in January. By the time the Patriots reached the final phase of their football offseason in March, he was cleared and 100 percent ready to go.

By all accounts, players and coaches, Hernandez, who completed 58.3 percent of his passes and averaged 294 passing yards per game, looks like he never stepped off the field.

“He looks awesome,” said Landry, now used as a primary playmaker at receiver and on special teams. “He looks like he’s in full effect already, full stride. It’s like he hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s the most accurate quarterback I’ve seen anywhere.”

Hernandez said the toughest part of dealing with his injury last season was not the initial pain or rehab. It was watching his team play on without him. But while standing on the sidelines for six games, Hernandez picked up on different techniques and reads.

“The pocket presence and the separation between corners and receivers were big for me,” Hernandez said. “Hitting receivers on time as they’re coming out of breaks, I saw how quick the release had to be and paid attention to the reaction of cornerbacks coming out of those breaks.”

Gilpin said the emotional Hernandez has improved most in his poise and self-control.

“He’s super, super intelligent,” coach Gilpin said. “He reads defenses like the coaches who are sitting up in the box watching. He has a tremendous grasp of our offense and what we’re trying to do. He has a big arm and his leadership just continues to improve.”

Though only five starters return for the Patriots this season, they have experience at skill offensive spots with Hernandez, Gilpin, and senior receivers Roman De Leon and Jacob Guerrero, and junior Buda Gonzalez.

“I love being a part of this offense, because you put the ball in anybody’s hands and they make plays,” Landry said. “Diego’s doing a great job spreading out the ball and taking advantage of it.”

INEXPERIENCED BACKFIELD

Gonzalez played running back last season, compiling 375 yards and a touchdown, but has been moved to slot receiver.

The Patriots will lean on seniors Qaulib Limon and Johnny Martinez out of the backfield. Athletic sophomore Jazz Vallejo is the team’s future at running back, but he will start the season at outside linebacker,

YOUNG ON DEFENSE

The Patriots return one starter on defense, senior linebacker Juan Barradas. Most of the players at defensive back are coming off the junior varsity.

Jacob Garcia, an outside linebacker last year, has been moved to safety to serve as a veteran leader in the secondary.

“That’s a young, young group,” coach Gilpin said. “We’re scheming to see what we can do to shore this area up. We’ll have it all figured out by the time it’s go time.”

Coach Gilpin said he didn’t know what to expect from the defensive front going into spring ball. That changed with the improved production of 6-8 players who are stepping up at linebacker and on the line.

“We’re getting things going, especially the defense,” Barradas said. “We know a lot of guys need to step up. We lost a lot of guys and we have to make up for that. We’re all working hard, and that’s what matters.”

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MISSION VETERANS MEMORIAL’S PROGNOSIS

Mission Vets has a few studs at key playmaker spots, but is mostly young and inexperienced. That hasn’t deterred expectations. The third round is the goal and the Pats have enough to get there.

Projected 2016 Record: 9-3

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: David Gilpin

Year at school: Eighth

Career record: 47-32

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

MISSION — Last year was supposed to be the season the tide turned for Sharyland High football. The Rattlers returned just 24 lettermen and 2015 was projected to be unkind.

Those assumptions, however, were proved wrong after the Rattlers went 7-5 and earned a Class 5A bi-district win.

“Everybody was writing us off as has-beens, but I think tonight we proved what type of caliber team we have,” a fired-up coach Ron Adame said after his team fell 48-47 in a late September affair against eventual district champ and regional quarterfinalist Edinburg Vela.

And though the Rattlers return only a few more lettermen this season than they did last — 28, including just seven starters — it would be wise not to dismiss them so easily.

“Whenever people doubt you, that’s enough motivation,” senior lineman Adolfo Treviño said. “We had to prove them wrong, and now it’s set the fuel for us. We know we can do even better.”

Sharyland High is young on defense and has four players competing for the No. 1 quarterback spot, but it is encouraged by a promising wideout core led by big-play senior Edgar Alanis.

Alanis compiled 930 yards and nine touchdowns last season and is ready to be the primary target of opposing defenses.

“The idea is to beat the guy in front of you and that’s my mentality,” Alanis said. “I’ve improved my route-running, I’m catching every ball. I’m ready for what comes.”

He will be supported by junior Blake Klein, who played four games last season after being promoted from the junior varsity because of impressive production, Miguel Peña, Luis Franco and Juan Zuniga.

Adame said the team will build around Alanis’ leadership and abilities, and the 5-foot-8 Klein has made himself into a threat because of a strong understanding of space and finding open pockets.

