JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
LA JOYA — At a quick glance, Thursday’s game between La Joya High and McAllen Rowe is an afterthought. Both teams sport sub-.500 records and have struggled against their district opponents.
But what appears to be a battle between bottom feeders is actually a heated bout for a postseason appearance. The winner will secure the fourth, and final, playoff spot in the district.
A playoff berth would mark a significant stepping stone for La Joya coach George Espinoza and his young team. The Coyotes (2-6, 1-3) have mustered a combined record of 13-47 since La Joya High split into three schools in 2008. The third-year coach still remembers the apathy which surrounded the Coyotes upon his arrival.
“The numbers were very low,” Espinoza said. “No kids were here at all. We had to bite the bullet.”
La Joya has been patient in its rebuilding efforts, relying on a crew of young talent to develop and grow together, laying a foundation for the future.
“Right now, the kids that have been with us have stuck it out,” Espinoza said. “We’ve got 38 juniors we’re working with. It’s coming together. We have a legitimate group coming up.”
One of those juniors is running back Justin Leanos, who leads the team’s run-heavy offense with 737 yards and 8 touchdowns.
“He’s the work horse for us,” Espinoza said. “He needs to be at the top of his game and keep up his consistency.”
Rowe’s offensive approach is the antithesis of La Joya. Coach Paul Reyes employs a spread offense that’s reliant on the passing game.
That’s where our strength lies right now,” Reyes said. “We’ve got quick players on the outside so we try to find them some open spaces on the edge.”
One of those quick players is wide receiver Hector Bosquez. Bosquez began the season as a quarterback, but recently converted after injuries necessitated the move. It’s been a seamless transition, as Bosquez hauled in nine catches for 145 yards and a touchdown two weeks ago in a loss to La Joya Palmview.
“(Hector) is one of our best athletes,” Reyes said. “He can run, can catch and can. He’s a heck of a player.”
John Perez has filled in at quarterback, completing 85-of-142 pass attempts for 1,056 yards, six touchdowns and three picks.
“We’re hoping we can spread (La Joya) out and create some mismatches,” Reyes said. “That’s what we’re comfortable doing, and we’re going to do it.”
Rowe (3-6, 2-3), who entered the season with high expectations, has struggled this season due to youth and delayed coaching adjustments, which Reyes openly admits to.
“From the offensive line to the secondary, we were looking for some things, just tweaking and trying to get things solid,” Reyes said. “It’s my fault. I should have seen it sooner, but we’re comfortable with where we’re at.”