BY NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
Most of the teams in District 30-6A received a “needs improvement” on their 2016 report cards. The La Joya Palmview Lobos, however, were above the bottleneck of four teams in the district that finished at 2-4.
While most teams will try to catch up to the frontrunners, the Lobos will aim to replicate their record while fielding a very different roster.
Moises Morales at right tackle is the leader of a strong group of linemen that will return three from last year’s team.
At 6 foot 3 inches tall, he’s a force opening outside running lanes and protecting the pocket. He’ll work to lessen the blow of losing star back Joel Piña, helping the new tailbacks ease into the offense.
“You just try to help them out, to get better and to get where last year’s back used to be,” Morales said. “We just tell them to follow Piña’s roles.”
Replacing 2,746 yards over the last two seasons might be easier said than done for Palmview.
They’ll hope that a player from their depth chart elevates the same way Piña did when he made the jump to varsity in 2015.
Palmview’s 5-5 record looks more impressive when factoring in a 0-3 stumble out the gates. Coach Margarito Requenez says the early 2016 losses against Roma, Economedes and Edinburg High can be attributed mostly to a banged-up roster.
The improvement down the stretch had the Lobos carrying momentum into their playoff game, though their season ended at the hands of Laredo United South.
“After we modified our personnel the correct way, things changed, and we finished pretty strong, and we made a good run at it,” Requenez said. “Basically, that’s what we need to do again this year. We’re getting the personnel where we need to get them right now.”
Much of Palmview’s success will depend on the team’s performance against its sister campuses in La Joya. In 2016, the Lobos swept their two games against the Coyotes and Huskies, finishing two games clear of both in district play.
Jesse Herrera, a hard-hitting safety who will be called on to fill a lot of holes on defense, says it’s easy to get pumped on those game nights.
“It’s a rivalry, so those games are exciting,” Herrera said. “We want to beat them because we want to be the top dogs of the district.”
The new-look Lobos will need to gel quickly and play beyond their years to stay afloat in a district that is looking to improve records nearly across the board.
Leading by playing right
“Defense is a very important part of the game,” Herrera said. “As long as (our) offense scores, as long as we keep them off the field, we’ll win. We’ve got to make sure our offense is able to go out there and have every opportunity to score.”
Mike De Hoyos is one of the few returning defensive starters, and he’s ready to guide the newcomers.
“We’re just teaching them for the next generation of Palmview,” De Hoyos said. “Trying to get them better and keep the tradition going.”
The tradition De Hoyos is referring to is the three consecutive playoff appearances that Palmview has under its belt. Prior to 2014, the Lobos had never been to the postseason.
Big losses hit both sides of ball
Piña was not the only major casualty that 2016 graduation dealt the program. Along with the running back, Palmview lost speedy receiver/defensive back Tristan Myende. They’ll lose their first team all-district QB and safety, as well.
Even though the returning pool is light, Requenez is pleased that around 95 players suited up between JV and varsity — an important number for the school that sits at the bottom of 30-6A in campus enrollment.
The youthful roster that Palmview’s fourth-year coach has is something he’s turned into a positive. He’s using the competition in August to find his backs and receivers of the future while they prepare for Week 1.
“You get to find out what you have on the team,” Requenez said. “If the kids battle one another, you’re going to get the best out of them. If you rely solely on one guy, your backups will never shine.”
“It’s going to depend on our games that we have right now. That’s why we have two scrimmages,” Requenez said. “We’ll find out which running backs can run with the ball and who can’t. We won’t make our decision until district, which is still a long way to go.”
Palmview’s Prognosis: Losing the 30-6A MVP from 2016 will take a toll on the Lobos. Their defense will be relied on heavily to preserve a three-year playoff streak.
2016 record: 5-6
Returning starters O/D: 3/4
COACH’S TENURE
Coach: Margarito Requenez
Year at school: Fourth
Record at school: 16-17-1