La Villa set for Bulldogs

LA VILLA — First year head coach Eugene Garza must feel like a genius after what his La Villa Cardinals have accomplished.

The Cardinals’ head man switched up the offense and went from a run base offense to a spread formation. Because of the switch, quarterback J.D. Cisneros has put up career numbers and has set numerous school records, as well as tied a Valley record.

Now, the Cardinals (8-1) trek through the playoffs begins with Flatonia (6-4) tonight in a Class A Division II bi-district game at Matador Stadium in Seguin.

Cisneros has passed for 2,819 yards on the season, which ranks him sixth all-time in the Rio Grande Valley and has tossed 42 touchdowns, which is the third best all-time mark in Valley history.

In addition, Cisneros has tied a Valley record twice as he tossed seven touchdowns in a single game.

With all of the success, the Cardinals won their second consecutive district title, which had not been accomplished since 1990-91.

"When I came over here, I knew that this town, as well as the school, expected nothing but the best," Garza said. "But with the level of talent these kids have, and having J.D. behind center, it makes my job a little easier."

Garza said that Cisneros is what makes the offense click for the Cardinals and adapted to the spread offense very well.

"J.D. is the key component to our offense," said Garza. "But, he has an excellent receiving corps and some excellent backs in the backfield. Plus, we have a great offensive line that makes sure J.D. gets the time he needs to get the ball off. J.D. just seems to hit his spots and has put up some monstrous numbers this year."

Last year, the Cardinals made school history as they went three deep in the playoffs before falling to Thorndale, 18-14.

Now, the Cards will get ready for the Bulldogs.

"Flatonia is tall and skinny and they remind me a lot of MMA," said Garza. "Their quarterback can scramble and they have a big fullback that can run. Defensively, we are going to have to key on their fullback. I feel that we match well with them when it comes to speed."

Garza said the La Villa offense won’t see much change for this game.

"Offensively, we are going to do what we do best. We are going to adjust to their defensive schemes and will pass or run if we have to,” he said. “We also have the ability to run the ball real well, even though we passed a lot this season. But, if they run a cover three or man defense, we will go after them."

With the run of the 2006 team well documented, Garz a knows his La Villa squad is up for the task.

"We are aware of what last year’s team did and it is amazing how far they went. But, we feel that we could be the last man standing in Class A,” he said. “However, we need to take it one game at a time and win this one. If we beat them, we will face Sabinal in the second round, the same team we played last year.

We need to get the job done and not go in too cocky. We need to go into Seguin and win it."