INSIDE: SCHEDULE 3 • GAME PREVIEWS 6 • ROSTER 4
Gracing the Gridiron San Clemente Tritons focused on conquering tough schedule, searching for success in 2010
T
he San Clemente Tritons intend to perform at the highest possible level in 2010—no different than their goals in the past. The beginning of every season brings with it a new sense of urgency similar to previous years, and there are always certain elements about a football program that the players have to adjust to in order to reach their platform of success. For the Tritons, three big elements are in the spotlight and will ultimately shape the outcome of the year. The boys will battle through a rigorous schedule this fall, relying on a new, but familiar, set of eyes behind center, all while trying to coalesce as a team that may have to rely on their skill and athleticism rather than senior experience. You’ll hear it in their chants come rally time before, during and after games, players clad in black and red set for battle—“SC! Can’t be beat! Won’t be beat! You know!” Story by David Zimmerle Continued on page 3
TRITONS IN A NUTSHELL ’09 Record: 6-5, 3-2 in South Coast League (third) Playoffs: Lost to Servite, 38-10, in first round of Pac-5 playoffs Returning Starters: Offense: 6; Defense, 6 Offensive Set: Spread/Fly Defensive Set: 3-4 Head Coach: Eric Patton (entering 12th year at SCHS, 86-37-1, 142-69-2 overall) Assistant Coaches: Dave Brown (asst. head coach, offensive coordinator), Jamie Ortiz (defensive coordinator/ILB), Joe Wood (running backs), Jon Hamro (offensive line), Kem Lawyer (offensive line), John Allred (receivers), Rocky Brown (receivers), Troy Kopp (quarterbacks), Ken Goldstone (defensive backs), Dwight McKenna (outside linebackers), Jim Berg and Jeff Veeder (inside backers), Pat Harlow (defensive line), Chris Culbertson (defensive line/kickers), Don Jacobsen (long snappers), Greg Wire (equipment), Stephen McCullough (videotape) Photo by Brian Miller
GO TRITONS!
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES | TRITONS FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PAGE 1
Gracing the Gridiron (Cont. from page 1)
THE SERIOUS SCHEDULE San Clemente enters the year ranked No. 10 in Orange County and though they’re not the heavy favorites to win the South Coast League title outright and off the snap, they’re sure going to give opponents a run for their money. Before they even hit league, San Clemente will have to battle through Villa Park, Fountain Valley, La Costa Canyon, Mater Dei and Newport Harbor. Ask head coach Eric Patton if the bar has been set high enough, and he’ll tell you it’s one of the highest he’s seen. “I have very high expectations for this team, and I believe it’s one of the better teams we’ve had here at San Clemente since I’ve been coach,” Patton said. “I think this is a team with great potential, great players who exhibit leadership and team spirit, that’s looking to be better than they’ve been in the past.” Last season the Tritons rolled through much of their league schedule knowing exactly what was at stake. But now they have to couple that thought process with some new opponents who will not be easy to beat. “A league championship—that’s our goal every year, and we have a great opportunity to achieve that goal this year,” Patton said. “Our schedule is strong—teams like Mater Dei, Villa Park, Newport Harbor and La Costa Canyon we’ll face early, and then our league schedule gets strong especially with having to face Trabuco Hills in there now. But the goal is to get into the playoffs and go as far as we possibly can. If we have a Cinderella year and we go to the finals and bring home a championship, then that’s what our goal is.” They’re all important games, but when the Tritons put on the pads and hit the field to take on the Monarchs of Mater Dei come September 24, it will be an especially important game for Patton—he played high school football at Mater Dei High School from 196567 before his time as a linebacker at Notre Dame from 1969-71—and he has every intent to walk off the field at Thalassa Stadium with the win. “This is without a doubt one of the toughest schedules we’ve ever had,” he said. “And the fact that Mater Dei is on it makes it special. That is going to be a showcase game, and anyone that plays them knows they’re in the spotlight for that week. They’re a good team and we’re going to have to play our Agame if we’re going to beat them.” And what about the rest of their non-league schedule? “I’d say overall there are four very strong Orange County teams in our non-league schedule that will really test us as far as what we’ll able to do,” he said. “La Costa Canyon, for example, is a recent CIF champion even if it was two years ago, so overall we’ll just have to see how the boys handle it week by week.”
