(Edcouch, Tx)- The Edcouch-Elsa High School Yellowjackets will contend for the District 16-5A Division II title in 2021. Head coach Christian Navarro led the Yellowjackets to back-to-back UIL State 5A Division II playoffs in 2019 (lost to Calallen 35-0 Bi-district)and 2020 (lost to Boerne Champion 56-19 Bi-District) and many fans can expect the gold and black to go one step further in the playoffs this season.
The Yellowjackets hired Jaime Infante (previous head coach Lyford HS) as their offensive coordinator and this could be a signal to 16-5A Division II opponents, that the Yellowjackets could see a balance with a running and passing game. “We expect great things from this group. Last year we were young, now, we expect them (our team) to play. We are bringing back seven starters on offense and defense. I’m excited,” says Navarro.
The Yellowjackets will be playing one of the toughest football schedules this season as they open at Los Fresnos on August 27th and at PSJA North on September 3rd, both in non-district action. Moving to District 16-5A DII, the Jackets will open at Sharyland, PSJA Southwest, Mission Veterans, Mercedes, and Pioneer, all in that order. “It’s a tough schedule,” says Navarro.
Players to watch on offense are returning quarterback Brandon Cortez and RB Ever Crispin. Cortez passed for 414 passing yards in 2020, leading his team to the 5A Division II State Playoffs. Other players to watch on offense are OL Sean Marmolejo, OL Justin Esquivel, and RB Jonathon Castillo. On defense, DE Nico Herrera will lead his team after collecting 52 tackles and six quarterback sacks last year. He will be joined by DB Diego Valdez (5’11 175lbs), who had a great season with five interceptions. Other players looking to make an impact are LB Chris Sandoval, DB Alexis Rodriguez (5’10 180lbs), SS Enrique Beltran (5’8 170lbs), and LB Freddie Gonzalez.
The Yellowjackets outscored their opponents in 2020 by margin of 234-186. Boerne Champion scored 56 points in their win over Edcouch-Elsa in the Class 5A Divison II Bi-District Championships. HSSM picks the Yellowjackets to finish in third place.