DONNA – As one door closed, another opened. After five years at Edcouch-Elsa, Joe Marichalar is starting over at Donna North as the school’s new head football coach.

“It’s an amazing honor to be a part of the Donna North community and coaching staff,” said Marichalar. “It’s truly a blessing. I’m very honored to be their head coach.”

Marichalar has seen plenty of Donna North over the years. He faced the Chiefs several times during his tenure at Edcouch-Elsa. Since the program’s start in 2014, North has yet to make the playoffs. Marichalar says in order to break that postseason drought, it’ll take a team effort.

“I can’t snap my fingers and we’re instant winners,” said Marichalar. “That’s now how it works. All I can say is that I’m a servant. I’m a servant leader and I’m here to serve these kids and I’m here to serve anybody associated with Donna North athletics.”

With a combined record of 4 and 36 in four years, Donna North is ready to start fresh with Marichalar at the helm.

“Rome wasn’t built in one day,” said Marichalar. “They’ve had some great coaches that tried to get it going and they had some good kids as well. I’m part of that journey and I’m going to try to throw in my flavor and get it done. We don’t have time to waste. I’m pretty anxious for the athletic class and eager to get it going.”