surprised if junior Travis Wilson (6-6, 215) ends up ascending into the ranks of San Clemente High School glory, essentially pulling off the same kind of magic that made Rettig so palatable and fun to watch. “We’re playing pretty much the same offense as last year, and keep in mind (Chase) Rettig was only with us for six months, while Travis has been with us for two years and knows the offense better than Rettig,” Patton said. “We’re comfortable with that, and though he may be a little green in experience and technique, he has a lot of upside in terms of what he can accomplish in his career as a Triton.” Wilson finished his 2009 back-up role going 13-for-21 in completions with a 62 percent passer rating. He totaled 142 yards through the air with no touchdowns and just one interception, so look for those numbers to obviously increase with the more reps he takes this season. In their 42-20 win against Baldwin High School on August 26, Wilson was 14-of-20 through the air with 245 yards and one touchdown. Suffice to say the trip to Maui was a success. “I think (Wilson) is going to be one of great quarterbacks in the history of the high school who follows in the tradition of San Clemente High,” Patton said.
A YOUNG GUN With Chase Rettig now gone and playing football for Boston College, you might think this year will be one of growing pains for the quarterback selected to fill his shoes. You might be right, but then again don’t be
THE BUMPER CROP Skill…Athleticism…Determination—just some of the words that come to mind when you think about the rest of the varsity squad. Sure there are some new faces on both sides of the ball, but many are right in
GO TRITONS!
Tritons summer practice. Photo by Brian Miller
line with what has made the program one of pedigree in the past. On offense, senior wide receiver Jordan Micalef (18 catches, 215 yards) returns to the starting fold after an impressive 2009 campaign where he was also competing with Triton greats like Dominick Ela and David Espino. Anchoring the offensive line will be guys like Kyle Murphy (junior, 6-7, 268), Connor O’Brien (junior, 5-10, 260) and Thomas Olds (senior, 6-4, 275), while players like Nick Pasquale (junior, DB/RB),
Terrell Johnson (senior, WR, 5-9, 170) and Mike Elesperu (junior, RB, 5-10, 185) will be crucial outlets for yards whether through the air or out of the backfield. “We’ll probably feature more of a fly sweep offense than what we’ve featured in previous years once we get going,” Patton said “There’s actually a couple of good guys we have as sweepers in order to employ this type of offense, and I think we’ll try and implement it as much as we can because it takes a special runner, and we feel we have them this year.” On defense, San Clemente will be led by Olds and Sam Lacebol (senior, DL, 6-0, 238) as the mainstays up front while Noah Maningo (senior, MLB, 6-0, 235), Chad Foster (junior, MLB, 5-11, 210), Herbert Gamboa (junior, OLB, 6-0, 200), Christian Bailey (sophomore, DB, 6-0, 180) and Bennett Jonas (junior, DB, 6-2, 195) will thwart offensive attacks if teams decide to go run-heavy or sling the skin for points downfield. “There’s a high degree of athleticism at all our skill positions, and defensively, I think we have some great team speed, which will be a great equalizer in situations,” Patton said. “I think size on defense is overrated, but speed is a critical factor. We just have to make sure our underclassmen mature quickly where they’re not making sophomore and junior mistakes.” In all, the Tritons have the tools in place to will this season toward a successful end. The only thing that matters now is how they execute and fight through setbacks, whether they come in the form of injuries, mental lapses or getting settled into the new season. “We’ll prepare for every game the same and when we do get to league there is always a new sense of urgency,” Patton said. “In the end it really just becomes an endurance contest and a matter of who can stay healthy. One thing I know is different is that during the pre-league portion of our schedule we’ll be much more conservative in resting players and avoiding injuries. When we make the playoffs we have to make sure to have everyone there who can play.” No doubt, we’ll all be watching. SC
