The Wildcat Offense has been getting a lot of attention lately, hasn’t it? With good reason. It can disrupt a defense to great effect, such as was the case for Weslaco East in its dominating Oct. 28 victory over Edcouch-Elsa. But it can also affect the flow and continuity of the offense that employs it, under some circumstances.

Like all new wrinkles in their relative infancy, the Wildcat has enjoyed a meteoric rise to popularity the past couple of seasons, and has been responsible for a good handful of game-breaking plays on all levels. But there is an inexorable Law of Diminishing Returns at work in the cumulative sense, stating that after the learning curve starts to flatten out a bit, and defenses get a chance to work against the offense and start to understand it, the Wildcat, or Spread, or whatever, will become less effective. Not necessarily obsolete or extinct, just generally less surprising, thus infinitely less threatening.

Offenses come and go in football like fashion trends, as the Single Wing gave way to the T, and the T to the I, and the I to the Wishbone/veer, etc. remember the Run and Shoot? It has survived in somewhat of a different form in the modern Spread, meaning that every new offense will include parts and scraps from previous innovations. Nothing unusual there, and we can see vestiges of the old Single Wing of yore at work in the Wildcat, completing a pleasant historical circle, which is one of the reasons I will not condemn it out of pocket as I have the Spread in previous weeks/years. The traditionalist dies hard, if at all.

But to the wrinkle itself. There are various camps on the topic, one of which considers the Wildcat and its ilk to be little more than gimmicks a team must use when it does not have the ability to line up and run its regular offense well enough to be successful. That may be a bit extreme, but one must entertain the possibility, for all new inventions tend to be seen as faddish and/or gratuitous at first. And some (many, perhaps) just don’t cut the mustard.

On the other hand, if a team can use an especially talented athlete in targeted stretches to get out in space and make a big play, what is the problem? It certainly worked well for Brandon Hernandez and the Wildcats.

There are then, a number of considerations to ponder if one wishes to adjudicate between the opinions rendered above. The first is, Do you have the horse to run it? The ideal Wildcat back is quick and sure-handed, and importantly, decisive. He doesn’t have to be huge, though this is a time to run north-south, not east-west, to see and pick a hole immediately, and commit.

I have always though that the ideal Wildcat back should be able to throw too, like Sal Martinez of Edinburg or Nelson Hampton, the former Econ flash. Most coaches have chosen to use the offense as a quick-strike running deal, probably because adding in the pass option can get too complicated; the attack, the surprise, these are of the utmost importance. Understood. Depends on how smart your kids are, I guess.

Which brings us to another factor to consider. How often to use it and when. That, of course, is two factors. A thousand pardons.

Somewhat like in the Spread, the Wildcat decreases in effect in the Red Zone…or does it? You will see teams use it on the two-point conversion quite a bit, actually. The truth is, in many cases the sets that seek to create room in space will simply run out of field and become less dangerous. But with a super athlete who can leap with leg strength at attack point, it’s worth a dice roll for one play at the 3, all or nothing.

And this segues nicely in the third factor, which is frequency.

If an offense wants to shake up the defensive calls for a series or two midway through the game, it could be the dust-mover that gets the kids fired up and moving again, not to mention it could afford the chance at a huge play like Hernandez’ 74-yard backbreaking TD against EE. Stay in it too long, though, and you again give the defense a chance to adjust, and on the psychological side, you send a message to your regular quarterback that you might not have the utmost confidence in his ability to get the job done.

I have never been a big believer in the Wildcat for too long at the end of games, on the aforementioned logic; however, for a play or two given the right down and distance, the Wildcat can be the late difference-maker.

Of course, there is a downside to using it so seldom, which is that in such a case, once the set shows itself, the defense instantly knows what to expect. You know what Hernandez or whoever is coming in to do. The other trouble is that you cannot accustom the defenders to seeing the same action for several plays, then cross it up with a little funny business, especially off motion if that is in the package; it usually is. One must enable the foe to see the pattern a bit before running anything new off it; if not, the defenders will end up in a base look by default, i.e. they will not take the fake. Too dumb to be fooled, ironically.

