Veterans Memorial HS Football Preview

La Joya Football Preview

Gilpin ready to lead Patriots into postseason

David Gilpin takes his first head coaching position at Veterans Memorial in 2009 with the task of leading the Patriots back into the state high school football playoffs.

Gilpin served as an assistant under the departed Carlos Longoria. He has brought in former Mission Eagles Quarterback Lupe Rodriguez as offensive coordinator. Birdie Perez was retained as defensive coordinator.

“In order to succeed, this team must become mentally tougher,” said Gilpin. “We also need to become physically stronger and more explosive.”

Veterans Memorial is coming off a 4-6, 3-4 showing as a member of District 32-4A. The Patriots have been to the postseason only once (2004) since opening their doors.

There are five offensive and four defensive holdovers on hand. Eleven lettermen and six promising newcomers give Coach Gilpin and his staff a good nucleus to build around.

Wide Receiver Joseph Tovar was a second-team all-district selection as a junior. Ryan Montoya also returns at a wide receiver position along with tight end Kent Warren.

First-team all-district lineman Reyes Torres (6-foot-1, 270) and honorable mention lineman Mike Alaniz (5-10, 240) give the Patriots good size upfront.

“We have to be able to adapt quickly to a new head coach and new offensive scheme,” said Coach Gilpin. “We have to replace a quality quarterback.”

Sophomore Adrian Morales (6-2, 195) is being given a strong look under center. Eddie Mendiola is making a return after suffering an injury last year.

Returning on defense are second-team all-district back Jacob Garza, end Ricky Perez, linebacker Aaron Cortez and linebacker Reilly Brinkley. Lettermen will have to step in and fill the other positions in order for the Patriots to make some noise in 32-4A.

The Patriots open the season Friday, Aug. 28 at Tom Landry Stadium against the Harlingen South Hawks. Playoff History: (0-1) 2004

VMHS Football Schedule

Aug. 28 – Harlingen South at Veterans Memorial

Sept.  4 – Veterans Memorial at McAllen Rowe

Sept. 12 – Alice at Veterans Memorial, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 – Valley View at Veterans Memorial*, 7 p.m.

Oct.    2 – Veterans Memorial at Mercedes*

Oct.    9 – Mission at Veterans Memorial*

Oct.  16 – Juarez-Lincoln at Veterans Memorial*

Oct.  23 – Veterans Memorial at Edcouch-Elsa*

Oct.  30 – Roma at Veterans Memorial*

Nov.  5 – Veterans Memorial at Weslaco East*, 7 p.m.

*Denotes District 32-4A Games

Coyotes face uphill battle in order to compete in 30-5A race

After being hit hard by graduation, the La Joya Coyotes face an uphill battle in District 30-5A as the 2009 high school football season looms ahead.

La Joya returns only four offensive and one defensive starter from a team that went 3-7 overall and 2-5 in District 30-5A. Head Coach Leonel Casas will also count on the return of 11 lettermen.

Two of the leaders on offense are expected to be Fullback Lorenzo Garcia and Halfback Lee Ramirez. Ricky Castillo is expected to step in a running the La Joya’s run and shoot offensive attack. Manny Alaniz serves as offensive coordinator.

Also returning on the offensive side of the ball are Guard Greg Acosta, Tackle Joe Alvarez and Receiver Joel Ordaz.

The lone starter back on defense is Tackle Luis Roldan (6-foot-3, 240-pounds). Newcomers will have to fill many of the holes left by graduation. Kevin Whaley takes over as defensive coordinator.

The Coyotes will open their season on Friday, Aug. 28 playing host to Laredo Cigarroa. La Joya then travels to Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville on Thursday, Sept. 3 to face the Hanna Golden Eagles and the final non-district game is at La Joya ISD Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 10 against the Edinburg North Cougars.

La Joya opens District 30-5A play on the road at Veterans Memorial Stadium in McAllen on Friday, Sept. 25 against defending conference champion McAllen Memorial.

Coach Casas and his staff will be counting on the returning lettermen and newcomers to produce and give the Coyotes a shot at earning a postseason bid in 2009. La Joya last appeared in the state playoffs in 2007. Playoff History: (9-8) 1993 (5A); 1995; 1998; 2001; 2004; 2005; 2006; 2007

La Joya Coyotes Football Schedule

Aug. 28 – Laredo Cigarroa at La Joya

Sept.   3 – La Joya at Brownsville Hanna, 7 p.m.

Sept.  10 – Edinburg North at La Joya, 7 p.m.

Sept.   25 – La Joya at McAllen Memorial*

Oct.     2 – Palmview at La Joya*

Oct.     9 – La Joya at McAllen Rowe*

Oct.   15 – McAllen at La Joya*, 7 p.m.

Oct.   23 – La Joya at Sharyland*

Oct.   30 – Donna at La Joya*

Nov.   6 – La Joya at Rio Grande City*

*Denotes District 30-5A games

All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted