DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
ELSA — A few days into the start of training camp last week, Edcouch-Elsa coach Joe Marichalar praised his team’s “state of mind.”
That’s not a common sentiment for most high school football coaches this time of year. But most coaches aren’t overseeing a regional quarterfinalist that returns 12 starters and 22 lettermen.
“Compared to other summers, this was different,” senior offensive lineman Elijah Sanchez said. “There was more energy. There was more hype in the weight room, on the field conditioning. There’s more talking, there’s more everything. Us playing Cedar Park (in the third round of the playoffs) last year, I feel we matured a lot from that. That was the best team in the state, and now we’re here to handle business and that’s what we’re going to do.”
As he reservedly watched a recent late morning practice, Marichalar said the starters were “ahead of the game” at this point of the season. That’s expected. What concerns him, and all E-E followers, is the unexpected.
The Yellowjackets were injury-riddled despite all their success last season. Returning starting quarterback Marco Aguinaga missed eight games with a hand injury. His backup also missed time, leading to a few starts for the third string signal-caller. A starting running back and defensive lineman each missed significant time because of various pains.
There were a couple of weeks that Edcouch-Elsa had 9-11 kids unavailable to play because of injuries. The football gods were not kind.
“We keep those guys on our side every day,” Marichalar said. “Having faith on our side is something we talk about on a daily basis. We added some new rehab stuff over the offseason in our strength and conditioning program. We’re trying to prevent what happened last year from happening again. If we can maintain and last the whole season, we’ll see what we can really be.”
The Yellowjackets incorporated more weight-training exercises to their strength and conditioning regimen over the offseason. They targeted specific muscles and encouraged more stretching after practices. Meal plans were in full force.
“We need to take care of our bodies,” senior receiver JJ Flores said. “We can’t be messing around. It’s about being a bit more professional. Drinking a lot of water. Stretching after practices. Resting right on the weekends.”
The Yellowjackets thrived despite the rash of injuries last year. But this is a new team, Marichalar said, and a new identity has to be established. New goals are in place.
The character of last year’s team was never in question. This year’s, however, is still unknown.
“Sometimes you’re going to have those years where you’re going to get tested with your adversity,” said Marichalar, whose team also dealt with tragedy off the field. “Our kids fought through that last year, on and off the field. But this is a new team. Above everything, if we can maintain being a team, and having that unity and chemistry from game one, everything should be in place.”
WANTED: BACK
The Yellowjackets don’t have many position battles, but a big one is at running back.
There are a few unknowns ready to assume the position, which serves as more of a blocker than runner in coordinator Eugene Garza’s offense. Junior Christian Contreras is currently leading the pack, while some players who were on JV last year are hoping to win the position.
“We’re going to test them during scrimmages and see where we’re at,” Marichalar said. “Maybe we go with some defensive guys. We’re going to fine-tune that and pinpoint who that guy is going to be. Christian has been doing an outstanding job and we’re expecting good things, so hopefully all of that comes into play.”
CATCH ‘EM IF YOU CAN
With receivers Flores, A.J. Rodriguez and utility man Mac Lara, the Yellowjackets have impressive speed on the perimeter.
Flores led District 32-5A in receiving last year. Rodriguez will be looked upon to assume the fulltime No. 2 spot. Lara will play receiver and running back. At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash.
“Those guys are going to make something happen on their own, and that’s always a plus to have,” Marichalar said. “The biggest thing is feeding our playmakers. Let them go and let them shine. That’s our focus.”
Flores is the undisputed star of the bunch, rivaling Aguinaga in athleticism. He compiled 791 yards and eight touchdowns during the regular season last year.
He’s ready for more.
“I have a lot of goals set in mind,” he said. “A thousand (receiving) yards is big for me. I want at least 12 touchdowns receiving. We’re an explosive offense and it’s fun being a part of.
“We’re bigger, we’re quicker and we’re faster. We’ve all been together for a while now and that chemistry shows.”
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EDCOUCH-ELSA’S PROGNOSIS:
The Yellowjackets return six starters — including the quarterback, two wideouts and four offensive linemen — on offense and six on defense following a surprising run to the third round of the playoffs last year. If they can stay healthy, look out.
Projected 2016 record: 10-3
COACH’S TENURE:
Coach: Joe Marichalar
Year at school: Fourth
Record at E-E: 23-12