High school football preview: Juan Rodriguez making adjustments in 2nd year at Lubbock High
The coaching process is ever-evolving. Not every answer is the right one for a particular program.
Juan Rodriguez figured this out his first year at Lubbock High. Though he had previous experience as a head coach, Rodriguez discovered that every program, every team is a snowflake. None of them are exactly alike. So he's had to make some adjustments following a 2-8 debut campaign.
One such change is allowing the Westerners to be more involved with the planning process. Rodriguez meets with his team's leadership council throughout every week to discuss team matters, listening to input from the players.
"I think that's been really big for us throughout the spring," Rodriguez said. "It's definitely been great for us. We have a lot more input from them, so I think that's really kind of exciting to see our kids do that."
Coming into a program that has struggled to string success together, Rodriguez was dealt a tough blow early in his LHS tenure. His top two offensive weapons — running back Keith Ramirez and receiver Michael Coleman — played a combined five games in 2022. Coleman never took the field.
"I think that was kind of a big blow to our offense," Rodriguez said. "I thought we could do a lot of great things with (Coleman). ... Then once Keith went down that kind of made us one-dimensional. Not having that running attack and not having that passing game, it really (brought) struggles."
The Westerners will make some more adjustments on offense this year. The quarterback position is up in the air prior to preseason camp with youngsters Zach Reyna and Marquel Wynn vying for the position.
"Both of those guys have done a really good job this spring," Rodriguez said. "It's just one of those things where it's up for grabs, really."
Kyler Petrowski, who played some QB as a junior, will move back to an outside receiver position, where he'll join Derek Torrez as receiving options. Zeke Rodriguez is expected to be the featured rusher in the backfield.
Torrez, who had five interceptions last year, returns to lead the defensive backfield for Lubbock High. Jackson Cude and Bryson Garza bring experience to the linebacker position, and Rodriguez said he feels the team's safeties are the best unit.
Overall, there are still a lot of question marks surrounding the Westerners from a personnel perspective. Rodriguez expects those things to get sorted out once the team begins practice July 31.
"It's hard to tell who's going to be the guy," Rodriguez said. "Without spring ball, you can't really put your finger on it just yet. It goes without saying the kids put in a lot of work this summer and a lot of effort. It's just one of those things. It's going to be a surprise for us who brings up the next position to theirs."
Lubbock High Westerners
Head coach — Juan Rodriguez (4-45 overall, 2-8 at Lubbock High)
2022 record — 2-8 overall, 0-5 in District 2-5A Division II
Last district title/playoff appearance — 1975/2012
Base offense — Spread
Base defense — Multiple
Returning lettermen — 15
Returning off./def. starters — 7/7
Players to watch — Zeke Rodriguez, RB/LB; Keagan Davis, OL/DL; Derek Torrez, WR/DB; Jackson Cude, LB; Joshua Coleman, LB.
2023 schedule
*— denotes District 2-5A Division II game
Aug. 24 — at El Paso Socorro, 4 p.m.
Aug. 31 — vs. Big Spring, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8 — at Levelland, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 — at San Angelo Lake View, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 — vs. Andrews, 4 p.m.
Oct. 6 — vs. Amarillo Palo Duro*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — at Plainview*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 — vs. Abilene Wylie*, 8 p.m.
Oct. 26 — vs. Abilene Cooper*, 7 p.m.
Nov. 2 — at Wichita Falls Rider*, 7 p.m.
2022 results
El Paso Socorro W, 41-8
at Big Spring L, 51-26
Levelland W, 21-14
San Angelo Lake View L, 35-21
at Andrews L, 64-14
at Amarillo Palo Duro* L, 70-0
Plainview* L, 62-19
at Abilene Wylie* L, 43-0
at Abilene Cooper* L, 54-7
Wichita Falls Rider* L, 57-0
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Juan Rodriguez making adjustments in 2nd year at Lubbock High football
