DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
ELSA — Junior quarterback Marco Aguinaga may not know what to expect from Edcouch-Elsa’s new pass-happy offense. The season opener is still a little more than a week away.
But he can feel it.
“I like it. My elbow doesn’t like it,” Aguinaga said. “I know I need to step up in my passing game, but as a quarterback you always want more responsibility and I like what I’m seeing.”
The Yellowjackets wanted to go a different direction offensively after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season last year. They brought in Gene Garza as offensive coordinator. Garza was head coach at La Villa from 2007-2011 and an assistant coach at Edcouch-Elsa for five years prior to that.
Garza is recognized for his offensive mind, favoring a style of play that sets up the run by passing the ball instead of the vice-versa method utilized by much of the Valley, particularly in District 32-5A where the Yellowjackets reside. Edcouch-Elsa’s running game accounted for 66.5 percent of its offense last season.
“We will definitely pass the ball more than run,” said Garza, whose offense borrows principles from Mike Leach and Urban Meyer.
During practice earlier this week, the Yellowjackets ran a lot of four-receiver sets. Not once did they hand off the ball for a run during offensive drills. They used the short, middle and long of the field.
It’s quite a different look from E-E offenses in the past that were ground-and-pound, with the quarterback more of a caretaker than playmaker.
“You’re going to see a bunch of nickel packages (defensive alignments that use an extra defensive back) from defenses going against our offense,” defensive end Julio Contreras said. “It’s very fast and a lot more passing. This offense fits the players we have.”
It starts with Aguinaga, 2014’s All-Valley Newcomer of the Year. Known as more of a runner than thrower, Aguinaga ran for 812 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and threw for 1,108 and nine, respectively.
But his accuracy and confidence have improved. Garza said Aguinaga is adapting well to the offense and is coachable. He’s also surrounded by a slew of pass-catching talent in Andrew Segura, Moises Gomez, J.J. Flores and others.
“Our offensive coaching staff is doing a heck of job with multiple formations and utilizing the types of kids we have,” E-E coach Joe Marichalar said. “Their goal is to put up points, and do it fast. We have the kids to do that. We have a lot of speed, so it’s a big plus for the type of offense we’re learning.”
JACKET TARGETS
Because of the aforementioned talent at receiver, Aguinaga will have plenty of weapons to choose from.
Segura is a deep threat, while Gomez is deadly over the middle. Flores is arguably the fastest of the bunch. And that’s not even considering players like all-around athlete Tey Valdez and 6-foot-2 receiver Adrian Rodriguez.
“Anyone can make plays,” Marichalar said. “We’re expecting a lot of great things with those guys, and we need it. Our skill is going to carry us. Our emphasis will be winning the trenches and letting our skill guys make plays.”
QUICKER LINE
The Yellowjackets graduated all three starters on their defensive line, but they’re confident in the pieces stepping in.
Junior Elias Muñoz and senior Julio Contreras are the staples up front, but there is plenty of young depth, including juniors Eddie Gomez, Jacob Hernandez and camp surprise Seth Garcia.
The 5-foot-8, 195-pound Garcia has stood out because of his energy and strength. He is one of Edcouch-Elsa’s top powerlifters.
“Because of his strength, I knew he was going to be able to help us,” Marichalar said. “I just didn’t know he’d be as explosive as he is. He’s opened some eyes and he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
The Yellowjackets’ line lost some strength and girth, but makes up for it in speed and quickness. That will allow more creativity in the read-and-react, technique defense.
“They’re going to be fast and they’re going to make plays,” linebacker Sammy Alaniz said. “We’re not worried about the D-line.”
MORE TOGETHER
Another aid to the new offense will be the offensive line, led by junior center Elijah Sanchez and senior guard Jared Cantu.
The line has been sound in protection during scrimmages and practices, giving Aguinaga plenty of time to work. In general, Aguinaga and Cantu said there is better chemistry on offense.
“The coaches are more disciplined, the quarterback is getting it together and the O-line looks good,” Cantu said. “We’re more united. Everybody last year wasn’t really flowing with each other. We’re more of a team and we’re just working harder.”
===============================
EDCOUCH-ELSA’S PROGNOSIS
The Yellowjackets are desperate to snap a streak of two straight years of losing in the first round of the playoffs. A new offense could be a big help, but the natural development of key players that were sophomores last year will make the biggest difference.
Projected 2015 Record: 9-3
TENURE
Coach: Joe Marichalar
Year at school: Third
Record at Edcouch-Elsa: 15-7
================================
Check out more stories from The Monitor’s 16-day Two-A-Day Tour: