LA FERIA — Despite just five football practice days in the books, the La Feria Lions are a confident bunch.
Along with high numbers attending practices, there’s a lot for the Lions to be positive about during their first week of two-a-days.
“We have about 125 kids between the varsity and the JV out here, so we’re pleased with that,” said head football coach Oscar Salinas. “The kids are out here working hard and are excited about the season; it’s been five good days of practice.”
When looking at District 16-4A Division I, the Lions should have a bounce in their steps as they bring back 30 lettermen, including seven starters on both offense and defense. Only the defending district champion H.M. King (Kingsville) Brahmas have more (31).
With those kinds of numbers, the Lions are hunting not only a district crown, but feel they can make some postseason noise.
“Our expectations are always to try and win a district championship, but also to go a couple of rounds deep in the playoffs,” Salinas said. “We have a good group of kids coming back. We’ll see how it goes, but it’s a process that we’re going to work every day.”
The Lions will rely heavily on their offense — at least at the start of the season.
Returning is senior quarterback Isaac Galpin, who passed for 1,100 yards, rushed for 500 more and was responsible for 14 touchdowns in 2014.
Around Galpin will be running back Rus Gonzalez and receiver Brandon Perez (six touchdowns in 2014).
“Our offense will lead early on in the season because that’s where are experience is,” Salinas said. “We have our quarterback returning for his second year, a running back, our receivers and our front three are back. Offense is where our experience will be.”
Despite falling in the first round of the playoffs to Gonzalez last season, the offense is ready to step into that leadership role and look at its playoff shortcomings as motivation.
“We have a bunch of returners everywhere and the experience from facing those district and playoff opponents is important,” Galpin said. “We just need it all to come together on both sides of the ball.”
While the offense is a vital part of the team, the defense returns a few all-district second teamers led by senior linebacker Randy Cantu. In 2014 Cantu made 100 solo tackles and hauled in three interceptions.
Despite losing a few all-district seniors, Cantu won’t downplay the Lions’ defense unit.”
“We have a good group and it is honestly one of the best I’ve seen in my three years on the varsity,” Cantu said. “We have solid players at linebacker, at safety and on the defensive line, so we’re stacked in a lot of areas.
“Seeing our offense everyday in practice benefits our defense because they’re pretty good. They have great players and a lot of fast guys, which will help mold our secondary.”