Central Coast Football 2016

CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL 2016

Star power meets the grid

The Central Coast is packed with star players, like St. Joseph’s Steelee Morgan and Fenton Will, Lompoc’s Toa Taua and Kam Davis, and Arroyo Grande’s Matt Sill and Sawyer May. And they’ll all collide in 2016.

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Joe Bailey

JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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ost people would argue that Christmas and New Year’s are the best time of the year.

I have a different argument.

With a full high school football season in front of us, I say it can’t get much better than this. It’s like Christmas in August.

As I head into my seventh season with Lee Central Coast Newspapers, I’ve found that I haven’t lost my passion for covering this game over that time. But, rather, it has grown.

There are a number of reasons for that. Of course the game of football is a lot of fun. But for me, really, it’s always been about the people.

The coaches have all been incredibly kind and generous with their time and help in spreading news of their teams’ achievements. The players are fun, and full of energy. The stereotype of a dimwitted football player doesn’t really hold true. The majority of players I’ve met, and that number is now a couple hundred, have been refreshingly bright, wellspoken and incredibly hardworking.

They’re all a big reason why I love this time of year.

So, as the season arrives later this week, let’s reward those who help make these

games happen. The players, coaches, maintenance crews, ticket takers, administrators and everyone in between, by going out to some games or watching some on TV or online.

You don’t have to look too far to see how generous area coaches and players are with their time and energy. For the second straight year, we held our LCCN Media Day at St. Joseph earlier this month.

A dozen area head coaches and nearly 100 of their players came out to St. Joseph’s Jay Will Stadium. Andrew Jones and six of his players and Don Willis with six more from Cabrillo came all the way from Lompoc to do interviews and take photos.

All just to help us hype up this season.

Tom Goossen and a few of his talented Eagles made the trek down from Arroyo Grande and spent about half an hour talking to us on camera.

Josh McClurg sent his guys up from Santa Ynez, and his group of team leaders was a joy to talk to.

This was all during the first week of fall camp and I know how much these coaches value time with their players. So we truly appreciate everyone helping us put this special section together.

A huge thanks has to go to Josh Wong and Dustin Davis from St. Joseph. They’ve

agreed to host our media day every year and have been incredibly helpful in getting that event going and they’ve welcomed us back in the future. That’s great to hear, because it seems like all the players and coaches enjoy coming out and getting some of their media obligations out of the way.

It’s also great to see many of the teams getting along at Media Day. It’s a common sight to see a head coach from one particular team giving another head coach tips about facing a complicated defense or if a team is still running the same offense as last year.

Now, if only the local media outlets could show that type of teamwork, we could make Media Day an even bigger event next year.

But enough about that.

None of this would matter if it wasn’t for all the games and there are some particularly pivotal contests on the docket in 2016.

In Week Zero, St. Joseph hosts Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, a powerful school from SoCal. As most of you know, we have been broadcasting live games for more than a decade and that will continue in 2016. We will bring you the action right to your computer for at least 10 straight weeks. The Knights’ home game against Notre Dame is

our first one on the schedule in 2016.

Fox will also be webcasting a Week Zero game, and we hear it’s going to be Arroyo Grande at Lompoc. As always, that’s a great game.

Then we have Week One on Sept. 2, and that week has an even bigger game, with Righetti hosting St. Joseph in the ‘Battle for the Shield.’ We are also planning on broadcasting that game.

As our schedule sits now, we will broadcast at least one live game for all teams in our coverage area. The Pioneer Valley-Santa Maria game is scheduled for Sept. 23 and that should be a great one, as the ‘Main Street Classic’ usually is.

Also, don’t forget about the Lompoc-St. Joseph game on Oct. 28 as that one will likely determine the LPL champion.

Although our live broadcasts are great, that’s not the only plans we’ve got for digital media this season.

Our weekly 805 SportsTalk show has really taken off and we’re ready to have an action-packed year of that show as well, bringing you all the week’s top plays and highlights, along with video interviews from the game’s top players.

Whether it’s live, print or video coverage, we like to do it all, so buckle up and get ready to come along for the ride that is the 2016 season.

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Los Padres League St. Joseph Lompoc Cabrillo Pioneer Valley Santa Ynez

Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8 Page 10-11 Page 12

The PAC 5 League Righetti Arroyo Grande

Page 13-14 Page 16

The Northern League Nipomo Santa Maria

8-man Football Valley Christian Orcutt Academy

Page 17 Page 18-19

College Hancock

Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23

LCCN STAFF Joe Bailey Assistant sports editor jbailey@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2239 Twitter: @JBaileySMSports Elliott Stern Sports Editor estern@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2235 Kenny Cress Sports Writer kcress@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2237 Jacob Rayburn Sports Writer jrayburn@leecentralcoastnews. com (805) 739-2220 Len Wood Assistant Managing Editor lwood@leecentralcoastnews.com Twitter: @lwood83 (805) 739-2215 Marga K. Cooley Managing Editor mcooley@leecentralcoastnews. com Twitter: @MargaCooley (805) 739-2143 Cynthia Schur Publisher cschur@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2154 Braxton Carroll IT Administrator bcarroll@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2222 Sara Edwards Sales representative sedwards@leecentralcoastnews. com (805) 739-2150 Visit Lee Central Coast Newspapers online and on social media! santamariatimes.com lompocrecord.com syvnews.com Facebook.com/SantaMariaTimes Facebook.com/SMTSports Twitter: @SMTSportsDesk Twitter: @SantaMariaTimes

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ST. JOSEPH KNIGHTS 2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 SHERMAN OAKS NOTRE DAME, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 @ Righetti, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 ST. BONAVENTURE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 @ Bishop Diego, at SBCC, 7 p.m.

Len Wood, Staff

St. Joseph football players, front row, Steelee Morgan and Kaleb Monette, with Fenton Will and CJ Cole, back row, will try to lead the Knights to the CIF quarterfinals for the third year in a row.

Joe Bailey J BA I L EY@ L E EC E N T R A LCOAST N EWS.CO M

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Season outlook

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n four seasons as the Knights’ coach Dustin Davis is 31-15.

That’s quite an incredible mark, one that stands out even more when all things are considered.

The Knights were in the PAC 7 League when Davis first got there.

He then guided them to a PAC 7 championship. They’ve also made the quarterfinals of the Southern Section playoffs the past two years, losing to eventual champion Camarillo there in 2015.

Davis’ Knights are 6-2 since moving in the Los Padres League two years ago, their only losses coming to Lompoc.

So it’s clear: The Knights, one of the smaller schools in the area and Southern Section, don’t go

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 5 Base offense: No huddle spread.

Base defense: Odd front.

Returning starters: Offense — 4.

Defense — 4.

2015 record: 9-3 (3-1 LPL).

Head coach: Dustin Davis, fifth season, career record 31-15, 1 PAC 7 League title, 2012.

Top returner on offense: CJ Cole, 18 carries, 139 yards, 64 catches, 950 yards, 11 TDs in 2015.

through rebuilding processes.

There aren’t many valleys in the history of St. Joseph football.

That history is filled with mostly peaks.

So don’t expect the Knights to struggle in 2016, even though

Top returner on defense: Fenton Will, LB, 60 solo tackles, 56 assists, 4.0 sacks in 2015.

Key losses: Joe Guzman, RB-LB, Blake Jaeckels QB, Ben Rantz, C-DL, Jose Garcia, FB-DL, Trenton Carter, DL, Max Morris, WR-DB. Top returners: Nate Guzman 5-10, 165 JR WR; Justin Wong 6-1, 170 JR WR; Mason Biely, 6-2, 180 JR WR. Top newcomers: Dino Maldonado, SO QB, 6-0, 180.

they’ve lost a number of key players, like star QB Blake Jaeckels — who accounted for 68 touchdowns (throwing for 48 and running for 20) the past two years — and have an incredibly difficult schedule ahead.

St. Joseph’s grueling preseason schedule starts with Notre Dame at home, then playing at rival Righetti, while also taking on St. Bonny.