“They’re going to complement each other,” Adame said. “We’ve got a real good receiving core that has played in our system since junior high. We don’t have that superstar, but we’ve got blue-chip kids who understand their roles.”

The stability at receiver has alleviated growing pains at quarterback, a job that appears to be senior Alan Alvarez’s for the taking.

In Adame’s spread offense that takes advantage of mismatches, Alvarez’s accuracy and arm strength are desired. His understanding of the system and personnel has only been a boon to his cause.

“His accuracy and arm strength is something I haven’t seen since I’ve been here,” Treviño said. “It’s very good. He can throw deep balls, medium stuff, short stuff. If we need a first down, we have confidence he’ll get us there.”

Adame said if the Rattlers’ season was to start tonight, Alvarez, who quarterbacked the junior varsity last season, would take the reins. But sophomore Edward Longoria, junior Diego Vela and senior Kale Cator are also biting at the chance to take snaps.

“They’re all going at it,” Alanis said. “Alan has been a leader on and off the field, so I think he’ll start, but whoever gets it will have earned it.”

And the Rattlers will be ready to prove themselves once again.

“Last year was a real big confidence-booster because everyone was nervous, saying stuff like, ‘Oh, wow, Sharyland’s not going to be that great anymore. Sharyland’s not going to make it to the playoffs,’” senior defensive back Andres Tamez said. “But we did well, and it just motivates us to show that we’re still going to be good and we’re still going to have success in the future.”

OPEN ON DEFENSE

The Rattlers return just three defensive starters — Tamez, defensive end Christian Salinas and defensive back Omar Mendiola — but Adame likes the kids he has that has familiarity in fourth-year defensive coordinator Craig Krell’s system.

Junior Tyger Brigmon saw time last season at outside linebacker. Linebackers James Harris, Noe Cortez and Cesar Zecca, and defensive back Jimmy Esquivel are some of the intriguing young pieces that could make an impact.

“Even though it’s a young defense, everyone is giving their all to make sure they secure a position,” Tamez said. “No position is secure yet, and everyone is working to earn it.”

THIN AT RB

At running back, Fernando Perez seems to be in line to assume that role fulltime, though he will also play linebacker. Klein is the leading returning rusher with 43 yards and nine carries. Perez had 26 and 5, respectively.

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SHARYLAND HIGH’S PROGNOSIS

District 31-5A is pretty open, and Sharyland High could find itself in the district title mix if the young talent finds its way sooner than later.

Projected 2016 Record: 8-4

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: Ron Adame

Year at school: Fifth

Career record: 42-9

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

DONNA — Having lost 37 lettermen and returning seven starters, Donna High coach Ramiro Leal has not experienced a drastic rebuild like he is facing now.

The Redskins are defending District 32-5A champs following a stellar 2015 campaign that saw them go 8-3 and lead the district in offense. Four players signed to play college football.

But those days seem so distant.

“We’ve lost big numbers before, but nothing like this,” said Leal, who has reverted back to basics schematically, particularly with the blocking schemes on the offensive line. “There’s a lot more teaching. Last year, it was just re-emphasizing things they already knew. Now we’ve got to slow it down. The progression of plays is a lot slower. You have to have patience. The big thing is making sure these kids understand the ‘why’ about what we do.”

Of the Redskins’ seven returning starters, five are on defense. The two on offense are on the line. That means a new quarterback, new running back, new fullback, new tight end and new receivers.

“It’s exciting,” said senior lineman Matt Molina, one of the two returners along with J.J. Vallejo. “We have new roles, bigger shoes to fill. All these young players are out here trying to fight for a spot on Friday nights.”

There are position battles all over the place, and it doesn’t help that numbers are dwindling at Donna High. Leal said there are about 45 kids on varsity this year.

“The numbers aren’t what they have been, but we tell the kids it’s not about the quantity of kids, it’s about the quality,” Leal said. “We’re trying to preach there’s certain things we can control and certain things we can’t control. What they can control is their attitude and effort. If you give us all you’ve got, good things will happen.”

So far, Leal said that’s happening. The attitude of camp practices has been encouraging.

So while the Redskins will have hurdles this season, it doesn’t mean expectations are down.

“Just because we lost some key players doesn’t mean we’re not going to be good,” three-year starting defensive back Noel Perez said. “I’m pretty sure we can take on whoever comes at us, and we’ll probably beat them, too.”

COMPETING ON ‘O’

Senior Josh Mata and junior Hector Guerrero are competing for the quarterback spot.

Mata was the third-team quarterback last season and played receiver. Guerrero played JV quarterback last season, but missed seven games because of a knee injury.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” Mata said. “Last year, I was a receiver and not really getting reps at quarterback. This is a whole new thing for me right now and I’m just trying to get used to it. I’m going to bring it.”

