'We're confident that we will be better' Socorro has sights set on improved play
Editor's Note: The El Paso Times continues its high school football countdown with No. 17 Socorro. The high school regular season begins Aug., 24-25.
Outlook for 2023 season
Year two of Edward Cano's tenure has some optimism as the program looks to improve under the former Pebble Hills assistant coach. The Bulldogs face Lubbock High and Bel Air before starting District 1-6A play. Seven starters return on offense and the success on that side of the ball will be key for the Bulldogs. In the offseason, Cano hired former Montwood head coach Ariel Famaligi as the program's offensive coordinator. Famaligi spent six seasons at Montwood and had three winning seasons, including a 10-2 mark in 2017 when the team won 10 games, a district title and a bi-district playoff game. He played high school football at Bel Air and college football at UTEP as an offensive lineman.
A look back at 2022
The Bulldogs went 0-10 last year and 0-8 in District 1-6A.
How the offense rates
Quarterback Trevante Thrasher will help lead the way and he'll get help from wide receiver Jacob Gonzalez and running back/slot receiver Diego Aguirre. Center Luis Ramos will help anchor the offensive line.
How the defense rates
The Bulldogs will be led upfront by defensive lineman Astin Martinez and defensive end Michael Orozco. Strong safety Adrian Acosta will be key for the team on the back end.
What the coach is saying
"We had a good offseason and the kids are working hard," Cano said. "We've tried to change a little of the culture here at Socorro and we're doing some good things. We feel we'll be strong on offense with eight starters back and a solid offensive line. We brought in three new coaches and they've done a good job."
What the players are saying
"We're confident that we will be better," Ramos said. "One of our strengths on offense will be on the offensive line. Coach Famaligi has really helped us on the offensive line with his knowledge. We worked hard this offseason and we're looking to improve."
"We feel our hard work will pay off in a better season," Thrasher said. "We've developed a strong bond, we've gotten better in many areas on both sides of the ball."
More: Where do El Paso teams rank 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. 17 Socorro looks to take major step forward in District 1-6A
