Edinburg Vela Sabercats
Head Coach: Sean Landez (Interim head coach)
Last Season: 8-3; 6-1 in district (Lost to Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial in bi-district)
Returning Lettermen: 27 (7 returning starters on offense; 4 on defense)
Vela Key Players and Storylines
After 39 wins in four successful seasons in 5A Division I, Vela makes its return to 6A with a new but familiar face leading the way. Defensive coordinator Sean Landez steps into the interim head coach role after the departure of Ernie Alonzo.
Landez said it’s a program that always has high expectations in The Valley, and the Sabercats have met that bar with 12 straight playoff appearances.
They’ll expect to contend at the top of District 31-6A with 11 returning starters. The offense has a ton of potential. Senior Caidyn Hoover (222 receiving yards, 50 tackles) slides over to quarterback after leading the state with ten interceptions as a defensive back a year ago. He won’t have a shortage of weapons.
Running back Chris Caballero (563 rushing yards and five touchdowns) will help elevate the offense with his experience and explosiveness, while the receiving room is stacked with five seniors who are all above 6’1”. George Fauls (838 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns), Ryan Rodriguez (150 receiving yards and two touchdowns), Ryan Zuniga, Brandon Martin, and Tony Villalobos (234 receiving yards) all have the athleticism to create separation and give defensive backs a handful. Up front, the Sabercats have a strong duo on the interior in senior Max Mora and Arnold Flores, a returning first team all-district guard.
-full junior szn
-George Fauls
-class of 27’
-6’1 170lbs
-4.45 40yd
-Robert vela high schoolhttps://t.co/hFTa6dxTfM— george fauls (@GeorgeFauls1) July 10, 2026
Defensively, Vela must replace five of its six leading tacklers. Linebacker Samuel Luna (47 tackles) is the third Luna brother to play at Vela and is coming off a strong sophomore campaign. Up front, Vela will rely on the motor of defensive end Trey Rodriguez (28 tackles, six TFLs) and the ruggedness of defensive tackle Augie Perez (24 tackles).
Landez loves the grit and camaraderie he has seen from his guys as he has gotten them up to speed for the season. There are some new faces stepping up, but he feels confident this year’s team is ready to make the jump to 6A with the strength and explosiveness he has seen throughout the offseason.
Vela Sabercats 2026 Football Schedule
*- Denotes District 31-6A Contest
- August 28 @ Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial at Buccaneer Stadium 7:30
- September 4 vs. San Benito 7:00
- September 10 vs. PSJA North 7:00
- September 17 vs. Edcouch-Elsa 7:00
- September 25 @ Los Fresnos 7:30
- *October 9 vs. Weslaco 7:30
- *October 16 @ La Joya 7:30
- *October 23 vs. Edinburg Economedes 7:30
- *October 30 @ Edinburg 7:30
- *November 6 vs. Edinburg North 7:30