Linebacker Fenton Will is ready for that early-season challenge.

“We feel pretty confident in what we can do,” Will said. “Notre Dame is a really good team and we are really looking forward to showing everybody what we can do.”

Will said the Knights have about 17 seniors on this year’s squad.

The Knights will also be without stud playmaker Joe Guzman, who graduated. But they aren’t lacking in guys who will make plays.

Just look at this list: The Knights have three returning AllLPL receivers in Nate Guzman, Joe’s little brother, Mason Biely and CJ Cole.

Justin Wong had a big

Sept. 23 ARROYO GRANDE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 @ San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 CABRILLO, 7 p.m.* Oct. 14 @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m. * Oct. 21 BYE Oct. 28 LOMPOC 7 p.m.* Nov. 4 @ Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.* * — Los Padres League game.

Home games in CAPS.

sophomore season in 2015 and his coaches expect even bigger things out of him this year after he shot up over the summer, now standing over 6 feet.

Wong had 18 grabs for 245 yards and two TDs last season.

Nate Guzman wound up with 22 for 211 yards and a score.

Biely was a big-play threat for the Knights last year, racking up 398 yards on only 16 catches with 5 TDs. That’s about 25 yards per catch.

But if you make a claim that Cole is the most explosive player on the Central Coast, nobody is going to argue with you. What’s interesting about Cole heading into the 2016 season is that he may not see a whole lot of time at receiver.

He’s going to be spending most of that playing time, at least at the start of the season, at quarterback. That’s right, the Davis is putting the most explosive player in the area at QB. Defenses better get ready now.

Cole had tremendous

sophomore and junior seasons catching the ball. Last year he racked up 950 receiving yards on 64 receptions with 11 TDs. He also carried the ball 18 times for 139 yards in 2015.

St. Joseph sophomore Dino Maldonado is also in the mix at quarterback. Davis said he’s open to a two-quarterback system, the player that produces the seeing more of the field.

“Either way we go we’ll have a new quarterback, so we are really going to work on establishing the run,” Davis said. “We can do that with the quarterback running, we can do that without the quarterback running. We’re going to emphasize running the ball, especially early, just to get multiple guys comfortable.”

Davis added that two priorities in the summer have been the Knights’ quick passing game and their intermediate passing game. The quick-hit passing game will keep pressure off the Knight’s new QB. Jaeckels, running the same

W

offense, rushed for 1,400 yards the last two years. So Davis clearly loves an athletic quarterback and Cole’s ability to make plays fits in perfectly with the Knights’ explosive offense.

But enough about that side of the ball, the Knights’ defense looks a bit different, but still pretty good.

Will just might be the top defensive player in the LPL, although Lompoc has a pretty good one as well. The Knights host the Braves on Oct. 28, and that one will feature two tremendous linebackers in Will and Toa Taua.

Will has reportedly committed to play ball for Cal Poly and may be joined by Cole with the Mustangs next year. That Lompoc-St. Joe game will also likely determine the LPL champion, like it has the past two years.

Something that’s different this year though is the playoff groupings. As we reported in June, the CIFSS released its new competitive equity

playoff groupings.

The Knights are now in Division 5, with Lompoc sitting in Division 4, meaning a playoff matchup is impossible. In fact, St. Joseph won’t play any Central Coast teams in the playoffs as the Knights are the only local squad in their division.

Davis is open to the new groupings and seemed more than ready to take another challenge head on.

“We’re all subject to the same formula that they used,” Davis said. “So based on those numbers I think it’s as fair as it could possibly be. I think that it’s a good start and a good way to get this new system started. I’m sure there are going to be kinks, I’m sure there are going to be people who complain.

“I think where we fall is fine.

When I looked at the list originally, there were still schools that had over 4,000 students.

But it is what it is... Does it help us? I don’t know. Does it hurt us? I don’t know.”

PROJECTED STARTERS Defense DL: Jacob Camarena, Noah Lossing, Dom King.

LB: Zach Morris*, Fenton Will*, Clay Will, Will Sorheim.

DB: CJ Cole, Justin Wong, Kaleb Monette, Nate Guzman.

Offense OL: Steelee Morgan*, Noah Duncan, Noah Lossing*, Will Sorheim.

QB: CJ Cole, Dino Maldonado.

RB: DJ Derisio, Fenton Will.

WR: CJ Cole*, Justin Wong, Nate Guzman*, Mason Biely*. * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2015

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GO KNIGHTS!

LOMPOC BRAVES 2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 ARROYO GRANDE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 @ Nipomo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 @ San Marcos, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 SANTA BARBARA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 @ Righetti, 7 p.m.

Len Wood, Staff

There are some new names and faces at Lompoc, but the Braves still have plenty of star power, starting with junior Toa Taua (35). Dallas Canley, front row center, and Ruben Cortez (21) will help Taua carry the load in Lompoc’s vaunted ground game. Kameron Davis (back row, left) is the new QB, while Fred Perry and Isaac Black provide strength in the trenches. Zion Harris (11) will try to provide some playmaking ability in the Braves’ passing game.

Jacob Rayburn

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

JRAYBURN@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

Season Outlook

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here are several tough challenges looming this season for head coach Andrew Jones and the Lompoc High Braves — new playoff division, new quarterback and a youth movement on defense.

But the ultimate goal remains the same for a program that just missed a trip to the Northern Division semifinals last season.

The sting of the 34-31 loss at Thousand Oaks still lingers for the Braves, who finished 10-2 last season after their sixth straight Los Padres League title under Jones.

“We think about it every day,” junior Toa Taua said of the

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 4 Base offense: Pro Base defense: 3-5-3 Returning starters: Offense — 5.

Defense — 6.

2015 record: 10-2 (4-0 LPL) Head coach: Andrew Jones, seventh year, 69-8 career record, 1 Cal Hi Division 3 state championship, 2011, 2 CIF Southern Section Northwest Division championships, 2010 and 2011, 6 Los Padres League titles

quarterfinal loss. “We use it as motivation to work harder. Maybe something could have gone differently if we worked harder in

Top returner on offense: RB Toa Taua.

Top returner on defense: DL Isaac Black Key losses: Torey Sims, QB; Chris Green, RB Top returners: Johnny Manzo 5-8, Jr., WR/DB; Shemar Savage, Jr., WR/DB Top newcomers: Greg Lewis, 5-9, 185, Sr., Rover; Niko Davis, 6-5, 285, Sr., T/DT; Juan De Luna, 5-11, 250, So., NG.

the off-season. The goal is every year to try to get a ring. If that’s not the goal, I don’t know why you’re playing.”

This year the Braves will compete in the first year of the CIF Southern Section’s Division 4.

Lompoc is joined by Sierra Canyon, Etiwanda, Corona del Mar and other top programs.

To reach the postseason, Lompoc must replace Torey Sims, who was a dynamic force at quarterback leading the Braves to 21 wins in two years. Senior Kameron Davis and junior Xavier Nix are competing to be the next quarterback in charge of Lompoc’s powerful option attack, Jones said.

“Torey is irreplaceable,” Jones said. “It’s hard to replace the production he had. We kind of tailored the offense around him. We did some things that we didn’t do the years before Torey came with his athleticism.”

Davis and Nix are each capable

Sept. 30 TEMPLETON, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m. * Oct. 14 BYE Oct. 21 @ Santa Ynez, 7 p.m. * Oct. 28 @ St. Joseph, 7 p.m * Nov. 4 CABRILLO, 7 p.m. * * — Denotes Los Padres League game Home games in CAPS

PROJECTED STARTERS Defense DL: Trenton Carter/ Grayden Adams, Juan De Luna/Danny Ekstrum, Isaac Black* LB: Toa Taua*/Jelani Henderson, Xavier Nix/ Grayden Adams, Ruben Cortez* Rover: Zion Harris/Greg Lewis, Dallas Canley DB: Jimmy Gardner, Shemar Savage, Johnny Manzo/D’artagnan Canley Offense OL: Niko Davis/Zach Beachey, Jonathon Barragon, Fred Perry*, Robert Grice, Isaac Black* QB: Kameron Davis/ Xavier Nix Len Wood, Staff

Lompoc’s Toa Taua — seen here against Dos Pueblos last September — can do it all on the field, but will be playing more at safety this year, the position he expects to play in college. Taua is a top recruit, holding offers from Hawaii and Washington State, but still dreams of playing for USC.

well hand it to them. Those are the things we’ve been focusing on now in camp. When it’s third down we have to raise our intensity.”

