Offensive Backfield: The top two rushers from
a year ago are gone, but the Bulldogs have replacements with experience playing
on Friday nights. Of the players returning, RB Brandon Klepac and WB Rigo
Gonzales lead the list. As has been the norm at Banquete, Porter again has a
bevy of backs ready to take their turn at carrying the ball, including Andrew
Jimenez, who is moving from TE to FB, Larry Goldman, David Diaz and Dustin
Krnavek. Junior Ramiro Saenz took some snaps at QB last season, and is the
front runner to nab the starting spot in an offense that averaged 339 total
yards per game.
Receivers: Now that Jimenez is in the
backfield, Porter is looking for a TE to block and catch an occasional pass. He
said there are a few candidates, though none have a lock on the position. The
return of SE Ricky Cisneros gives the Bulldogs some experienced hands
downfield.
Offensive Line: The anchor of the front
line, T Jesse Garcia, is back for his fourth straight season as a varsity
starter. The 260-pound senior, however, is coming off ACL surgery for an injury
sustained during baseball season. Richard Resendez provides support in his
return as center. Porter still needs to fill one tackle and two guard
positions, and said senior Richard Taub would take one of those spots.
Defensive Line: Like on offense, Garcia
takes up one of the two inside tackle positions, and junior Johnny Pacheco the
other. The front line helped Banquete hold opponents to just 76.3 rushing yards
per game last season, the lowest among the area’s 2A teams, but several spots
are still up for grabs.
Linebackers: The two ILB spots are taken by
Klepac and Jimenez, players that Porter said “can read on the run and get to
the football.” But, like every other position, Porter isn’t settled on the
remaining two linebackers, and said he plans on moving personnel around until
he’s satisfied.
Secondary: The Bulldogs didn’t lose much from
their defensive backfield. Cisneros, Goldman and Saenz are all back after
holding opponents to 77.3 passing yards per game.
Last Playoff Appearance: 1998 (Lost, DII
bi-district)
2001 Record: 0-10 overall
(0-5 district)
Returning Letterman: 15
Offensive/Defensive Starters: 8/7
Key Game: Oct. 11 vs. Riviera
Offensive Backfield: The most notable return
is senior TB Brigg Peralez (5-6, 150), a first-team all-district selection who
finished with 450 yards rushing last year. Robert Perez (5-8, 160, jr.) is the
FB in front of Peralez. Sophomore J.R. Garza (5-10, 160) is set to handle the
QB duties. Gutierrez said the backfield’s biggest problem is finding adequate
linemen to block and provide protection.
Receivers: The top receiver is back, TE John
Munoz (6-3, 215, sr.), who caught 30 passes out of La Villa’s pro-I formation.
Munoz was a second-team all-district pick last season.
Offensive Line: Gutierrez likes what he
sees at center, one tackle spot and the two guard positions. “We should be
pretty good on paper, but we have to do it out on the football field,” he said.
Penciled in at center is Saul Rodriguez (6-0, 190, sr.). On the right of
Rodriguez will be Edward Rivera (5-6, 155, jr.), with Robert Martinez (5-8,
160, jr.) on the left. Carlos Carranco (5-8, 240, jr.) gives La Villa some size
at RT.
Defensive Line: The Cardinals will try
to spot play so they can to keep players fresh, but Gutierrez said most of the
linemen will play both ways. “The main thing is to improve on reading and
tackling,” Gutierrez said. “We could get to the ball, but for some reason we
couldn’t make the tackle.”
Linebackers: Gutierrez said he feels he has three
solid LBs in Perez, Munoz and junior Rick Martinez. “They’re real good
athletes, but one problem we have is depth. Last year we had players getting
hurt constantly, so we were having to change kids, and that’s hard to do,”
Gutierrez said.
Secondary: Two starters from the defensive
backfield return, senior FS Jerry Delgado and SS Peralez. Gutierrez said, “both
played there last year and made a lot of tackles, but when that happens you’re
in trouble.”
