Barraza a top target for Panthers

For the player that was the only wide receiver returning with a catch in 2024, senior Kaleb Barraza figured to play a big role in the passing game this season.

Barraza had a pair of catches in the season opener against Longview and has scored two touchdowns one receiving and one running.

The first was on a 32-yard pass from Javion Johnson, giving Barraza and the Panthers a 7-0 lead in Longview opening night.

The score came on the teams second possession and Barraza had already had a run of 18 yards and a first down on the opening series.

It was our second possession, and the play was for me to run a double move, Barraza said.

I saw the corner start turning, and I knew thats when I was going to score.

When I crossed the goal line, it felt great.

Last week, Barraza got the call on a run from the Nacogdoches 5 yard-line.

I start out on the opposite side and as I come across.

Javion (QB Johnson) will toss it up and Ill catch it and follow the pulling guard and tackle into the end zone, Barraza said.

I just saw green grass and (Johnston) Hicks and (Alex) Trejo, my two blockers set up perfectly, so I just followed them in there for the score.

Barraza has three carries on the season for 34 yards, two catches for 47 yards and two kickoff returns for 60 yards, including a 48-yarder against Nacogdoches last week.

With a new group of receivers around him, Barraza is looked to a lot early on for guidance.

I see it as I have to step in some big shoes and be a leader to the ones that hadnt taken a varsity snap yet, Barraza said.

This year its definitely my turn to be a leader for the receivers.

Barraza has played both the slot position and outside receiver in his time on varsity.

Last year, with some people getting hurt, I learned the outside spots, inside spots and also some of the spots that are running backs in case I get put back there, Barraza said.

So Ill tell the receivers now that youve got to know what everybody is doing on the offensive side just in case you get put in that spot, and I learned that from last year.

Head coach Carl Abseck said Barrazas knowledge is a big plus, along with his work ethic.

Caleb is one of the hardest working kids weve got, hes smart and he knows what we are doing inside and out, Abseck said.

Were able to move him all over the field, and he goes and makes plays.

He catches the balls hes supposed to catch.

When it comes to making plays, its not just about catching the ball for Barraza.

I think the best qualities I bring are my route running and not being afraid to block, Barraza said.

Abseck said Barraza is an ultimate team player.

He blocks with great effort, Abseck said.

Hes just a great team player and a leader for our team.

The biggest thing about him is he just knows everything.

Hes able to contribute a lot because he knows so much.

We can get him the football in multiple ways, hes a good athlete that catches everything and hes always where hes supposed to be.

Barraza talked about what it means to have Johnson back at quarterback and his expectations of the team this season.

Having Javion back is great because weve been working together since our freshman year, not just in school, but out of school, Barraza said.

Well come up here on the weekend, throw the ball, run some routes, and thats been going on every year in high school.

We still do it now, so we can get the timing right on the routes and make sure were good on the connection.

Barraza said his expectations of the team are to advance past the point they made it last year, which was the second round.

We know were going to go far this year, Barraza said.

The goal is to go to state, and were on a mission..

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