2010 SAN CLEMENTE TRITONS SCHEDULE DATE Aug. 26 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12
OPPONENT @ Baldwin VILLA PARK+ FOUNTAIN VALLEY< @ La Costa Canyon MATER DEI~ @ Newport Harbor BYE TRABUCO HILLS#* @ Dana Hills* MISSION VIEJO^* BYE @ Tesoro*
LOCATION Maui San Clemente San Clemente La Costa Canyon San Clemente Newport Harbor
TIME 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
San Clemente Dana Hills San Clemente
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Tesoro
7 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS *South Coast League game; + Pop Warner Night; < Hall of Fame Night; ~ Triton Toss; # Homecoming, ^ Senior Night
SAN CLEMENTE TIMES | TRITONS FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PAGE 3
NUMERICAL ROSTER NO. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 42 43 44 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 66 67 68 71 73 76 77 78 79 80 85
NAME Terrell Johnson Bret Miller Jordan Micalef Christian Tober Jacob Graff Travis Wilson Connor Stuart Jake Klein Nick Pasquale Jake Elston Dale Stewlow Sean Donnelly Bennett Jonas Brennan O’Toole Alex Alvarez Erwin Gonzalez Herbert Gamboa Zach Moore Kyle Kruhmin Sam Empero Jake Rawlings Colin Cobb Jr. Mike Elespuru Spencer Montoya Nico Ruberti Christian Bailey Jd Carroll Marcus Merredith Zach Haley Sam Lacebol Xavier Washington Joey Buonofiglio Noah Maningo Max Satossky Ryan Alvarez Landon Cook Julian Perry Cameron Streeter Connor O’Brien Glen Thomson Chad Foster Austin Tubbs Sean Kennedy Nick Hendry Thomas Olds Brian Knauf Adrian Galvan Travis Ashbrook Everett Eckloff Antonio Pedraza Sean Harlow Eric Cruz Gabriel Hernandez Tyler Rodriguez Tyler Witherspoon Nathan Crowe Andrew Strange Kyle Murphy Mike Simpson Luke Reher Matt Cesario
POS HT WR 5-9 K 5-11 WR 6-2 DB 5-8 WR 6-1 QB 6-6 DB,WR 6-2 OLB 6-0 DB, RB, WR 5-9 WR 5-11 QB 5-5 QB 6-1 DB 6-2 DB 5-10 WR, K, DB 5-11 K 5-7 OLB, RB 6-0 OLB 5-11 WR 5-9 RB 5-7 DB 5-6 RB, ILB, DL 5-10 RB 5-10 RB, WR 5-9 OLB 6-3 DB, WR 6-0 WR 5-7 DB, WR 5-10 LB 5-9 DL 6-0 DB 5-10 LB 5-5 MLB 6-0 RB 5-8 K 6-0 ILB, RB 5-7 DL, LB 5-11 LB 5-10 C 5-10 DL 6-1 MLB 5-11 LS 5-11 DL 5-11 DL 6-1 DL, OL 6-4 OL 5-11 DL 5-11 DL, OL 6-0 OL 6-2 DL 5-7 OL, DL 6-2 C 5-10 DL, OL 5-9 OL 6-4 OL 6-0 OL 6-1 OL, DL 6-5 OL, DL 6-7 OL, DL 6-0 WR 5-10 WR 5-8
WT 170 165 195 170 200 215 190 185 165 165 155 175 195 175 185 183 200 160 180 165 175 215 185 190 205 180 165 180 170 238 167 155 235 190 180 170 200 195 260 215 210 205 205 225 275 200 180 205 235 205 215 220 230 272 224 240 260 268 200 145 150
GR 12 10 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 12 10 11 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 11 12 11 10 11 10 11 12 11 11 12 12 10 10 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 12 12 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 11
PAGE 4 | TRITONS FOOTBALL PREVIEW | SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
OFFENSE DEPTH CHART Tackle
Wide Receiver
Guard
Center
Guard
“FLY” OFFENSE
Tackle
Wide Receiver
X
H-back 78- Murphy 71- Rodriguez
3- Micalef 11- Elston
66- Harlow 79- Simpson
Split End 57- Olds 79- Simpson
50- O’Brien
77- Strange 71- Rodriguez
Quarterback 10- Pasquale 22- Kruhmin
1- Johnson 28- Montoya
Tailback
7- Wilson 14- Donnelly 12- Stewlow
Returning Starters in Bold
6- Graff 18- A. Alvarez
Kicker 18- A. Alvarez 19- Gonzalez 2- Miller 42- R. Alvarez
27- Elesperu 35- Anthony
F I V E T O WAT C H O F F E N S E Travis Wilson QB (No. 7), 6-6, 215, Jr. The kid’s got the arm and size to be a winner. He’ll use his experience as a two-year student of the Triton offense to guide this team when the pressure is on.
