FOOTBALL

Cavemen ready for 2016

Matt Hollinshead
Carlsbad Current-Argus

CARLSBAD — There's a vastly different vibe around Carlsbad entering 2016.

Carlsbad has higher expectation in 2016 and is excited to get the season going. Gage Shoup (44), D’Andre Waters (42), Carlos Gonzales (5), Tyler Gonzales (8), Colton Montano (30) and Waylon Mendoza (86) are among the returning seniors.

It's one of energy, excitement, adrenaline, optimism and hope for the upcoming season.

That's because things are coming together entering season two of the Gary Bradley-era.

"We've made a big jump. It's coming into place because everybody's just putting in the work," said senior linebacker Carlos Gonzales. "[We're] finally getting a hang of the system of how it's working. Everybody's getting everything fast. That's what I like."

Added senior wide receiver Waylon Mendoza: "Last summer was a little struggle because you're getting a new coach, you're getting a new program. It's hard to build a new program in just one year, but it feels good to have one [year] under our belt. We're 10 times ahead than we were last year."

With a better understanding of the triple-option offense, Carlsbad (1-9 last year) will have a more balanced run-pass attack and hope to be more creative with the playbook as a result.

"Everyone thinks we're a run team, but we love to mix it up, run, pass or whatever," Mendoza said.

On defense, the Cavemen look to improve their pass-defense by getting more deflections against short routs and the deep ball. The defensive line also looks to be more proactive in disrupting opposing quarterbacks in the pocket.

After a full year of Bradley's offensive and defensive philosophies, players said training camp went by much smoother this year.

"I think we've made tremendous improvements from last year. We know the system more, we're more prepared. It's burnt into our minds more," senior defensive tackle Genarro Flores said.

Although Carlsbad's new district, featuring Las Cruces, Mayfield, Centennial, Oñate, Gadsden and Hobbs, may appear intimidating on paper, players are embracing the challenge because it'll help the Cavemen succeed in the long run.

And with the way Carlsbad's 2016 schedule is constructed, starting with the season opener at 7 p.m. Friday at Artesia, players believe it'll help them prepare for district play and beyond.

"I think that we can actually make a run for it," Flores said.

Key returners on offense include senior quarterback Jonah Leyva, senior running backs Mark Sonora and Tyler Gonzales, junior running back Jaykan Willis and Mendoza.

Key returners on defense include Flores, Tyler Gonzales (a linebacker), Carlos Gonzales, senior linebacker Colton Montano, senior defensive ends Isaiah Perez and Gage Shoup, senior defensive tackle D'Andre Waters, senior cornerback Jesus Ornelas and junior cornerback Jordin Molina.

Carlsbad's last playoff appearance came in 2013.

Will the drought end in 2016?

Will 2016 mark the beginning of a brighter future?

"I expect way bigger things in the program for the long run," Carlos Gonzales said.

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.