The Weslaco East Wildcats are heading into the fall under new leadership.

Legendary head coach Michael Burget, who led the program for more than a decade, retired after last season. Carlos Cuellar has now stepped into the head coach role.

Cuellar spent last season as the team's offensive coordinator. He also played for the program back in 2012.

Players say they're excited about what he's bringing to the team.

"It's amazing because he's one of the guys, he went through everything that we're going through right now and he can relate to all the experiences that we go through," Weslaco East senior linebacker Santiago Flores said. "Coach Cuellar has really changed the culture. He's trying to make it more into a winning culture and I really like that about him."

Junior quarterback Noah Mesa echoed that feeling.

"It's great. He knows lots of great stuff. We're all learning each and every day. He's always bringing something different," Mesa said.

Mesa will look to lead the way at quarterback this season. The Wildcats are trying to get back to the postseason after missing it the past two years.

Cuellar said the team is building toward that goal.

"It's a process. I wouldn't say that we're 100% ready, but the kids have been here all throughout the offseason and throughout the summer," Coach Cuellar said. "We honestly feel when the kids are here and we're able to get them going that at least allows us an opportunity to be successful."

The Wildcats open the season with the Tinaco Bowl, returning for the first time in 7 years, with Weslaco taking on Weslaco East. Week 2 brings a matchup against Edinburg.

Weeks 3 and 4 feature back-to-back games against Sharyland ISD schools, the Rattlers and the Diamondbacks. District play kicks off in Week 5 against Brownsville Rivera, followed by Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial in Week 6 and Harlingen South in Week 7.

Week 8 brings a game against Brownsville Hanna, the newcomers to the district. The Wildcats have a bye in Week 9 before closing out the season against Corpus Christi-area schools Carroll and Flour Bluff.