From 2001 graduate to varsity head coach

Omar Gonzalez, Reporter

Led by new head coach Rudy Contreras, varsity stands 1-1 in District, 3-4 Overall as of Oct. 24. There are 30 returners and 10 new members on the team. 

Last summer the team suffered the loss of head coach Jesse Perales who left the program to join Garland ISD’s Naaman Forest after 17 years with the Conquistadores.

Between the loss of Perales and past successes varsity faces a lot of pressure. In the last two years the team won two back-to-back district championships.

“We will still have success without coach Jesse Perales,” coach Kevin Butler said. 

Varsity is looking to become better and continue their success going forward with coach Contreras. 

“He is a perfect fit, a good leader, a great coach and he is a Del Valle alumni of 2001,” Butler said. 

The team is facing a challenge Oct.18, final score 310-28 Eastwood.

“Eastwood will be tough because they are a very good team, but we are going to compete with them,” running back Jaime Guerrero said before the game. 

Some wondered what changes would take place with the new coach.

“The team stayed the same. Coach Contreras didn’t change much, he also kept all the traditions and nothing was really affected at all,” Butler said. 

Contreras has been coaching at the school since he was 26.

“I was a coach for Freshman team and then I was promoted to co-offensive coordinator for the varsity,” Contreras said.

Contreras was named head football coach this summer. 

”It was a great honor but a great responsibility we are working really hard and playing for our community and students,” Contreras said.

The Conquistadores face a tough schedule.

“Playing against Mayfield, Central Union, California and Hutto, Texas I think we’re ready for district,” Contreras said.