BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
PHARR — Everybody wants to know who will be running the high-powered Edinburg Vela offense.
Right now, the answer seems simple, but the talent on the roster makes the choice anything but.
“(Sophomore quarterback) A.J. Sotelo was our starter heading out of spring training,” Vela coach John Campbell said.
Sotelo is a sophomore who was used sparingly last year for the SaberCats. He attempted only one pass on the varsity roster, but he earned the trust of the team when he stepped in after starter Nathan Garcia suffered an injury during a playoff game.
Sotelo is a talented player who showed a lot at the freshman level last year, leading the team to a 10-0-1 record and a district title.
The 5-foot-10-inch, 165-pounder also led South Middle School to a district title during his eighth-grade year. Sotelo plays baseball for Vela, too, and he earned some time in the outfield during the fourth round of the playoffs.
Sotelo did not play in Edinburg Vela’s football scrimmage against PSJA High, which was abnormal because Campbell said his main goal in the scrimmage was to get players without varsity experience some playing time against a varsity team.
After the game, Campbell said Sotelo was “fine,” and that he expected him to be ready for Week 1.
Should anything keep Sotelo from playing at any point this year, Campbell has plenty of options.
Frankie Zuniga transferred into Vela this summer after playing last year at Edinburg North. Zuniga was injured just three games into the season and was not able to return. In the Cougars’ first three games, Zuniga passed for 403 yards and one touchdown on a 69.8 completion percentage. He also ran for a touchdown.
Elijah Trujillo is a senior who has played a bit for Vela, mostly in mop-up duty. Vela also has freshman Chase Campbell, who was a standout at South Middle School. Chase Campbell played in Vela’s JV scrimmage on Friday, and coach Campbell said he was impressed with Chase’s adjustment to the speed of the JV game.
For now, the job is Sotelo’s, but his play will have to keep him in that position. Plenty of SaberCats are eager to get those snaps.
ONE-TWO PUNCH
Senior running back Aaron Alvarez was a powerful weapon for Vela last year. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry while racking up a team-high 871 rushing yards and 18 TDs. The converted linebacker is a bruising runner between the tackles, but when he gets to the edge, he can zip up the sideline and get away from the defense, as he did so many times last year.
Senior running back Cristian Flores is back at Vela after a year at Edinburg North during which he ran for 1,244 yards and 13 TDs.
Flores started his varsity career at Vela, and during his sophomore year he put up 984 yards and 11 TDs.
Few thought he would be able to top his 2016 totals on a new offense in 2017, but Flores showed he is capable of being an elite back on any team.
While Vela’s backs may be competing for carries, both said they are excited to be working together.
“It’s pretty good, seeing us be successful back there,” Alvarez said. “We love the personnel that we have, and we are doing great.”
Flores and Alvarez aren’t the only backs Vela has. If last year is any indication, there is no limit to the number of rushers the SaberCats will use. Kevin McKinney also returns for his sophomore season. McKinney is a very shifty back, and he is a valuable asset in the passing game.
“The main thing is it gives us a chance to do some things that we weren’t able to do last year in terms of two-back personnel,” coach Campbell said. “That mix is a little bit different. We can keep them fresh throughout a game, as well. So, we are really pleased with our running back situation. We are pleased with our offensive skill situation overall. Moving Daniel (Enriquez) over from our defensive side to what we call our H, he’s a threat. So, we feel real good about that.”
LINE DANCING
All-state honorable mention offensive lineman Jayden Borjas returns for his senior year.
The Vela line has been a strong point during the last few years, giving prolific offenses time to pull off dazzling plays.
Borjas is an anchor on that line, and as a senior he is one of the leaders on the unit.
“Jayden is one of the few guys that we have that are three-year letterman,” coach Campbell said. “He brings a consistency to him. Jorge Hinojosa, who is lined up right next to him, (is a) talented underclassmen. Being able to have two guys of a very high ability level, at two different grade levels, creates a pretty good little dynamic over there. Obviously, Jayden is an important part of our football team, as are the rest of our offensive line.”
The line overall has been outstanding through preseason, and the running backs and quarterbacks alike appreciate their high level of play.
“Right now, the O-line is tearing it up,” Zuniga said. “They are giving me at least four seconds every play. By that time, the ball is already out. They are doing spectacular. Even on the running plays, we busted a couple long runs (at Vela’s scrimmage against PSJA High). That’s all because of the O-line right there.”
EDINBURG VELA’S KEY TO THE SEASON
Vela’s offense still has the talent to be one of the best in the Valley, but A.J. Sotelo takes over at quarterback without much experience at the varsity level. The defense is still a strong point. The SaberCats come into the year as the top team in the Valley, and they will be difficult to dethrone.
2017 record: 12-1
Returning starters O/D: 6/6
COACH’S TENURE
Coach: John Campbell
Year at the school: 2nd
Record at Edinburg Vela: 12-1