MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
Mission Veterans Memorial coach David Gilpin all but ruled out quarterback Santos Villarreal for Friday’s game at Roma after he sustained an ankle sprain last week.
“Chances are slim to none (that he’ll play),” Gilpin said.
There’s no timetable set for Villarreal’s return, though the senior was optimistic that he’ll be back on the field in time for Sharyland Pioneer next week. Villarreal clutched his right ankle after being tackled on a 1-yard run during the district opener against Sharyland High.
Villarreal went off to the sideline with 20 seconds left in the third quarter and did not return. He left the stadium on crutches.
“I guess on that run (late in the third quarter) I cut and I don’t really know what happened, if I twisted it myself or if they hit me and it rolled. I don’t know,” Villarreal said. “I just felt that sharp pain and I knew I had to stay out of the game.”
Sophomore quarterback Diego Hernandez, who filled in for Villarreal last week, is expected to start Friday. Hernandez completed 14 of 18 passes for 126 yards — all of it coming in the fourth quarter. Villarreal went 9-for-20 for 74 yards and two interceptions.
“It’s the next-man-up concept until Santos returns,” Gilpin said. “We think Diego is very capable. Obviously he’s a different style quarterback; they both have their strengths. But we think Diego can do a good job for us.
“He’s not the running threat that Santos is. Diego’s going to be a little more patient in the pocket and that’s fine. He’s accurate. He’s smart. He knows our offense.”
Going into Week 6, Villarreal led the district is passing yards (1,025) despite playing one less game because of a bye.
“You don’t make up for not having a Santos Villarreal,” Gilpin said. “Everyone has to raise their level of play. The line has to block better. The receivers have to run better routes and make better catches. The run game has to be better.”
This is the second consecutive year that Villarreal has missed time due to injury. Last season, he tore a ligament in his right foot, forcing him to sit out three district games and a bi-district battle. He underwent surgery and spent nine months recovering.
“It’s my senior year,” Villarreal said. “I’m not going to let this hold me back. I’m focused on getting back on the field as soon as possible.”
MAKING STRIDES
It’s no secret Roma (3-2-1, 1-1 31-5A) has struggled scoring this year. Outside of a 24-7 win over Laredo Cigarroa, the Gladiators have yet to put up more than two touchdowns in a game.
Their running game largely depends on Peter Rodriguez, who leads the district in ground yards. Slowly, Ramon Espinosa has turned into a reliable second option, especially after picking up 118 yards on 16 carries, scoring once, in a 49-10 loss last week to Edinburg Vela.
“We’re moving along,” Roma coach Max Habecker Jr. said. “We’ve just got to keep it going.”
Habecker’s optimistic the Gladiators’ offense will improve as the season progresses, especially with Aldo Ramirez, a first-team all-district wide receiver recovering from a shoulder injury.
“I just want him to be 100 percent,” Habecker said. “I’m not going to rush him to come back too soon. I need him for the long haul.”
Ramirez showed promise this year, catching six touchdown passes between two scrimmages. He’s played on varsity for three years now alongside quarterback R.J. Garza.
RAISING AWARENESS
Throughout the Week 7 District 31-5A games, teams will wear wristbands to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Fans are encouraged to wear pink t-shirts.
There will be a moment of silence before the games along with a presentation in an effort to raise awareness.