“Gritty” Valencia Jags ready for next step

VALENCIA — The first thing visitors may have noticed at opening day practice for the Valencia Jaguars was the turnout.

“I’m happy that our numbers look pretty good right now,” said LeDarrius Cage, in his second year as VHS head coach. “We’re a lot stronger than last year — a little faster. Athletically, we had a really good summer.”

It’s also reassuring to have a quality quarterback in the huddle, Aiden Harrington.

“He’s smart, he’s fast, he can throw the ball real well,” is the description Dalton Muzzy, senior running back, volunteered.

Harrington, senior, completed 50 percent of his passes last season, with six passing touchdowns and six rushing.

Cage said Harrington had an excellent summer and has been working on his throwing mechanics.

“We trust him a little bit more,” Cage explained. “He’s starting to think like the coaches do.”

Valencia (4-7, 0-3) does have holes to fill. Leading receiver Jorge Zuniga has graduated, as has Daniel Villegas, a dynamic running back who led the Jaguars in rushing and touchdowns. However, the offensive line should help ease concerns.

“I expect us to move the ball a lot,” said Diego Baeza, junior guard. “Our offensive line is pretty big.”

Cage explained the offensive line is the teams’ strength and if the receiving corps can step up, the Jaguars should be able to score points.

VHS will need to replace leading tackler Tilden Brown, but Cage expects improvement in all facets of the defense, including the secondary and, especially, in the trenches.

“The guys we’ve got down there are really going to help us get to the quarterback,” which was a weakness.

“They are really gritty, real mean,” adds Muzzy, who has high hopes for the season. “I’m really expecting the world.”

What exactly does that mean?

If the players “put their nose down and grind for it, we can be in the running for a state championship. We really could.”

For Baeza, expectations are more tempered.

“I’m just hoping we can get past the first round.”

VHS opens the season against Kirtland Central, the same opponent that kicked off the 2023 campaign. The Jaguars hope for the same result, after dumping the Broncos 48-20 on the road.

VHS football schedule

Aug. 23: Kirtland Central (H)

Aug. 30: Gadsden (H)

Sept. 6: Belen (A)

Sept. 13: Cuba (A)

Sept. 20: Silver* (H)

Sept. 27: Portales* (A)

Oct. 4: Chaparral* (A)

Oct. 18: Manzano* (H)

Oct. 25: St. Pius* (A)

Nov. 2: Albuquerque Academy* (A at 1 p.m.)

*Denotes district game