Baker's Dish

I can only feel bad for McAllen Memorial. These guys went 10-3 last season, three rounds deep in the playoffs, won their first postseason game in the school’s 27-year history and featured one of the nation’s top running backs. And it was well deserved, considering the Mustangs had been the homecoming opponent of choice for most of their 27 years of existence.

And as much as I want to believe they won’t go back to those doldrums, I don’t see how it’s possible for them to win more than three games this season. They only return three starters, only one of which (Robert Curl) was a major contributor to the team last season. So, honestly, if the Mustangs win three games, I think that will be a huge accomplishment.

On a side note, it will be interesting to see how fullback Joseph Granchelli emerges in a featured role, along with how the Mustangs build the offense around speedy quarterback Jesse Ramos. There’s also Aaron Stephens, who was taking snaps in the backfield during Thursday’s practice. Considering the bloodlines, it would be smart to keep a close eye on him. Also, wideout George Johnson could be a playmaker for the ‘Stangs.

But, right now, there are just too many questions that need answers concerning McAllen Memorial. And for that, I see them fiinishing at the bottom of District 30-5A this season.

McAllen High is an interesting team to judge this season. All teams have confidence this time of year. Yeah, I get that. I haven’t met a team so far that doesn’t think it will make the playoffs, win district and make a deep run in the playoffs. But in the case of the Bulldogs, they really seemed to be beaming with confidence when I visited them earlier this week.

But I just don’t see it happening. They only return three starters on each side of the ball. They must replace QB Joaquin Hinojosa. Coach Tony Harris promises that one of he QBs (Andrew Balderas, Adrian Leal) are more than qualified to step under center. But neither have legit varsity experience under center. Andrew complete just 2-of-6 passes in back-up time last season, usually when the game was well, well already put away. That, coupled with an offensive line with absolutely no varsity starting experience, to me, only spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E for the Bulldogs this season.

And that’s why I can’t see them making the playoffs, winning district or making a deep run in the playoffs. But truth be told, all the Bulldogs likely need is three — maybe even two — district victories to qualify for playoffs, with District 30-5A expected to be a neck-and-neck battle this season.