SAN ANGELO, TX — After coming off the Chiefs’ best football season in 29 years, Lake View finds itself thrown into a new district with new faces.
Despite the tough road ahead, head coach Hector Guevara said that the offseason has been encouraging.
“It has definitely been good,” Guevara said of the summer offseason workouts. “As a head coach, you always want more, but we have had excellent participation.”
The Chiefs finished 7-4 a season ago and played for a district title, and with that comes a hunger for more success.
“There is a lot of excitement,” Guevara continued. “The kids know that we are going to try and repeat the process and continue to take things in the right direction. I think it’s been exciting for the kids in their attitude and work ethic. Not just the kids either, but for the coaches as well.”
One of the leading reasons for that success is returning starting quarterback Chris Alvizo. The 6-foot, 210-pound senior comes back for his third year under center.
Lake View's Chris Alvizo evades a tackle against Lamesa on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at San Angelo Stadium.
The young man carried a lot of weight on his shoulders for an offense that averaged 43 points per game in 2025. He completed just over 70% of his passes, throwing for 2,836 yards and 37 TDs to earn his district’s Offensive MVP award.
“I’m excited to see him lead the team," Guevara said. "think he's put a lot of work in, in the offseason, and I'm excited to see how his season plays out.”
Alvizo’s return also provides veteran leadership to a team entering a new district following UIL realignment. The Chiefs will face a lineup that includes state-ranked Midland Greenwood, an always solid Andrews program, and a Plainview team dropping down from 5A.
"The mindset is it's just another game," Alvizo said. "Take every game one at a time. Don't try to focus on too much at once, and if we do that, we'll be alright."
Lake View wrapped up its first week of fall camp with players eager to begin the season.
"What I've noticed so far is the effort," Alvizo said. "We all have the same goal. We all have the same dream. We all have the same mindset, and I think us bringing all that together, we're all really excited for the first scrimmage, first game, first everything."
He believes one of the keys to another successful season will be maintaining the commitment the Chiefs showed a year ago.
"For this team to be successful, we've just got to keep showing up," he said. "I think last year what we did, we all showed up. No one missed a single day. I think that's what we need to do this year, too."
As a three-year starter under center, Alvizo said his experience allows him to help younger teammates adjust to the varsity level.
"I think mainly what I bring to the table is the experience," he said. "Some of these younger guys don't have that experience, and I think I can share that with them. That allows me to be a better leader, be more vocal to the team and just be a better example for everyone."
Other returners on the offense can help with that, including at some of the skill positions. Wide receiver Chris Rodela (5-7, 165) hauled in 37 targets for 318 yards and five touchdowns a season ago and will be one of the focal points in the passing game.
Lake View wide receiver Chris Rodela walks back to the bench after his 52-yard touchdown catch against Snyder on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at San Angelo Stadium.
Opposite of Rodela will be sophomore Andrew Young. He did not see much action last year as a freshman, but he caught two touchdown passes in the district title game against Andrews to go along with four catches for 70 yards in the first-round playoff matchup with Lampasas.
Finally, Gabriel Alvarez and Calvin Whitfield, who was injured most of 2025, round out a talented wide receiver group.
One question mark on the offense is who will replace running back Izaiah Rios, last year's district co-MVP. Noah Cook appears to be the frontrunner to take over as the featured back.
"He's got some pretty big shoes to fill," Alvizo said. "But I think he's got that mindset in him, and he's just going to pursue his goal. I think he's going to do great."
On the offensive line, the Chiefs only have one senior in 2026. JJ Wills will lead the unit at center, and already has the younger guys looking to his leadership to make it through the start of the season.
On defense, there is one important name to look out for according to Alvizo: defensive lineman Connor Williams. After being named Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Chiefs’ district last season, Williams is prepped for a big year.
Another couple of names to look out for stopping the run and rushing opposing quarterbacks are Josh Lemos and Tyrone Turner.
In the middle of the defense, senior Juan Ramirez looks to head up the linebacker corps. Ramirez appeared in multiple games last season and accrued more than 30 tackles.
“We have some kids coming back on defense, ready to lead the team,” Guevara said. “Of course, we have a lot of kids that need to grow up fast who are seeing the Friday night lights for the first time, or are starting for the first time. But it does not necessarily mean they aren’t ready. They’ve worked hard, and they are ready to showcase themselves.”
Lake View Chiefs Football after their big win over Snyder 2025
Lake View's nondistrict schedule includes road trips to Fort Stockton, Lubbock High, Big Spring and Levelland, with home games against Snyder, Pecos and Pflugerville Connally.
Once district starts, the Chiefs host Plainview and Andrews. Lake View’s only road district matchup will be against state-ranked Midland Greenwood to end the regular season.
While that district looks daunting, the Chiefs have the advantage this year of an automatic playoff bid due to only having four teams in District 3-4A Division I. However, as Lake View learned last year, playoff seeding is important. Finishing as the district's runner-up gave the Chiefs a difficult first-round matchup with Lampasas.
If the Chiefs want a better shot at a playoff trophy this season, a district win or two would go a long way toward that.
As Lake View prepares for one of its toughest schedules in recent years, Alvizo said the Chiefs' success will depend on maintaining the same culture that carried them through last season.
"I know we can't focus on last year too much," Alvizo said. "But I think if we have that same mindset and all come together like we did last year, we'll be great."
Lake View opens up the 2026 season on the road at Fort Stockton at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.
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