Donna North ready to run back its success from 2023

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Donna North ended the 2023 season on a high note, posting a program-best four wins.

The 2023 season also marked the 10-year anniversary of the Chiefs’ football program. It was a younger core of players that led Donna North to a 4-6 record, but now they return for their senior season.

Two notable pieces on the offensive side of the ball include quarterback Jaime Arciniega and running back Marc Ibarra.

Arciniega enters his third season under center. In his junior year, Jaime threw for 613 yards and 6 TDs. To compliment Arciniega in the backfield is Ibarra, who became Donna North’s first running back to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season.

With those two returning on offense, as well as wide receiver Prince Johnson, North knows the offense is a big strength.

Senior offensive lineman Rigoderto Regalado said, “One of our team strengths is our offense. We have a bunch of returning starters, such as our QB [Arciniega], our running back [Ibarra] and a few wide receivers. We believe our offense is ready to show out this season.”

Head Coach Juan Cuevas has worked diligently to get his program in the position it is in heading into 2024.

From his middle school programs all the way up to his varsity team, Cuevas has seen the steady growth of Donna North football.

With a chance to make noise after the success from a season ago, Cuevas said this year is all about putting his players in the best situations. That starts with his coaching staff being prepared.

“The core is there,” Cuevas said. “The nucleus is there. We just have to put them positions to be successful, and I feel like we can do that. I feel that we have a tremendous coaching staff with a lot of coaching experience.”

Donna North kicks off its 2024 season at home against Economedes on Thursday, Aug. 29.

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