Los Fresnos, Silva look to air it out more in 2008

The Los Fresnos Falcons are looking for balance in their offensive attack against PSJA High this Friday and to even the scale the team will have to relay on its passing game to step up.

Los Fresnos quarterback Danny Silva will be behind center for his senior campaign who tossed two touchdowns and 134 yards in last season's 28-24 loss to the Bears.

Silva's arsenal of weapons include senior Charlie Rivas who caught nine touchdowns in 2007 as well as former quarterback Aaron Rangel to complement Rivas on the opposite side.

"Charlie is our leading candidate at wide receiver," Falcons coach Scott Ford said. "But we really want to go through our quarter-back to make plays and get everyone involved.

"Both those kids (Silva and Rivas) have a lot of experience and will big part of the offense."

According to coach Ford Rangel has 4.5 speed and with Silva at the helm of the passing attack Los Fresnos will look to get Rangel the ball in the open field this season.

"We converted him from quarterback to wide receiver because we don't foresee him getting that many snaps (this season) Ford said. "I don't want to be on the sidelines next to a guy with 4.5 speed so we are going to find a way to get him on the field as much as possible."

Silva will also have the luxury of returning starter Nate Duncan (19 catches, 246 yards two touchdowns in 2007) and newcomer Raul Sanchez.

One of the biggest holes Ford has been working to fill is the loss of Division I offensive lineman Eloy Atkinson (UTEP) and Mario Benavides (Louisville).

The two brick wall offensive lineman helped Falcons running back Danny Mendez run for over 2,000 yards and protected Silva who tossed for 14 touchdowns last season.

Coach Ford said he likes the progression of the new line but its impossible to replace players of that caliber. The Falcons run their offense primarily out of the shotgun formation that should give Silva time in the pocket.

"The O-line is doing a good job," Ford said. "But they need to get better. Silva is mostly out of the gun so that should give him a little more space to work with. Timing is everything."

Recently, the team has struggled during its scrimmages including a 16-12 lost to Edinburg High on Aug. 30, but that hasn't phased Ford and company for their season opener this Friday at Los Fresnos.