MidValleySports.Com

Coach Encinas hanging out with future Nobles.

By George Hernandez

Reintroducing Kevin Encinas

[La Puente] – Reintroducing Kevin Encinas – the former San Gabriel head coach who led them to a 2022 CIF and Regional championship and was the Mid Valley Sports Coach of the Year.

Encinas stepped down after the 2022 season and then made a comeback to coaching in 2024 as the offensive coordinator at Nogales high school. After two seasons as OC, Encinas was given the keys to the program after head coach Matt Villasenor was named head coach at Muir.

Q: What’s up coach how’s it going?

A: What’s up George? Things are going well. Truly blessed.

Q: For some of the people that don’t know your football career can you tell us where you played in high school and progressed from there until now?

A: I played linebacker and tight end at Charter Oak high school for Lou Farrar. I was lucky enough to win a CIF title there. I had a pretty serious knee injury my senior year, so my college days were put on hold. It took about two years to get better. I ended up playing linebacker at Citrus College for 2 years. After Citrus I played at Waldorf University in Northern Iowa. I graduated from Waldorf and went to graduate school at San Jose State where I worked with the football team and strength program. 

Q: You made a comment about growing up here (Nogales) and it being personal, some people just know you as a CO guy. Can you tell us why?

A: I went to elementary school and middle school in the Rowland unified school district. My siblings are all Nogales alumni. As a kid, my dad would bring me to watch all the great Nogales basketball players like Will Porter, Shomario Richard, Denver Lopez. I saw Nogales take on Mater Dei at the Anaheim Pond. I saw my brothers battle against Casey Jacobsen at Glendora. In 2020 my oldest brother died of cancer. It was really abrupt and sudden. It hit our family very hard. My brother David was a proud Nogales alum. He would often talk about all of us going back to bring it back to its glory days. So when this opportunity became available for me to become the head coach it was deeply personal. My other brother Chris is the current Girls basketball coach. Definitely keep an eye out for them. My sister is also a teacher in the district.

Q: How does it feel to be back in the driver seat of a football program?

A: It feels great to be a head coach again. I really missed running my own program. I loved my time at San Gabriel but the distance was too far. Now being in my hometown I can do what I love and be close to family. I am so lucky to have an incredible staff joining me. Brian Ybarra and Cam Smith could easily be head coaches at any school. I’ll have some new coaches joining me this year including some of my former players and few coaches from the area. 

Q: I remember your days at San Gabriel and the players you had, how are you going to build that culture here at Nogales?

A: I feel like over time your team will always take on the personality of your coach. I’ve always tried to approach football like the great Mexican boxers. Relentless pressure always moving forward playing with a lot of heart. Win or lose, my teams usually play with everything they have. That’s why my teams come out to mariachi music like Salvador Sanchez or Cain Velasquez. We’re getting ready for a fight. 

Q: Have you started any of your off-season training yet?

A: We have started lifting. That’s where culture is built. I have my masters in exercise physiology. I love lifting with the kids and helping them get stronger. 

Q: Are you going to stick with the ground and pound like you did at San Gabriel?

A: Running the ball will always be my style. Some years we may throw more than others but I just firmly believe in order to win a title you have to be able to run the ball in the playoffs. I’ve been lucky enough to win 2 titles and that’s been the recipe. 

Q: Who are some of the players to look for this upcoming season?

A: Look out for our big offensive tackle Derek Gonzalez. He clears the path for us. Christian Flores is another guy to watch out for. One of those kids who’s just a magnet for the football. Davon Lewis is returning and is going to have a big year. We are really excited for our defensive tackle Travon Thomas (transfer from St. John Bosco) who’s looking to have a big junior season. Jojo Venegas had a nice sophomore year at quarterback for us last year and is ready to take us to the next level this season. We have a lot of returners ready to make an immediate impact. 

Q: Anything else you like to let us know? 

A: I’d like everyone to know we got great kids at Nogales, hardworking, humble kids. We respect everyone. I hope everyone checks out a game.  I’m truly blessed with an incredible staff. 

Thank you Coach, see you Sunday.