Olton Mustangs to lean on defense in 2023
It's the dawning of a new era for the Olton Mustangs on offense. They'll have a new quarterback for the first time in three years, they graduated the leading receiver in the Panhandle from last year and another who was in the top 10. The skill positions will look vastly different this year, no doubt.
But the old saying says defense wins championships. For all the Mustangs lost in skill players, they might make up for it in returning defenders.
Olton will have nine starters back on defense, including the leading tackler in the Panhandle from last season. As the offense begins its transition to a new phase, the defense will keep the Mustangs moving forward.
"We're excited," head coach Ross Lassiter said. "Our summer is going really well. We have a lot of kids up here putting in great conditioning and skill work. We do have some holes to fill from last year, but I think every coach every year goes through the same thing...There's always someone who steps up and does it."
New kids on the block
Logan Lassiter, the fourth leading passer in the area in 2022 and a three-year starter, has graduated. Now, Olton is in the midst of a quarterback competition between two juniors.
On paper, Raymond Ramirez might seem to have the inside track after he led the JV to a 9-1 record last season. Alan Vasquez played QB as a freshman and has the athleticism to take over if he manages to outshine Ramirez during camp.
Whomever gets the job won't have Joel Olivas and Jake Soliz to throw to after they graduated. However, Nathan Urbina is a talented wideout who is ready to step up in their stead. Should Ramirez win the job, Vasquez is expected to play at receiver. Lassiter also says Ramirez will start somewhere on offense if he doesn't win the QB job.
Christian Chanchy and Baldo Garcia return in the backfield after combining to rush for 923 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. Michael Matute, Josh Villanueve, and Chris Cabrera will anchor the line.
"We had some guys we lost from last year who were very special offensively," Ross Lassiter said. "It's going to be tough, but we have guys who can step up and fill those holes...Michael has put some good weight on this summer and he's as solid of a kid that I've ever coached."
Bring the D
Having nine starters back on defense is nice, but more than the quantity of starters it's the quality that Olton brings back that should have Mustang fans very excited.
Jacob Marquez is back at linebacker after leading the Panhandle in regular season tackles with 169 last year. Matute (64 tackles, three sacks) and Chancy (25 tackles) return to man the defensive line while Vasquez (61 tackles, seven for a loss) will pair with Marquez to form a fearsome linebacking corps. Jacob Escobar (84 tackles) will lead the way in the defensive backfield. Sophomore Fabian Gutierrez will factor in as well after a solid freshman campaign.
"Jacob is Mr. Consistent," Lassiter said. "You put him on the field, he's going to make tackles. That's just what he does. He's got a nose and a knack for it playing that linebacking position."
How it's looking
The Mustangs went 7-4 last year, losing to Farwell in the bi-district round. To make the postseason again, they'll have to finish in the top four in District 2-2A Division I and that won't be easy. New Deal and Sundown should be just as strong as last year, Post will fight for a playoff spot and Floydada and Tahoka can't be counted out. No victory will be handed to Olton in 2023.
Still, with a strong defense and key pieces along the offensive line set, the Mustangs have a solid foundation in place. If the new skill players can come together in non-district play, Olton should be in good position to make a run once district comes around.
"We go into every season with the same goal," Lassiter said. "We want to win a district championship first and foremost. After that it's about getting into the playoffs and making that run. That's our goal every year...Our expectation every year is to win gold balls."
OLTON MUSTANGS
Head coach: Ross Lassiter
2022 record: 7-4 overall, 3-2 in district
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-4
Last playoff appearance: 2022
Top returners: Jacob Marquez, Michael Matute, Christian Chancey, Josh Villanueve, Chris Cabrera, Jacob Escobar, Alan Vasquez.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 25: at Sudan, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: vs. Dimmitt, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: at Texico (NM), 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: at Bovina, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: OPEN
Sept. 29: vs. Vega, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: vs. Post, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: vs. Sundown, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: at New Deal, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. Tahoka, 7 p.m.
Nov. 3: at Floydada, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Olton Mustangs to lean on defense in 2023
