BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
ALAMO — It’s hard to imagine Mike Gonzalez getting sacked.
“I’ve only seen it happen a few times,” PSJA Memorial receiver Jerry Bocanegra said. “It took like, two or three guys to get him down. He’s pretty big.”
Big, strong, fast and the Wolverines’ best chance at making the playoffs.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, the senior quarterback’s stocky frame resembles a lead-lined refrigerator. But his bulk doesn’t get in the way of his efficiency. A season ago, Gonzalez threw for 1,374 yards while completing 52 percent of his throws — both marks being the best among other QBs in District 31-6A.
“At my time at other schools throughout the Valley, be it Mercedes or (McAllen) Rowe, I’ve had a chance to see a lot of good quarterbacks,” first-year coach Michael Uribe said. “Michael is definitely a special player for us, and it’s a privilege to get to coach him.”
Despite Gonzalez’s district-leading numbers, the Wolverines experienced an up-and-down season in 2014. Though they beat playoff teams like PSJA North, they stumbled against Edinburg High, losing 17-7 to a team with only one other victory under its belt. Memorial would lose four of their last five games and finish 2-4 in district play, missing the postseason.
Gonzalez and his teammates are ready to wash the acidic taste of disappointment form their mouths, with this preseason being smoother than previous two-a-days.
“This year, guys are more focused,” Gonzalez said. “There’s a lot of seniors on the team, and we know this is our last chance to get to where we want to be.”
Uribe replaces former coach Gus Cavazos. Though both coaches use a spread offense, Uribe is giving a facelift to Memorial’s schemes, changing formations and acquainting his players with new terminology.
“We dealt with our learning curve during spring ball,” Uribe said. “I was impressed with how well a lot of our guys retained that information over the summer. That’s made practices easier. Now we as a staff can focus on the little things we’re trying to do instead of worrying about the big picture.”
PSJA Memorial begins their season against La Joya Juarez-Lincoln on Friday, August 28 at La Joya ISD Stadium.
INSIDE OUT
One of the biggest changes for the Wolverines comes in their receiving corps. Bocanegra, accustomed to playing on the outside, has been moved to the slot position in order to work the ball between himself and fellow receiver John Anthony Saenz.
“We’re fast, so we’re both threats,” Bocangegra said. “Moving me inside is good because it also helps us support the run as well.”
Speed will be the name of the game for PSJA Memorial. The team looks to push the tempo on the offensive side, meaning Gonzalez and his receivers spent part of their offseason refining their accuracy and timing.
“We’ve been working all summer,” Gonzalez said. “We’re trying to run clean routes, throw clean passes and have clean catches.”
Bocanegra, who is one of five returning starters on offense, caught 48 receptions and 865 receiving yards to lead the district last year.
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
While the Wolverines passing attack is on solid ground, the effectiveness of their running game remains up in the air. Memorial totaled just 881 rushing yards last year, with senior Jonathan Trevino leading the way at 558.
Jesse Rodriguez will be the team’s workhorse back for 2015. He played just three games last year, but ran the ball 14 times for 106 yards. At 5-4, he’s the smallest player on the offensive side, but there’s no denying his quickness.
“He’s a very fast, very smart kid,” Uribe said. “We’re excited about the things he can do. If he sees a running lane, he’s going to take it. Watch out for him in the open field.”
2 FAST
The Wolverines look to be swift on the defensive side of the ball as well. Employing a Cover 2 scheme, Uribe points to the free safeties and the defensive line as a point of emphasis.
“They’re big and fast back there,” Uribe said. “They’re going to be able to move to the ball very quickly and hopefully get some stops for us.”
Senior Vicente Rodriguez leads the safeties, while senior Jose Ramirez will be an anchor on the D-line. The Wolverines return six starters on defense.
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PSJA Memorial’s Prognosis: The Wolverines are a rarity in District 31-6A for their effective passing attack. The team’s spread offense has been given a facelift under first-year coach Michael Uribe, and they have plenty of senior talent to boot. Though they face a tough district schedule, don’t be surprised if PSJA Memorial make an appearance in the bi-district round.
Projected 2015 Record: 5-5
COACH’S TENURE
Coach’s Name: Michael Uribe
Year at PSJA Memorial: First
Record at PSJA Memorial: 0-0
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