2023 West Texas Team Preview: Lubbock Coronado
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<p><strong>Lubbock Coronado 2023 Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: DJ Mann </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Mustangs </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @Coronado_Sports; @Thamannjr </p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Red and Gold </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 3-7 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: After winning just three games last season, Lubbock Coronado is looking to regain their 2016-2021 form when they compiled an impressive record of 60-17. Coronado was mainly a passing team in 2022 (graduated senior QB Jett Carroll threw for 2,019 yards and 14 TD) but the Mustangs want to run the ball more this fall. Rising junior <strong>Isaiah Vasquez</strong> is Carroll's probable successor but he must still prevail over <strong>Dominic Parrish</strong>, last season's JV starter, in the QB battle. Vasquez is a promising pocket passer.</p>
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<p>Five-foot-9, 195-pound rising junior RB <strong>Demarion Finch</strong> returns after leading the Mustangs in rushing in 2022. Coronado's offensive scheme for 2023 will be designed largely around Finch's talents. Don't be deceived by Finch's size. He has outstanding speed but can also power through defenders. Finch has been offered by Eastern New Mexico. Bricion Griffin is no longer with the Coronado program so the No. 2 RB spot will be by committee. Just one WR who was a major contributor last season is back: three-year starter and All-District performer <strong>Surreal Garrett</strong> (team high 46 receptions for 579 yards). Garrett is a very good route runner.</p>
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<p>Rising junior <strong>Aaron Rodriguez</strong>, <strong>Markell Smith</strong> and Parrish (if he doesn't win the QB job) are three receivers who will counted on in the passing game. <strong>Solomon Owuor</strong> anchors an offensive line that struggled to keep guys healthy last season. Guard <strong>Devon Lee</strong> is back after starting several games in 2022. Stabilizing the offensive line is a key goal for Coronado in 2023.</p>
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<p>Defensively, First-Team All-District OLB <strong>Willie Parker</strong> is back after making 66 tackles and a team-leading 14.0 TFL last season. He added 5 sacks and 4 QB hurries in Coronado's 4-2-5 scheme. Parker, who has been offered by Eastern New Mexico, is excellent on the blitz. The second linebacker spot will likely be held down by rising junior <strong>Zakavian Washington</strong>. Rising senior cornerback <strong>JJ Willis</strong> leads the secondary along with safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1420813' first='Allen' last='Gant']</strong> (offered by Mississippi Valley State) 2025 safety <strong>Abraham Ragland</strong> gained valuable experience as a sophomore last season. <strong>Nehemiah Gensler</strong> is working at the nickel spot. Multiple players are competing for the starting cornerback spot opposite Willis. Rising junior <strong>Rod Humes</strong> is expected to nail down one of the DT spots. He'll be joined on the defensive line by DE <strong>Avery Avila </strong>and DE <strong>Malachi McDonald</strong>. </p>
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<p><strong>Schedule</strong>: Coronado opens the season against geographic rival Frenship, a Class 6A school. The two schools are separated by only 7 miles, so it's a big game for the folks in the southwestern Lubbock region. Coronado won last season's matchup. The Mustangs host Midland in the Week 2 home opener. Then Wichita Falls Rider comes to LCHS. Two trips to Amarillo highlight the middle portion of the schedule. </p>
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<p>Aug. 25 at Wolfforth Frenship</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 MIDLAND</p>
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<p>Sept. 8 WICHITA FALLS RIDER</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 at Abilene Cooper</p>
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<p>Sept. 21 at Amarillo Caprock* (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 LUBBOCK-COOPER*</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 Bye</p>
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<p>Oct. 12 at Amarillo* (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 20 ABILENE*</p>
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<p>Oct. 27 at Lubbock Monterey*</p>
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<p>Nov. 2 AMARILLO TASCOSA*</p>
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<p>* District Game </p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “Spring was good for us. We learned some things about some kids and found some guys who can play a little bit. . .Our motto this year is ‘Do The Right Thing.' We have focused on making sure we're where we are supposed to be and doing what we're supposed to be doing on and off the field. If we do the vital things right, we'll be successful. . .We have to get back to running the football and stopping the run. . .Isaiah Vasquez can run a little bit but he won't devastate people with his legs. But he can sit back in the pocket and pick people apart. He's very smooth and very confident. He can put the ball anywhere he wants when he's rolling. . .Our offense is built somewhat around the things Demarion Finch can do. He can run through tackles but he's also fast enough to run away from people. He's about to have a really big year. We want to get him about 15-20 touches every game.” – Lubbock Coronado head coach DJ Mann.</p>
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Lubbock Coronado 2023 Preview
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