SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Thomas Jefferson High School Mustangs are looking to move back into the playoff picture this season, after finishing 2017 with a 4-6 overall record and a 4-4 record in district play.
”We ended last season well,” said Jefferson head coach Edward Cardenas. “We had some games that could have gone either way, and we were in the playoff hunt at the end. We’re looking forward to taking the next step and getting into the playoffs.”
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This year’s Mustangs welcome back as many as 13 starters from the 2017 roster, nine on defense.
“When you have some guys coming back on the defensive side of the ball, we expect them to take over the team,” Cardenas said. “This is their team and we stress that. It’s your bunch, so let’s work at it.”
On offense, Jefferson only returns four starters, including senior tight end Arturo Calvillo and quarterback David Perez, who saw action as a junior last season.
”Every game, I’m going to make sure to play like it’s my last game,” Calvillo said. “Go out there really hard and just play.”
Calvillo is also stepping into a leadership role this season since the Mustangs will mainly rely on younger players to fill in the gaps in the roster, and Calvillo has liked what they’ve shown so far.
“They’re always learning. Some are sophomores and freshman even. But after last year, they know how good we can be if we work together as a team,” Calvillo said.
The Mustangs will also have to deal with two new additions to District 13-5A Division I: the Wagner Thunderbirds and Veterans Memorial Patriots. The Patriots will be competing for the first time at the varsity level. Jefferson will kick off their 2018 season when they visit the Harlandale Indians on Friday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 pm.