By Ramiro Paez

956sports.com

EDINBURG – The intent for Edinburg North this season is simple.

“We got to get back in the playoffs,” Cougars coach Roy Garza said. “There’s no doubt.”

But to do that, the Cougars will have to overcome what’s been a thorn in their side the past two seasons: injuries. If North can indeed manage to stay healthy, Garza likes his team’s chances. It’s the reason why health is one of the program’s top priorities this year.

The Cougars can ill afford to lose key players, especially on offense, where Edinburg North figures to be green. The offense returns only three starters and having any significant injuries can mean another pause in the Cougars’ plan to get the program back in the playoffs.

Edinburg North, which last advanced in 2009, failed to make those strides the past two seasons after injuries took a toll. Just last season alone, the Cougars lost a handful of players to concussions, and with new UIL concussion rules enforced this year, players will have to sit out an extended period of time.

That’s why Garza says much of the Cougars’ success will depend on their physical wellness.

“We think part of our offseason we addressed that,” Garza said. “What we did in the offseason and the type of weights that we did, the conditioning of the workouts, was going to facilitate that.”

Depth is another issue why health is at the totem pole of concerns.

With the addition of Edinburg Vela, the Cougars lost some valuable experience at certain positions, which has forced younger players to step in. Garza says people can expect to see a different offensive approach, slowing down the fast-paced tempo the team was used to operating from.

“Offensively, we might slow it down because of the youth that we have,” he said.

Youth still doesn’t change the big picture the Cougars have drawn out for themselves.

Junior left tackle David Anzaldua says he feels confident his team can attain their goal they set out for themselves.

“Anything can happen no matter what season it is,” he said. “Our last two seasons, we had a little off season, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to bounce back and make the playoffs.”

One of the few players who has tasted the extra weeks in November is senior safety Vincent Ortiz, who is also alternating snaps with senior Josh Vela at quarterback. Ortiz was a freshman when the Cougars advanced three deep in 2009 and saw firsthand what it takes to reach that feat.

“I think my experiences really rub off on them,” Ortiz said. “I tell them, ‘Hey, it was like this. The atmosphere was ecstatic.’ And they want to see what it’s like for themselves.”

Which can only lead to good things.

Ortiz is one of nine returning starters on defense, which should carry the Cougars a long way. In addition to Ortiz, the unit brings back senior nose tackle Josh Dennett, senior linebacker Jerry De La Garza and junior linebacker Lupe Quintero, all of who plan to make North’s defense one of District 30-5A’s bests.

“I think everybody’s goal is to be best in the district,” Ortiz said of opposing defenses. “Ours isn’t different.”

Returning Offensive Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 9

Returning Lettermen: 24

Offensive Players to Watch: David Anzaldua, junior, OL; Eddie Sanchez, senior, WR; Josh Vela, senior, QB

Defensive Players to Watch: Vincent Ortiz, senior, FS; Josh Dennett, senior, nose tackle; Jerry De La Garza, senior, LB; Lupe Quintero, junior, LB

Last Year’s Record: 3-7

Last Time Made Playoffs: 2009 (regional semifinal, San Antonio Brandeis)