By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — Lance Madden has found his rhythm this season, and there’s little surprise why.
The senior has been the central figure under center for Sharyland High, which did away with a two-quarterback experiment that propelled the Rattlers to the third round last season.
Sharyland is once again in the regional quarterfinals — this time with Madden largely orchestrating the offense. He credits “all the people around me,” from the line to the coaching staff. He also realizes part that is due to his extended playing time.
“Not switching back and forth, it helps me get in that rhythm,” he said.
Madden, though, wasn’t gifted the opportunity. Nor did it fall to him by way of injuries.
In the final non-district game of the season, he passed for 156 yards and a touchdown and ran for 253 yards (on 12 carries, no less) and three scores against Laredo Alexander.
The following week against Edinburg Vela, he passed for nearly 180 yards and 2 TDs while mirroring the same production running the ball.
In the biggest of games, Madden has delivered.
“Lance is on his A-game,” said Diego Chrysler, who shared snaps with Madden last season and earlier this year. “Me, I’m just trying to help the team as best as I can. I can play special teams, receiver, tight end — anything I can do to help.”
Last year, it was Chrysler who was selected as a first team all-district quarterback, while Madden earned an honorable mention nod at slot receiver.
This year, the accolades could very well be reversed. Chrysler, however, doesn’t mind.
“Obviously I want to play quarterback. But it’s a great experience because I get to learn about multiple positions,” he said. “Now I’m doing position drills. I’m with the receivers. I’m on kickoff, punt teams, just learning the game.”
As if a two-quarterback system didn’t offer its share of challenges, Cesar Chapa made matters even more difficult for coach Ron Adame. Chapa, like Chrysler, offers a threat as a pocket passer. They also complement one another in their tight end package.
During the season opener, Chapa ran for two touchdowns in limited action, further demonstrating the depth at signal caller at Sharyland.
“All our quarterbacks could probably start anywhere else if they wanted to,” Madden said. “If one of us goes down, we have confidence in the next guy stepping up.
“They could put Cha Cha at quarterback, and me and Diego are still out there (at receiver). Or Diego at quarterback (and Chapa at receiver or tight end). It helps a lot because we could use all our weapons at one time.”
Madden and Chrysler have developed chemistry in their newfound roles this year. Against Roma, it was Chrysler who found Madden for a touchdown, for a change.
“Whatever position we’re in, we complement each other well,” Chrysler said. “We’re all exceptionally good athletes and we can help out our team.”
It marked Chrysler’s best game this season, completing 5 of 6 passes for 75 yards and no picks.
“Diego’s a team player,” Adame said. “Above all else, he wants to see the team succeed.
“These guys are three individuals that get along. I don’t think there’s any animosity that splits or divides them. We all have a contribution to make and everybody’s role is important. … When you look at a statistical category, we may not have the leading passer or leading receiver or leading rusher, but to us what matters most is that record. Above all else, it’s getting the ‘W’ and contributing to that win.”
Since joining varsity, Madden has usually had to share the ball. As a sophomore, he played behind Tres Barrera. Last season, he rotated with Chrysler.
Madden said he has added wrinkles to his game watching those two and past Sharyland quarterbacks. This year he finds himself a little more patient in the pocket, like Chrysler. Madden doesn’t scramble as much as he once did, though he’s largely been successful when he has had to this year. And it helps, too, that he’s part of a senior-laden squad that has played together for years — each buying into a singular goal.
“I believe everyone’s committed to winning,” Madden said. “We have team players and whatever we could do to make that happen, we do.”