BROWNSVILLE HANNA GOLDEN EAGLES

from 2021 Cameron and Willacy Football Preview

SANTA ROSA WARRIORS

Eagles set sights even higher

The Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles had quite a turnaround last year, bouncing back from a one-win District 32-6A season in 2019 to winning a zone title behind a 3-0 run in 2020.

They’re coming into this season with the expectation of running it back and chasing an outright district title. Hanna boasts an experienced roster with seven offensive starters and five defensive starters returning to lead the way.

“Having the experience we have at key positions is going to be big for us this year,” coach Mark Guess said. “Our team leader is Humberto Garcia, our all-state defensive lineman from last year. He’s really the vocal leader and leads by example as well. Nobody works harder than that guy. (Defensive back) Anthony Ambriz, he’s more of a silent leader but he’s starting to be more vocal than he has in the past. Offensively, (linemen) Santos Avalos and German Wu and John David Avila, those guys are really leading the offense.”

All-Metro newcomer of the year Kriz Pena, a junior running back, will anchor a run game that looks poised to be a strength for the team as he works behind the veteran offensive line. Garcia and Ambriz set the standard for Hanna’s defense, and though there are some spots to fill in the unit this year, Guess sees a lot of potential for his defense.

“We’ve got some guys who have really stepped up and done a good job, and are really picking things up. If our secondary can come along like we think they will, I think defense will be our strong point,” Guess said. “But at the same time, offensively, if we’re able to control the clock like we did last year and keep moving the change, that’s great defense in itself, keeping the other team’s offense off the field.”

“Having the experience we have at key positions is going to be big for us this year.”

EAGlES AT A GlANcE

COACH: Mark Guess

ASSISTANTS: Not available 2020 RECORD: 4-1, bi-district finalist

RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 7/5

RETURNING LETTERMEN: 18

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Anthony Ambriz, DB, 5-foot-7, 150-pounds, jr.; Humberto Garcia, DT, 5-foot-11, 220-pounds, jr.; Kriz Pena, WR, 5-foot-5, 140 pounds, jr.; German Woo, OL, 5-foot-11, 310 pounds, sr.