Few quarterbacks in the state had a tougher assignment last year than Big Spring’s Gabriel Baeza.

Thrust into the starting position less than a year removed from a season on the freshman squad, the then-sophomore signal caller had to lead a rebuilding program in its first year under coach Cannon McWilliams against a schedule that was nothing short of brutal.

While the results weren’t always pretty — the Steers averaged 13.8 points per game on their way to a 2-9 record — Baeza’s growth against that backdrop earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. And heading into his second year as starter, expectations are considerably higher for the 6-foot, 180-pound junior.