Lions eyeing return to playoffs in 2008

LA FERIA - Missing out on the playoffs can be one heck of a motivational tool.
And the La Feria Lions are using it to their full advantage.
Despite a 6-4 campaign in 2007, the Lions finished fourth in 32-3A to stay home.
But they're determined to be contenders in the revamped league that added Raymondville, Lyford and Zapata via UIL realignment.
As day three of two-a-days rolled on, almost 125 Lions were hard at work toward that goal Wednesday at La Feria High School.
Second-year head coach Elifonso Esquivel said experience from last year's squad would be relied upon heavily.
"We've got a good nucleus of seniors coming back and they've been working hard all summer," Esquivel said. "We're not only looking to get back to the playoffs, but to win the district title."
The Lions indeed have a good group returning.
La Feria returns running back Randy Rodriguez and receivers Orly Garcia and Julio Martinez on offense. Up front, Bruce Bauer and Jonathan Medrano are returning all-district performers and will anchor the line.
New offensive coordinator Pete Martinez comes from Los Fresnos to take over La Feria's unit.
He'll have seniors Raul Bowman and Colie Long each see time at quarterback.
"They're both getting reps, and both have done a good job," Esquivel said. "We're going to see a lot of playing time for both of them. Whoever stands out, Coach Martinez will probably go with him."
Each looked crisp Wednesday, as the Lions continued to tweak the offense.
La Feria ran a spread last season, but will now see more passing out of a one-back scheme. That doesn't mean they've abandoned the run, though.
"If we need to run, we're gonna run it," Esquivel said.
The Lions' defense also looks to be in good shape.
Among those back for the Lions on D are linebackers Steven White, and Elias Esquivel along with defensive back Michael Fonseca.
"The defense is ahead of the game right now," Esquivel said. "I think one of reasons we've had success in past years is that we try to keep it simple. These kids have been running the same defense since they were in seventh grade."
With the three teams back making the district arguably the toughest around, Esquivel knows La Feria's margin for error is even smaller this year.
"It's a very tough and competitive district," Esquivel said. "We've got 7 or 8 teams fighting for the playoffs spots. We cannot afford to lose a game."

KEY LOSSES: Luciano Rodriguez (defensive tackle), Eleazar Esquivel (QB).
KEY RETURNERS: Randy Rodriguez (RB), Bruce Bauer (offensive line), Michael Fonseca (secondary), Stephen White (LB).
KEY GAMES: Mercedes (Sept. 5), Raymondville (Oct. 3), Port Isabel (Oct. 17), Rio Hondo (Nov. 7).