Edinburg Vela is making a big jump this season, moving from Class 5A to 6A along with the rest of the Edinburg teams.

The Sabercats will face bigger schools in the new district, but they have a new leader guiding them through it. Sean Landez was named interim head football coach this past spring.

Players say they are excited about what he brings to the program.

"I feel like he's done a really good job with us as a team and our teammates. He's gonna lead us to a victory this year," Edinburg Vela senior defensive lineman Augie Perez said.

Junior safety Colt Alfaro also spoke highly of the new coach.

"It's amazing, I love Coach Landez, he was my old DB coach three years ago when I was a freshman. It's amazing with him," Alfaro said.

Landez said the opportunity means a lot to him.

"It's such a blessing that I've been able to be put in this position with the staff and amount of players that I have that are just quality individuals," Coach Landez said. "Not only on the football field but off the field. It's such a blessing and I get to cultivate an environment that's eager to be out here. Eager for success and just driven. So driven and ambitious."

Star player Caidyn Hoover is also back for the Sabercats. His 10 interceptions as a sophomore made headlines and he is set to play quarterback this season while still playing on defense.

His presence on the defensive side will be important as the team only has a couple of starters returning on the defensive side.

Landez talked about how the younger players are developing to fill those spots.

"Offensively we have about eight of the 11 returning. We're very potent in that aspect," Landez said. "Defensively, going through our offseason we were able to identify the measurables that we compared to our previous varsity. So the younger guys were just as tall, just as heavy. So, they've developed in that matter. Game experience wise they might be a little inexperienced but what they lack in game experience their IQ in the classroom and with football intelligence truly just is remarkable."

Vela opens the season against Corpus Christi Veterans before facing two other 6A opponents from the Valley's other district, San Benito in Week 2 and PSJA North in Week 3.

The Sabercats then play Edcouch Elsa and Los Fresnos before a bye in Week 6.

District play begins against the reigning district champions, followed by La Joya in Week 8. Vela closes out the season with three straight games in Edinburg against Economedes, Edinburg and Edinburg North.