At some point in the future perhaps we will discuss rudimentary ways to defend against the latest fad offense; we shall talk of unbalanced lines and strong safeties on a zone island, alongside other cabbages and kings. Of course, by that time defensive coordinators, always Early Adapters, will have already masterminded the drill and acted upon the data, which is why they make the big bucks, leaving the wooly-headed media types to survive on meager leavings at best.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

CLASS 5A

DIVISION I

SHARYLAND (9-1) at LAREDO UNITED

And so the road begins for the Rattlers, with a decent Longhorn group in their way to start. If the Snakes can get C.J. Cavazos integrated into the offensive mix like they did in the finale (he scored twice) they should have what it takes to beat United. The ‘Horns do have a great running back in Billy Williams, but it probably won’t be enough. Why can’t the team with the better record be guaranteed a home game?

DONNA (7-3) vs. DEL RIO (8-2) at Laredo

Tricky one here, because following a 4-0 start the Redskins are just .500 since, alternating a win with a loss each week heading into bi-district. Will the unsettled QB situation cause a problem, and will Ed “Freaky” Friday be able to pile-move like he’s done all season? The Rams are a solid club with excellent team speed; they beat United and lost to 29-5A champ Alexander. The ‘Skins are back in the Dance for the fourth time in five seasons after missing out last year.

The Observer always hesitates to speculate about coaches and job security, but for once OK…what will the folks in Donna say about Manny Moreno now? Says here that he’s done the job, period. To the detractor: U mad, bro?

LOS FRESNOS (8-2) at HARLINGEN (10-0)

Many people are suggesting this could be a one-sided affair, and they may be right. But the Falcons have taken another step back toward the summit in 2011, and could be a tougher out than expected.  The emergence of Jonmichael Rosales behind center has really improved things for Clint Finley’s crew and there are some opportunistic kids on the defensive side of the ball. The Cards, looking to go three-deep for the third year running, had better not look ahead, and chances are, they won’t. This team is focused, mature, and talented. Nice combination there for Coach Manny “Garza” Gomez. Sorry, Clay.

EDINBURG (6-4) at SAN BENITO (8-2)

Has anyone noticed that the Greyhounds’ two losses are to teams with a combined record of 19-1? Oh, Ok, sorry. Anyway, this is a very fine team and will be the favorite at home against a Bobcat team that was touted as a top 10 club early and finished with a win against South to squeak in. The key to this one is the speed and explosiveness of the San Benito offense against a hard-hitting EHS D that is only of average wheels overall.

Super Sal Martinez saved the day against the Hawks with a banner evening, and having him at wide receiver instead of in the Wildcat was brilliant (5 catches, 125 yards, two TDs). If EHS can run the ball and avoid untimely penalties, this will be a great football game.

DIVISION II

MEMORIAL (10-0) vs. EAGLE PASS (5-5)

This has all the makings of a blowout, as opposed to last year when the Mustangs dispatched the Eagles by 8. Memorial is firing on all cylinders, has that experienced defense, and a district title under its belt. Raul Jimenez continues to be one of the Valley’s greatest game-changers while Matthew Kaufmann was the picture of efficiency last week against Palmview, completing three passes, two for TDs.

LAREDO ALEXANDER (10-0) at MCALLEN (6-4)

The Bulldogs will have to score to keep up with the Bulldogs, but that shouldn’t be a problem. It would be a good time to get some production from the running game, and the secondary has to tackle well. Alexander loves to throw quick hitters to its backs, which means pursuit and gang-tackling will be a necessity. Some people say that the Laredo league is not that good, but the Bulldogs (Alexander, that is) went three-deep last season. That’s good.

PACE (8-2) at PHARR NORTH (7-3)

The Vikings concluded on a high note with a home upset of unbeaten Weslaco, and the return of Sam Trejo helps the inside running game. They have the weapons to compete with the Raiders, who have to hope that last week was a wakeup call instead of an indicator. Pace has lost four bi-district games to Pharr schools in as many seasons, and this could be the breakthrough waiting to happen.

