At the helm, Head Coach Tom Gonzalez will enter his 27th year patrolling the Eagle sidelines - a remarkable accomplishment. But, the Eagles are coming back from a difficult 4-6 season, and Coach Gonzalez is looking to turn it around, and return his mighty Eagles to the playoffs.
Coach Gonzalez told me his players have embraced this year's motto, "End the Drought," referring to the team's three-year absence from the playoffs.
The theme this year is simple. "Hard work and self-discipline," said Coach Gonzalez. "Our seniors are leaders, and they are key to a successful season."
Senior standout and dual-threat, Deeandre Torres - son of the legendary #42, Albert Torres - will be lining up on offense.
"Deeandre is a play-maker," said Offensive Coordinator Javier Cardenas.
Assistant Coach Rey Jimenez excitedly said Torres " is explosive and elusive in the backfield. His cat-like reflexes will be a formidable weapon against any of our opponents."
Other player to watch on the offensive will be Norby Zavala and returning pass-catching specialist, Jose Riojas.
Leading the Eagles into the end zone will be Junior QB Ricardo "Riche" Luna, who went 8 for 15 with a touchdown in the Somerset scrimmage last Friday.
While say our “Wrecking Crew” Eagle defense has diminished in recent years, Coach Roger Olivas said Monday that they were working with a talented team.
"All of our kids this year have tremendous athletic ability, and each of them can get to the ball - very quickly,” said Olivas. Coach Olivas also specifically mentioned defensive end #32 Mario Torres and middle linebacker # 25 David Kypuros as players to watch on defense.
"I believe in our team and in our players. Our goal is to make it back to the playoffs and make a run in the post-season. These kids eat together, they hang out together, and they genuinely like one another," said Coach Gonzalez. " A complete team effort will be the key for a successful season”
The Eagles will need to make things happen on defense to help their offense in 2017. Good luck to the Mighty Eagle Pass Eagles this 2017 season.
The Eagles’ final scrimmage will be Thursday in Laredo versus Laredo Martin at 7:00 p.m.
Players of the week:
Offensive- #9 Jose Riojas WR Senior
Defensive -#32 Mario Torres DE Senior