Jones pointed out that the Braves have done well in the past playing their strongest players on both sides of the ball while developing new talent. Jones lauded the play of senior Isaac Black on

both lines and the emergence of junior safety Jimmy Gardner, who had 24 tackles last season.

“But we’re just getting the pads on now and trying to figure out who’s a sheep and who’s a wolf,” Jones said.

For their part, Davis and Taua are confident based on what they’ve seen from the Braves since last season.

“Right off the bat we’re noticing we have a lot of camaraderie together,” Davis said. “We’re a lot closer than I think we were last year. We’re going to be one big unit.

“It’s great. We’re all out there trying to make each other. We all contribute to each other. Our line is awesome. It’s going to be a great year.”

RB: Toa Taua*, Dallas Canley, Ruben Cortez* FB: Danny Ekstrum WR: Shemar Savage, Johnny Manzo, Greg Lewis TE: Grayden Adams/Niko Sapp * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2015

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Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2016 |

of running the offense and Jones said he’s willing to play both until someone claims an edge.

Whether it’s Nix or Davis under center, there are several talented athletes who can ease the playmaking burden.

Leading the charge will be Taua, who is expected to carry the ball more this season. Taua also said he is moving to safety instead of starting at linebacker, but he expects the front seven to excel in his absence.

“We have so many talented players this year, they fill right in,” Taua said. “It’s no big issue.

(Playing safety) is a lot different but I’m getting used to it. I like it.”

Regardless of where Taua lines up, Jones holds the third-year varsity player to a demanding standard.

“He’s got to be the heart and soul of our team,” he said. “I tell him that every day. If he’s up and enthusiastic for practice, the whole team is. If he’s having a bad day and his head is down, then the whole team is down. He’s kind of our heartbeat. We expect things big out of him.”

Juniors Ruben Cortez, Dallas Canley and Shemar Savage also are part of a wave of class of 2018 players who will be important pieces on offense and defense. And that leads to the question of how well a young defense fares after struggling last year in big games.

One cause for concern jumped off the film.

“We were almost pathetic on third down defense,” Jones recalled. “It was almost like — first down one yard, second down minus one yard, third down ... give them a first down. Might as

CABRILLO CONQUISTADORES Jacob Rayburn JRAYBURN@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

Season Outlook

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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abrillo won one game last year in a season of unending frustration for the Conqs. The experience caused head coach Don Willis, the rest of his staff and the players to hit the reset button on building the program.

It’s been five years since Cabrillo’s last winning season in 2011, when the 11-win Conqs fell to Lompoc in the Northwest Division final. Now in a newly-formed Division 11, the Conqs face a tough road to build a playoff team.

The work started in January with a frank assessment of the 1-9 season that included forfeiting a win over Santa Maria because of an ineligible player.

“Didn’t have to necessarily look too hard,” Willis said of evaluating what went wrong. “We just knew we needed some change. We answered some hard questions. We knew we didn’t play well at the quarterback spot. We didn’t play well on the offensive line.”

The offense struggled to build consistent success, resulting in four shut-outs and only one well-played game, a 31-28 win at Templeton. The offensive woes overshadowed a strong defensive unit, which each game inevitably collapsed under the pressure of taking the field too often after three-and-outs by the Conqs.

The search for answers began with a shake up of staff responsibilities. Don Willis said his nephew, J.J. Willis, will take over calling the offense while the head coach focuses on the offensive line.

Cabrillo started 6 a.m. workouts Monday through Thursday to challenge the team’s commitment to getting better. Morning workouts have failed in the past at Cabrillo, with only a few players attending each day.

Since last season, 30-35 players have attended the workouts each morning.

“The boys ate it up,” Willis said. “We know you don’t like losing. These are the things we feel will make us better.

“They’ve bought into it. Where we are this year at this point is heads and tails above where we were last year. I’m really expecting good things.”

The effort to change the program’s trajectory also is being led by a group of six senior captains: quarterback J.C. Miller, linebacker John Splitter, safety/running back Cody Perry, linebacker Evan Strom, linebacker De’Andre Sauceda and offensive guard Jake Tourtillotte.

It’s a close group, Tourtillotte said of the team, and especially the seniors. They’re tired of losing and their work in the off-season proves it.

“Commitment is another big part,” he said.

“Once you have a lot of people that buy in and do that it’s a hell of a lot better than not having anyone there.”

The presence of Tourtillotte is significant not only as a leader off the field with his work ethic, but also on the field leading the way for the

2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 @ Bakersfield Frontier, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 DOS PUEBLOS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 SANTA MARIA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 @ Templeton, 7 p.m.

Len Wood, Staff

How high will the Conqs rebound from last year’s 1-9 season? Cabrillo’s Evan Strom (front row, from left), De’Andre Sauceda and John Splitter, with JC Miller, JakeTourtillotte and Cody Perry all hold the answer to that question.

WHAT TO KNOW

PROJECTED STARTERS

Playoff group: Division 11

Defense

Base offense: Gun

DL: Jake Tourtillotte*, Nate Wood, Cameron Hudspeth/Spencer Cothran, Chris Maxwell/ Danan Pacheco.

Base defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Offense — 9. Defense — 8.

2015 record: 1-9 (0-4 LPL)

LB: John Splitter, De’Andre Sauceda, Evan Strom/Cameron Hudspeth.

Head coach: Don Willis, third year, career record 4-16

DB: Sean Wood, Ben Dixon, Cody Perry, JD Czajkowski

Top returner on offense: OG Jake Tourtillotte.

Offense

Top returner on defense: LB John Splitter

OL: Justin Ahlstrom, Nate Wood, Gerardo Fernandez, Jake Tourtillotte, Tyler Pickles.

Key losses: Jalen Howard, RB Top returners: Jake Tourtillotte 6-3, 305, Sr. OG; John Splitter 6-1, 215, Sr. LB; De’Andre Sauceda 6-0, 215, Sr. LB; Cody Perry 6-2, 205, Sr., RB/LB; Evan Strom 5-10, 192, SR, LB; Ben Dixon 6-0, 157, Jr. WR; Cameron Hudspeth, 6-1, 196, Sr. RB/ DE; Sean Wood, 6-0, 164, Jr. Top newcomers: Izzy Hernandez Sr., QB; Gerardo Fernandez So., C; Spencer Cothran, So., FB/LB

ball carrier.

Tourtillotte, who is a sturdy 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, moved to guard from center so the Conqs can take advantage of him pulling out in front of a running back and fullback to blast through the defense.

“Jake is a kid who always is the first one there and last one to leave,” Willis said. “He eats things up. He wants to learn. He wants to do better.

“He has developed into really one of the more

QB: J.C. Miller/Izzy Hernandez.

RB: Cody Perry.

WR/TE: Sean Wood, Ben Dixon, De’Andre Sauceda. * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2015

dominating offensive lineman (in the area). He should be so dominant this year and he wants to be. He’s an animal and that’s what you need.”

Willis expects the offensive line to be a strength even as they work with new sophomore center Gerardo Fernandez, who Willis said has skill but is a “young pup.”

Behind the offensive line, Miller is battling newcomer but familiar face senior Izzy Hernandez for the quarterback job. Hernandez is a pitcher for the Conqs baseball team.

“Miller knows what we want,” Willis said. “He needs consistency. Izzy is a dynamic athlete and a competitor. Whoever is best is going to play.”