P-SJ-A MEMORIAL (6-4) at WESLACO (9-1)

Like the Raiders, the Panthers are bent on showing that their stumble in Week 10 was aberration, and chances are that this will be the case. Memorial has some intangibles on its side, such as strong desire, and maybe no one expects them to win. Dangerous. The Panthers have not dominated anyone this year but have been steady in the clutch. With a win here, Coach Tony and the Gang can head for a supreme second-round collision with another Memorial, but first things first.

CLASS 4A

DIVISION I

ALICE (4-6) AT WESLACO EAST (9-1)

Frankly, this is not a very good Coyote team and the Wildcats are rolling, meaning this could be boring. Aaron Munguia continues to run like a madman and should eclipse 2,000 yards for 2011. Alice lost its last two games and will have to hang on for dear life. A couple of running teams get together, so look fast: this will be a quickie.

RIO GRANDE CITY (6-4) at FLOUR BLUFF (5-5)

Flour Bluff has been strange lately, with a lot of talent but some underachievement. The Hornets endured a brutal early stretch (losing to Sharyland and San Benito) but turned it on in league play. There is really no reason that the Rattlers cannot make this happen, even though they play away from home. If they can get Orlando Oviedo into the action early and often, they could open a lead. Playoff inexperience might be a factor, but at least Coach Carlos Longoria has been there before.

DIVISION II

KINGSVILLE (5-5) at EDCOUCH-ELSA (9-1)

Last week the ‘Jackets struck for three long TD passes right off the bat, and that is very interesting. They should get some more work in that area against an average Kingsville contingent, and Eric Morales seems determined to put a subpar performance against East behind him. Besides the two 1,000-yard backs, watch out for Mike Garcia; when that wideout is involved early, it usually bodes well for E-E.

CALALLEN (9-1) at MERCEDES (4-6)

Though the Tigers made a late rush to enter the picture, this one is going to be exceedingly difficult. The Wildcats are the region’s best on defense and have the usual array of backs who can flat get up the field. Many observers have them going at least four deep this season, and Mercedes will have to be at its best to stay on the field. Perhaps the Tigers can. They’ve done it before, after all, against the odds.

CLASS 3A

DIVISION I

RAYMONDVILLE (6-4) vs. LA GRULLA (7-3) at RGC

The Rematch of the Sept. 9 ball game between these two awaits, with the upstart Gators feeling it right now and the Bearkats trying to recover from blowing a lead and share of the 31-3A crown to Orange Grove. La Grulla boasts a pretty slick little skill group on offense, while Raymondville, which won the first game by 8, has some size and speed. Which of the two quarterbacks is going to come up with the two or three huge completions at the right time to turn the tide? Gator Ray Penablanca is underrated.

DIVISION II

PORT ISABEL (6-4) vs. ORANGE GROVE (7-3) at Edinburg

Tarpons played like a youthful group last week against Rio Hondo, as miscues knocked them out of the race for the title. Still, this team is sound, and if it can rebound, it could make for a riveting night. OG is not super, but consistent, and after coming from a 1-9 season to win district, Jerry Bomar’s kids feel destined to make some playoff noise. PI is up against it a bit here, but if the Tarps can break a few long ones and find TE Erick Trevino in the middle seam, you never know.

LYFORD (6-4) vs. RIO HONDO (7-3) at Los Fresnos

Lyford is maddening, because at times it can be the tops, and at others, the nots. Jacob Lerma enjoyed his second six-TD game of the year in the finale, and will attack the fine Bobcat D with a vengeance. Though they have suffered through multiple injuries in 2011, the ‘Cats have a senior cast that believes the time is now for a deep playoff run.

With Juan Puga back in action at QB along with game-breaker Jorge Bermudez, Rio Hondo should be able to score enough to outlast the Bulldogs. Spider sense: Shawn O’Brien will figure in this tilt’s biggest moments.

