'I really like our team and we're optimistic' No. 27 Horizon hopeful for playoff berth
Editor's Note: The El Paso Times continues its high school football countdown with No. 27 Horizon. High school football practice begins July 31 for schools who did not have spring spring practice and Aug. 7 for those who did have spring workouts. The regular season begins on Aug. 24-25.
Outlook for 2023 season
The Scorpions are hopeful to make progress this season under second-year coach Dwan Smith. The defense has six starters back and the offense returns quarterback Robert Rodriguez, who could be poised for a breakout season.
A look back at 2022
The Scorpions went 0-10 but there were some positives for the team. They came close to winning in losses to Jefferson, Bowie and Hanks and had their moments in a loss to Ysleta.
How the offense rates
Receiver Ezequiel Bonilla returns after catching 15 passes for 267 yards a season ago. Rodriguez will help lead the way after rushing for 695 yards last season and passing for 541 yards.
More: EP HS Football Rankings Where do El Paso's 32 high school football teams rank in the 2023-24 season?
How the defense rates
The Scorpions have three key veteran players returning, defensive back Christopher Munoz and linebackers Gabriel Aguilera and Jose Soriano. Munoz had 34 tackles last season and Soriano and Aguilera combined for 95 total tackles. Newcomers Ruben Terrones at linebacker and Francisco Cuevas at defensive line will be major contributors.
What the coach is saying
"I really like our team and we're optimistic going into the season," Smith said. "We have good speed, we had a good offseason and our kids are more comfortable about what we want to do as a program and what the expectations are. We are in a tough district and we know we'll have to be ready to go every night to earn a playoff berth."
What the players are saying
"We learned a great deal from last season that I believe will help us this season," Rodriguez said. "Our bond, our chemistry will be important this year if we want to improve and make the playoffs. We worked hard during the offseason and we have some good players back."
More: EP football teams look ahead Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine makes predictions for El Paso high school teams
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Horizon seeks improved play in year two of Dwan Smith era
