(Edinburg, Texas)-The Edinburg Vela Sabercats will kick off their season with seventh-year head football coach, John Campbell. With four UIL Regional Championship appearances under Campbell’s belt, the Sabercats seem to find themselves in game-mode every season.
The 2023 State 5A ranked No.16 Sabercats fell short in the UIL State 5A Division I Area Championships, losing to Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial 14-7 in 2022. “We are excited about 2023 and we look forward to competing this season,” said Campbell.
The Sabercats returns eight starters back on offense and defense and with only one position that will be questionable in 2023… The QB1 spot. Campbell is looking at back-up quarterback Myles Lopez, a 6’3 185lbs Pro-Style player to take over duties for the next two years. He also punts. In the backfield are RBs Jamal Polley, Dimas DeLeon, with WRs Jaxson Shupe (467 yards 18 rec). On the line returning are OL Kris Perez (6’1 220lbs), OT Omar Terry (6’1 230lbs), C Ronnie Ramirez (6’3 245lbs), OT Noah Rocha (6’3 240lbs), Samuel Gomez (6’4 255lbs), and OL Marcos Caballero.
Defensively, DL Braden Cantu, DB Derek Rodriguez, DB Luis Garcia, DL Alexander Sotelo, and DB Anthony Moreno all return.
If the Sabercats expect to win the outright District 15-5A DI title in 2023, they will need to defeat PSJA North (9/22) and McAllen (10/13) at Richard Flores Stadium.
The Sabercats will kickoff its season against Edinburg North on Friday at 7:00 p.m. August 25th. in non-conference action. The Sabercats will travel to meet the McAllen Memorial Mustangs on September 15th in their 15-5A DI opener.(HSSMImages/Ruiz)