Prep football: Head coach hoping skill positions power Demons this season

Pancho Morris | The New Mexican

8/28/2008 - 8/29/08

With skill in back, speed out wide and savvy shaped from the past two seasons, success seems imminent for the Demons of Santa Fe High School.

Ah, if it were so simple.

It isn't.

Not for a program coming off seasons of 0-10, 2-8 and 4-6.

Not for a program that last qualified for the state football playoffs in 1986.

Not for a program with a new head coach, albeit one that spent the past three years as defensive coordinator.

But even with a team that remains more potential than polish, success is possible. It hinges on the point of attack.

"How strong are we up front on both sides of the football," Mike Mares says of the biggest concern heading into tonight's season — and home — opener against Aztec.

"We have some experience, but we have only one starter back."

Mares, who replaced Mike Ulibarri in June, is in his first season of his second stint as head coach of the city's largest high school. His previous tenure began in 1981 and ended in 1982. He was defense-first then. He is defense-first now.

"Most of our skill positions will be our strengths," Mares says. "Our wide outs and running backs, we have a handful we're working with. Hopefully, we can do something with them."

Out wide are Johnny Bowles, Anthony Ratliff, Isaiah Anaya, A.J. Guillien and Joseph Sandoval, just to name a few. In back are Edward Trujillo, Heath Roybal and Adam Salazar. Richard Pacheco starts at quarterback.

"He started a couple games for us last season," Mares says of Pacheco. "I like the idea that he's poised and knows exactly what's going on, on the field."

Those that start on offense, start on defense.

"Most play both ways," Mares says. "But we have some that can come in and give the starters rest."

As for the line, it will be anchored by senior Estevan Mares at guard and Robert Johnson at center. Mares, a senior, is the returning starter.

Johnson didn't start but played his fair share of snaps.

As did David Lynn, another lineman the Demons are relying on.

Santa Fe High's nondistrict slate includes turnstile turners Capital, Los Alamos and St. Michael's and Albuquerque Rio Grande.

The District 2AAAAA opener isn't until Oct. 11, when the Demons visit La Cueva at F.M. Wilson Stadium in Albuquerque.

Initially, the Demons won't be scoreboard watchers.

"We'll try to remind them that football is always about having fun," Mares says. "It's about the next play, do your job and everything will take care of itself. You go out there and leave it on the field. All we're looking forward to is seeing the kids playing hard. Hopefully, things will go our way."

Tonight.

And beyond.