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Following a 4-6 season that saw Belen reach the first round of the 5A playoffs, the Eagles start the 2025 campaign in high spirits. However, BHS will also start with low numbers.
Because of that, Belen will once again rely heavily on a two-platoon system, with many players lining up on both offense and defense. That’s why conditioning and plenty of time in the weight room have been an emphasis during the offseason.
“We’re implementing more core and conditioning, adding the weights to it,” said head coach Kevin Peña.
With Ethan Thomas graduated, the Eagles will have a new starting quarterback. As practice got underway, Logan Gonzalez, a senior, has shifted from receiver to quarterback.
“Logan is doing a good job. I have all the confidence in the world in him,” Peña said, adding that Gonzalez and Chalito Cano, a junior, will share snaps during practice.
Gonzalez solidified his standing during summer workouts, even though he hadn’t played the position since his freshman year.
“I’m feeling pretty good, pretty confident,” Gonzalez said during a break from weightlifting. “Honestly, to try and help the team out more,” was the reason Gonzalez switched positions.
Cano may also see action behind center, as well as running back after leading the Eagles in rushing last season from his time at quarterback.
A small group of seniors are key, according to Peña.
“We’re going to have to lean on them,” the coach said, mentioning a list that includes Gonzalez, Adrien Lovato, Sebastian Valadez, Logan Chavez, Jonah Bock and Elijah Schaffino.
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Peña believes he has a “good junior group” that gained experience as sophomores.
“We’re going to rely on those guys probably more than anything,” Peña said. “You might see a lot of freshmen playing this year with our numbers so low. We hope they grow up pretty quick.”
The linemen will see double duty, with most playing both offense and defense.
“We’ve got a pretty good little core, maybe five guys that are going to be there,” Peña noted. “Other than that, we’re very young behind them.”
There are holes to fill elsewhere, with Jasode Harris, Dalton Golliheair, Damian Avilla and Santiago Cordova among key contributors who graduated.
One of the positives, Gonzalez said, is “We have got a lot of speed — a lot of speed. We’ve been working really hard. We are way stronger.”
BHS will host St. Pius in a scrimmage August 14. The season kicks off Aug. 22 at Bloomfield, the defending 4A champion.
