|
|
 |
 |
| BY JAVIER BECERRA CALLER TIMES Van Tom Whatley returned to coaching last season in an effort to revive a languishing football program at Alice High School. While there was dramatic improvement from the 2002 season, the Coyotes finished fourth in the district standings. Things could be different this season, though, now that Whatley has had time to implement the kind of attitude that helped Alice to eight straight playoff appearances during his first tenure with the team. "We just never did get to where we wanted to be last year," Whatley said. "Right now we're ahead of where we were at this point a year ago — it's been like daylight and dark. We have the potential to be more productive on offense and more physical on defense. The kids are ready to go, and we think it's going to be a lot of fun." Last season's 4-6 record was a much better finish than the 1-9 mark Alice posted to finish last in 2002. Whatley said some on the team took it as a sign of change for the better. Others, however, weren't too thrilled. "I think some of them were pleased, but some were also disappointed," Whatley said. "Winning four games around here is not a stellar year. It was one of those deals where they didn't quite understand what to expect. Now it's back to where we've been as far as attitude and getting after it. I've been pleased so far." • OFFENSE Whatley said spring drills gave the team time to learn the multiple-scheme system that helped it to an average of 317 total yards and 25.3 pointsper game last season. As a result, Sergio Avila returns as the starting quarterback more familiar with the formations. After passing for nearly 1,000 yards last season, he is expected to put up even better numbers in 2004. "There was a lot of carry-over from the spring," Whatley said. "We're able to do more things now — not well — but more." That includes establishing a solid rushing attack, which Whatley expects to open up the offense even more. Despite the obstacles last season, running back Marcus Ramirez managed to rush for 1,155 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ramirez graduated, but Whatley feels a much-improved and somewhat sizable offensive line has the ability to produce another 1,000-yard rusher. "If we have a strength at all I would say it's our line," he said. "We're going to try and do things we've done in years past — run the football and be physical. We never did that last year." Senior tackle Jimmy Lugo is the centerpiece of a unit that also includes senior Manuel Acuna, a two-year starter at center. Trent Perkins, A.J. Contreras and Raymond Herrera complete the front line. Whatley said the Coyotes have a limited corps of receivers and are counting on Jose Cruz, Randy King and Sergio Garcia to each play a role. • DEFENSE The outlook is much more complicated on defense Leading the group of five return- ing starters are middle linebacker Justin Lopez and tackle Adan Heras. Beyond that, Whatley isn't sure what to expect. "It's hard to tell," Whatley said. "We expect some good things from Lopez and Heras. The rest of the defense is untested and untried. It's going to take a little while." Jason Muller and Kiki Rodriguez are the projected starters at defensive end, while Sam Cavazos has been tabbed as Lopez's mate at linebacker. The team's main concern is the secondary, but the return of cornerback Brian Cerda helps to ease the worries. Cruz, Librado Lopez and Omar Mata don't have much experience, but are set to make up the rest of the defensive backfield. "We have a bunch of really good kids that understand what I expect from them," Whatley said. "We're having a good time. We're not overly talented, but we're getting better every day. We'll see how it all works out." Contact Javier Becerra at 886-3734 or becerraj@caller.com ALICE COYOTES Head Coach: Van Tom Whatley Career Record: 109-50-1 Record at School: 89-44-1 2003 Record: 4-6 (3-4 district) Last District Title: 1985 Last Playoff Appearance: 2001 (L, Dl regional semis) Returning Letterman: 25 Offensive/Defensive Starters: 5/5 Key Game: Oct. 1 vs. Tuloso-Midway Offensively: The return of QB Sergio Avila has the Coyotes expecting more production from the offense. Helping matters is an improved offensive line that boasts both experience and size. Defensively: Five starters are back, but the rest of the group lacks experience. DTAdan Herasis in line to become the leader on defense. SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Aug. 27 at Moody (Cabaniss) 7:30 Sept. 3 at Laredo Martin 7:30 Sept. 10 Ray 7:30 Sept. 24 x-Tuloso-Midway 7:30 Oct. 1 x-at Rockport-Fulton 7:30 Oct. 8 x-Flour Bluff 7:30 Oct. 15 x-Calallen 7:30 Oct. 22 x-at Robstown 7:30 Oct. 29 x-Gregory-Portland 7:30 Nov. 5 x-at Kingsville 7:30 x-District 31-4A game; all times p.m. PROJECTED STARTERS OFFENSE QB- Sergio Avila RB -Silvano Pruneda WR-Jose Cruz TE- Randy King TE- Sergio Garcia OL-Jimmy Lugo OL-AJ.Contreras PL- Manuel Acuna PL- Raymond Herrera PL-Trent Perkins DEFENSE DE-Jason Muller DE-Kiki Rodriguez DT-Adan Heras DT- Don Derryberry LB -Justin Lopez LB - Sam Cavazos R- Dane McKelvey DB - Brian Cerda DB -Jose Cruz DB - Librado Lopez DB - Omar Mata Gp Coyotes! COASTAL COMMUNITY AND TEACHERS CREDIT UNION! LET US ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR FINANCEAL NEEDS! ALICE 2310 E. Main Alice, TX 78332 (361) 668-1100 Restrictions Apply, Must be CCATCU Member |