SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria’s new head football coach Steve Flores might be in just his second week of duty, however the impression that the 26-year coaching veteran has left on the Cougars sideline is undeniable.
From his coaching style to his expectations, Coach Flores and his staff have already pushed the 30-plus Cougar roster harder than his predecessors.
“From what I’ve seen, I’ve liked how the offense and defense have been trying,” said defensive lineman Israel Martinez. “Everyday we come out here on time and we try hard. There is definitely more intensity this season than last year because our coaches are more aggressive and they really want us to give everything we got. The coaches we have this year have been motivating us a lot, especially Coach Flores.”
Another recent and exciting addition to Flores’ staff has been the arrival of new defensive coordinator Lanny Wilson, who was Harlingen South’s head coach a couple of years ago.
Wilson was brought into the team to usher in a new level of ferocity that only a veteran coach like Wilson can provide.
“Coach Wilson brings a lot of intensity to the team; he brings a lot of emotion and, of course, his knowledge of the the game,” said Flores. “His expertise is something that we were looking for, but what we really needed was more emotion and fire and Lanny brings both of those.”
Last season the Cougars went 2-8 overall and 0-4 in district action. However, Flores is looking to turn his players’ confidence into a winning season.
“I’ve liked that we are all working as a team, trying hard and coming together,” said lineman Joaquin Sosa. “This year there is more people committed to football and they are all trying hard. I think we can win more games because last year we only won two games all season.”
“These kids have done a tremendous job coming out here, working hard and they are giving you everything they’ve got, which is positive for us coaches,” said Flores. “We’re trying to change their mentality and make Santa Maria believe they are playoff contenders. But not just contenders. They can make it deep into the playoffs.
“Right now their attitudes are tremendous because they’re here everyday working hard and hustling. So what we’re going to try to do is put them in the right place to play some football.”
Coach: Steve Flores (1st season)
2016 record: 2-8 overall, 0-4 district
Starters returning O/D: 8/8
Player to watch: RB Ismael Rodriguez, RB/DE Alex Perez, DB Sebastian Alegria, CB Matthew Sanchez, DL Ismael Martinez, OL/DL Joaquin Sosa
Season opener
-Sept. 1 vs. MMA
District opener
-Oct. 20 at Three Rivers
