East Side ready to be the Strong Side in 2024

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Heach Coach Mike Burget has made it clear each season that the East Side is the Strong Side.

That Weslaco East identity carries over into 2024 with a mix of new and returning pieces. One major piece returning on the offensive side of the ball is senior running back Margarito Pompa.

Pompa accounted for 657 all-purpose yards in 2023 with 6 total TDs.

On the defensive side of the ball, East returns their leader in interceptions, senior corner back Gabriel Horta. Horta accounted for three interceptions last season, and he said this team’s main focus is not getting ahead of themselves.

“One game at a time, practice by practice, day by day, whether it’s in the gym, in the weight room, on the field, we all have to give 100%,” Horta said.

Junior quarterback Aiden Gonazlez reiterated Horta’s statement. He said, “Right now, it’s [our goal] just to get better every day. That’s our goal right now. We’re not really focused on anything too far in the future. We’re just focused on Sharyland. That’s our first game. Focus on going 1-0.”

Gonzalez takes over the offense with big shoes to fill. Alex Martinez was the catalyst of last season’s offense, totaling 15 TDs and 1,177 all-purpose yards.

Aiden has high expectations for himself in 2024. He said, “My goal is to get 1,000 yards rushing and passing. More than anything though, my goal is for our team to win. That’s what it’s all about.”

Weslaco East hosts Sharyland Week 1 at Bobby Lackey Stadium on Friday, Aug. 30.

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