High expectations loom as Greyhounds begin work on 2008 campaign

SAN BENITO - And they're off!
On a humid Monday morning, the San Benito Greyhounds embarked on the 2008 season by opening up two-a-day workouts at San Benito High School.
About 100 sophomores, juniors and seniors suited up for head coach Mario Peña, who enters his sixth season with the 'Hounds.
According to University Interscholastic League regulations, Monday was the first day teams that did not hold spring football could hold preseason workouts. Teams are not permitted to wear full pads or participate in any contact drills until Friday.
"We're lacking experience because we graduated a good group," said Peña, whose teams have made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. "But we also have a good JV team coming up that won district.
Not to say it's a given, but the playoffs are an expectation here."
San Benito went 7-4 a year ago and is indeed expected to be in the thick of the District 32-5A race once again. The 'Hounds bring back 10 total starters (six on offense).
All eyes will be on the Greyhound offense in 2008, which will have a new schemer in first-year coordinator Israel Gracia. Gracia replaces Claude Bassett, who departed after two seasons.
The offense was on the far side of the practice field Monday, going through various running and passing plays under Gracia's watchful eye.
Quarterback Brandon Marquez, who's expected to take over the offense, was seen firing several passes to his wide receivers.
"We have a quarterback who has a lot of potential," Peña said of Marquez.
Marquez saw minimal time last season behind former standout Abel Aguirre, but did show some flashes.
Peña also pointed to an experienced offensive line as pillars for the offensive unit's success.
"Usually, the offense takes a little longer to get the scheme," he said. "But we're definitely trying to get ready for district. Even before that, we have two very tough opponents (Harlingen, PSJA North) in non-district."
Leading the returnees for Peña and defensive coordinator George Espinoza are 5A first-team all-state end Arturo Lopez, lineman Edgar Perez and gritty linebacker Pete Banda.
As usual, Peña was hands-on when it came to the defense, getting right in the thick of players sprinting toward him.
"Don't show me weakness right now!" Peña exclaimed as defenders went through drills.
After a morning session that lasted from 7 a.m. until about 9:15, the players took a one-hour break before reconvening for the afternoon, which consisted of weights and study.
San Benito will continue to work toward its first scrimmage, which will be against Harlingen South next Saturday in Harlingen. Times and formats are still to be decided.
KEY RETURNERS: Arturo Lopez (defensive end); Edgar Perez (defensive lineman); Pete Banda (linebacker)
KEY LOSSES: Abel Aguirre (quarterback); Kevin Escobedo (linebacker); Celso Saldivar (DB/FB); Leroy Zamora (WR)
KEY GAMES: PSJA North (Sept. 5), Harlingen (Sept 12), Los Fresnos (Oct. 17), Weslaco (Oct. 24).