(Edinburg, Texas)-Entering his third season, Edinburg Bobcats head football coach Rene Guzman will be looking at his possible third straight playoff berth, hoping to get his first career playoff win.
Last season, in a heart-breaker, the Bobcats played the Weslaco Panthers for the second time in one season, losing both games. Worst, a loss in overtime to Panthers 16-13 in the Class 6A Division II Bi-District Championships. “That was a tough loss,” grims Guzman.
The Bobcats will kick off its season against McAllen High School on Friday night at Richard Flores Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on August 24th. “We are excited about this season, adds Guzman. The Bobcats defeated McAllen 21-13 last season. The Bulldogs then went three rounds deep in the Class 5A playoffs. Guzman led his soldiers in 2022 against eight playoff-bound teams finishing 4-5.
The Bobcats will return 32 lettermen with three on offense and five on defense. At quarterback, Jake Santa Maria (6’1 180lbs) will lead the Bobcats with Ryen Abrego in the backfield. Santa Maria passed for 415 yards and rushed for another 643 yards. Abrego added another 330 yards on the ground. Sophomore WRs Jude Vega and Ethan Calderon will give the Bobcats offense an added spark on Friday nights. On defense, Woodrow Villarreal had a great freshmen season with 66 total tackles and two interceptions. Senior DB Nick Gonzalez also returns, leading the Bobcats with 52 solo tackles and four interceptions. Look for the Bobcats to challenge for a district title they almost won in 2022. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)