PORTLAND — At first glance, No. 9 Gregory-Portland's explosive offense seems to be on par with the team that averaged 51 points a game last season, went 11-2 and marched to the third round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs.
But a closer inspection reveals an improved passing game that could be key to trying to break through the regional semifinal ceiling that has stopped the Wildcats in recent years
.In Carter Dominguez's second season as G-P's starting quarterback, sliding over from his role as a receiver as a sophomore, the Wildcats' passing attack looks to be just as much of a threat as its running game.
G-P is averaging 472 yards a game through Week 4 in 2026 after posting 414 yards a game last season, but what stands out is the Wildcats
have thrown for an average of 230 yards a game compared to just over 150 yards each outing last season.
"Last year. we were able to move it on the ground and get a good push up front, but I feel like later on in the playoffs, and in close games, being able to pass the ball and throw it over the top will help a lot," Dominguez, now a senior, said.
The dual-threat, left-handed signal caller has thrown for 763 yards and seven touchdowns and run for another 471 yards and eight scores through the first month of the season.
Dominguez and the G-P passing attack has distributed the ball with three pass catchers all over 200 yards four weeks into the season — receivers Jacob Powell (287 yards) and Cohen Bartee (226), and tight end Conner Haubelt (248).
Gregory-Portland offensive coordinator Greg Winder said the expereince that Dominguez garnered last season is paying dividends.
"He's got one year under his belt," Winder said. "That makes a huge difference. When you have that, and when you have the weapons that we have, it is fun to go to practice and fun to come out here and play on Friday nights."
Winder said all of the team's success starts up front, where G-P returned senior guards Luke Gonzales and Gilbert Moreno.
"When those guys are on, the rest of the offense is on," Winder said. "We want to run the football. When we do that, it opens up the passing game. Of course, you have Carter back there running everywhere."
Dominguez showcased that in one spectacular play in a 59-21 win against Veterans Memorial when he rolled out to pass, reversed field and then maneuvered his way down the sideline, before cutting back toward the middle of the field and outracing defenders to the goal line for a spectacular touchdown.
The threat of the passing game opened up the lane for Dominguez to score one of his eight rushing TDs on the year, which have established momentum for the team in nearly every game.
Dominguez said the experience of starting last year contributes more than just on the field.
"It helps me get prepared during the week," Dominguez said. "I know what to do (before the game). I learn from the scout team and it helps a lot."
Now, the Wildcats are state ranked and have shifted into District 15-5A Division II play where they are the favorites to capture their second straight district title, but the coaches and team have not minced words when it comes to what goals they are working for this season.
"We have to get past the third round," coach Brent Davis said in August. "We haven't beaten one of the northern teams. We have to get to that level. We have to get where we can compete better against them."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Improved passing attack key in No. 9 Gregory-Portland's success