Jordan Micalef WR (No. 3), 6-2, 195, Sr. Micalef’s speed and athleticism are key for the Tritons this year. He’s definitely comfortable with his role as a go-to receiver at any point in the game.
Terrell Johnson WR (No.1), 5-9, 170, Sr. Johnson is cocaptain and a vocal leader for the Tritons. Add to that his flair for breaking off chunks of yards after the catch. Though a bit undersized, he’ll thrive in his role in the spread/fly offense.
Nick Pasquale RB/WR (No. 10), 5-9, 165, Jr. He still needs to bring the health meter to its fullest, but once this kid gets going, he’s a terror to stop. There’s a reason why he’s playing both sides of the ball and starting on offense now.
DEFENSE DEPTH CHART Tackle
Noseguard
Thomas Olds OG/DT (No. 57), 6-4, 275, Sr. Massive in stature, Olds is a player that can be considered a rock for the Tritons whether he’s on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.
“3-4” DEFENSE
Tackle
End/LB
End/LB
Cornerback
Cornerback 29- Ruberti 49- Streeter
15- Jonas 17- O’Toole
57- Olds 51- Thomson
25- Cobb Jr. 44- Perry
Linebacker
34- Lacebol 51- Thomson
Linebacker
Strong Safety
Returning Starters in Bold
20- Gamboa 37- Buonofiglio
Free Safety 38- Maningo 43- Cook
52- Foster 43- Cook
32- Merredith 36- Washington
30- Bailey 8- Stuart
4- Tober 40- Curtis Punter 18- A. Alvarez 19- Gonzalez 2- Miller 42- R. Alvarez
F I V E T O WAT C H D E F E N S E Noah Maningo LB (No. 38), 6-0, 235, Sr. One of the top returning starters from last year, Maningo is lights out when he zeroes in for a hit and can move well sideline to sideline.
Chad Foster LB (No. 52), 5-11, 210, Jr. A bigtime backup last season, Foster has paid his dues and will contribute his share of production behind the front lines.
Christian Tober CB (No. 4), 5-8, 170, Jr. Teams who are looking to pass in Tober’s direction better be sure they know what they’re up against. He’s shown good movement and lockdown skills so far.
Nico Ruberti LB (No. 29), 6-3, 205, Jr. He’ll slide in nicely as a key component to San Clemente’s linebacker core. Last season he had 22 total tackles as a back-up.
Herbert Gamboa LB (No. 20), 6-0, 200, Jr. A smart, upandcoming player, look for big things from Gamboa—he’s a big time name coming out of the county and combines great strength and speed on the field.
GO TRITONS!
G A M E P R E V I E WS August 26
BALDWIN BEARS Location: Baldwin ABOUT THE BEARS 2009 record: 6-4 (6-2 league) 09 vs. SCHS: DNP Affiliation: Maui Coach: Aj Rooloos 2010 Team Overview: The Bears tied for first in the Maui League in 2009 and are a force to be reckoned with year in and year out. Fortunately, for the San Clemente Tritons getting past the Bears proved a nice warm-up to the season as they beat Baldwin 42-20 on August 26. The Tritons owned their opponent in all facets of the game. Triton junior quarterback Travis Wilson had a great debut as starter going 14-for20 with 245 yards through the air and one touchdown pass. Meanwhile, running backs Mike Elesperu (two rushing touchdowns) and Terrell Johnson (two rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown) combined for 71 yards rushing, while wide receiver Jordan Micalef led with seven catches for 129 yards.