LA
VILLA SCHEDULE
Aug.
30.. Falfurrias 7:30
Sept.
6.... Rio Hondo.... 7:30
Sept.
20.. at Brownsville St. Joe............... 7:30
Sept.
27.. at Benavides 7:30
Oct.
4..... Agua Dulce ..... 7:30
Oct.
11... x-Riviera............... 7:30
Oct.
18... x-at Santa Rosa....... 7:30
Oct.
25... x-Banquete 7:30
Nov.
1.... x-at Premont. 7:30
Nov.
8.... x-Odem............... 7:30
Odem Owls
Head Coach: David Kleinhans
Career Record: 62-61
Years at School: 5th
Record at School: 23-18
Enrollment: 332
Last District Title: 1995
Last Playoff Appearance: 2001 (Lost, DII bi-district in 3A)
2001 Record: 8-3 overall (5-2 district)
Returning Letterman: 16
Offensive/Defensive Starters: 7/4
Key Game: Nov. 1 vs. Banquete
Offensive Backfield: Brenton Stalcup was a first-team all-district selection at QB in
3A last season. Kleinhans can’t wait to see what the senior can do in 2A. “It’s
always great when you have a QB coming back after already having played two
years. The teaching is easier, so it’s just a matter of getting back in sync,”
Kleinhans said of Stalcup, who passed for 1,389 yards and 15 TDs last season.
Though the Owls lost 1,000-yard rusher Lupito Rodriguez, Kleinhans said he has
more depth at TB, including junior Paul Brown, sophomore Dusty Garcia and
senior Cole Medina, a transfer from Calallen.
Receivers: Senior SE Bobby Hernandez was Stalcup’s favorite target last
season, which Hernandez finished with 19 catches for 275 yards. Having one too
many RBs, Adam Martinez was converted to WB to give the Owls an additional set
of hands besides Hernandez and returning all-district TE Ben Moreno.
Offensive Line: Senior G Jon Moreno anchors what Kleinhans calls a “young
offensive line” that also includes juniors Robby McFarlin and Chip Green. “I
know down the road they’ll be good,” he added, “it’s just a matter of how fast
they progress.”
Defensive Line: Odem gave up 17.2 points and 285 total yards per game last
season, statistics Kleinhans said he was not happy with. “That’s a big focus of
ours,” he said. In 3A, the Owls were usually the smaller players on the line of
scrimmage, but Kleinhans is hoping the mismatches won’t be as bad in their move
down.
Linebackers: Assuming the line offers adequate
support, junior Joey O’Neal and senior Rey Brown won’t have to worry about
linemen coming after them and can concentrate on stopping the run. Kleinhans also
said the Owls should benefit from decent depth at LB.
Secondary: Even if three of the four secondary
positions are filled by newcomers, Odem still has junior FS Paul Brown, who has
started three straight seasons for the Owls.
ODEM
SCHEDULE
Aug.
30.. Taft 7:30
Sept.
6.... at Bishop............... 7:30
Sept.
13.. at Hebbronville 7:30
Sept.
20.. San Diego............... 7:30
Sept.
27.. Refugio............... 7:30
Oct.
11... x-at Santa Rosa....... 7:30
Oct.
18... x-Premont. 7:30
Oct.
25... x-at Rivera..... 7:30
Nov.
1.... x-Banquete 7:30
Nov.
8.... x-at La Villa........ 7:30
Premont Cowboys
Head Coach: Joe Rios
Career Record: 0-0
Years at School: 1st
Record at School: 0-0
Enrollment: 314
Last District Title: 1986
Last Playoff Appearance: 2001 (Lost, DI
bi-district)
2001 Record: 5-6
overall (3-2 district)
Returning Letterman: 13
Offensive/Defensive Starters: 5/4
Key Game: Oct. 11 vs. Banquete
Offensive Backfield: The good news is that
the Cowboys have five seniors on their roster that have been starting since
they were sophomores, including RB Flavio Vera. The bad news is that Premont
will have as many as eight new starters that are in their first season with the
varsity. “We have talent, speed and size, no question. Our biggest hurdle is
going to be inexperience,” Rios said.