At running back and fullback, Edson Alvarado, Jacob Mata and Guillermo Garcia are competing for the roles. Right now, Leal said Mata and Garcia are in line to assume the running back sports while fullback is still open.

DEFENSIVE STALWARTS

A strength for the Redskins is the defense, thanks to Perez, returning middle linebackers JP Sandoval and EJ Alvarado, and three-year starting defensive end Homer Webber.

“We have a lot more leadership right now, so we’re a bit ahead,” Webber said. “Our pursuit is strong. Our conditioning is strong. We have all guys flying to the ball. There are no big breaks for our offense.”

The uncertainty on defense, however, is the defensive line, where Webber is the lone proven commodity. Then again, there are few proven commodities for the Redskins.

“It’s tough because some guys right now aren’t mentally strong,” Perez said. “They’re still getting used to how it is on the varsity level. It’s our job as seniors to keep motivating them and keep them at it.”

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DONNA HIGH’S PROGNOSIS

The Redskins return just five starters from last year, but are eyeing a playoff spot in top-heavy District 32-5A. To do that, defense will have to lead the way, and Donna High has the capable pieces.

Projected 2016 Record: 5-5

COACH’S TENURE

Coach: Ramiro Leal

Year at school: Fourth

Record at Donna: 21-11

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

PHARR — Another high school football season is on the horizon, and lately that means another head coach at Valley View.

Eli Esquivel is the Tigers’ fourth head coach in the last five years. He is not secure in that role; Esquivel is currently on an interim basis. With 39 years of experience, Esquivel, formerly the head coach at Asherton (1992-1994) and La Feria (2007-2009), takes over after serving as the defensive coordinator last season under Carlos Saenz, who was reassigned in late May.

So after he was promoted, Esquivel’s first speech to his players directed the attention toward them.

“We told them we’re here for our athletes,” the Carrizo Springs native said. “It has nothing to do with the coaches or administration. I’m fortunate and lucky to be able to run it, but as far as I’m concerned, I told them this is not my team. This is their team. We’re just going to help mold and help them work harder.”

Because of all the comings and goings at head coach, players have learned to depend on themselves.

“The situation has just put more of a bond between the players,” senior receiver Marcos Campos said. “For me, I try to be a captain and try to be someone everyone else can rely on. I think everyone here tries to do that. It’s about becoming more of a brotherhood, and I think everything that’s gone on has done that.”

Esquivel continues to run the defense. Rick Valdez is back to run the offense. The schemes are the same as last year — a spread offense and a multiple 50-base defense.

Esquivel tried hard to keep everything the same as last year. Even when there were coaching openings on the staff, he promoted from within.

“In any profession, consistency is key,” Esquivel said. “That’s big. Most of the coaching staff is returning. Most of the kids are back. That makes the job a lot easier. The kids know us, we know them. I believe in loyalty and commitment, from the coaches and from the kids.”

Esquivel is a defensive-minded coach. Prior to coming to Valley View, he was a defensive coordinator at PSJA High and PSJA Memorial after he briefly “retired” in 2010.

During a recent interview, Esquivel, who said he has “the green light to hire and do what I need to do,” consistently pledged that the administration, coaches and school board were all on the same page in an effort to get the program turned around.

Does that mean things weren’t that way last year?

“Not necessarily,” Esquivel said. “Last year it was a situation that we came in late and we didn’t know what to expect. So once we knew where we were at and what was going on, we felt comfortable. We know where we’re at now, and we have nothing but good things going on for us.”

Time will tell for a Tigers program that has won three games in the last three years.

“I’ve played for three coaches in four years and we know we have to stick together as players,” senior offensive lineman Manny Lozano said. “Having to keep going through something new, change after change, it brings us closer.”

HUNGRY SOLIS

The Tigers have a new addition in athlete Adam Solis, a last-season transfer from Mission Veterans Memorial last year who will play quarterback, receiver and free safety.

Because of issues with his paperwork while transferring, Solis, one of the leading receivers in District 31-5A at the time of the move in early October, could only play junior varsity games for the Tigers in 2015. Now he enters his senior season as the likely No. 1 quarterback.

“It’s my senior year and this is going to be great,” Solis said. “I’m going to finish it off with a boom. My role is bigger. We’ll see how it all turns out.”

Solis has impressed early on.

“He’s ready to go and he’s hungry,” Esquivel said. “From his attitude to his work habits, he’s done a super job for us.”

THEY’RE HERE

As Valley View football desperately struggles to establish some semblance of order off the field, it is showing promise on it.

