(Mission, Texas)-The Mission Eagles and third-year head football coach, Daniel Longoria knows that 2023 is an important season. Longoria wants to return to the State 6A playoffs after missing the postseason last year with a dismal record of 2-8 overall. Despite that record, the Eagles were in the mix of clinching a playoff berth in 2022, but a year-end loss to La Joya (21-17) hampered their playoff hopes. “That was tough,” says Longoria. “This will be much different.” The Eagles ended its season with losses to seven playoff-bound teams that they played on their schedule. That was last year. The Eagles returns 33 lettermen with seven starters on offense and six on defense, including OL Malik Robeledo, a 6’3 235 lb, OL Michael Garza (6’2 275lbs), junior quarterback Diego Salinas (913 passing yards), and WR Carlos Valdez (249 yards 28 rec). On Defense, the Eagles will feature LB Jesus Vera (5’11 190lbs), DB Marco Trevino (5’9 155lbs), and DL Gabe Bernal.
The Mission Eagles will kickoff is annual “Battle of Conway Classic” against Mission Veterans on Friday, August 25th at Tom Landry Hall of Fame Stadium. The Eagles will be looking to avenge last year’s 32-20 non-comference loss. That game will be followed by non-conference games against McAllen, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Brownsville Pace, and Los Fresnos.
The Eagles will open District 31-6A against Edinburg on October 6th, followed by Edinburg North at home on October 13th. “This will be a much improved team and after a few set backs, I am ready to move forward this season with plenty of excitement,” says Longoria.
Longoria led his Eagles team to a second place finish in his first season. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)