Ralls hopes run-first offense aides with youth movement

Just like its mascot, the Ralls Jackrabbits love to run.

The Jackrabbits gained 3,192 rushing yards last season, accounting for 89 percent of their total yards. Ralls’ slot-T offense thrived again as the Jackrabbits recorded the fifth-most offensive yards in school history.

Thanks to those statistics, head coach Xavier Rangel led his team to a 7-4 record and a 3-1 district record before falling to Olney in the first round of the playoffs last season.

The Jackrabbits’ biggest challenge this fall will be replacing their 12 seniors from last season. Ralls returns just six starters, three on each side of the ball. Given Ralls is a small school, depth is a significant concern for Rangel in 2022. 

Despite this, Rangel believes he has a strong core group heading into the new season. 

Jackrabbits relying on young players after losing 12 seniors

“We're gonna miss (the 12 seniors),” Rangel said. “But we had a few guys, … that have really stepped up for us. It’s definitely going to be a different core group this year. But, we think we have some young men who are willing to step up for us.” 

That core group includes players like senior halfback Zaiah Riojas and junior fullback Justin Zavala, two of Ralls’ leading rushers from last season. The two combined for 1,094 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season, with Riojas scoring 10. 

Rangel regards them both as strong, physical backs that will fight for extra yardage. While other backs are relied upon for their speed, Riojas and Zavala can be counted on to get the tough yards needed. 

When the Jackrabbits need quickness, one player they’ll turn to is tailback Mathias Zavala, Justin’s cousin, who also plays safety. Standing at 5-foot-5 and weighing 130 pounds, he’s one of Ralls’ smallest players. However, Mathias shows great agility, explosiveness, and a quick burst, three things Rangel values in his tailbacks. 

“We’ve got four or five guys that have a chance to really do some things,” Rangel said about his running backs. “Justin’s a fullback that can hit a hole and break one. But at the same time, he’ll put his shoulder down and run over you. We’ve got Mathias, who’s quick, and then we have Riojas, who also started for us last year. He does a great job of cutting in and putting his shoulder down and running hard.”

At Ralls, fullback, half back and tailback are all separate positions.

The fullbacks will have to “take a bit of a beating”, according to Rangel, while the halfbacks are required to be physical and block just as well as they run. Ralls’ tailbacks are its quicker running backs, and will have to show a little more speed than the rest. 

Rangel believes this system makes the Jackrabbits’ running game more diverse. While every opponent knows there’s a good chance Ralls will run on any given play, they may never know which type of run is coming. 

“We want the defense to think every running back can get the ball on any play,” Rangel said. “Hopefully that way, we keep the defense honest.”

Nyk Alcala works to lead Jackrabbits' offensive line

Blocking for Ralls’ many running backs are players like junior tackle Nyk Alcala and senior interior linemen Zane Mendez and brothers Trae and Issac Zavala. Alcala was a second-team All-District selection last season, and is described by Rangel is being the “leader” on the Jackrabbits’ offensive line. 

Alcala is Ralls’ strongest offensive lineman, squatting 500 pounds and benching close to 300 pounds. He also plays defensive line for the Jackrabbits and uses his athleticism and physicality to make plays on both offense and defense. Mendez has spent his offseason putting on muscle, always texting Rangel to find out when the weight room is open. 

Trae and Issac, the cousins of Justin and Mathias, rely on their quick feet and agility to make blocks for their cousins. The four family members are always around each other, practicing and working out together when they’re not in football. 

“Whether it’s at the field house, or the weight room, or outside of school, they’re around each other every day,” Rangel said. “They hang out with each other all the time. It’s great to see that they work so hard with each other.”

On defense, Ralls relies on senior linebackers Cason Laminack and Andrew Morales to set the tone. The two combined to record 81 tackles last season, with Laminack’s 56 leading the team. 

Rangel believes Laminack’s awareness and football IQ is what makes him a great player. He’s also spent the offseason adding muscle, putting on around 10 pounds.

Who will be the Jackrabbits starting QB?

In addition to his linebacker duties, Morales will compete with sophomore Gunner Hitt for the starting quarterback job. Hitt, the Jackrabbits starting junior varsity quarterback last season, has received a majority of the first-team reps in the offseason. However, Rangel hasn’t chosen a starter yet. According to him, it’s still an open competition. 

“We’ve given both guys an opportunity and we’ll see who comes out on top,” Rangel said. “We’re just trying to make it as competitive as possible.”

Rangel believes every team in his district has a chance to win it, and Ralls will look to win it with an inexperienced squad. Despite the inexperience, Rangel is excited about how much his players have grown and is looking forward to see who will step up for the Jackrabbits. 

“We just want to see our players grow every week,” Rangel said. “Our focus has just been getting better every day. We really feel we have the talent, discipline and tenacity… to be a great team at the end of the season. We’re definitely going to need some guys to step up and do what they’re asked to do.”

Ralls Jackrabbits

Head coach — Xavier Rangel

2021 record — 7-4, 3-1 in District 5-2A Division II

Base offense — Slot-T

Base defense — 3-4

Returning lettermen — 8

Returning off./def. starters — 3/3

Top returners — Nyk Alcala, OL/DL; Justin Zavala, FB/DB; Zaiah Riojas, RB/DB; Trea Zavala, OL/DL; Mathias Zavala, RB/DB; Zane Mendez OL/DL

2022 schedule

* — denotes District 3-2A Division II game

Aug. 26 — vs. Floydada, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Smyer, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — vs. Memphis, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — at Plains, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — vs. Seagraves, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 — at Bovina*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 — at Hale Center*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 — vs. Lockney*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 — at Crosbyton*, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4 — vs. Sudan*, 7 p.m.