The Tigers return 10 starters from last season, five on each side of the ball, and attendance has been pleasing. Esquivel said attendance was 100 percent the first week of camp. Ninety kids are in the program.

“In previous years, we’d have 30, 40 guys out here,” Lozano said. “We have maybe twice that now. I like the enthusiasm. Coach Esquivel brings a great attitude, a great chemistry. I see these guys want to be here and want to work hard to get better every day.”

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VALLEY VIEW’S PROGNOSIS:

After going 0-10 last season, the Tigers are motivated to dismiss that memory. The third head coach in three years is in tow, so trying times are ahead, but Valley View has talent and playmakers to avoid a similar result from last year.

Projected 2016 record: 2-8

COACH’S TENURE:

Coach: Eli Esquivel

Year at school: First

Career coaching record: 25-36

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

ELSA — A few days into the start of training camp last week, Edcouch-Elsa coach Joe Marichalar praised his team’s “state of mind.”

That’s not a common sentiment for most high school football coaches this time of year. But most coaches aren’t overseeing a regional quarterfinalist that returns 12 starters and 22 lettermen.

“Compared to other summers, this was different,” senior offensive lineman Elijah Sanchez said. “There was more energy. There was more hype in the weight room, on the field conditioning. There’s more talking, there’s more everything. Us playing Cedar Park (in the third round of the playoffs) last year, I feel we matured a lot from that. That was the best team in the state, and now we’re here to handle business and that’s what we’re going to do.”

As he reservedly watched a recent late morning practice, Marichalar said the starters were “ahead of the game” at this point of the season. That’s expected. What concerns him, and all E-E followers, is the unexpected.

The Yellowjackets were injury-riddled despite all their success last season. Returning starting quarterback Marco Aguinaga missed eight games with a hand injury. His backup also missed time, leading to a few starts for the third string signal-caller. A starting running back and defensive lineman each missed significant time because of various pains.

There were a couple of weeks that Edcouch-Elsa had 9-11 kids unavailable to play because of injuries. The football gods were not kind.

“We keep those guys on our side every day,” Marichalar said. “Having faith on our side is something we talk about on a daily basis. We added some new rehab stuff over the offseason in our strength and conditioning program. We’re trying to prevent what happened last year from happening again. If we can maintain and last the whole season, we’ll see what we can really be.”

The Yellowjackets incorporated more weight-training exercises to their strength and conditioning regimen over the offseason. They targeted specific muscles and encouraged more stretching after practices. Meal plans were in full force.

“We need to take care of our bodies,” senior receiver JJ Flores said. “We can’t be messing around. It’s about being a bit more professional. Drinking a lot of water. Stretching after practices. Resting right on the weekends.”

The Yellowjackets thrived despite the rash of injuries last year. But this is a new team, Marichalar said, and a new identity has to be established. New goals are in place.

The character of last year’s team was never in question. This year’s, however, is still unknown.

“Sometimes you’re going to have those years where you’re going to get tested with your adversity,” said Marichalar, whose team also dealt with tragedy off the field. “Our kids fought through that last year, on and off the field. But this is a new team. Above everything, if we can maintain being a team, and having that unity and chemistry from game one, everything should be in place.”

WANTED: BACK

The Yellowjackets don’t have many position battles, but a big one is at running back.

There are a few unknowns ready to assume the position, which serves as more of a blocker than runner in coordinator Eugene Garza’s offense. Junior Christian Contreras is currently leading the pack, while some players who were on JV last year are hoping to win the position.

“We’re going to test them during scrimmages and see where we’re at,” Marichalar said. “Maybe we go with some defensive guys. We’re going to fine-tune that and pinpoint who that guy is going to be. Christian has been doing an outstanding job and we’re expecting good things, so hopefully all of that comes into play.”

CATCH ‘EM IF YOU CAN

With receivers Flores, A.J. Rodriguez and utility man Mac Lara, the Yellowjackets have impressive speed on the perimeter.

Flores led District 32-5A in receiving last year. Rodriguez will be looked upon to assume the fulltime No. 2 spot. Lara will play receiver and running back. At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash.

“Those guys are going to make something happen on their own, and that’s always a plus to have,” Marichalar said. “The biggest thing is feeding our playmakers. Let them go and let them shine. That’s our focus.”

Flores is the undisputed star of the bunch, rivaling Aguinaga in athleticism. He compiled 791 yards and eight touchdowns during the regular season last year.

He’s ready for more.

“I have a lot of goals set in mind,” he said. “A thousand (receiving) yards is big for me. I want at least 12 touchdowns receiving. We’re an explosive offense and it’s fun being a part of.

