Española Valley High School football had never experienced a season like last year.
The sixth-seeded Sundevils (9-4) won two playoff games, including one on the road, and advanced to the Class 4A playoff semifinals for the first time in school history.
It’s something the players will never forget, 165-lb., 5’6” senior linebacker Dylan Sandoval said. “It was unique. Amazingly unique that we were the first team to ever go to the state semifinal game. I think it makes all of us proud. We started with nothing and ended up with something that big. It’s a good story to tell later in life. We were the team that broke all these school records and did the most in the history of the school. It’s really unique and a fun experience, to say the least.”
And now the Sundevils want more.
It was a wild ride for a team that just four seasons ago was 1-9, but now it sets the bar higher.
“My expectations are that we’re going to have as good a winning record or better,” 165-lb., 5’8” senior wide receiver Michael Maestas said. “We’re going to be really competitive in our district and set more school records.”
They are lofty goals, especially for a team that not only has a new head coach in Caleb Holbrook, but one who is a first time head coach.
Holbrook, a former college quarterback, has wasted little time in tinkering with the offense, installing a more dynamic offense than the one that threw just 15 passes a season ago. The goal, he said, is to take advantage of the skills of quarterback Irvin Primero, a 230 lb., 6’1” senior.
And that’s something the players are excited to implement.
“It’s a little bit of pressure, but at the end of the day, we have to win football games and I just have to do my part,” Primero said. “We aired it out a little bit my sophomore year so I know I can do it. My expectations are to work hard, be responsible and be respectful. And I’m making sure everyone is doing their job.”
Maestas, Primero and Sandoval are three of about 16 starters who are returning — with many of them playing both sides of the ball.
Impact players like senior linebacker Leonard Martinez (6’0”, 205 lbs.) and senior wide receiver/defensive back Cody Coffeen (6’3”, 165 lbs.) are also expected to make big contributions, Holbrook said.
In addition, he said, big things are anticipated from younger players like junior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Aiden Guinn (5’9”, 265 lbs.) and freshman running back/wide receiver/defensive back Josiah Romero (5’8”, 180 lbs.).
“As long as guys are playing for the guy next to them, when the clock hits zero, we should be successful,” Holbrook said. “That’s what you want to see as a head coach. I came in here in mid-May and they completely bought in. From my experience, that’s how we become closer. That’s what the culture brings. Holding everybody accountable, including yourself. We only get X amount of time with them, but they’re real go-getters. They’re putting in hours of hard work behind the scenes.”
Last year’s success only whetted the team’s desire to do more this season, Coffeen said.
“We have playoff experience,” he said. “And us seniors, we have a have a lot of experience starting since we were sophomores. We know what we’re capable of and what we’re working for and we’re going to shoot for a state championship.”
Enjoying last season was something the players will never forget, Martinez said, especially seeing Española rally around the team.
“It was very wild. A very fun experience,” he said. “I’m very glad and grateful that I was able to be a part of that team. More of the community would show up to the games, and the stands were filled. More props were given out and cheers. It was a different experience. Now I definitely want to go out with a big bang my senior season with a winning record, going into playoffs and making a deep run in the playoffs.”