BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
EDINBURG — Rene Saenz’s first year as coach of the Edinburg North Cougars was marked by constant re-tooling. The team experienced inconsistent quarterback play, a banged-up running back and a defense which struggled to get stops.
Despite their shortcomings, the Cougars posted a 3-3 record in District 31-6A, good enough to secure the district’s last playoff spot. As Edinburg North enters its second season under Saenz, the coach makes the team’s goal apparent.
“We’re aiming for a district championship,” Saenz said. “That level for the kids is not lofty, it’s expected. For them it’s like, ‘That’s where we belong. That’s where we are expected to be every year.’ But we haven’t won a district title since 2001. It’s time to bring one back over here.”
The Cougars have good reason to be optimistic. They return seven offensive starters, including junior quarterback Cristian Espinoza, who split time with Martin Rodriguez a season ago. With Rodriguez graduated, Espinoza is the lone man under center.
“He’s a quiet leader,” Saenz said. “But he steps up when the team gets together. During film sessions or stuff like that, he has been stepping up and making his voice heard without being asked to do that. Last year, he wouldn’t have done so.”
To ready himself for the increased workload, Espinoza spent his summer attending various quarterback camps in an effort to sure up his mechanics and football IQ.
“I was mainly focused on tweaking my footwork, how to be more accurate and understanding defenses,” Espinoza said. “I’ve got to understand defense as much as I do offense in order to do some damage.”
The Cougars return three starting receivers from last year’s squad, including junior Justin Guerra. Though Saenz prefers a run-heavy offense, he knows his wideouts can be counted on when their number is called.
“Every one of those guys made a critical catch or two in game,” he said. “So we’re happy they have that experience. We’re hungry.”
CARRY THE ROCK
Matt Whitesides carried the load for the Cougars’ running game last year, gaining 1,118 regular season yards, the second best in the district. Whiteside’s graduation leaves a void in the backfield which Saenz is looking to fill.
“We have three young backs we’re looking at right now,” he said. “The guy who’s most looking to nab the job is Omar Acevdeo, but he’s got two guys behind him battling it out for playing time as well. No one has really outshined anybody yet.
Sanez credits Acevedo’s speed, vision and ability to handle contact, but says the wear-and-tear of the season may equate to relying on a stable of backs.
“We don’t mind working with two or three guys,” Sanez said. “My reason being, one workhorse gets beat up, then you’re hurting. That was the case with us last year with Whitesides. He had an ankle injury and a knee injury. We was never hurt enough to be out completely, but it hurt his performance.”
SYNCHRONIZATION
The Cougars coaching staff experienced re-shuffling during the offseason. Marty Hammond was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, and offensive line coach Fausto Atkinson was brought in Brownsville Veterans Memorial. The two coaches have spent the early going of practices attempting to get in sync.
“For us, this week has been very important,” Atkinson said. “We’ve got to get everyone on the same page if we want this offense to do what we know it’s capable of doing. So far, the kids have responded really well. It’s easy for them because we haven’t changed the system too much. It’s pretty familiar to them.”
BETTER YOU BET
It’s easy to see why Saenz called last season a down year for the team’s defensive unit. The Cougars allowed opponents 30 points and 368 yards per game — the worst among District 31-6A playoff teams. With mileage under their belt, Eidnburg North looks to reestablish their defensive identity.
“Right now, we’re way ahead of where we were last year,” Saenz said. “I like our D-line, our young linebackers. Our secondary is going to take a little bit of time to mature, but physically, they have the ability to be standouts.”
The Cougars’ defensive line will be anchored by junior defensive tackle Sebastian Bulos, whom Saenz describes as the team’s defensive leader. Joining Bulos on the line are junior Andy Trejo and senior Bryan Hernandez.
EDINBURG NORTH’S PROGNOSIS
The Cougars have made the playoffs each of the last three seasons. Barring significant injury, the team should make another postseason appearance. How far they advance, however, depends on a matured defense and an effective running game.
Projected 2015 Record: 6-5
Coaches’ Name: Rene Saenz
Year at Edinburg North: Second
Record at Edinburg North: 5-6
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