“We’re bigger, we’re quicker and we’re faster. We’ve all been together for a while now and that chemistry shows.”

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EDCOUCH-ELSA’S PROGNOSIS:

The Yellowjackets return six starters — including the quarterback, two wideouts and four offensive linemen — on offense and six on defense following a surprising run to the third round of the playoffs last year. If they can stay healthy, look out.

Projected 2016 record: 10-3

COACH’S TENURE:

Coach: Joe Marichalar

Year at school: Fourth

Record at E-E: 23-12

DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER

The 2015 high school football season was good and bad for Marco Aguinaga and Edcouch-Elsa.

The Yellowjackets finished the year as one of three Rio Grande Valley teams left standing. Edcouch-Elsa went three rounds deep in the postseason, falling to eventual state champ Cedar Park, one year after losing to Sharyland High in the bi-district round.

But Aguinaga, the Yellowjackets’ dual-threat quarterback, played just five games after suffering a hand injury. He played the first three games and returned for the final two playoff games, though not at full strength. So as soon as the Yellowjackets returned to Elsa after that bitter loss to the Wolverines in San Antonio, Aguinaga didn’t wait.

Eager to make a statement this senior season, Aguinaga spent time in the weight room or on the track during the offseason, and then attended six camps, two national, this summer.

Three days into the start of practices this week, Aguinaga looks like a new young man: confident, prepared, hungry and desperately ready to take in whatever 2016 has in store.

“Marco’s been ready to go since last year’s offseason,” E-E coach Joe Marichalar said. “He had a great summer, put in plenty of work. His knowledge, his leadership … they’re all up to par. He’s got all the intangibles lined up, so it’s a matter of him showcasing his talents and leading this team where we want to go.”

Aguinaga has always been athletically gifted. He has good height, he’s quick on his feet and he’s powerful. But where his game will likely take a turn for the best is in his mechanics.

In attending camps at TCU and UTSA, a pair of regional camps in Houston and national camps in Ohio and South Carolina, Aguinaga was re-introduced to the basics. Used to relying on his athleticism to bail himself out of precarious situations on the field, Aguinaga now trusts his technique and comprehension.

“The one thing they focused on at a lot of those camps was quarterback fundamentals,” Aguinaga said. “Stuff as simple as the three-step drop and other fundamentals that quarterbacks can miss nowadays. Fundamentals are what wins games as a quarterback.”

At the camps, Aguinaga gained confidence. He was named MVP of the USA Football national camp in Ohio. He starred at the TCU and UTSA camps. He proved to himself that he could compete with talent outside of the Valley.

“I improved a lot, so I know there’s even more room to improve,” Aguinaga said. “Those camps up north are all about speed and it’s good to get a chance to go up there and throw to them because they’re quicker and faster. Playing down here was something I was used to, something I had gotten comfortable with. I was able to break out of my comfort zone a little bit.”

Aguinaga’s mother, Daniella, said the family had to sacrifice to take him to the camps. The trips out of state doubled as a family vacation; family needs had to be taken care of later. Daniella and Marco’s stepdad, Joel Lara, footed the bill for the regional camps in Houston.

“Marco came up to me in the spring and said there was a chance to go to the national camps if he did well at the regional ones,” Daniella said. “He asked me, ‘Can we do it?’ I said, ‘You’re going to make it. You’re going to make it. So we’ll make it happen.’ My husband and I anticipated him making it, so we’d talk finances and what to save and what would have to be sacrificed, so there was a plan all along.”

Local sponsorships helped with the cost of the national camps.

“You can see the passion on his face,” Daniella said. “He loved being around kids who had the same goals he had. He’s someone who wants to make people proud, and the fact that he feels he can do that with something he’s good at makes him really happy. And to see your son happy makes a mother happy.”

It has paid off. Marichalar said when the two discuss quarterback play now, Aguinaga’s understanding is more advanced.

In huddles, he has full command. If he’s not correcting mistakes, he’s encouraging teammates.

“That’s a guy who leads the No. 1 offense in the district,” senior defensive back James Rodriguez said. “He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the Valley. He’s gotten a lot better reading defenses and he’s throwing quicker. He’s stronger at knowing where his receivers are and how they can get open. He’s quicker on his timing.”

Added senior offensive lineman Elijah Sanchez: “His will to win is the same, but he’s smarter. He knows more what to do as quarterback and you can tell he feels real comfortable out there.”

Coming off an injury-marred junior season, Aguinaga is driven and pushed.

“Winning that district title, that’s our main goal,” he said. “That’s what got me going to these camps. That, and I want to get my name out there because I want to play at the next level. I just got out there and put in the work.”

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