CLASS A

LA VILLA (4-6) vs. YORKTOWN (5-5)

Whither the Cards this season, as they have transitioned from being a passing team into one with more balance? Ricky Cantu is one of the Valley’s best all-purpose backs and if the Cards avoid turnovers, they should be cool. The Wildcats lost three times by a combined total of eight points, including by three against Kenedy, a team that La Villa beat by 16. Yorktown has an All-State receiver who averages 25 yards per catch. But La Villa can win this one.

STAT CHAT

Keep an eye on RB Jaquil Evans for 2012, after the Rivera youngster raced for 248 yards in the season-capping victory over Lopez. That magnificent night vaulted him past 1,000 for the season. Rollie Borrego of Edinburg North also surpassed the century mark after a 205-yard output in the Coogs’ 30-21 triumph over Economedes.

Morales of E-E compiled 330 yards passing in a 49-0 whitewashing of Mission Vets, with Lerma of Lyford (319) and Justin Salinas of The Mac (307) also tossing up impressive numbers. Tres Barrera of Sharyland went 18 for 22 against McAllen, and that sort of accuracy is what it’s all about.

Rowe just keeps on finding productive receivers; this time it’s Adrian Salazar, after Tonny Bimpong and Robert Valencia set the pace earlier in the year. Salazar clutched six for 123 against La Joya, as the Warriors did their part to try and get in but got no help. Also in town, Big Ben Griffith came to the party against Sharyland, catching six for 127 in the Mac loss. Defending those tall catchers is going to be a tough task for Alexander.

As far as special teams goes, we mentioned Matt Alvarez a few weeks back and the Weslaco senior turned in another gem against Pace Saturday, this time a 45-yard punt return for a score.

ALUMNI NOTE

How about that Mitchell Bunger? The former Memorial QB is tearing it up for Texas Lutheran again this year; he had a pair of scoring passes for the Bulldogs Saturday in their 36-16 victory over Mississippi College. Always liked that Tough Guy, a young Billy Kilmer.

Another rough customer from Memorial, Patrick Granchelli, continues to pound it out for undefeated Trinity, and he was key in the team’s 20-14 win against Centre, which came in without a blemish as well. Granchelli had 101 yards and the winning six in the fourth period for the Tigers.

Shouldn’t someone be writing a feature about these homeboys-made good right about now?

AND A FUN, NUMBERY THING TO PONDER

Valley’s top regular season scoring teams

535      Harlingen 2011

494      Harlingen 2009

484      Edcouch-Elsa 2004

472      Harlingen 2010

449      Los Fresnos 1964
448      Weslaco 2007

444      McAllen Memorial 2006

444      Edcouch-Elsa 2005

441      Port Isabel 1994

434      Mission 1990

429      Harlingen 1994

429      Los Fresnos 2008

410      Los Fresnos 2006

Head Coach: Roland Rodriguez, 1st season

Assistant Coaches: Orlando Cruz, Zenon Guajardo, Omar Tamez

2009 Record: 2-18, District: 0-13

Coach Roland Rodriguez makes his coaching debut with the Redskin program. Rodriguez served as Coach Mark Gonzalezʼs assistant for five years at PSJA Memorial.

“We must not wait to grow up in the middle of the season,” said Coach Rodriguez. “We are young, but we have hard working kids that are hungry for an overall team success,” added Coach Rodriguez.

Three seniors, three juniors, and two sophomores make up the Redskin squad in 2010. Roque Villegas (sr.), P/OF; Alex Moreno (sr.), OF; Steven Ortiz (sr.), C; Dagoberto Garza (jr.), P/3B; Alexis Montalvo (soph.), OF; Arnold Martinez (jr.); and Adolfo Gonzalez (jr.), 2B, are those players.

Coach Rodriguez takes over for departed Don Derryberry (now at Raymondville). “What is important is for our team to have a sense of urgency to get better at their positions,” said Coach Rodriguez. “A reminder of the past two seasons should push us to improve every day,” added Coach Rodriguez.

The Redskins will get better, but patience and consistency in the program are a must if they are to continue to improve over the long haul.