The Agua Dulce Longhorns have emerged as one of the top high school football teams in the Coastal Bend region, maintaining an undefeated record through the first half of the season. With a strategic non-district schedule and a veteran roster, the Longhorns are poised to capture their second consecutive District 16-2A Division II championship.

Agua Dulce's Relentless Pursuit of Gridiron Glory

Embracing a Tougher Non-District Slate

The Longhorns' road to success has been paved with a deliberate decision to challenge themselves early on. Coach Jason Calvez and his staff purposefully scheduled a more demanding non-district slate, facing off against playoff-caliber opponents. This strategic move was driven by the desire to prepare their team for the rigors of district play and position them for a potential championship run."We changed our schedule a little bit this season," Calvez explained. "We started out slow and ended up coming on at the end. We've had some big wins, and we still have two more to go. If our offense is clicking, we're OK. If not, we start out slow."The Longhorns' willingness to embrace a tougher non-district schedule has paid dividends, as they have emerged as one of the region's undefeated powerhouses, setting the stage for a potential repeat district title.

Veteran Leadership and Discipline Fuel the Longhorns' Success

Agua Dulce's success can be attributed to the experience and leadership of its veteran players. The Longhorns' roster is filled with athletes who have been contributing at the varsity level since their freshman and sophomore years, providing a solid foundation for the team's performance."All of these kids have been playing since they were freshmen and sophomores and you're looking at quality time on the varsity field," Calvez said. "We're a little bit tighter group and we've cut out penalties, been more disciplined and that has carried over onto the field for us to be successful."This veteran presence has translated into a more disciplined and cohesive team, as the Longhorns have minimized penalties and maintained a high level of focus throughout the season. The players' experience and commitment to the program have been instrumental in their undefeated start.

Offensive Firepower: Ranly, King, and a Balanced Attack

The Longhorns' offensive prowess has been a key factor in their success. Quarterback Lane Ranly has been a driving force, building on his breakout sophomore campaign. This season, Ranly has already surpassed his previous passing yardage and touchdown totals, showcasing his growth and development as a leader under center."There was a lot of camps and offseason work," Ranly said of his success. "Being in the weight room, running and looking over everything."Complementing Ranly's aerial exploits is the explosive running of Bryan King, who has amassed nearly 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Even with King sidelined for the Woodsboro game, the Longhorns' offense continued to thrive, with role players like Lane Ranly, Ethan Cadena, Benny Espinoza, and Aiden Martinez combining for eight touchdowns.This balanced offensive attack, with a potent passing game and a dynamic rushing attack, has made the Longhorns a formidable opponent for any defense they face.

Defensive Dominance: Anchored by Moreno and a Swarming Unit

While the Longhorns' offense has garnered much of the attention, their defensive unit has also played a crucial role in the team's undefeated start. Linebacker Joaquin Moreno has emerged as the defensive leader, leading the team in tackles, interceptions, and forced fumbles."When we're hitting, we're hitting," Ranly said after the Longhorns' win against Woodsboro. "When everybody is playing good, we're playing good and it's special. We throw the ball, we catch the ball and we run the ball. It's all special."The Longhorns' defense has consistently disrupted opposing offenses, showcasing a swarming, physical style of play that has been a hallmark of their success. This defensive prowess, combined with the team's offensive firepower, has made Agua Dulce a formidable opponent for any challenger.

Facing the Final Hurdles: Ben Bolt and La Villa

As the Longhorns approach the final stretch of the regular season, they face two crucial matchups that could determine the outcome of their district title defense. First, they will travel to Ben Bolt, a game that could potentially set up a district championship showdown against La Villa in the season finale.Ranly is well aware of the significance of these upcoming games, but he remains focused on the task at hand."We're going to keep it going," Ranly said. "We can't get ahead of ourselves, but we're going to come out and try our best."With their undefeated record and the experience of last year's district championship run, the Agua Dulce Longhorns are poised to make a strong push for a repeat title. As they navigate the final challenges of the season, the team's veteran leadership, disciplined approach, and balanced offensive and defensive prowess will be key factors in their pursuit of gridiron glory.