Sept. 23 NIPOMO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 @ Morro Bay, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 @ St. Joseph, 7 p.m. * Oct. 14 SANTA YNEZ, 7 p.m. * Oct. 21 PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m. * Oct. 28: Bye Nov. 4 @ Lompoc, 7 p.m. * * — denotes Los Padres League game Home games in CAPS

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PIONEER VALLEY PANTHERS 2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 NIPOMO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 @ San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 BYE Sept. 16 @ Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 @ Santa Maria, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 ATASCADERO, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 @ Lompoc, 7 p.m. *

Len Wood, Staff

Pioneer Valley football players, front row, Miguel Guargado and Jonathan Gonzalez, with Marco Barajas and Leo Partida, will try to lead the Panthers back to the playoffs for the third straight year. They’ve lost to Palmdale in the first round of the playoffs the last two years, but won’t meet them again, now playing in Division 8.

Jacob Rayburn

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

JRAYBURN@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

Season Outlook

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ioneer Valley reached the CIF Northern Division playoffs last year for the second straight season, but head coach John Ruiz thinks the 2016 squad has reached a new level of commitment.

The Panthers finished last season 4-7 overall and 2-2 in the Los Padres League, falling to Palmdale High in CIF for the second consecutive year. If the Panthers make it three straight playoff appearances it will be in the new Division 8.

Despite graduating 32 players and losing several top players, Ruiz is optimistic about the Panthers because of what he’s seen this summer.

“This is probably the strongest

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 8 Base offense: Fly Base defense: “40” Returning starters: Offense — 4.

Defense — 4.

2015 record: 4-7 (2-2 LPL) Head coach: John Ruiz, second year, career record 4-7 Top returners on offense: Leo Partida-Ruiz, 5-11, 170, Sr. WR; Jonathan Gonzalez, OL; Moises Olmedo, 5-9, 200, Sr. FB; Michael Pompa OL.

we’ve been the past two years,” he said. “They definitely put their time in the weight room. We’re very happy with the outcome of the

Top returners on defense: Leo Partida-Ruiz*, 5-11, 170, Sr. S; Moises Olmedo, 5-9, 200, Sr. LB; Julian Bautista, Sr. LB; Marco Barajas, 6-0, 180, Sr. LB. Key losses: DL Edson Sierra, LB Roman Garcia, DB Anthony Estrada Top returners: WR/S Leo PartidaRuiz, OL Jonathan Gonzalez, OL Michael Pompa, LB Julian Bautista, LB Marco Barajas Top newcomers: Matt Garcia, 6-2, 200, Jr. QB; Michael Bourbon, 5-9, 145, So. RB; Emmanuel Alcantar, Jr. RB.

commitment we have with these players here.”

When asked about the strength of the team, Ruiz said it is exactly

that, the team’s physical strength after working hard in the offseason to get tougher. Last season, the Panthers beat San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Cabrillo — three opponents with a combined five wins — before their best win of the season, 25-14 over seven-win Santa Ynez.

But, against the strongest teams on the schedule the Panthers struggled to score. Ruiz believes the Panthers can take the next step to compete against those teams because of their maturity.

“They’re showing a lot of growth from last year,” he said.

“And from the kids that are playing, they demand more from their teammates.

“These young men I believe are closer knit. It was hard at first to find a leader. We had a great leader last year (Roman Garcia). But as

Oct. 14: T. JOSEPH, 7 p.m. * Oct. 21 CABRILLO, 7 p.m. * Oct. 28 SANTA YNEZ, 7 p.m. * Nov. 4 RIGHETTI, 7 p.m. * — Denotes Los Padres League Game Homes games in CAPS

time progresses those leaders emerge and those types of kids are taking the younger kids under their wing.”

One of the leaders is senior Leo Partida-Ruiz, an All Los Padres League First-Team safety last season who also plays wide receiver.

He was admittedly a bit nervous about how the team would come together based on his first impression of the younger players, but his confidence grew with each practice.

“At first, seeing all the upcoming sophomores and people coming up, I was like, ‘We’re going to look kind of iffy,’” he recalled.

“But, as time went by, we’ve grown a lot more together as a family. And I feel we’re going to be a threat this year.”

When he’s lined up at receiver, Partida-Ruiz will be catching passes from a new quarterback, junior Matt Garcia. The 6-foot-2 Garcia has impressed with his character in practices as much as his ability to throw and run.

“He’s stepped up a lot,” Partida-Ruiz said of Garcia. “He’s

LCCN file photo

Pioneer Valley’s Leo Partida-Ruiz, seen catching a pass despite the effort from Cabrillo’s Anthony Manahan and Evan Strom (40), might just be Pioneer Valley’s top player in 2016. He helped the Panthers go 4-7 and make the playoffs last year.

always getting on people and getting people up. He’s a good motivator.”

His head coach added about

Garcia: “We’re hoping he develops quick and gets on a roll here. He has a strong arm. He’s always supporting his teammates, which

is what I look for. We’re not always going to be perfect.”

One reason Garcia may need to develop quickly is the schedule.

The Panthers open the season Friday by hosting Nipomo, an always tough opponent that doesn’t give anything to its opponents for free. Then Pioneer Valley travels to three straight road games at San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria.

And when the Panthers finally get home? They host Atascadero.

It’s not a forgiving September schedule.

To do anything more than survive those games, the Panthers will need playmakers to help Garcia in his first varsity games at quarterback.

Ruiz said sophomore Michael Bourbon and junior Emmanuel Alcantar are two running backs who will be offensive threats.

Clearing the way for Alcantar and Bourbon will be senior fullback Moises Olmedo and linemen Jonathan Gonzalez and Michael Pompa, who Ruiz called “the big anchors on the offensive line.”

PROJECTED STARTERS Defense DL: Jonathan Salazar, Abel Ruiz LB: Ivan Zepeda, Moises Olmedo, Julian Bautista and Marcos Barajas DB: Alex Martinez, Kenneth Hoobery, Leo Partida-Ruiz, Andrew Liendo Offense OL: Jonathan Gonzalez, Michael Pompa, Chris Beddington, Arnufo Alvarez QB: Matt Garcia RB: Michael Bourbon, Emmanuel Alcantar WR: Leo Partida-Ruiz, Nate Willis TE: Jonathan Salazar * — Named to All-LPLTeam in 2015

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Good Luck to All the Teams This Season!

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2016 |

Three Locations:

SANTA YNEZ PIRATES PROJECTED STARTERS

Joe Bailey JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

Defense DL: Gabe Palato, Ramon Lazarit, Brennan Dellinger, NickTipolt.

Season Outlook

A12

| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

M

ost of you are familiar with the story by now.

The Pirates started out 7-0 last year, creating some major buzz in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Fast forward three weeks later, and Santa Ynez found itself on the outside looking in when the playoff brackets were released.

They lost their last three games and didn’t even bid for an at-large postseason spot.

Santa Ynez is motivated by the outcome of those final three games.

“I know this team is a hardworking team and I know we’re going to try our best to get to the playoffs this year,” senior quarterback Mike McCoy said. “Last year we didn’t get there, which is disappointing, but this team is hard-working and very talented and I think we’ll get there.

“Last season was a good season, but it wasn’t good enough.”

McCoy has been an incredibly versatile weapon for the Pirates the last two years. He makes big time plays on defense in the secondary, at safety and even cornerback. He’s been a solid receiver and can take a handoff and pick up yards as well.

But his most pivotal position this year may be behind center at quarterback. He’s coming into this season as the starter at QB. Coach Josh McClurg and his Pirates showed last year that when they have consistency at the QB position the team can win games.

Tanner Shean took over the starting role for the 2015 season and played at a remarkably efficient level.

Shean threw 13 TDs against just three INTs. He completed nearly 70 percent of his passes (106-for156) for 1,311 yards.

McCoy is a different QB, with more athleticism and versatility.

