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Once again, the strength of Valencia (8-4) should be the ground attack, led by record setting running back Michael Storms III and offensive lineman Diego Baeza. Both were named first team 4A All State as juniors.
While there are some questions lingering on the offensive line, VHS head coach LeDarrius Cage is comforted knowing Storms, with more than 1,700 yards rushing last season, is back for more.
“It’s kind of hard to not give your all state running back the ball whenever you get the opportunity,” Cage said.
Storms should be able to take some of the pressure off the Jaguars new quarterback, Santino Mares, who backed up steady Aiden Harrington.
“He knows the complete offense and I don’t think we’re going to miss a step,” predicted Cage.
No doubt VHS will miss Mares on defense, where he was an honorable mention All-State selection at safety.
“I expect to do good things this year,” said Mares. “I expect to, hopefully, lead my team deep into the playoffs. Deeper than last year.”
Last year, Mares had a key interception in Valencia’s playoff victory over Moriarty. The Jaguars were eliminated the next week by Bloomfield.
Even with Baeza returning to the offensive line, Cage says there are some question marks.
“I think we’ve got something to work with,” he said. “We just have to figure out what’s going to fit best with the guys.”
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The versatility of Corbin Hill, an All-State honorable mention center will help both sides of the ball.
“I love offense and I love defense,” said Hill about doing double-duty. “We have a lot of chemistry.”
There is plenty to like about the defense, according to Cage.
“We are pretty excited about the secondary. Christian Gonzalez has been a dog for us the entire time. He’s been locking up everything,” Cage said of the senior safety.
The line-backing unit should be a strength. Aiden Farless is ready to “anchor” the position, with help from Donovan Nieto and the emergence of sophomore Malachi McCoy. Alexis Estrada will move off the defensive line, where he was “undersized,” said Cage.
“He’s happy about that,” the coach added. “He’ll have a little more space to work with”
Cage will need to find replacements for a trio of all-state selections in Cesar Marquez, Aiden Gonzalez and Dalton Muzzy, the team’s leading tackler. The return of linebacker Jordan Henry, who tore an ACL against Belen, is welcome news.
VHS has 20 seniors, about double the normal number. That includes Eric Gonzalez, a 6-3 tight end, who Cage says “flies under the radar.” Gonzalez could see action at defensive end as well.
Valencia travels to Kirtland Central on Aug. 22 for the season opener.
