Here's how Tuloso-Midway football's defense is a key reason the Warriors are 4-0 in 2023

It's not a surprise when high school football storylines start with what the offense accomplished or how many touchdowns were scored in a game.

But even with the Tuloso-Midway football team averaging 40 points through the first four games of the season, it's the Warriors' defense that might be the key to them returning to the playoffs and winning their first playoff game in program history.

Tuloso-Midway's defense began the week second in scoring defense in Class 4A Division I at four points a game.

The Warriors have also recorded two shutouts, which is a key reason why the team is 4-0 for the first time since 2009.

"We're going to put pressure on teams and we're really big on getting picks," said Tuloso-Midway defensive coordinator James Villarreal. "We already have nine picks with Jeremiah Garza having four. We try to see what the quarterback is doing and we want to get our offense as many possession as we can."

Villarreal is in his first season at Tuloso-Midway after coming from Veterans Memorial where he helped the Eagles earn multiple playoff berths, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2021.

One of Villarreal's biggest focuses has been to change the mentality of the program, starting with the defense not allowing any points.

The most points the Warriors have allowed this season was nine during Week 2 against Ray. T-M opened the season with a 28-0 win against Moody and went on to beat King 52-6 and is coming off a 40-0 win against West Oso.

"I think the biggest difference this year has been the returning seniors," T-M senior linebacker Alex Olivarez said. "We bought into the mentality that we don't want to lose. We want to win every game. We want to be dominant up front and not give the other team time to through the ball."

Villarreal praised former T-M defensive coordinator and current Ingleside assistant coach Scott Hawks for what he accomplished with the Warriors' defense in last season's run to the playoffs.

The two also coached together at Veterans Memorial and have a similar mindset defensively.

"Coach Hawks did a great job," Villarreal said. "We talk weekly and I knew what they (T-M) had coming back this year. It's a little different from Vets, but I've brought the same mentality and that's to stop the run, be really good up front and put pressure on the quarterback. I feel like we have to build that sense of urgency like we had at Vets and that's what I'm trying to bring here. Our kids don't want people to score on them."

The Warriors' defense has been led by several players, including Olivarez, who has recorded a team-best 36 tackles, which is also good enough for the fourth most in the Coastal Bend.

Jeremiah Garza leads T-M and the Coastal Bend with four interceptions and Adrian Reyes is second on the team with 32 tackles.

"Everyone is giving 100% effort this year," Tuloso-Midway defensive end Jayden Kemp said. "Coach Villarreal is awesome and always has a good game plan. He sets us up for success."

The Warriors open District 16-4A Division I play Friday at home against Kingsville. It will be the Warriors' third consecutive game at home and on the school's new playing turf.

T-M is hoping to have similar success against the Brahmas after earning a win in last year's district opener. The Warriors went on to begin district play 2-0.

"These guys have bought in," Villarreal said. "I tell them all the time, there's not a lot of chances you get to make history and they have a chance to do that this year."

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Tuloso-Midway football defense has Warriors off to historic start