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New offensive coordinator joins Lucero in second year at the helm
The Elgin Wildcats varsity football team has kept its offseason rolling with a series of 7-on-7 league tournaments, hosting five area programs last week in Elgin.
Elgin High School welcomed teams from Taylor, Cedar Creek, Del Valle, Giddings and Crockett May 26 during early preparations for the 2026 season. Wildcats Head Coach Rich Lucero said the event was important not only for player development, but showcasing the growth of Elgin football and its facilities.
“Seeing what is going on and being able to compete has been good for all the teams that have come out here,” Lucero said.
The Wildcats have been a part of three 7-on-7 events so far this offseason and continue to build chemistry heading into the summer.
EARLY STAGES
Lucero said the coaching staff is still in the evaluation process, focused more on player development and effort.
“The kids are working hard. They are developing, they are showing up, they are committed and we are starting to see the benefits of that consistency,” Lucero said. “We are at ground zero and are just evaluating our kids … getting reps, focusing on our progress and giving kids opportunities to show us what they can do right now.”
One notable change this offseason comes at quarterback. Trey Flores, who saw time under center last season, is moving back to his natural position at middle linebacker.
Lucero said sophomore Tanner Flores is a player to watch as he steps into a larger role at quarterback.
Coaches also highlighted senior wide receiver Andre Simmons. After missing his freshman season with a broken finger, Simmons returned as a junior and earned second-team all-district honors.
“He has a ton of talent and ability,” Lucero said. “We are just trying to get him up to speed since he doesn’t have a ton of experience besides last year.”
Dontavious Robinson and Wyatt Cooper are also returning from injuries and receiving important offseason reps, according to coaches.
YEAR TWO
Lucero was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach about this time last offseason, where he had to adjust to an already established structure and schedule. Now, entering his second year leading the program, Lucero said the full offseason and added stability have allowed the Wildcats to take major strides in skill development, team culture and player buy-in.
“We inherited a schedule and a lot of things were out of our control (last season), so we just played the hand that was dealt to us,” Lucero said. “Now, we are light years ahead of last year, and that’s not even a question.”
While traditional 7-on-7 competition primarily focuses on quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs, offseason events have also begun incorporating offensive and defensive linemen through the growing “big man challenge.”
The competitions include events such as tug-of-war contests, tire flips and other strength-based team challenges designed specifically for linemen.
“It’s necessary,” Lucero said. “You want to engage your full team as much as you can, but at the same time it’s building cohesion within those offensive and defensive line groups. The more time they spend and compete together, it will carry over for us in the fall.”
HELP ON THE SIDELINE
Former East View offensive coordinator Sean Van De Merghel also joins the Wildcat ranks this year and is making use of these early opportunities.
“(The offseason allows) him to evaluate kids, see kids compete and learn what they can do,” Lucero said. “But it’s really about competing first, skill development and learning our scheme.”
The addition will see Lucero step away from play-calling duties and remove a balancing act he said limited his ability to focus on the bigger picture.
“I am going to actually be able to be a head coach and do the other things that I need to do besides just scheme,” Lucero said. “I am obviously going to help out in areas to support, but I will not be the play caller this year.”
The Wildcats will continue to host 7-on-7 play with tournaments set for June 2, 9 and 16.
