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RIO HONDO - Rocky James looked comfortable and in control Tuesday as he watched practice.
He's hoping his Bobcats are the same when the 2008 football season starts.
The first-year head coach has one of the most talent-rich squads in the Valley and that was evident when they hit the practice fields at Rio Hondo High School.
"These kids are used to winning," said James, who was the defensive coordinator under former coach Gus Cavazos the past two seasons.
"We've got a lot of good kids out here and they want to win in everything they do."
Day two of practice had the varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams separated into groups of about 40 players each and each held a spirited workout.
On one end of the field, new offensive coordinator Jesse Landeros conferred with his unit, led by two-way standout Joseph Vela. Vela will see some time in the defensive backfield as well.
Landeros comes from Harlingen South, as does new offensive line coach Dan Cortez.
"Our offense is going to be a major strength," James said. "They've been doing a really good job."
Rio Hondo will employ more of a one-back spread scheme, with more emphasis on the passing game than in years past.
But they can run the ball, too. And they've got the players to do it.
Along with Vela, running backs Trevor David and Jacob Martinez return to man the backfield while Isaiah De La Cruz is back as one of the wideouts.
Defensively, James will still call the defense along with new coordinator Victor Sauceda, who promoted from within the staff.
First-team all-state pick Alonzo Garza is back and is an important link of the unit.
"He's just got a motor and doesn't quit," James said of Garza. "He's become the vocal leader of this team. He has a lot of energy."
Among those back with Garza on "D" are the mammoth Joshua Perez (line) linebacker Jack Chavez and safety Gilbert Castro, who will patrol the secondary with Vela.
"He (Vela) had 11 interceptions as a sophomore two years ago," James said. "He's a heck of an athlete."
The biggest difference on becoming a head coach has been spreading the attention to detail, said James, a longtime Valley assistant.
"(A big difference has been) Having enough time to get everything done," he said. "When you're coaching defense you're just focused on that. But now I'm focused on all three phases of our team.
I love it; I've always loved football. This is what I do."
KEY RETURNERS: (quarterback/safety), Jacob Martinez (RB), Trevor David (RB), Alonzo Garza (defensive end), Joshua Perez (OL/DL).
KEY LOSSES: Adrian Jaime (LB), Shane Eizember (WR/DB), Josue Vasquez (OL).
KEY GAMES: Cuero (Sept. 5), Ingleside (Sept. 12), Port Isabel (Oct. 3), La Feria (Nov. 7).