McCoy completed 8-of-21 passes for 124 yards in 2015. He had 5 INTs on defense and made 29 tackles.

He also rushed for 218 yards and a score, caught 23 passes for 359 yards and 5 TDs. McCoy made it clear that this year’s group isn’t concerned with what the team did last year.

“We’re worried about this year, we’re focused on this season,” he said.

McCoy also noted that this

LB: Travis Vreeland *, AJ Reynoso, Greg Fariss, Jasper Kadlec, Stephen Enderle.

DB: Mike McCoy *, Gabe Prendergast, Dustin Gregg, Ben Schaeffer..

Offense OL: Ramo Lazarit, Gustavo Zarate, NickTipolt, Gabe Palato, Isaiah Smith.

Len Wood, Staff

Santa Ynez High School football players, in the front row, Ramon Lazarit, Gustavo Zarate and, back row, Travis Vreeland, Mike McCoy, and Gabe Pendergrast look to take the Pirates to playoffs, after just missing out in 2015 with a 7-3 record.

Playoff group: Division 10 Base offense: Two backs, with multiple sets.

Base defense: Odd front, 3-4.

Returning starters: Offense — 4.

Defense — 4.

2015 record: 7-3 (1-3 LPL).

Head coach: Josh McClurg, fifth season, 13-28 career record.

Top returner on offense: Mike McCoy, QB-RB-WR, 20 carries, 218 yards, 1 TD, 23 catches, 359 yards and 5 TDs in 2015.

year’s offensive line is big and experienced. Ramon Lazarit (6-5, 270) will be at left tackle and Gustavo Zarate (6-1, 295) will hold down the right tackle spot. Nick Tipolt (6-2, 235) will be the center, anchoring the offensive line, and the guard positions will be manned by a combination of Gabe Palato (6-2, 280), Isaiah Smith (6-2, 215) and David Quiroga (6-0, 250).

“It starts off with our O-line, without that O-line we can’t do anything,” McCoy said. “We have a big O-line with Ramon and Goose.

We’ll be fine up there. We can’t really get anywhere without them.”

The Pirates’ biggest loss from a year ago will undoubtedly by Austin Vreeland. The four-year varsity

Top returner on defense: Travis Vreeland, 45 solo tackles, 64 assists, 4 tackles for loss in 2015.

Key losses: Austin Vreeland, RB-DB, Tanner Shean QB, Connor Epley, DL, Tye Hollingsworth RB-LB, Daniel Gallardo, WR-DB. Top returners: Mike McCoy 6-0, 175, Sr. QB, Travis Vreeland, 6-0, 190, Jr. FB-LB; Gabe Pendergrast, 5-10, 180, Jr. WR-DB. Top newcomer: Jasper Kadlec, 6-2, 200 WR-OLB.

player rushed for 2,344 yards and 26 TDs throughout his varsity career. He also caught 119 passes for 1,800 yards and 14 more TDs. However, there’s another Vreeland on this team and this one may be just as good, although he’s definitely a different type of player.

Travis Vreeland, now a junior, stood out at linebacker in 2015.

Travis said Austin is attempting to make the football team at Northern Arizona as a walk-on.

Travis led the team in tackles and it wasn’t even close. He had 109 total tackles. Connor Epley, now graduated, was second on the team with 63 total tackles.

Vreeland gave a lot of credit to his defensive line from a year ago and their ability to keep offensive

Aug. 26 @ San Marcos, 7 p.m.

QB: Mike McCoy.

Sept. 2 @ CAPRINTERIA, 7 p.m.

RB: Greg Farris, CashTranseth Vinny Vaca.

Sept. 9 BYE

TE: Travis Vreeland.

Sept. 16 @ Nipomo, 7 p.m.

WR: Gabe Prendergast, Jasper Kadlec. * — Named to All-LPLTeam in 2015.

WHAT TO KNOW

2016 SCHEDULE

linemen away from him and allow him to rack up the tackles. Though most of the starting defensive linemen graduated, the newcomers should fill in nicely.

“They’re looking good so far,” Vreeland said. “They’re going to be young, so they’re going to be good for the next couple years, too.”

Another Pirate who had a solid sophomore campaign in 2015 was Gabe Prendergast, who is now a 6-3, 180 pound junior who can play defensive back and receiver.

Prendergast was third on the team in receptions last year with 15 for 251 yards and a three TDs. He also made 22 tackles on defense with two interceptions and eight passes broken up.

Prendergast brings a sort of no-nonsense attitude to this team.

Prendergast also has an ability to sum up this year’s time nicely.

“We should expect a good season again and our team is looking really good right now, we’ve got big linemen and a bunch of young kids coming up from JV that are ready to compete,” he said.

Prendergast also has tremendous ability on the field, although he says his main quality is passion.

“100-percent effort, on and off the field,” he answered when asked what he’s bringing to this squad.

“I hope to be a leader this year and I will do my best every game.”

Sept. 23 TEMPLETON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 @ Santa Maria 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 MORRO BAY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 @ Cabrillo, 7 p.m.* Oct. 21 LOMPOC, 7 p.m.* Oct. 28 @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m. * Nov. 4 ST. JOSEPH, 7 p.m.* * — Los Padres League game.

Home games in CAPS.

RIGHETTI WARRIORS 2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 BISHOP DIEGO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 ST. JOSEPH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 @ Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 SANTA MARIA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 LOMPOC. Sept. 30 BYE. Oct. 7 SAN LUIS OBISPO, 7 p.m.* Oct. 14 @ Atascadero 7 p.m.*

Len Wood, Staff

The Righetti High football will be relying on a core group of returning players including, front row, from left, Jacob Rothanzl and Chase Artopoeus, along with, back row from left, Cody McCormack, Johnuel Laron and Billy Wolf.

Joe Bailey JBA I L EY@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM

WHAT TO KNOW Base offense: Power “I”.

here always seems to be high expectations surrounding the Warriors.

And this year is no different, though there are some big gaps to fill.

Zach Berg is gone and now studying at USC. Troy Artopoeus is playing ball at San Diego State.

DJ Freitas, Seth Ollice and Deandre Thomas also graduated.

So, who’s going to step up for the Warriors in 2016?

Well, quite a few guys, actually.

Troy’s little brother, Chase, is one. The younger Artopoeus found himself starting at quarterback as a freshman about midway through

Base defense: 4-4.

Key losses: Zach Burg, DE-LB; DJ Freitas, RB; Seth Ollice, TE; Jacob Fredricksen, DE; Greg Lewis, QB-DB; DeAndre Thomas, RB-KR; Troy Artopoeus, TE-DL.

T

2015 record: 3-7 (1-3 PAC 5).

Returning starters: Offense — 6.

Defense — 5.

Head coach: Ed Herrmann, fourth season, 12-20 career record.

Top returner on offense: Chase Artopoeus, Soph. QB, 28-for-64, 321 yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs in 2015.

Top returner on defense: Johnuel Laron, Sr. LB. 95 total

the 2015 season, after Greg Lewis and Manuel Bucio had trouble

Top returners: Joey Garcia, 5-10, SR DB, 165; Austin Dasis, 5-18, 153, JR FS; Billy Wolf, 6-1, 175 SR, DE-TE; Jacob Rothanzl, 6-3, 200 SR, OL-DL. Top newcomers: Derek Imel, JR DB; Henry Marroquin, SR, WR-FS.

getting the offense in gear.

Artopoeus has taken the reins

Nov. 4 @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m. * — PAC 5 League game.

Home games in CAPS.

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tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs.

Season Outlook

Oct. 28 PASO ROBLES, 7 p.m.*

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2016 |

Playoff group: Division 7

as the team’s QB. Lewis is now a senior playing at Lompoc.

“We do have some young players in key spots, and we brought some players up, so we’re a fairly young team,” coach Ed Herrmann said. “But again I think we have some money in the bank from last year that Chase did play some games and we have some other sophomores that are going to step up on varsity, too.

“So we have high expectations there, with that, we hope things go well. They’ve worked hard in the offseason and we’ll see if it pays off on Friday nights.”

