DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
Donna High coach Ramiro Leal is not a fan of Thursday games.
“I’m about done with Thursday games, man,” Leal said, half-kidding and half-serious. “It’s just not a good deal.”
The Redskins play their third Thursday game of the season at 7 when they visit PSJA Southwest for each team’s District 32-5A opener. They are 1-2, with the culprit of their issues coming on misalignments.
Curing such ills comes with reps. Reps don’t come as desired with only two true practice days compared to three when teams play Fridays.
Leal said the Thursday bug is not an excuse. It’s reality in regard to a significant concern. Those misalignments are primarily responsible for an uncharacteristically poor Donna defense, one surrendering 34.7 points on 358.3 yards per game.
The good news is 32-5A had a bye last week, so Donna had more time to work and fix problems heading into this Thursday game.
“It goes back to alignment formation and recognition,” Leal said. “We’re just not in the right place, and when we are we just don’t make a play.”
Leal, however, said offense is partly a suspect as well.
“There has to be a balance,” the third-year coach said. “If our offense is going and working the clock and keeping our defense fresh, I think we’ll be OK. When we start struggling, the offense doesn’t move the ball and the defense is out there for a long time.”
Whatever it is, the Redskins have to shore things up quickly. Like, Thursday.
PSJA Southwest’s offense is predicated upon traps, sweeps and bootlegs, poison for teams that aren’t disciplined in their assignments. Donna High has suffered against the run this season, allowing 259 yards per game, and few teams run as committed as Southwest, which averages 335.3 yards on the ground.
Javelinas senior Jesus Acosta, Southwest’s best running back, is a game-time decision to play Thursday. He missed the last game because of injury. Southwest (1-2) has plenty in stock, though.
Aside from Acosta, quarterback Darren Estrada and tailbacks Justin Corona and Hector Pecina are all capable of reaching the triple-digit mark in rushing yards.
“We’re not a one-man team,” Southwest coach Jesus Reyes said. “Next man up. Everyone wants to play and get on the field, and when somebody is out it’s someone else’s chance to shine.”
Both coaches, especially Leal, understand how important tonight is. Southwest beat Donna last season, and the Redskins had to climb their way back and essentially win out to earn a playoff berth. Reyes said a win to start district play “opens the door for more success.”
Leal has geared his team for this moment. He has held senior running back Paul Guerra, who rushed for more than 800 yards last season, out for precautionary reasons because of hamstring and back issues. Guerra is expected to make his season debut Thursday and will rotate in the backfield alongside Donna’s two do-everything playmakers, Edward Dougherty and Amonte Bowen.
“Winning that first district game is big. It’s huge,” Leal said. “I’d rather go 0-3 and 1-0 in district, than go 3-0 and 0-1 to start district. It’s about setting the tone. I’ve got to look at the bigger picture.
“It’s not where we start, it’s where we finish.”