Panther Gunslinger

WESLACO - Whenever anyone thinks of quarterbacks for the Weslaco Panthers, the names Sone Cavazos and Bobby Lackey come to mind. But, there is a new quarterback at Weslaco High that people will remember for quite some time.

Dylan DeLeon, a senior, prepares for his third season as the signal caller for the Panthers and in two years has already shattered all the passing records in Weslaco history. But, the biggest accomplishment prior to the start of his senior season is that DeLeon was selected as a first-team quarterback of the 5A Texas football Region Four All-Region super team.

"Dylan is making a name for himself and being selected to this team is a tremendous honor and I am very proud of him," said Weslaco head football coach Tony Villarreal. "He was on a list with players from schools such as Austin Westlake, San Antonio Roosevelt, and Converse Judson. Dylan is the leader of this team and I expect big things from him"

DeLeon said that he was not aware he was selected until his father told him about it.

"I was at a 7-on-7 game and my dad came up and congratulated me about my selection," said DeLeon. "I had no idea what he was talking about and when he finally told me that I was the first-team quarterback on the All-Region team, I could not believe it. I never expected to receive that honor with some of the great quarterbacks coming from up north of here. But, I am excited and honored to be selected."

DeLeon had some huge games for the Panthers in the regular season during his junior season, as well as the playoffs. But, the game in which DeLeon shined the most was the regional quarterfinals against San Antonio Madison, who was ranked number six in the state in class 5A and possessed the number one defense in the state as well. DeLeon passed for 230 yards on 10-of-23 passing and threw for four touchdown passes.

"Coming into the game against Madison, we were aware that their defense was stout because they had only given up one passing touchdown all year and only gave up six points a game."

"But, Dylan took control of his team and had the game of his life. That was definitely his breakout game by far. He was able to make the big plays and pick apart the best defense in the state of Texas. He definitely had ice water in his veins and was cool under fire."

Villarreal expects DeLeon to have a great season and feels that he can help fill a huge void with star tailback Mishak Rivas graduating.

"We have a 3,000 yard void to fill with Mishak gone," said Villarreal. "However, I feel that Dylan can fill that void. He has the potential to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 this season and possibly throw for 30 touchdowns."

DeLeon said that he is ready to lead the so called new Panthers this year and expects big things.

"This is a new year and the new Panthers are going to make some noise this year," said DeLeon. Everyone expects us to have a down year since we will not have Mishak to carry the load. People are waiting to see us fail and feel that we will not have a good season."

"Well, we are out to prove all of the naysayers wrong. Don't get me wrong, it was truly an honor to play with Mishak and he was a great asset to the Panthers. But, we know that this is a new team and we have to move on."