Herrmann loves to use the ground game to set up the pass and that will be a big focus again this year.

Herrmann said having former players go on to schools like USC

Oct. 21 @ Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.*

| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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and SDSU, even if it’s not for football, is a testament to the program. But with new guys coming in, the program is focused on teaching his players how to play fundamental football.

“Those are some big shoes there, but we’re going to stay with what we’ve been doing and teach these guys the basics of fundamental football,” he said.

One guy Herrmann and the Warriors are expecting to play a big role is senior Johnuel Laron, who made an impact on the squad as a junior in 2015. He’ll play linebacker and running back this year.

Laron led the team in tackles in 2015, with 95 (65 assisted, 30 solo). He also had 10 carries for 97 yards and a pair of grabs for 14 more yards on offense.

“He’ll fill in on both sides of the ball,” Herrmann said of Laron. “He’s going to be a senior starter for us.”

Not only does Herrmann anticipate some big things from Laron, the linebacker expects quite a bit out of himself.

“Most definitely, I expect a lot out of me,” Laron said. “I started last year, so I’m going to be playing both ways as well. I’m expecting big things out of me.”

Laron also thinks his team’s quarterback will produce this year after getting a lot of reps in 2015 and in the offseason.

“I trust Chase 100 percent with the ball when’s he’s out there,” Laron said.

“He came out as a freshman, but he didn’t really have that much experience... But now he has that experience and I trust him, 100 percent.”

Artopoeus completed 28-of-64 passes for 321 yards, two TDs and six INTs. He’s listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds this year. Artopoeus showed that he can throw on the move last year and also had some quality presence in the pocket.

It’s not quite clear who his top receiving target will be. Troy Artopoeus, the older brother, was a solid threat at tight end, but he’s now graduated. In fact, Righetti’s top six receivers from a year ago all graduated.

Laron is actually the top returning receiver after he made two grabs last year. Joey Garcia is the only returning Warrior besides Laron who made a catch last year and he had one grab for three yards.

Garcia’s biggest impact last year was at defensive back, including a highlight reel worthy, one-handed, off-the-helmet interception. Garcia had 22 tackles and finished with three interceptions.

Laron was second on the team in INTs with two.

Jacob Rothanzl is a linchpin on the

Daniel Dreifuss, Staff

Righetti’s Chase Artopoeus throws the ball down field during the non-league game against Lompoc last October. Artopoeus found valuable playing time at quarterback as a freshman in 2015 and returns as the starter in 2016.

offensive line for the Warriors. Billy Wolf will also be counted on to make plays on both sides of the ball. Another bright spot for the Warriors is senior kicker Tanner Sampson’s return. He made 9-of-10 PATs last year and went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, knocking one in from 40 yards.

One thing that does go in Righetti’s favor is the schedule. With a new track surface installed at the start of the school year, Righetti played its first four games on the road last year, playing at Bishop Diego, St. Joseph, Simi Valley and Santa Maria.

This year the Warriors play three of its first four games at home, the only road trip to Goleta to play Dos Pueblos.

“It’s nice to get off to a fast start and it’s nice to have a couple of big early games at home; we have a real favorable

schedule,” Herrmann said. “If we can get out to a fast start — our emphasis has been that and having a good home showing — we should be happy with that.”

The Warriors would like to build up some momentum heading into the game against the Knights in the second week of the season. To do that they’ll need to take down Bishop Diego in Week Zero. Righetti narrowly lost to the Cardinals at SBCC in 2015, falling 14-9.

“We really try to take it one game at a time, we’ll try and get through Bishop Diego first and see how it goes,” Herrmann said. “That week is always fun leading up to that, the rivalry thing and the big crowd and the shield. That’s great stuff for the kids, but we take it one game at a time. Hopefully we’ll win that opener and get ready for St. Joe’s.”

PROJECTED STARTERS Defense DL: Billy Wolf, Jacob Rothanzl, Jesus Medina, Trey Gonzalez.

LB: Johnuel Laron*, Swaylie Skinner, Cody McCormack.

DB: Joey Garcia*, Henry Marroquin.

Offense OL: Jacob Rothanzl, Robert Robles, Christian Crisp, Zach Gardner.

QB: Chase Artopoeus.

RB: Johnuel Laron.

TE: Billy Wolf.

WR: Jalen Davis, Henry Marroquin. *— Named to All-PAC Team 5 in 2015

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ARROYO GRANDE EAGLES PROJECTED STARTERS

Kenny Cress KCRESS@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

DL: John Farley, Josh White, Jose Perez/Nathan Witzig.

Season outlook

LB: Sam Ness*, Tyler Valenti, Jack Ventura, Ivan Rocha, Elliott Talley.

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

T

he first interception Sawyer May threw in 2015 was also his last one.

Meanwhile, the 6-0, 190-pound quarterback threw 20 touchdown passes as he helped lead Arroyo Grande to the 2015 PAC 5 League championship. May threw for 2,125 yards, completing 134 of his 216 passes.

The 2015 PAC 5 League Offensive Back of the Year is set to lead the Eagles into the 2016 campaign as the team’s third-year starting quarterback. Arroyo Grande made it to the CIF Southern Section Northern Division semifinals last year, nearly coming all the way back from an early 21-0 deficit before eventually falling 40-35 to Thousand Oaks.

Though his team came up short in that one, “That comeback was my favorite part of the whole season,” veteran Arroyo Grande coach Tom Goossen said in a phone interview after the season.

He sounded much more sunny about that comeback than he did about his team being placed in Division 2 along with private schools Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Westlake Village Oaks Christian, Ventura St. Bonaventure and Encino Crespi. That took place during the division re-shuffling the CIF Southern Section office did for fall sports for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

“I think this puts our kids at a tremendous disadvantage,” Goossen said in a telephone interview in June.

“I understand private schools get transfers in, and more power to them. But let those schools that are on the recruiting trail play each other.”

Arroyo Grande is ranked 14th out of the 18 Division 2 squads.

The Eagles will remain in the PAC 5 League.

Goossen will start his 10th year as Arroyo Grande coach when his squad takes on Lompoc at 7 p.m.

Aug. 26. The teams have opened their respective campaigns against each other the past six seasons, and the match-up has become one of the marquee ones on the Central Coast each football campaign.

Arroyo Grande made it to the divisional semifinals each of the

DB: Cade Cunningham, Noah Thinger, Cooper Martinez.

Offense OL: Josh Domako*, Andrew Hagler, Zach Burkard, Caleb White, Connor Gasparra.

TE: Trevor Alton.

QB: Sawyer May*.

RB: James Gilmet, Tyler Rocha.

Len Wood, Staff

Arroyo Grande’s Matthew Sill, front left, Andrew Hagler, front right, with, back row from left, Sawyer May, Sam Ness and Joshua Domako have a solid foundation left over from a team that went to the CIF Southern Section Northern Division semifinals two years in a row.

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 2 Base offense: Fly. Base defense: Stack.

Returning starters: Offense — 5.

Defense — 5.

2015 record: 10-2 (4-0 PAC 5) Head coach: Tom Goossen, 10th year, 63-33 career record, 1 CIF-SS Western Division championship, 2011, 1 PAC 7 League title, 2011, 1 PAC 5 League title, 215, 1 co-PAC 7 championship, 2012, 1 tri-PAC 5 championship, 2014.

last two previous seasons. Lompoc, under soon to be sixth-year coach Andrew Jones, has won the last five Los Padres League championships.

Among others, Goossen’s squad will have to make due in Division 2 without the graduated Bradley Mickey and Alex Cecchi.

Mickey was the 2015 Lee Central Coast Newspapers All-Area Football Team MVP (Goossen was the All-Area Coach of the Year).

As an all-purpose back, Mickey rushed for 908 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had 520 yards in receptions. Three of his 28 catches were for touchdowns. As a defensive back, he was in on 69 tackles.