October 1
September 3
September 10
September 17
September 24
VILLA PARK SPARTANS Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY BARONS Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m.
LA COSTA CANYON MAVERICKS Location: La Costa Canyon Time: 7 p.m.
MATER DEI MONARCHS Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m.
ABOUT THE SPARTANS 2009 record: 7-4 (3-2 in league) 09 vs. SCHS: DNP Affiliation: Century Coach: Dusan Ancich 2010 Team Overview: Head coach Dusan Ancich will look to continue improving his veteran squad heading into his third full year at the helm. Ancich has turned Villa Park into a respectable force and in 2009, leading the Spartans to their first winning season since 2006. An offensive weapon on the field last year, senior wide receiver Clay Scarborough will look to have another explosive year. The 6-2, 190 lb senior led the Spartans in 2009 with 603 receiving yards and ran for six touchdowns. What’s even more impressive about Scarborough’s 09 season is that he averaged 19.45 yards a catch. The Spartans backfield will remain intact as the senior tandem of Kapena Olsen (RB) and David Tafuna (FB) are returning.
ABOUT THE BARONS 2009 record: 8-3 (3-2 in league) 09 vs. SCHS: DNP Affiliation: Sunset Coach: John Shipp 2010 Team Overview: Last year, much of the Barons success depended on their running game. Kyle Middlebrooks, who graduated and now attends Arizona State, dominated on the field and ran for 168.4 yards per game and scored 20 touchdowns. With Middlebrooks gone to the college ranks, the Barons will have to look for someone else to step up and contribute. With the success of their ground game last year, look for Fountain Valley to stick with what works against the Tritons come game-day. The Barons have multiple weapons at the running back position that are a cause for concern. Working with limited carries last year, junior Christian Calvillo averaged 5.2 yards per carry and could be the Barons running back of the future.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS 2009 record: 11-1 (5-0 league) 09 VS. SCHS: DNP Affiliation: Avocado – West Coach: Darrin Brown 2010 Team Overview: La Costa Canyon came within one game of a perfect season last year and one would think that is all the motivation they will need to try and one up their 2009 campaign. But things will not be as easy for the Mavericks in 2010 as they have been in the past. This year the team returns only seven players to its varsity squad, but the depth and veteran presence at the Mavericks skill positions should help the transition. Leading the Mavericks on offense will be senior quarterback Garret Kristich (6-3, 215) who completed 62 percent of his passes last year en route to throwing for 1,309 yards. On the other side of the ball, senior standout Ian Seau (6-2, 250 DE/LB) will help take control of the defense.
ABOUT THE MONARCHS 2009 record: 6-5 (2-2 league) 09 vs. SCHS: DNP Affiliation: Trinity Coach: Bruce Rollinson 2010 Team Overview: Mater Dei continues to be one of the top high school football programs in Southern California. But last year the powerhouse showed the rest of the competition that there are some chinks in their armor, struggling early in the season with back to back losses against Servite and Orange Lutheran. Coach Bruce Rollinson will have 15 returning players this year, among them being standout quarterback Max Wittek (6-4, 215). Wittek had a solid 2009 season where he passed for 2,126 yards and threw 15 touchdown passes. Senior Victor Blackwell (6-1, 190) will most likely be Wittek’s favorite target. He pulled in 52 catches, amassed 116 yards per game and connected for 11 touchdowns in ’09.
NEWPORT HARBOR SAILORS Location: Newport Harbor Time: 7 p.m.
TRABUCO HILLS MUSTANGS Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m.
October 15
DANA HILLS DOLPHINS Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m.
MISSION VIEJO DIABLOS Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m.
