BY NATE KOTISSO | THE MONITOR
The Roma Gladiators weren’t dealt an advantageous hand coming into the season. A schedule with two non-district road games to start the year didn’t help. The burden of facing 31-5A’s current projected playoff teams — Laredo Nixon, Mission Veterans, Rio Grande City and Sharyland High — to begin district play provided no relief. Injuries to Roma’s offensive line and an inconsistent running game only made matters worse. The Gladiators have an open week this week, giving them a chance to finally catch their breath after an 0-8 start.
“Our bye week couldn’t have come at a better time,” Roma first-year coach Frank Villanueva said.
Villanueva also had to deal with the loss of two key offensive pieces. Senior running back Bryan Garcia, who led the Gladiators with 1,200 rushing yards in eight games last season, left the team of his own accord after Roma’s Oct. 13 loss to Valley View. Garcia rushed for only 90 yards on 36 carries in seven games this season.
According to Villanueva, starting quarterback Jesus Villarreal was dismissed from the team for unspecified reasons. Villarreal threw for 512 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in six games.
Villanueva promoted sophomore quarterback Jonathan Rios from the JV roster to varsity in Villarreal’s stead before the game against Valley View. Rios has thrown one touchdown and six interceptions while scrambling for two scores.
“I decided to move up Jonathan as our quarterback,” Villanueva said. “He’s a little bit bigger and a tough runner. He’s got a pretty good arm, too. As soon as he gets more reps and becomes more comfortable, he’ll be a lot better.”
Roma’s remaining schedule is a road game next week at Laredo Cigarroa and the team’s home finale against Sharyland Pioneer.
“Considering the season we’re having, our fan support has been there,” Villanueva said. “We just want to get a win before the year ends. Simple as that.”