While Premont has traditionally used a one-back offense, there will be
two players sharing time at TB this season. The brother tandem of Flavio and
Joaquin Vera, a junior, must make up the 1,378 yards and 15 TDs lost with Benny
Villarreal. Abiud Vera, a sophomore, is expected to start at QB after running the
offense on the JV. “We’ll try to limit his responsibilities early,” Rios said.
“We can’t put him on the fire too quickly.”
Receivers: Mark Vera is another sophomore, but
Rios isn’t going to hesitate using him to replenish a depleted receiving corps.
“He has outstanding, speed, height and hands,” Rios said. “He’s only a
sophomore, but he plays like a senior.” Untoye Lara, one of the five senior
three-year starters, is back at TE.
Offensive Line: Three of last season’s
starting front return, C Ricky Gonzalez and Gs Adrian Martinez and Jose Lopez.
All have started since they were sophomores, but the Cowboys still need to find
tackles to compliment the experienced linemen.
Defensive Line: Rios said he’ll try not
to have any two-way players, but he might not have a choice. Sophomore Marco
Sanchez (6-2, 280) is a prime candidate to start on the interior line, while
Lara fills the DE position he has occupied for three seasons. Gonzalez,
Martinez and Lopez also have spots on the front.
Linebackers: Flavio Vera is a two-time all-district selection and Joe Lopez
was the team’s second leading tackler last season. Both are big hitters with
experience.
Secondary: Mark Vera and Joaquin Vera are set to man the two safety
positions. Since Rios plans on using an eight-man front, his biggest concern is
finding corners that can play man-to-man.
PREMONT SCHEDULE
Aug. 30.. at Hebbronville 7:30
Sept.
6.... at Progreso. 7:30
Sept.
13.. Ben Bolt............... 7:30
Sept.
20............... Benavides............. 7:30
Sept.
27.. at San Diego...... 7:30
Oct.
11... x-Banquete 7:30
Oct.
18... x-at Odem..... 7:30
Oct.
25... x-Santa Rosa....... 7:30
Nov.
1.... x-La Villa............... 7:30
Nov.
8.... x-at Riviera.... 7:30
Riviera Seahawks
Head Coach: Jay Viertel
Career Record: 20-29
Years at School: 6th
Record at School: 20-29
Enrollment: 224
Last District Title: 1984
Last Playoff Appearance: 1984 (Lost, bi-district)
2001 Record: 5-5
overall (2-3 district)
Returning Letterman: 10
Offensive/Defensive Starters: 4/4
Key Game: Oct. 11 at La Villa
Offensive Backfield: Of the Seahawks’ 10 returning lettermen, two are in the
backfield. Seniors Cody Moore (5-8, 145) and Leroy Davila (5-6, 145) are the
two Viertel expects to use at RB. The starting QB has yet to be decided, but
Viertel has two candidates for the position. One is senior Carthage Barry (6-1,
185), a receiver last season, and the other sophomore Stuart Moffitt.
“Everybody else is younger,” Viertel said of the group of backups.
Receivers: If Barry ends up as the QB, then Moffitt will fill the vacancy
Barry leaves at WR. Two other targets are also back, senior James Christensen
(6-4, 165) and junior Matt Castillo. Junior J.C. Cavazos could also pull in his
share of catches in an offense that produced 1,487 yards passing last season.
Offensive Line: The Seahawks lost their entire front five, but have two seniors
to fill the void, C Lawrence Palreiro (6-0, 190) and T Josh Leone (6-0, 185).
“The rest are underclassmen, who will have three scrimmages, added to whatever
JV experience they have, to get ready,” Viertel said.
Defensive Line: Like on offense, no one returns on the defensive line. Also like
on offense, Palreiro and Leone are expected to anchor the front, the former at
DT and the latter at DE. “Players here don’t go both ways, they go all ways,”
Viertel said. Senior Royce Ilse will line up at the other end.