October 29
November 12
ABOUT THE SAILORS 2009 record: 6-5 (3-2 league) 09 vs. SCHS: DNP Affiliation: Sunset Coach: Jeff Brinkley 2010 Team Overview: Coach Jeff Brinkley’s teams have grown accustomed to winning and have a battle ahead of them as they look to pull even with league rival Edison High. Newport has proven that they can compete in the tough Sunset league and this year, the Sailors hope that their 12 returning players will push them further into the playoffs. Newport’s backfield was a key part of their offense last season and this year, senior Cedric Whitaker will help maintain that powerful backfield presence. Whitaker (5-7, 165) averaged 6.4 yards per carry in 2009 with six touchdowns. Gone is star WR/LB Cecil Whiteside, but Newport Harbor has two solid defensive players in seniors JB Salem (6-4, 265, DT/OL) and Parker Norton (5-9, 175, CB) that should help keep offenses partially in check.
ABOUT THE MUSTANGS 2009 record: 12-2 (5-0 league) 09 vs. SCHS: Lost 21-3 Affiliation: South Coast Coach: Scott Orloff 2010 Team Overview: Of the Mustangs two losses in 2009, one of them came at the hands of the Tritons. With that in mind, Trabuco Hills will definitely want some payback this time around as they have moved up to the South Coast League. One advantage the Tritons will have will be the experience factor. Trabuco Hills’ depth charts have been depleted due to graduating seniors and will only have five returning players for the 2010 season. And Trabuco Hills will be without their starting quarterback, top running back and top receiver from 2009. Even though they are missing key offensive players from last year, Trabuco Hills will maintain their steady defensive squad. Senior linebacker Nick Cody (6-1, 225, 81 tackles, 5.5 sacks) will be a key figure on defense.
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS 2009 record: 9-3 (4-1 league) 09 vs. SCHS: Won 38-14 Affiliation: South Coast Coach: Brent Melbon 2010 Team Overview: In 2009, the Dolphins ultimately fell short of their goal of winning the South Coast League title at the hands of Mission Viejo and were eventually knocked out of the postseason by Southern California powerhouse, Edison. But their 2009 run in which they won all but one league game should fuel the fire for head coach Brent Melbon’s team in 2010. A cornerstone in the Dolphins game plan last year was Chris Kearney. Now a senior, Kearney will be the versatile player that he was last year, where he did it all. He ran for 459 yards, had 65 receptions for 699 yards, played defense amassing 29 total tackles, and to top it off he was the team’s punter and punt/ kickoff returner.
ABOUT THE DIABLOS 2009 record: 12-1 (5-0 league) 09 vs. SCHS: Won 55-7 Affiliation: South Coast Coach: Bob Johnson 2010 Team Overview: On paper, the reigning South Coast League champs appear to be at a disadvantage before they kick-off their 2010 season. The Diablos will be without their starting QB, top RB and WR from the 2009-2010 season. But coach Bob Johnson has faith in depth. Year after year, new players are inserted into the system and for the most part, they get results. Last year’s JV team went a perfect 10-0 and should help fill up the depth charts. As a sophomore last year, junior QB Alex Bridgford completed 64 percent of his passes for a total of 339 yards and should win the spot for 2010. Last year, the Diablos handed the Tritons their worst defeat of the season by the score of 55-7—the only time in the 2009-10 where the Tritons offense failed to score more than once.
ABOUT THE TITANS 2009 Record: 5-5 (2-3 in league) 09 vs. SCHS: Lost 34-28 Affiliation: South Coast Coach: Brian Barnes 2010 Team Overview: Coach Brian Barnes and his team are looking to rebuild. They were 13-1 in 2008 but only managed a five win season in 2009-2010. Part of that could be accredited to playing in the tough South Coast League where they play against teams with deep rosters like Mission Viejo. The Titans struggled in league play last year and won only two South Coast League games. Aside from all of that mediocrity, the Titans have a lot to look forward to in 2010. A key part of the Titans defense will rest on the shoulders of senior defensive end, Sean O’Grady (6-3, 230). Last year, O’Grady had 48 total tackles to go along with 5.5 sacks. Tesoro’s top receiver, Kyle Woolbright, is also returning.
PAGE 6 | TRITONS FOOTBALL PREVIEW | SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
October 22
TESORO TITANS Location: Tesoro Time: 7 p.m.
GO TRITONS!