(Rio Grande City, Tx)-He’s back! Jesus Lozano was named the new head football coach after the departure of Leo Mireles, who left after two seasons to go back to the Laredo area to coach.
“It’s good to be back,” says Lozano, who coached the Rio Grande City Rattlers from 2004-2008. He has since been with Rio Grande City CISD at the administrative level. “We will run the ball,” adds Lozano. “Playing those away games will be long rides too.”
With the upcoming University Interscholastic League 2022 Realignments set to move teams around the state, from district-to-district, based on enrollment figures, the Rattlers will have to play one more year in 14-5A Division I and continue to take those grueling road trips to play district games against Laredo Cigarroa (220 miles roundtrip), Laredo Martin, SA Southside, SA Southwest, SA Southwest Legacy (444 miles roundtrip), and Eagle Pass Winn (462 miles roundtrip).
With Rattlers return only three starters on offense and only four starters back on defense. Players to watch are quarterback, junior Kevin Guerra (6’2 185lbs) along with WR Bryan Perez (6’3) as one of his main targets. In the backfield, Lozano will call on RB Victor Cardenas, RB Christian Garcia, and RB Steven Garcia.
Defensively, CJ Garcia returns as the leading player with tackles (32) and he will be paired with LB Luis Garza, DB Evan Valdovinos, and senior SS Miguel Compean. QB Guerra passed for 1,338 yards and eight scores. He also rushed for another 85 yards.
HSSM picks the Rattlers to finish fourth overall and clinch a playoff bid under Lozano in District 14-5A DI. The Rattlers opens their season against Roma on Aug. 27th and will travel to meet Laredo LBJ on September 2nd at 7:00 p.m.