In the sun-baked city of El Paso, Texas, where Friday night lights shine bright and the roar of the crowd echoes through the streets, the role of a high school football coach is more than just X’s and O’s.
The fate of a team, the hopes and dreams of countless fans, and the very legacy of a football program all rest upon the shoulders of one person: the head coach.
He is the leader, the strategist, the visionary. He is the one who must mold a group of individuals into a cohesive unit, and guide them through the trials and tribulations of a grueling season. He must inspire them to greatness when they are down, and keep them grounded when they are on top.
And so when the time comes to choose a head coach, the stakes could not be higher.
For the right choice could bring glory and honor, while the wrong choice could mean despair. It is a decision that must be made with the utmost care and discernment, for the fate of a team rests in the balance.
For the coaches in El Paso, the legacy of Tony Grijalva and many others looms large. These are the coaches who have left an indelible mark on the game, not just through their success on the field, but through their impact on the lives of their players. They are the ones who have set the standard for excellence, and the ones that current coaches look up to.
A strong culture in a high school football locker room is essential for the team’s success both on and off the field. Additionally, it can create a positive and supportive environment for players, which is especially important in high school where players are still developing and figuring out who they are.
As the new season is months away, three new coaches have emerged, eager to make their mark on the El Paso high school football scene. They come with fresh ideas, new strategies, and a burning desire to succeed. But they also know that the road to success is a long and difficult one, and that they must be prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Coach Scott Veliz, the new coach of Hanks High School, is a seasoned coach who has been a head coach before. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. The Hanks High School football program has faced some difficulties in recent years, particularly in terms of fielding a team and developing young players. However, the program has seen some improvement in the past season, with an increase in numbers and stronger leadership. Despite facing challenges with injuries, they were able to show progress and have a better season last year. With Coach Veliz now at the helm, the team has the opportunity to build on their offensive strengths and work on improving their defense as they head into the 2023 season. Overall, the Hanks High School football program is working towards a brighter future, and with the right leadership, they can continue to grow and succeed.
Noe Robles, the new coach of Americas High School, is a relative newcomer to the head coaching ranks. He played at Montwood and coached at Eastlake, but now has finally been given an opportunity to lead his own team. The Americas High School football team has a strong opportunity to excel in the upcoming season, as they boast a talented roster on both offense and defense, along with a promising group of freshman players. Coach Robles has the pieces in place to lead the team to compete for a district title and a playoff spot. However, the 1-6A district is highly competitive, and it will require a strong effort from the team and effective leadership from Coach Robles to achieve these goals. Having a three-year starter at quarterback provides a solid foundation for the team, and with the right direction, Americas High School has the potential to be a top contender in the 4-team playoff conversation. Overall, the Americas High School football team has a promising outlook for the upcoming season.
For Montwood High School, the decision was made to promote from within and name defensive coordinator Ivan Rangel as the new head coach. The team has had a history of coming close to success in recent seasons, with many one-score games decided against them. Injuries have been a major challenge for the team in 2021, but despite these setbacks, they were slightly healthier in 2022 and showed potential for success. Coach Rangel’s familiarity with the team and players may prove beneficial as the team works to overcome the challenges of a highly competitive 1-6A district in 2023. The continuity of having an internal hire may be beneficial, as it allows the team to build on what they already have, rather than having to adapt to a new system brought in by an outside hire. The Montwood High School Football team is determined to overcome the challenges and to achieve success in the upcoming season.
The 2023 season is set to be a new chapter for three high school football programs, as they welcome in three new head coaches, each with their own unique challenges and paths to success. But with change comes opportunity, and these coaches have been tasked with the daunting yet exhilarating challenge of making their respective programs successful. This is the chance for these coaches to prove themselves in the 915.
Story by Christian Molinar