(La Joya, Texas)- Talk about Wow! The La Joya Coyotes started its season in 2022 with eight straight losses, including an 0-3 start in District 31-6A. “That was tough to swallow,” says La Joya HS head coach, Reuben Farias. “It was a tough moment with my team and staff.”
After being outscored 149-368 in one season, most teams would have caved in, but for the Coyotes, they had an opportunity to finish their season with a possible State 6A playoff appearance. All they had to do was win their last two games and hope for some miracles along the way. The miracles did come and the Coyotes won its last two games against Economedes (35-7) and Mission (21-17) to earn their first playoff berth since 2020.
This year’s team could once again make another bid for a playoff berth. Returning are five starters on offense and defense with only 12 lettermen listed in this year’s roster. Farias knows that this season will be another challenge.
Players to watch are WR Andre Pitts (6’2 175lbs), TE/OL Jon Pitts (6’6 245lbs), RB Erasmo Rodriguez, DB Darian Bocanegra, QB Steven Gomez, and OL Ethan Suarez, DL Jeremiah Sandoval, and WR Angel Rodriguez. LB Kevin Flores returns with 35 total tackles to lead the Coyotes.
The Coyotes will open their season, hoping to eliminate another 0-8 start as they meet Brownsville Rivera on the road on Friday, August 25th with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)