BANGS — Damien Santillanes was the student last season as an underclassman receiver and linebacker on a senior-laden Bangs Dragons football team. This year, as one of only five Bangs players with significance varsity experience, Santillanes has switched roles to that of teacher.

“The last couple of years, I had older guys to set us straight. I know good people taught me,” said Santillanes, a third-year starter. “Now, I’m one of the guys helping the younger players get on the right path.

“Most of our new guys are up from the JV last year. We talk to them about the faster tempo on the varsity level and about how there will be a lot more fans at the games now. We tell them to focus on doing their job and don’t worry about the fast tempo or the bigger crowds.”