By Ramiro Paez

956sports.com

McALLEN – McAllen Rowe coach Paul Reyes is happy about a few good things the Warriors have been able to establish during his two seasons at the helm. But, he isn’t satisfied.

Big difference.

The Warriors hope 2012 can finally be the year they can break out of mediocrity confinement and are able flip the switch.

“We’ve established a positive attitude and good work ethic,” Reyes said. “We’re getting there, but by no means am I satisfied. This is our time now to make a statement.”

They’ll have to make one in a new-look District 31-5A, which includes seven playoff teams and three district champions from a season ago. It won’t be easy, but Rowe is up for the challenge.

In fact, the Warriors are using the new realignment as a motivational tool.

“Knowing that this is one of the toughest districts we’ve played in the past years, that pushes us more,” senior safety Tony Garcia said. “People will probably respect us more if we win, knowing that we have to fight every game and show that every game is going to be a battle.”

In those battles, Reyes will closely monitor how his team is able to finish the close games, a hindrance that’s played a large part in the Warriors’ back-to-back 5-5 regular seasons. In six of Rowe’s 10 losses the past two years, the Warriors were beaten by eight points or less.

Reyes says much of his program’s success this season will depend on how Rowe performs in tight situations.

“There’s a couple of things we need to look for, but we need to be able to win those close games,” Reyes said. “In three of our five losses last year, we were tied or in the lead at halftime, and we just didn’t hold on to that lead. Those are the little things we got to change.”

If they do, the Warriors feel they can be successful.

And they should have every reason to feel that way.

It’s been only one year since the Warriors last advanced to the postseason during Reyes’ first season and just missed the cut last year after losing on a tiebreaker. Perhaps even more encouraging, Rowe has won nine district games in the past two years, the same number of league victories combined in five seasons prior to Reyes’ arrival.

It’s something the Warriors can surely hang their hat on as they work toward getting back into the postseason.

“For us to be successful or to be considered successful, we’re going to need to get into those playoffs,” Reyes said. “There’s nothing short of that. We need to make a playoff run.”

And they’ll need their offense to lead the way with six starters returning.

Although depth could be an issue, Rowe brings back key skill positions players, including an experienced quarterback tandem in senior Javi Obregon and junior Justin Owens. Both saw significant action last season, but it was Obregon who starred, leading the district in passing with almost 2,500 yards.

Senior offensive lineman Adonis Cruz says although the upcoming season will present a challenge, his team just needs to follow what they already know in order to get through the grueling year.

“Teammwork,” Cruz said. “We’re all going to work as a team. That’s all it needs. It’s a tough district, but we’re all ready for it and ready to play these teams. Offense and defense, we know what we have to do and we’re going to get it done.”

Returning Offensive Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 3

Returning Lettermen: 18

Offensive Players to Watch: Javi Obregon, senior, QB; Tonny Bimpong, senior, WR; Adonis Cruz, senior, OL

Defensive Players to Watch: Tony Garcia, senior, safety; Christian Guerrero, junior, safety; Enrique Cadena, senior, LB

Last Year’s Record: 5-5

Last Time Made Playoffs: 2010 (bi-district, Laredo Alexander)