Even the only pass he threw that year was gold. That one went for a 26-yard touchdown. Mickey will play for Cal Poly.

Cecchi ran for 854 yards and

Top returner on offense: Sawyer May, SR QB, 2,125 yards passing, 20 TDs, 1 INT, 2015.

Top returner on defense: Sam Ness, SR LB, 106 solo tackles, 33 assists in 2015.

Key losses: Bradley Mickey, RB-DB, Alex Cecchi, All-Purpose-DB. Top returners: Josh Domako, OL, Matt Sill, WR. Top newcomer: Andrew Hagler, OL.

14 touchdowns. He had 322 yards in receptions, and five of his 21 catches were for scores. As a defensive back, he made 50 tackles.

“Of course, it is very hard to replace a Bradley Mickey and an Alex Cecchi,” said Goossen. “I feel good about the key players we have returning.”

Benny Willkomm helped anchor the defensive backfield for the Eagles, and he also graduated. May is not the only standout returning for Arroyo Grande, though.

Senior middle linebacker Sam Ness is back. As a junior, the 6-2, 225-pound Ness led the team in solo tackles (106) and assists (33).

Some Ivy League schools are looking at Ness, who was the 2016 PAC 5 League co-Defensive Back of the Year along with Willkomm.

Ness has an offer from Cornell.

WR: Matt Sill*, Nathan Wensloff/ Mike McLain. * — Named to All-PAC 5 League Team in 2015

“The thing I like best about Sam is he is such a hard worker,” said Goossen.

“He knows exactly what he needs to do, as a student, as a football player, as a member of the community, and he puts his all toward all three.”

Josh Domako figures to help anchor the offensive line. The senior was a 2015 All-PAC 5 League Team selection.

Matt Sill, a 6-0, 170-pound senior slot back, returns. Sill had 445 yards in receptions, rushed for 249 more and made five touchdown catches in 2015. He ran for two touchdowns. He was another 2015 All-PAC 5 League pick.

Sill suffered what was first described as a stinger in Arroyo Grande’s regular season finale.

The injury sidelined him for the playoffs, and Goossen said after the Thousand Oaks game that not having Sill for that one hurts the Eagles.

Noah Thinger, a senior wide receiver-defensive back, also returns. Thinger came on strong on both sides of the ball late last season.

Year after year, Arroyo Grande has turned out quality teams.

“I really think it starts when (the players) are freshmen,” said Goossen.

“They know there are high expectations. We have a lot of great, quality kids coming to our school from Arroyo Grande and the greater Five Cities community area.”

2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 @ Lompoc, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 BAKERSFIELD GARCES, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 BAKERSFIELD INDEPENDENCE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 @ St. Joseph, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 NIPOMO, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 @ Paso Robles (Flamson Middle School), 7 p.m.* Oct. 14 BYE. Oct. 21 RIGHETTI, 7 p.m.* Oct. 28 ATASCADERO, 7 p.m.* Nov. 4 @ San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.* * — PAC 5 League game.

Home games in CAPS.

NIPOMO TITANS PROJECTED STARTERS

Kenny Cress KC R ESS@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM

Defense DL: Robert Buenrostro, Freddy Flores*, Simon Rodriguez, Trevor Thompson*.

Season outlook

N

LB: Brandon Bausley*, Isaac Bausley*, Isiah Garcia, Albert Mendoza*.

2016 SCHEDULE

DB: Spencer Pool**, Kenny Johnson, Esteban Diaz.

Aug. 26 @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

Offense OL: Matthew O’Henley**, Angel Marquez**, Joseph Morales*, Casey Kuhn, Keith Casas*.

QB: TBD. RB: Michael Jordan*, J.J. Ramirez*, Isaac Bausley*.

WR: J.J. Ramirez*, Jedu Reyes. * — Played varsity in 2015.

Len Wood, Staff

Nipomo football players J.J. Ramirez, left, Isaac Bausley, back row, Matthew O’Henley and Spencer Pool, right, will lead the Titans in the 2016 season as they try to make another run in the playoffs. The Titans won a CIF title in 2014 and made the semifinals in 2015. They’re now in Division 6 with the new competitive playoff groupings.

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division Division 6 Base offense: TBD Base defense: 4-2-5.

Returning starters: Offense — 6.

Defense — 4.

2015 record: 7-6 (3-1 Northern League) Head coach: Tony Dodge, 2nd year, career record 7-6.

Top returner on defense: Isaac Bausley, Sr., RB-DB, 40 tackles, 21 assists in 2015.

Key losses: Terry Wambolt, LB, David Leon, FB-DT. Top returners: Matthew O’Henley, OL, Angel Marquez, OL, Freddy Flores, DL, Spencer Pool, WR-DB, J.J. Ramirez, RB, Isaac Bausley, DB.

our success the last two years.”

The Titans appear to have a rugged task ahead of them. They are ranked 21st out of the 25 Division 6 schools. West Covina is ranked No. 1.

Nipomo does have some anchors returning. For starters, senior defensive back Issac Bausley, an All-Northern League pick who was in on 61 tackles as a junior, is back.

Spencer Pool had 13 catches for a total of 196 yards and two touchdowns last season. Pool,

who made the 2015 All-Northern League team as a wide receiver, is listed as a projected starter as a defensive back this year and is battling for the quarterback position with Nick Robledo.

Two All-Northern League seniors on the offensive line return, left tackle Matt O’Henley and right tackle Angel Marquez.

Defensive lineman Freddy Flores is back as well.

“We have three returning AllNorthern League linemen, and all of our starting linemen this

year saw some time last year,” said Dodge.

However, losing Navarro wasn’t the only graduation hit the Titans took.

Among others, the Titans lost their leader on defense, linebacker Terry Wambolt. They also lost an anchor on the offensive line, center Ely-Jah Pu’a. Pu’a also played some nose guard on defense.

David Leon, a stalwart defensive lineman who also played some at fullback, also graduated.

At press time, Nipomo’s quarterback situation was unresolved, with Pool and Robledo battling it out.

“We have two quarterbacks battling for the starting job,” said Dodge. “They’re both good athletes. Whoever doesn’t wind up starting at quarterback will help us at another position.”

Nipomo will remain in the Northern League. The Titans finished in a three-way tie for first in 2014 and were the runners-up behind Mission Prep last year.

“I think the league will be balanced this year,” said Dodge.

“Mission Prep is always strong, Morro Bay is improving, and Santa Maria will be improved again.

“Our goal is always to win a (divisional) championship and a league championship. We think we can win every game. I don’t care who we play.”

Sept. 9 CARPINTERIA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 SANTA YNEZ, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 CABRILLO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 @ Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 TEMPLETON, 7 p.m.* Oct. 14 BYE. Oct. 21 @ Mission Prep, 7 p.m.* Oct. 28 @ Morro Bay, 7 p.m.* Nov. 4 @ Santa Maria, 7 p.m.* * — Northern League game.

Home games in CAPS.

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Top returner on offense: J.J. Ramirez, Sr., RB-WR, 750 rushing yards, 8 TDs in 2015.

Top newcomers: Robert Buenrostro, OL, Jedu Reyes, WR, Kenny Johnson, DB-WR, Isiah Garcia, LB.

** — Named to All-Northern League Team in 2015.

Sept. 2 LOMPOC, 7 p.m.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2016 |

ipomo’s football team will head into a new division without its top offensive player from last year.

The Titans bid farewell to Tony Navarro. As a senior, he rushed for 1,336 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015.

Navarro helped lead Nipomo to the 2014 CIF Southern Section Northwest Division championship in Russ Edwards’ final year as the team’s coach. The Titans went out in the semifinals last year, Tony Dodge’s first as head coach.

The Titans have some capable backs set to try to fill the void. J.J. Ramirez rushed for 750 yards and eight touchdowns, most of it filling in for Navarro until he came back to the team about midway through the season after missing the first part of it because of an unspecified reason.

Michael Jordan also returns.

