MVTC Coach’s Hot Seat: Mercedes' Gilbert Leal

4th year (17-15 overall record)
15 years coaching experience
(Harlingen High and Mercedes)
Coaching highlights:
Coached in 10 Bird Bowls and Battle of the Arroyo's
Coached in 17 playoff games
2 playoff appearances with Mercedes
Went three rounds four times while at Harlingen High as a coach

1. Most memorable coaching experience?

"It was in 2005, while I was at Harlingen, we were in the area playoffs against Eagle Pass in San Antonio. Eagle Pass scored and was up by four with 2 ½ minutes left in the game. We drove 80 yards and scored with 7 seconds left in the game to seal the victory. With the win, we ended up facing Austin Westlake in the third round that year. It was a great win for our program against Eagle Pass and our offense stepped it up at crunch time."
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2. Most memorable player coached against?

"It would have to be Jerry Galvan, last year's All-State defensive end from Edcouch-Elsa. From what I saw, he was a better player on the field than what we saw on film. He was a silent leader and led by example. Jerry was a very dominating player and took care of business."
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3. Which team will be the first in the RGV to bring home a state title?

"Rio Hondo. There must be something in the water there because their kids are extremely talented. They are big and very competitive and there is nothing else to do there except athletics. They have very limited distractions and focus on football."