BY NATE KOTISSO | STAFF WRITER
Despite making a name for himself as an all-district offensive lineman with the Rattlers, Rio Grande City coach Aaron Garcia’s calling card during his two-year tenure has been a stingy defense. The Rattlers competed in a district in which the likes of Mission Veterans, Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer could hang 50 points on any given night. But Sharyland’s 32 points in the 2017 season finale was the best any of the three could muster against RGC.
Rio Grande City allowed the fewest points in the district, giving up an average of just 17.9 per game, but the Rattlers were left at the doorstep of making the playoffs. With another fifth-place finish and the team’s top 10 tacklers from last year graduating this spring, Garcia remains positive RGC will field a ferocious and experienced defense once again.
“Having spring ball was probably the best thing we could have done,” Garcia said. “We had a big senior class last year, but the one thing I like about a lot of our JV kids was that they went from 0-10 two years ago to 8-2 (in 2017). That’s a pretty big deal for them. They play tough and have a lot of heart. I’ve got a lot of confidence in this group.”
Sophomore linebacker Andrew Salinas began last season on the varsity roster before suffering a season-ending injury.
“I tore my right ACL during the season opener against La Joya (High),” Salinas said. “Mentally, I was so anxious that I wanted next year to come already. I had to be patient to work my way back on the field.”
Salinas is slowly working back to full strength.
“My rehab went well, and I’m back to where I was before,” Salinas said. “My lifts are the same, and my knees are stable again. We still have the rest of the summer to get faster, better and stronger. I’m looking forward to that.”
Salinas will be asked to make up for the losses of Jeremy Gorena and Luis Ortega, two of Rio Grande City’s top three tacklers in 2017.
“They were phenomenal players,” Salinas said. “They worked their asses off in practice, and they played their hearts out during the game. That’s one of the biggest things you can learn from guys like that.”
Cornerback J.D. Garza, an all-district honorable mention in 2017, will be one of the few varsity returners to the Rattlers defense as a senior.
“A lot of the other defensive backs are going to be underclassmen, so I take the responsibility of teaching them and taking care of them seriously,” Garza said. “Our defense is looking good together. Even though last year’s defense was good, we want to be better than last year.”
NEW SIGNAL-CALLER
The Rattlers will miss quarterback Jason Perez, who threw 15 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 69.5 percent of his passes last season. Garcia said the job is up for grabs. Vying for the starter’s spot will be the two quarterbacks instrumental in RGC’s eight-win turnaround at the junior varsity level: Mario Garza and Adrian Gonzalez.
“Jason was a player that we were very fortunate to have these last couple years,” Garcia said. “Now, we’re going to see a great competition between Mario and Adrian. Mario’s a tremendous competitor. If he sees a play break down and if he needs to run, he’ll run. He’s probably lost one game since he’s got here.”
Mario Garza noticed the speed of varsity competition earlier this spring.
“The pace is faster and the hits are harder, but I’m still able to read defenses and find receivers in tight windows,” Mario Garza said.
Gonzalez has known Mario Garza since middle school.
“We’re encouraging each other all the time,” Gonzalez said. “We help each other with plays we’re running. I want the best for him, and he wants the best for me. The best man will earn the job.”
ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION
The Rattlers are losing two vital pass catchers in Demencio Valencia and Jorge Martinez. Valencia was second on the team in receiving yards (396) and led the club with five touchdown grabs. Martinez was right behind Valencia with four touchdowns.
Elias Cobos was the team leader in receptions (43) and yards (447) last year and was named to the District 31-5A second team. He’ll have to lead in other ways as a senior this fall.
“We have to get better, day by day,” Cobos said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a better season this year and go to the playoffs.”
While the Rattlers face two glaring losses at wide receiver, Garcia believes next year’s group can perform at the level of a playoff team.
“I don’t just think the receiver core is good enough for a playoff team. They could be the best we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Garcia said. “Elias and Abelardo (Lopez) are playing the inside slots. They’ve got tremendous speed, who ran track on our district title winning team. (Sophomore) J.C. Nuñez and (junior) Nick Mequire are going to be our wideouts who bring a wealth of talent. They’ve made tremendous strides. They just need to continue to grow.”
RIO GRANDE CITY RATTLERS
Returning starters (O/D): 8/5
Returning lettermen: 17
Key players: RB Angel Galvan, WR Elias Cobos, CB J.D. Garza, WR Abelardo Lopez, LB Andrew Salinas
Coach: Aaron Garcia, 3rd year at school
2017 record: 5-5