This year, the Mavericks will be playing a school they may have a little more in common with: the newest high school in town, who according to Head Coach Cody Simper took their lumps last year as the new kid on the block and are all the better for it.
"We're really proud of where we are as a team in just our second year as a varsity program," said Simper on a recent phone interview. "We played a lot of young guys last year. Taking their lumps has paid off."
His young squad not only bounced back from their growing pains, they actually were leading their game last week at Calallen for the district championship. Coach Simper said they are glad they played Calallen when they did because it will help them when ultimately preparing for the playoffs.
"We're fortunate enough to have stayed healthy this season even though Calallen pulled away from us in the second half 46-25," he added. "We are the new school in the CCISD and we are proud to be in the Division I State Playoffs this year."
The Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Eagles will line up Running Back Frank Jones, a senior who scored on a 10 yard run against the Tigers. They run a two Quarterback set with sophomore Joseph Gonzalez who scored on a two yard run and threw for another and junior Quarterback David Soto.
Their other standout on offense is junior Wide Receiver Seth Solis who scored on a 10 yard pass from Gonzalez.
When asked about his offensive line, Simper had the following to say about them: "We have a senior-heavy O-line. They are the unit that makes our team go."
On defense, the Eagles will line up 6' 0" 210 Lb. Defensive Lineman LJ Salazar and 5' 9" 230 Lb. Defensive Tackle Deltyn Demerson, both seniors.
"Our defense has played really well all year," said the coach. "Our defensive line is the most experienced group on the field."
About Coach Eric Villaseñor's CC Winn Mavericks, Simper had the following to say: "The one thing that stands out on film is their effort. They seem to be well-coached. They play hard on every play."