By MARK MOLINA | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — When watching Rio Hondo play football, you know their running game and the rest of their offense is going to be on point and execute.
In the last two years alone the Bobcats may have gained over 4500 yards on the ground, while punching in 51 touchdowns, but it’s the position players cashing in on solid protection upfront.
In every one of head football coach Rocky James’ seven years with the Bobcats, it’s always started up front.
“In any season, the offensive line has to be the key every year to having a successful season.” James said at practice Wednesday. “You hardly ever have any success when your line isn’t good.”
This season, the line is much improved.
Last year the Rio Hondo line relied on its strength to win battles upfront and that will be the case once again.
One of the strongest parts of the line are the 300-pound linemen that will lead the way and provide the power in the bunch as returning two-time All-District center John Reyes and left tackle Mando Ruvio who stands at a towering 6’ 4”, will highlight the group.
For Reyes, it’s all about tradition and being a leader upfront.
“It’s an honor to be out here because Rio Hondo has a tradition that I want to keep alive,” Reyes said. “Me being the veteran of this offensive line I want to show these guys that they have to go out there on Friday night, go to war and do what we do best which is fight to the end.”
Meanwhile, a big upgrade to the line will be the unit’s speed.
Coach James’ “speed guys” consist of guards Caleb Robertson, Abram Ramirez and tackle Stephen Dorado. Meanwhile, Ty Vasquez splits time and reps with Robertson at guard, providing depth.
Overall the line is solid and deep, which makes the group believe that they can step it up from a year ago.
“We’re fast and we’re strong. We’re going to go out and pave the way for the running backs and make the holes,” Ruvio said. “Hopefully we can go out there and rack up even more yards this year and hopefully get that district title.”
Skills will obviously be one of the best things about this group, but the chemistry among the linemen is the special part.
For instance, every one on the line was on this past year’s regional championship powerlifting team, making their off the field relationship as solid as the protection in the trenches.
They even meet at each others houses to eat on Thursday nights.
“We always hangout every weekend and go different places with each other,” Ruvio said. “It’s a really good experience to have this kind of relationship with these guys.”
In the end each one brings their own thing to the table, making them that much stronger in their eyes.
“We’re all brothers on and off the field; we all have each other’s back no matter what,” Reyes said. “Everyone has their own skill set, but the mentality is to be one whole unit and work together. It’s a great concept we work on together.”