Linebackers: “This area is a nursery right now,”
Viertel said. Senior Jason Herren is a prospect, but has played mostly in the
secondary, while Moore will provide additional senior leadership. Viertel said
Moffitt and fellow sophomore Zach Reynolds have the quickness and speed to
excel.
Secondary: Barry and Christensen have all but
locked up the two safety positions. The CB spots have been filled by Cavazos,
up from the JV, and Castillo played some on the varsity last season.
RIVIERA
SCHEDULE
Sept.
6.... George West....... 7:30
Sept. 13.. Bishop............... 7:30
Sept. 20.. at Hebbronville 7:30
Sept. 27.. at Skidmore-Tynan............... 7:30
Oct. 4..... Ben Bolt............... 7:30
Oct. 11... x-at La Villa........ 7:30
Oct. 18... x-at Banquete 7:30
Oct. 25... x-Odem............... 7:30
Nov. 1.... x-at Santa Rosa....... 7:30
Nov.
8.... x-Premont. 7:30
Santa Rosa Warriors
Head Coach: Elvis Hernandez
Career Record: n/a
Years at School: 3rd
Record at School: 4-15-1
Enrollment: 319
Last District Title: 1987
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost, area)
2001 Record: 2-7-1 overall, 1-6 district
Returning Letterman: 18
Offensive/Defensive Starters: 6/8
Key Game: Oct. 11 vs. Odem
Offensive Backfield: This much is known,
Ricky Olivarez is going to start at TB and Steve Gonzalez will be his backup.
At FB, Hernandez has three players in line to take the starting spot. The QB
situation is even less settled, with four players battling for the position.
Fabian Saldivar and sophomore Albert Solomon are the leaders, but Hernandez has
two others who could take the starting job, senior Jerry Zuniga and junior R.J.
Villarreal. “They all bring something different and are all capable of being
starters,” Hernandez said. “It’s a situation any coach would like to be in.”
Receivers: Hernandez said senior Jorge Prado is
probably the best athlete on the team and could likely see a large number of
throws come his way. Jaime Hernandez also figures into the passing scheme,
which Hernandez said he isn’t going to bury in the playbook. “Any way we can
move the ball, we’ll do so,” he said.
Offensive Line: The Warriors plan to
rebuild their front line around junior center Herrardo Canales, senior tackle
Armando Castaneda. Both stand over 6 feet and weigh between 245-260 pounds.
Defensive Line: Among the few luxuries
Hernandez plans on having is two different sets of lines for the offense and
defense. “We’d like to keep them separate, and if everything falls into place
it will help a lot,” he said. Leading the defensive front are 250-pound tackle
Jesus Saldana and DE Eric Serrato (5-10, 185).
Linebackers: The forte of the defensive unit, the LB crew returns starters
J.P. Gutierrez and Victor Yado. Prado makes the move from the secondary, where
he intercepted six passes from his CB position. “These are our better
athletes,” Hernandez said. “They’re good at reading and they communicate well.
They’ve been together three years, so we’re hoping this year is the charm.”
Secondary: Jesus Santamaria and Jaime Hernandez are the CBs, with Chris
Lopez covering as a safety. Hernandez said the Warriors didn’t see much passing
at the 3A level, but doesn’t know what to expect now. “They’re basically there
for run support,” he said, “but when they did cover, they did the job.”
SANTA ROSA SCHEDULE
Aug. 30............... Brownsville St. Joseph 7:30
Sept.
6............... Benavides............. 7:30
Sept.
13.. at Progreso. 7:30
Sept.
20.. at La Feria....... 7:30
Sept.
27.. at Ben Bolt........ 7:30
Oct.
11... x-Odem............... 7:30
Oct.
18... x-La Villa............... 7:30
Oct.
25... x-at Premont. 7:30
Nov.
1.... x-Riviera............... 7:30
Nov.
8.... x-at Banquete 7:30
