LAGUNA-ACOMA - Every new season holds some promises to answers that are left from a graduating class. Then practice starts and the incoming youngsters hope to be as good as their predecessors, or better.

L-A Hawks get a breathing exercise during a core workout led by Instructor Sgt. Major Emilio Barela on Aug 12. The unique exercise routine helps break up the monotony of drills and standard workouts. BEACON / TESHIMA

“Defensive and offensive lineman control the game and true sports fans know that,” Dante Hall, National Football League player once said.

The problem many coaches face in the region is not acquiring enough size and skill with small pools of players to choose from.

This is not an issue for Coach Trent Spencer of Laguna-Acoma High School.

A class of eighth graders compiled four linemen approaching the 200 pound range or bigger.

With fresh blood and a lack of bad habits on the field, Spencer said his guys might be moving better than last year's line.

The linemen will actually be getting substitutes that are comparable with the first string line.

With more numbers for linemen, Spencer and lineman Coach Don Sarracino might free up Western Morris and put him at running back.

Morris, 6'1, 230, has been working impressively with ball handling skills and has enough speed and strength to potentially make his own holes.

“Good luck tackling him,” warned Coach Spencer.

Morris fills the missing RB spot from last year's powerhouse Colton Baca.

Mike Aguino will take over Dusty Sarracino's RB position. Spencer said Aguino may be faster than Sarracino.

With the majority of the team understanding last year's offensive schematics, this year Coach Spencer hopes to include a few different weapons, including some trick plays.

Justin “Boots” Gallegos will be returning as the quarterback for L-A.

Last year, Gallegos was easily the best QB in the 5-3A district and should be a shoe-in for district player of the year, coach said.

An improved arm with range and accuracy will make him a weapon in the pocket. Many plays last year he could've got stuffed by blitzers but was able to scramble and gain yardage.

Gallegos's younger brother, Isaac, could effect the game with speed and catching ability of senior wide receiver Isaiah Holmes.

“Isaac is gonna be good at the flanker spot,” Spencer said.

Workouts have included basic drills to hour-long core workouts headed by Senior Marine Instructor Sgt. Major Emilio Barela, all of which has gotten the team to have a solid football mentality, the coach said.