New District, Season Give Chiefs Optimism for 2018

SAN ANGELO, TX-- Despite going 0-10 a year ago and sitting on a 17-game losing streak, the Lake View Chiefs remain optimistic heading into 2018 in Class 4A Division I.

“It’s cliche, but everywhere you go in Texas everyone is excited; everyone has a chance,” second-year head coach Hector Guevara said. “We all want to win.”

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The Chiefs took the field at Lake View High School on Monday, marking the second year of Guevara’s time at Lake View.

The Chiefs were on the good end of the UIL’s realignment in February, which put the Chiefs in District 2-4A DI with three other teams.

“It’s a new season and a new district,” Guevara smiled. “New season, new attitude. The kids are excited. They’ve worked hard during the offseason and the summer. They’re anxious to get into it.”

District 2-4A features Andrews (9-3), Big Spring (0-10) and Seminole (11-2). That district schedule, along with the Chief’s non-district schedule, is likely to give the new 4A outfit the experience they need to challenge in the playoffs.

“It’s going to be very competitive,” Guevara said. “We’re confident. We just have to stay healthy. We’ll go game-by-game, play-by-play and develop in the areas that are needed.”

Guevara came to Lake View late in the summer last season and had minimal time to work with his new team prior to fall camp. That undoubtedly had some effect on the Chief’s season last year.

Now, Guevara has had a full offseason and summer to train his athletes and implement his system and beliefs. That undoubtedly will have some effect on the Chief’s season this year.

“It’s always good,” Guevara said. “It’s good to develop relationships with the kids and with the coaches. Getting to know each other, you know. Once you develop those relationships, it’s positive. It’s positive for the kids. It’s positive for the school.”

In the first year of Guevara’s pass-heavy offense, the Chief’s found some trouble adjusting to the scheme throughout the year after relying heavily on the run game under Doug Kuhlmann.

The Chief’s feel they’ve found their guy to direct their offense in senior quarterback Kendall Blue.

“He’s mature,” Guevara said of his senior. “I’m sure he’s got some growing to do, but, overall, he’s a very good quarterback. He’s very intelligent on and off the field. So, that’s a big plus for him.”

The Chiefs struggled defensively last year, allowing 61 points per game. That gave the Chiefs a benchmark on what needed to happen going into 2018. “Fundamentals,” as Guevara said.

[[{"fid":"44369","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Two Chiefs work on a turnover drill to open up practice. Aug. 6, 2018 (LIVE! Photo/Sam Fowler)","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Two Chiefs work on a turnover drill to open up practice. Aug. 6, 2018 (LIVE! Photo/Sam Fowler)","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Two Chiefs work on a turnover drill to open up practice. Aug. 6, 2018 (LIVE! Photo/Sam Fowler)","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]Above: Two Chiefs work on a turnover drill to open up practice. Aug. 6, 2018 (LIVE! Photo/Sam Fowler)

“Work good tackling, being aggressive, rallying to the ball and not giving up the big play,” Guevara added.

The Chiefs open up their season on the road at Lamesa on Friday, Aug. 31, and their home opener on Sept. 7 against Fabens.