The PSJA Southwest Javelinas are heading into the new season with seven key returners on both sides of the ball and a fresh set of opponents after UIL realignment.

Among the returners is AJ Arevalo, a first team all-district safety and wide receiver, along with running back Raul Garza. The Javelinas remain in District 16-5A Region 2 but will face all new opponents, teams they last played two years ago.

There's also a competition at quarterback between Aggie Perez and Eddi Morales.

The team gets a boost this season with the addition of quarterbacks coach Lupe Rodriguez, who brings 10 years of experience from PSJA.

"Having Lupe Rodriguez here as a quarterback coach is a big plus for us. He's an experienced coach, experienced player, teaching the kids," PSJA Southwest Head Football Coach JJ Leija said.

Perez said he sees the team coming together heading into the season.

"I see the pieces coming together especially from the prior years. Our o line is coming together, our receiver core is looking pretty strong this year," Perez said.

Leija said the team has its sights set on finishing strong when it matters most.

"We're looking for big things to happen this year," Coach Leija said. "This is an experienced group that we have. These guys have been playing since they were sophomores, some of them since they were freshman. So, we're hoping that this experience carries over and we're able to finish the big games."

The Javelinas open the season against PSJA Memorial before hosting Corpus Christi Moody in Week 2. They follow that with games against Valley View and Hidalgo.

District play begins in Week 5 against Roma, followed by Mission Veterans in Week 6 and Juarez-Lincoln in Week 7. They then face Pioneer and Cigarroa before a bye week in Week 10. The season wraps up against Sharyland.