Three games into his head coaching career at Ysleta High School, Joe Martinez reflects on how special his new role is.
“Being a head coach anywhere is a special opportunity and a privilege,” Martinez said, “but at my alma mater in the Lower Valley and with these kids, it’s even more so, because I belong here. I’m home here.”
Coach Martinez’s roots run deep at Ysleta, a school located in El Paso’s Lower Valley, adjacent to the U.S.-Mexico border. Traditions are a key component of the school and one example of this can be seen in Kawliga, a wooden Indian statue located in the main lobby of the school. During the last class period on Friday, each player approaches the statue, place his right hand on Kawliga’s right shoulder and bow their heads for good luck. It’s a source of pride that Martinez understands and appreciates.
“At Ysleta, it’s generation after generation that lives here, so the roots are very deep. Because of that, the kids have more pride in their school and their community in what they do.”
The Indians are looking to build on a new tradition for their football program. After going more than a decade without a playoff appearance, Ysleta made the playoffs in consecutive years under head coach Ruben Torres, who took the head coaching job at El Paso El Dorado in 6A after the season.
In 2016, Ysleta has picked up where they left off from last year with an impressive 3-0 start. This includes a dominant 71-12 win over the Hanks Knights last Friday in their District 2-5A opener. Martinez says that he saw everything come together for the first time all season in that game. That unity is something that starting quarterback Damian Solis has noticed as well.
“It’s about us coming together as a family, uniting, and just trusting in the system they brought to us,” Solis said, “I felt like at first it was slow, but now we know exactly where we want to be.”
After last week, the Indians are confident that they took a big step forward. They’ll try to take another big step this Friday, when they host perennial District 2-5A contender and bitter rival Del Valle. This week in practice, Martinez sees the extra energy his team has, but he wants them to stay focused and be ready.
“I’m telling these kids that every time your number is called or the ball comes your way, you have to make a play and you have to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Playmakers like Solis and running back Rey Flores, who is averaging 200 total yards per game, will be key for the Indians to come out on top. The spotlight will be bright at Hutchins Stadium on Friday night and the Indians aren’t shying away from it.
“This game means more than any other there is out there,” Solis said, “I feel like Del Valle-Ysleta is the best game you’re going to get out of El Paso in 5A.”
“It means a lot, because there is a lot of tradition at this school and we like to be winning,” said Indians defensive lineman and captain Josh Khnaizir.
Friday will also be the final opportunity for the senior class to do something they haven’t accomplished in their high school career: beating the Del Valle Conquistadores. Flores calls this the “biggest game of the year” and realizes how special a win would be.
“I remember my freshman year only winning three or four games and what that felt like. Next year, we win seven and make the playoffs,” Flores said, “The way it feels to win is what made me just want more and more. Now that we’re accustomed to winning, I don’t to want to end my last year on a bad note.”
