By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
For four years, Mission Veterans had the same starting quarterback in Santos Villarreal. At times, he battled injuries. And while it might have made things more difficult on the Patriots, the games he sat out in 2014 afforded them a glimpse into their future.
That’s because Diego Hernandez, a sophomore, got reps as a starter in two games last season, leading Mission Vets to victories both times, as Villarreal nursed an ankle injury.
With Villarreal graduating now, Hernandez is primed to become the full-time starter.
In a little more than two games filling in, the soon-to-be junior threw for 730 yards and five touchdowns while completing 61.2 percent of his attempts.
“He’s a real sharp guy,” Gilpin said last season about Hernandez. “He’s got great leadership qualities. Not too much bothers him, not too much ruffles him. He’s come out and gotten the job done. … We’re pleased with his growth.”
He finished the season throwing for 974 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions, and he’s expected to enter this season with six returning starters in the fold for their spread offense.
Hernandez doesn’t boast the running threat that Villarreal demonstrated at times, but his patience in the pocket and knowledge of the playbook should ease his transition as he inherits the reins.
In all, the Patriots have 23 returning lettermen, which have them in the conversation for the district title, along with Edinburg Vela, a year after coming in third place and advancing to the area round of the playoffs.
FAMILIAR FACES
Mission Veterans had one of the most potent wide receiver corps in district in 2014. Four of the top receivers (in terms of catches made) played for the Patriots, and three of those players are back again.
Bobby Tovar, who also doubles as a defensive back, is entering his senior year. And Adam Solis and Roman De Leon are gearing up for their junior seasons.
They’re familiar with the program, and the reps they got with Hernandez should make for a seamless transition for Mission Veterans as it prepares for a change at signal caller.
Tovar finished last year with 70 catches for 946 yards and nine touchdowns. De Leon scored eight times on 66 catches for 747 yards. And Solis hauled in 45 receptions for 597 yards and four TDs.
They’ll play alongside an offensive line boasting Danny Munguia and Jordan De Leon, who will be trying to lead Mission Veterans to the most productive offense in district once again.
Last year, the Patriots ranked first with 397.9 yards per game, with 65 percent of their offense coming through the air. Their 2,607 passing yards led District 31-5A last season.
STRONG ‘D’
The Patriots had the stingiest defense in district last season, yielding 176 yards per game, and several key pieces from the unit are back in 2015.
Kevin Liebano, a standout defensive back, was a threat to meet or break several school records, and he could reach the career mark in certain categories as he enters his senior season. Last year, he tallied 114 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Hugo Cabrera, an inside linebacker, returns for his senior season after recording 197 tackles and 19 tackles for a loss. And fellow linebacker Marco Mendiola, also a senior, comes back after posting 79 tackles, 23 quarterback pressures and two fumble recoveries.
MISSION VETERANS
Returning Starters (offense/defense): 6/5
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Players: QB Diego Hernandez, RB Johnny Martinez, WR Bobby Tovar, WR Roman De Leon, WR Adam Solis, ILB Hugo Cabrera, DB Kevin Liebano, ILB Marco Mendiola
Biggest question mark: Can young nucleus lead team further in 2015?
2014 record: 8-4