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A return to excellence
With 14 starters returning, G-P has its eyes on a District 30-4A crown

By Javier Becerra, Caller-Times

David Adame/Caller-Times G-P quarterback Juan Carlos Rodriguez (left) threw for 12 scores in 2001.

   George Harris is only in his second year as head football coach at Gregory-Portland High School, but just two weeks into preseason workouts, he had already noticed two differences that counted against the Wildcats last year.
   "No. 1, I didn't lose any coaches," Harris said. "No. 2, we know all the kids' names. We had to have tape on their helmets last year, so that has to help."
   Not as much as 21 returning lettermen and 14 total returning starters (seven on each side of the ball) as the Wildcats prepare for life back in their old district, though it's now called 30-4A.
   Once again, fans could have the opportunity to watch G-P and Calallen battle for the district championship. Some in the district think that scenario is likely to be played out.
   "Calallen will win the district championship, but the game with G-P will be for all the marbles," Robstown coach Claude Bassett said. "I believe that Calallen will beat G-P, though I believe that G-P may be the best 4A team down here."
   Harris avoided the issue, other than saying, "it's going to be very competitive."
   "The kids have a great attitude and work hard, and that's all I can ask," Harris said. "We have Sinton, Carroll and Beeville in that order before district, so we need to get off to a good start."
   Offense's quick start
   Helping the cause is the return of quarterback Juan Carlos Rodriguez, who passed for 807 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
   "He is far ahead of where he was last year at this point, and that's a big plus in our favor," Harris said.
   "His faking has gotten a lot better and he is more confident throwing the ball. We didn't run him a whole lot last season, but there will be a lot more of that this year."
   Although the Wildcats lost 1,000-yard rusher Justin Morales, Harris feels there are plenty of capable replacements.
   Cody Wilson is the projected starter at halfback, while Jeremy Winfrey and Ruben Cortez give the Wildcats added speed from their slot position. The fullback is last year's backup, P.J. Ortiz.
   All four of G-P's receivers from a year ago are gone, including tight end Casey Mauch, who led the team with 15 catches for 295 yards. Now at the receiver positions are returning lettermen Tuffy Hudson and Jake Lewellen, as well as transfer Chris Lee from Arlington. Even with dependable receivers, Harris plans to involve the entire backfield in a scheme heavy on play-action passing.
   Missing from preseason workouts has been Connell Davis, who expected to contend for either a spot in the backfield or as a receiver. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound sophomore injured his knee during the summer's local 7-on-7 passing league and might need surgery.
   Of solace to Harris and his staff, especially on offense, is the size of the line, "and we welcome it," Harris said.
   All but one of the starting five, guard Brandon Barr, stand at least 6-1 and weigh at least 220 pounds. The biggest are tackles Jason Tyson
   (6-3, 280) and Jason Pyles (6-5, 290). Brandon Woodard, a backup at tackle, measures 6-3 and weighs 245.
   The dimensions diminish somewhat with center Sean Hulsey (6-2, 220) and guard Kelby Eddleman (6-1, 240). Barr completes the front with his 5-9, 190-pound frame.
   As Harris anticipates seeing the offense for the first time in live action, he continued to reflect on his first season at G-P, in which the Wildcats finished 8-3 after losing in the first round of the Division I playoffs.
   "Even though we ran the same offense as the previous coach, there still were some differences," Harris said. "Now these kids know what to expect. Now they know the offense."
   Experienced defense
   G-P is likely to be just as experienced on defense.
   The Wildcats return eight starters back on defense, beginning with ends Woodard and David Garza (5-11, 220). Sandwiched in the middle at tackle are two sophomores, Brad Darwent (6-2, 250) and Stephen Strube (6-3, 265). Though young, Harris said, "once they get their feet wet they should be pretty good."
   G-P returns three of its four starting linebackers and all three of its defensive backs.
   The nucleus of the linebacker crew is made up of seniors Chance Campbell (6-0, 200) and Lance Schmidt (6-0, 200). Campbell led the team in tackles with 108, while Schmidt finished with three interceptions.
   In the secondary, Harris moved Cody Wilson to free safety, with cornerbacks Hollis Miles (5-11, 160) and Wade Schooley (6-2, 185) returning to their usual spots.