Cibola High School football coach Roderick Williams has a simple mandate for his Cougars this season.
“To continue to build the most disciplined, hardest working, toughest team that strives to be great this season and beyond,” Williams told the New Mexico Sun.
With returning star quarterback Aden Chavez, rated by some as the best signal-caller in the area, Williams knows his Cougars don't have to dream small.
Chavez is joined on offense by the pass-catching tandem of wide receiver Nathan Lopez and tight end Brayden Mummert. Senior tailback Anthony Garcia adds balance from the backfield.
“He has worked hard for three years for this opportunity,” Williams added. “He has been behind a great running back for the last two years.”
On defense, Cibola is led by linebackers Peyton Harrison and Caden Lowry. The line is anchored by the trio of Tristan Tabaha, Justin Gonzales and Tommy Salaz, while Evan Ferguson and Andre Ramos patrol the secondary.
Williams lists the leadership capabilities of all his returners and the program’s “overall culture” as the team’s biggest strengths ahead of the season opener Aug. 21 at La Cueva that he describes as a key matchup.
“It sets the tone for everything,” Williams added.