'We'll be better' Coronado looks to shake up things in District 1-6A
Editor's Note: The El Paso Times continues its high school football countdown with No. 12 Coronado. The regular season opens Aug. 24-25.
Outlook for 2023 season
Head coach Mike Pry enters year two of rebuilding the Coronado program with plenty of confidence. The Thunderbirds have a solid offense with plenty of talented skill players and the offensive line should be improved. Ten starters are back on defense and if the Thunderbirds can be consistent over 48 minutes, look for a better record this season.
A look back at 2022
The Thunderbirds finished 3-7 overall and 2-6 in District 1-6A, but showed potential of seeing winning ways return to the program. The Thunderbirds defeated a solid Chapin team in non-district and then ended the season with wins against Socorro and Montwood. Coronado also had a near win against Americas, losing 38-35.
How the offense rates
Quarterback Owen Levesque will help pave the way and he'll get help from wide receivers Blake Randag and Cason Golding and tight end Mateo Grajeda. Caden Deitch will help anchor the offensive line.
How the defense rates
Grajeda at defensive end, Randag at defensive back, Bobby Anderson on the defensive line and Jacob Valenzuela and Lucas Gonzalez at defensive back will help lead the way.
What the coach is saying
"I feel strong about this team," Pry said. "We'll be better on defense and we've got some really good skill players. We need to finish games better this season, but I believe we've continued to grow as a program."
What the players are saying
"We'll be better. We're more comfortable with things this season," Golding said. "We've added more formations this year on offense. Personally, I am more comfortable at receiver this year. I came out last year after not playing my freshman year and it's been a learning experience. Our wide receiver position will be solid, we have good depth."
Said Anderson: "We have lots of energy and lots of returners back. We have an improved offense and defense. We know our jobs, now we're just perfecting our craft."
More: HS Football Rankings Where do El Paso's 32 high school football teams rank in the 2023-24 season?
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 12 Coronado football is confident 2023 will see improved play
