KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
LYFORD—While the season is just a few days old, it’s apparent 2019 just may be a special year when it comes to the QB position.
Last year Mission Veterans QB Landry Gilpin just about rewrote the record books and St. Joseph signal caller Kai Money posted monster number in 2017, making both standout under center in the RGV.
This year, there might not just be one or two QB’s that can sling it, but rather a handful of quarterbacks are poised to take the next step, to name just a few, Mission’s Jeremy Duran, Sharyland Pioneer’s Eddie Marburger, Harlingen High’s Jaime Galvan, Hanna’s Victor Campos, La Feria’s Dorian Hernandez and Lyford’s Cayleb Klostermann.
Of that group, Klostermann is the only junior and is entering his second year as Lyford’s quarterback.
While Lyford can get overlooked because of its 3A classification, there is plenty of reason to keep tabs on Klostermann and the Bulldogs this season.
Cayleb saw his older brother Layne take reps under center along with Chase Hinojosa during the 2017 season, so he is no stranger to what Lyford football means and has learned watching his brother and Hinojosa.
Last year, as a starter, Cayleb threw for 1,746 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran for 390 yards on 107 carries and found pay dirt seven times. The junior gunslinger has the ability to throw over the top and can tuck it and run and has the versatility to roll out and throw on the run.
“Over the offseason, we hit the weight room,” Cayleb said. “This is one of the best off-seasons we had and everyone put on some muscle.”
While the nine interceptions may be a reason for concern, it is something the junior took a look at this past offseason and is hoping to limit.
“The jitters are gone and that just comes with experience and me playing,” Cayleb said. “No more sophomore mistakes. We are expecting big things this season and I feel this team can do what we did two years ago or maybe better. The expectations I have for this team are high. As for me, I spent some time learning coverages and learning the fundamentals of throwing. I threw nine picks last year and that is way too many, so I’m looking to cut down on that.”
Third-year head coach Israel Gonzalez has molded Cayleb and sees the growth and potential in his young quarterback and also feels this year can be his true breakout season.
“I truly do, he (Cayleb) is a student of the game,” Gonzalez said. “He does the little things that it takes to become an elite quarterback. He threw for 1,500 yards last year and ran for about 400 yards and we are expecting those numbers to go up.”