Led by Espinosa, Lake View Focusing on Fundamentals in Week 2

SAN ANGELO, TX — Lake View High looks to keep its momentum going this week after an opening day thriller win against Lamesa in San Angelo Stadium.  The 38-30 victory was the squad’s first win in an opener since 2007 and could be a catalyst for the Chiefs while they continue to get better and better each week.  

Coaches at Lake View are not taking the historic win for granted, however. Instead, they are preaching a message of consistent improvement.  Offensive coordinator Mejia Daniel, in his third year with the team, believes that things are coming into place nicely with his air raid offense and with the team as a whole.  

After practice on Wednesday morning, Daniel said, “Things are starting to click where they are supposed to click, and they [the players] are understanding where they are supposed to be and why they are supposed to be there.  It is a good place where we are at, but we just need to get better at it.” 

One area of growth Daniel was looking at specifically was not relying too much on do-everything athlete Johnny Espinosa.  The star senior played a major role in all three phases of the game Friday hauling in two touchdown receptions and taking the second half opening kickoff 90 yards to the house.  He also snagged an interception in the first half and made the play of the game with a pass break up on fourth and goal with under a minute to play as Lamesa looked to tie things up.  

Daniel has put pressure on junior gunslinger Albert Rodriguez to open things up for the rest of the team.  “We can’t automatically look for Johnny to throw the deep ball. [Rodriguez] has to go through his progressions to open everything else up.  It opens up not just one player but multiple players at one time. It is just up to the quarterback to make the right read,” said Daniel. 

Rodriguez not only has the raw talent to live up to his coach’s expectations but also an improved offensive line to protect him.  Anchored by center Ethan Sanchez, Daniel declared them the core of their team adding, “[They have] worked their butts off this year.  Coach Casarez has done a really good job with them… They’re all working hard and doing a lot of communicating up front. They’re just playing well together.”

The Chiefs will head to Fabens on Friday in what could be a tougher test.  Faben, a 4A District 1 school, defeated 2A Van Horn 32-14 last week.