NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
WESLACO – District 32-6A was a gauntlet last season. All four playoff teams owned winning records in district, and all four teams won least one game in the postseason.
Weslaco East finished fourth, but it took a state finalist to end the Wildcats’ impressive season. Looking back at a third-round playoff appearance may be exciting for fans, but within the East roster and coaching staff, all eyes are tunnel-visioned forward.
The Wildcats’ running game is no joke. Not many teams could even crack a smile when Roy Pedraza touched the ball in open space. He tallied 1,237 yards and 15 touchdowns for East last season.
Coach Mike Burget is glad to have continuity, but he’s not giving that talent any pass to be complacent.
“It’s a bonus to have that, but we’re starting off zero and zero,” Burget said. “Now, if we started off in the third round, I’d be a lot happier. I’m happy to have a quarterback back that took almost every snap, a tailback that took every snap, a fullback that took every snap.”
His strong group of returners carries over to defense, as well, where he’ll field eight returning starters.
East’s most versatile player, J.C. Vargas, is happy with the way his Wildcats hit the preseason camp running.
“It’s really exciting. We’re way ahead of where we were last year,” Vargas said. “We’re at a much faster pace, and everything is clicking. We hope to depend on a lot of our returning starters.”
The jack-of-all-trades scored six TDs and intercepted five passes on his way to being named first team all-district on offense and an honorable mention as a safety.
Burget will have a lot of leadership on the field at all times, with familiar opponents gunning at knocking East off.
“Yeah, it makes it a little bit easier, but at the same time it makes the target a little bit bigger on us,” Burget said.
Within the Wildcats’ district, they’ll have the likes of city rivals Weslaco High trying to get back into the playoffs after missing for the first time in six seasons. Harlingen South is attempting to make its first playoff trip since 2013.
Even with one of the most challenging 10-game grinds in the Valley, Burget’s team is solely focused on its first week, against Sharyland High. The Wildcats’ bench boss won’t afford them the opportunity to make the mistake of looking too far ahead.
Freddy Cardenas’ team-leading 114 tackles helped him earn co-defensive newcomer of the year in the district. Cardenas surprised as a sophomore. Now, as a junior, he’s a leader with a powerful combination of experience and youth.
“It helps us adjust quicker to the game. In game-time situations, we’re used to the speed. We’re used to the strength,” Cardenas said about the team returning most of its defensive starters. “It’s easier to get back into the rhythm.”
Speaking on the first day of pads, the linebacker described the defense’s collective excitement.
“Oh, it’s the best feeling,” Cardenas said. “We try to outhit every opponent, so it’s the best feeling out here.”
SIGNATURE GAMES AGAINST POWERHOUSE TEAMS
The Wildcats will have big tests all through the district slate, but Burget’s schedule calls for no easy game. He joked that he isn’t smart to do it, but he preached the value of the move.
“I want my team to be ready to go when they hit the district,” Burget said. “We take the challenge. We take the challenge of playing Sharyland and McAllen Memorial, that always has Division I kids. Economedes are a nasty slot team that gives a lot of teams problems.
“It feels good, because I like to be in those clutch moments,” Vargas said. “I feel like I could help my team everywhere they need help. Wherever the coach puts me, that’s where I’m going to play, whether it’s water boy or anywhere.”
Cardenas recognized and touched on the intensity of District 32-6A’s many crucial matchups.
“It makes it way more special, way harder,” Cardenas said. “It takes the game to a whole other level, where you’re just so excited to play.”
OPTIONS GALORE
Weslaco East expects to throw a lot at opposing defenses. With most skill position players returning, the Wildcats can focus on execution.
“It feels good. With coach Burget, we go through a lot of formations during the season,” Vargas said. “Now that we have more weapons and we can count on more people, I think it takes the pressure off me, Roy and (quarterback) Richard (LeFevre).”
“The defense, we got some guys that like to hit,” Vargas continued. “Our chemistry is really good with each other. We should be good this year.”
LeFevre is under center for the Wildcats again, and his imposing 6-foot-4-inch figure is difficult to wrap up. Last year, he threw for only 504 yards and 3 TDs. East has shown that it isn’t afraid to run the ball 30 or more times per game, but LeFevre’s arm can be a weapon if he’s asked to throw down the field more often.
The Wildcats reached the playoffs for a 10th consecutive year in 2016. That streak is enough reason for teams to attempt to knock them off. Add the fact that East will be considered favorites to finish at the top of the standings, and the Wildcats are easy bulletin board material for opposing teams.
WESLACO EAST’S PROGNOSIS
The Wildcats are again in the discussion as a premier team in the Valley. Their returners will need to lead on a weekly basis to navigate a brutal schedule. Look out for their skill players.
2016 record: 8-5
Returning starters O/D: 5/8
COACH’S TENURE
Coach: Michael Burget
Year at School: Fifth
Record at school: 34-13