BOVINA MUSTANGS

Last year: 4-6; No postseason

Head coach: Hector Guevara, 4th year

Bovina’s football team had been building a nice little tradition and seemed well on its way for continuing to make playoff appearances at the Class 1A level.

That was at the end of last season when the Mustangs, who had made the postseason three straight times, were preparing to play district foe White Deer.

Then the season came to a sudden stop with a 45-31 loss.

“It was close early and then it kind of started slipping away,” recalled Bovina coach Hector Guevara, whose team was one win away from a playoff berth.

“Heck, they (the Bucks) were last place in district or second-to-last. They played terrible all year long until they played us,” the Mustangs coach added. “They should’ve been in the playoffs, but they struggled all year long for some reason. Then they put it together the last game of the year.”

Guevara characterizes his team as “a little young” at positions such as quarterback and tight end, but Bovina does have returning experience on the line and several candidates — some untested — for the skill positions on offense.

One most likely candidate is junior Dorian Vela, who is expected to move from his junior varsity starting quarterback position to the same spot on the varsity this season.

“He looked good (on JV), but once you get to the varsity level it’s a whole different world,” Guevara said.

At the running back position, senior Frankie Guevara returns after leading the ‘Stangs in carries a year ago.

He’ll be helped out in the backfield by junior Desmond Fox, a versatile athlete who will also be used at wideout.

On the line, it’s expected that junior Matt Knoll and senior Daniel Silva will provide leadership for Bovina on both sides of the ball.

As far as defense is concerned specifically, it’s offensive standouts Fox and Guevara who should also be the top Bovina players to stop the ball.

“If we can stay healthy, I believe we can play well and fight for a playoff spot,” Hector Guevara said. “We’ve got a lot of young kids, but they’re hungry.”

AT A GLANCE

Bovina Mustangs

District: 3-1A

Coach: Hector Guevara (4th year)

2008 record: 5-5

Last playoff appearance: 2007, lost in bi-district

State titles: none

Schedule (Times central)

Date Opponent Time

Aug. 28 at Hale Center 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 Sudan 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Farwell 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 Dimmitt 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Springlake-Earth 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 Nazareth-x 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Boys Ranch-x 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 Claude-x 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 Vega-x 7:30 p.m

Nov. 6 at White Deer-x 7:30 p.m.

x-Denotes district games.