'Coach Veliz has brought a new atmosphere' Hanks football looks to improve with new coach
Editor's Note: The El Paso Times continues its high school football countdown with No. 18 Hanks. The regular season begins on Aug. 24-25.
Outlook for 2023 season
Hanks enters the season with a new coach in veteran Scott Veliz, who returns home after serving as the offensive coordinator at Garland Naaman. Veliz is noted for his offensive expertise and the Knights should be solid on that side of the ball. Hanks' biggest improvement will need to come on defense and if the Knights can take a couple of steps forward there, Hanks will contend for a playoff berth.
A look back at 2022
The Knights finished last season with a 3-7 record with wins against Bowie, Irvin and Horizon and competitive losses to El Paso High, Ysleta and Bel Air.
How the offense rates
The Knights have solid playmakers on offense led by quarterback Marcus Porras, wide receivers Jude Blanco, Christian Rodriguez and Andrew Castillo. Running backs Ruben Laguna and Michael Oliver look to have a big year in the backfield. Up front, Noah Villanueva and Paolo Casas will lead the way.
How the defense rates
The defensive line could be a strength with Casas, Dylan Vasquez and Christian Sandoval paving the way. Justin Allen, Abram Acosta and Oliver will highlight the linebacking core and in the defensive backfield Rodriguez and Castillo will be counted on as leaders.
What the coach is saying
"We've had great responses from the kids here at Hanks and I'm really happy with our progress," Veliz said. "We have 24 seniors who have really dedicated themselves to being leaders and helping set a foundation for our program. We've had good turnout this summer and we have a good number of kids out for the season. Our incoming freshman class is right around 60 and that's good for us as well."
What the players are saying
"We should do some good things on offense," Blanco said. "We have a really good quarterback, we have new receivers that will help us and we have some new plays that will help us."
Added Acosta: "Coach Veliz has brought a new atmosphere, a new style of play that we are excited about. Our senior group is special, it's been tight knit and we've stuck together through adversity that will help us."
More: Games to watch in El Paso Dandy dozen: 12 high school football games to watch in El Paso in 2023
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 18 Hanks football relishes challenge of making playoffs
