HSSM GAMEDAY SCHEDULES August 31 PSJA September 8 PSJA SW* 13 La Joya* 21 Economedes* 28 Juarez-Lin* October 5 Edinburg* 12 Donna* 19 Palmview* 25 Ed North* November 9 Sharyland*
H A A H A H A H A
ton Road. Harwell Middle School was moved to 9207 N. Avila Road in Edinburg. Vela High School is the offspring of three other Edinburg Schools - Edinburg High, Edinburg North and Economedes. The SaberCats - the nickname chosen by the students - open their inaugural season at home Aug. 31 against PSJA. The SaberCats (the only team named SaberCats in Texas) offensive line may be their strong point. They have at least three incoming transfers who started at one of their sister schools. Frank Rodriguez (5-7, 220), Michael Gomez (6-2, 310) and Jonathan
Orta (5-8, 320) are three of eight seniors listed as players to watch by first-year head coach Michael Salinas. Other seniors listed include Armando Ponce (6-0, 199, DE/TE), Joey Arguijo (5-7, 140, WR/CB), Julian Villarreal (6-1, 185, TE), Jairo Trevino (5-8, 180, LB) and Justin Rangel (5-8, 155, WR/CB). Salinas listed sophomore Tristan Gomez (5-9, 143) at the quarterback slot. Salinas quarterbacked at Edinburg High in the mid-1990s and went on to play college ball at Texas A&M Kingsville. “This will be an emotional season coaching football at a school named after my coach,” says Salinas.
Players to Watch:
TE Michael De Hoyos, 6’0 190lbs Jr. OL Michael Gomez, 6’2 310lbs Sr. DE Elias Thompson, 6’3 200lbs Jr.
Returning Lettermen R/L: 13/20 Starters Returning O/D: 0/0 Enrollment: 2,257 State playoffs appearances since 2000: None
DidYOUknow? Edinburg Robert Vela H.S. is named after the famed head football coach who led the Edinburg Bobcats to the State 5A Semifinals in 1999 against Houston Aldine Eisenhower.
H
Head coach Mike Salinas 1st Year
2011 Overall Record Season 0-0 District 0-0
(Edinburg, Tx)-It’s sure to be an emotional season in Edinburg - especially at the newly opened Robert Vela High School. Robert Vela - the face of Edinburg High football for a decade - died in August 2007 from stomach cancer. He was 61 years old. During his tenure at the helm of Edinburg High football and previously Edcouch-Elsa football, Vela compiled a 137-73 record and brought his team to the postseason 14 times. The school is located at the site of the former Harwell Middle School at 801 Can-
District 30-5AAAAA
2012
FOOTBALL //////////////////////////////////////////////
Edinburg Vela Sabercats
robert vela sabercats
Edinburg
Ready to Join League! The Edinburg Robert Vela H.S. Sabercats will begin its first football season in District 305A. Pictured are head coach Michael Salinas with players Frank Rodriguez and Michael Gomez. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)
18 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
2012 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE 17 GETMay-June FOOTBALL ACTION PHOTOS AT WW