Prep Football Summer Series: Calexico Bulldogs

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Calexico Bulldogs are no strangers to adversity. After a 2024 season plagued by injuries, particularly at the quarterback position the Bulldogs still managed to claw their way into the playoffs with a respectable 6–4 record.

Now, with a healthy roster and an offseason of development under their belts, the team has its sights set on a deeper postseason run in 2025.

As part of KYMA's Prep Football Summer Series, head coach Fernando Solano sat down with our team to reflect on last season's challenges and the promise of what's ahead.

"Our lifting program never really stopped," Solano said. "We got back to work in November and kept building through the spring and summer. It's been about developing depth especially at quarterback and keeping our guys healthy."

That quarterback depth was put to the test last season, with Calexico forced to start its third-string signal-caller late in the year. The quarterback, Israel Reyes, is now the projected starter heading into 2025 and Solano believes the adversity has only made him stronger.

"He got real game experience in tough situations," said Solano. "Now he's heading into the season with confidence and a full offseason of preparation."

The Bulldogs will also lean heavily on a strong running game, led by returning backs Andre Lopez and Jose Fernandez. Both flashed potential in 2024 and are expected to play major roles in the team's offensive identity this fall.

"They’re tough runners and understand the system," said Solano. "With them in the backfield and Israel under center, we're hoping to open up the play-action game we couldn't quite get to last year."

Despite graduating 25 seniors over the last two seasons, Solano says many of those players had limited varsity experience. That's left the program in a constant cycle of development, but it's a challenge he embraces.

"We focus a lot on mindset and fundamentals," he explained. "Some of these kids don't have much competition experience when they get here, so it's about building that edge, teaching them how to compete."

Looking ahead, Solano's goals are clear: Keep the team healthy and make another playoff push hopefully with more weapons and more stability.

"We play in a tough conference, and we know we're going to face bigger, faster teams," he said. "But, we can control how we prepare, how we compete, and how we take care of our bodies. If we stay healthy, I really believe we can make some noise this year."

Be sure to catch more from our Prep Football Summer Series all week on KYMA.