(Mission, Texas)-The Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots finished in third place last season and clinched another University Interscholastic League State 5A Division II Bi-District appearance. The Patriots ended their season with a loss to District 15-5A DII Gregory-Portland 64-7.
Gilpin is one win shy from eclipsing the 100 career wins mark and with his 99-59 overall record, this year could be special.
The Patriots will open its season at home against the Mission Eagles on August 25th in their annual “Battle of Conway” followed by non-district games against McAllen Memorial, Harlingen, San Benito, and Brownsville Hanna. The Patriots will kickoff its District 16-5A DII conference against Sharyland Pioneer on October 6th at 7:00 p.m. at Richard Thompson Stadium.
With 34 lettermen returning, only four starters returns on offense and defense. Players to watch on offense are QB/ATH Braden Luedeker (607 yards passing, 386 yards rushing 114 yards rec), WR/QB Vince Abrego (5’11 180lbs 1,158 yards passing 14 TDs 256 yards rushing 2 TDs), and sophomore QB Cameron Sarinana, 6’0 185lbs. On defense, DB Pablo Lopez (53 tackles 33 solos), DT Raul Valdez (48 tackles), and DB Alexis Anguiano ( 46 tackles 17 solos) all return.
The Patriots will not name a starting quarterback till the season kicks off. “It’s always great to have depth at the quarterback position,” said Gilpin. If the Patriots can survive its non-conference schedule, these Patriots could be special in 2023 and make a playoff run. “We are not set at quarterback. We will wait till the season begins,” says Gilpin.
Who will be QB1? Pictured are l-r incoming sophomore QB Cameron Sarinana, with senior QB/ATH Braden Luedeker, and senior WR/QB Vince Abrego. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)