Jordan, for an unspecified reason, missed the 2015 season after helping the Titans to the 2014 Northwest Division title.

“J.J. did a real good job filling in for Tony until he returned to the team,” said Dodge.

Nipomo will open its 2016 season at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Pioneer Valley.

“I think we’ve opened the season against Pioneer Valley every year since Nipomo has had competitive football,” said Dodge.

“We always enjoy playing against Pioneer Valley. It’s always a competitive game, I think every game we’ve played against them has been close. They have a respected program, and I think playing them helps prepare us for the rest of the season.”

The Panthers controlled things much of the way in the team’s 2015 opener, but the Titans did enough to win 21-13.

The 2015 campaign was Nipomo’s last one in the Northwest Division. The CIF Southern Section office did extensive division re-shuffling for all fall sports for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years, and Nipomo’s football team wound up in Division 6.

“We had been in Division 11,” said Dodge. “I think we made the biggest jump of anyone, because of

SANTA MARIA SAINTS 2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 SAN LUIS OBISPO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 SANTA BARBARA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 @ Cabrillo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 @ Righetti, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 SANTA YNEZ, 7 p.m.

Len Wood, Staff

Santa Maria High School football players Jesus Pacheco, in front, Isaiah Garcia, (back row, left to right) Juan Contreras, Elijah Fisher, Jonathan Garcia.

Elliott Stern

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

EST E RN@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM

Season Outlook

T

he Saints are ready for some football.

Santa Maria High School is expecting a big 2016 season on the gridiron.

Coach Dan Ellington firmly believes he has a team that can go a long way this year.

“I think we’re going to be an above .500 team and we’re going to challenge for a league title,” said Ellington at the Times’ recent football Media Day. In his second season as the Saints’ head coach, Ellington feels he has the pieces in place to build a winner.

“It’s been a challenge, I’m not going to lie,” said Ellington.

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 12 Base offense: Multiple sets Base defense: 4-3.

Returning starters: Offense — 7.

Defense — 8.

2015 record: 2-8 (1-3 Northern League) Head coach: Dan Ellington, second year. 2-8 career record at SMHS. Top returner on offense: Isaiah Garcia, Jr. RB, 5-5, 155. 42 carries, 305 yards, 2 TDs in 2015.

“Trying to build a program over here has been challenging but at this point it is so much better than last year. I’m really excited.”

Top returner on defense: John Ramos, Jr. LB, 6-1, 157. 65 total tackles, 34 solo, 31 assists in 2015.

Key loss: Miguel Ayala, C-DE. Top returners: Isaiah Garcia RB; John Ramos LB; Jon Garcia Jr. OT, 6-2 OT, 240; Jesus Pacheco Sr. LB 5-8, 160; Juan Contreras Sr. SS-WR, 6-2, 165.

Top newcomers: Elijah Fisher Sr. TE, 6-3, 240; Blake Truhitte Jr. QB, 5-6 130; Bobby Ruiz Jr. RB-SS, 5-7, 165

Last year the Saints went 2-8, with one of those wins coming after a Cabrillo forfeit.

The Saints later shocked Morro

Bay 31-7 in a Northern League matchup, a win that gave Ellington a reason to be optimistic as he looked ahead to the 2016 season.

“Without consistency you don’t have much. We’re trying to build a program here. These past few years, the kids have gone through four or five head coaches and you don’t really build consistency with that,” said Ellington.

“The talent is here, it’s just that consistency has been our downfall.

Hopefully, I’ll be here a few years and we can turn this thing around.

We are a million miles ahead of where we were last year.”

The talent begins with two young men who are competing for the starting quarterback spot – Blake Truhitte and Johnny Ramos.

“Both of them can do a really good job,” said Ellington. “Ramos was actually an All-Area outside

Oct. 7 @ Mission Prep, 7 p.m. * Oct. 14 TEMPLETON, 7 p.m.* Oct. 21 @ Morro Bay, 7 p.m.* Oct. 28 BYE Nov. 4 NIPOMO, 7 p.m.* * — Northern League game.

Home games in CAPS.

linebacker for us last year and then Truhitte is an outstanding three-sport kid.”

Ramos has more experience at the varsity level having been a starter on defense throughout the 2015 season. He also spent some time running the Saints’ offense later in the season.

Truhitte has more time at quarterback. He was the junior varsity starter last year.

“We’ll see who’s going to start the first game for us but either one will do a good job for us,” said Ellington.

“In our scheme, we want an athlete as our quarterback because he’s not going to be just a passer, he’s also going to be a runner. We’re going to do a little of everything. We’re going to spread teams out; we’re going to go double tight (ends) if we think that’s going to give us an advantage.”

Isaiah Garcia will be the Saints’ premier running back.

Bobby Ruiz will also see time at running back and on defense.

Ricky Mendoza and Juan Contreras will provide either

quarterback with strong receiving targets.

“Isaiah is another good athlete,” said Ellington. “He played for us as a sophomore and we kind of started him slow last year.

We didn’t want to just put him back there and see him get beat up. This year he’s gained some weight, got a lot stronger so he’s going to be our main back. Ricky is an outstanding receiver and Juan is another kid who’s going to play well for us. We have some length to our receivers this year and some speed.”

Jonathan Garcia was an AllLeague offensive tackle last season. He’s back to anchor the line and Elijah Fisher will start at tight end.

“With the talent we have, we’re going to mix it up, we’re not just going to be just a running team,” said Ellington. “We’re going to keep teams on their toes, I’m sure.”

On the other side of the ball, the Saints will run a 4-3 defense.

“We’re going to mix it up but basically we’re going to run

an even front,” said Ellington.

“Those same kids that I’ve mentioned on offense, along with middle linebacker Jesse Pacheco, are going to be a big part of our defense, too.

“Some years in the past, we’ve been athletic but just couldn’t quite get it done. This year we have the tools to be good and it’s my job to make sure that they’re used properly. We should be good. We should fly around and have an excellent season for us defensively.”

The Saints are in the Northern League along with Nipomo, Morro Bay, Templeton and Mission Prep.

Ellington thinks this group of Saints will give them all a run for their money.

“I think we’ll stack up just fine.

We can compete with anyone in our league and there is no reason we can’t compete and win our league – there is just no reason for it.”

And the CIF Southern Section has revamped its football playoff structure.

Using a new point system, the organization ranked all 401 Southern Section teams in an effort to create more balanced playoff divisions.

The Saints are now in Division 12 – the only Central Coast team to be placed in that division.

“For us, we got a great draw because I think we’re a much better team than we have been in the past,” said Ellington. “I believe if we can get into the playoffs, then we have a legitimate chance to go a long ways. That’s just something else to motivate the kids with.”

The Saints open the season on Friday, Aug. 26, with a nonleague home game against San Luis Obispo.

“We’ve been focusing on our getting our kids ready, focusing on our first game with SLO. I’m just trying to get them to believe in themselves. The first game of the year it’s important to get off to a good start. You want to win but, win or lose, it’s important to get off to a good start,” said Ellington.

DL: Christian Andrade*, Elijah Fisher*, Gabriel Bravo, Gerardo Zul. LB: Jesus Pacheco*, Ricky Mendoza*, John Ramos* DB: Bobby Ruiz*, Blake Truhitte, Juan Contreras, Hector Gill.

Offense OL: Christian Andrade*, Anthony Lopez*, Carlos Gonzalez*, Mario Carreno*, Johnathan Garcia* QB: Blake Truhitte RB: Bobby Ruiz*, Isaiah Garcia* WR: Elijah Fisher*, Ricky Mendoza*, Angel Esparza* * — Played varsity in 205.

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PROJECTED STARTERS

VCA LIONS PROJECTED STARTERS

Elliott Stern EST E RN@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM

Defense DL: Tobin Sanders, Chris Bouzard, Jacob Bouzard, Andrew Sparlin.

Season outlook

A20

| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

T

he Lions are looking to make another playoff run.

At the end of every football season, Valley Christian Academy can regularly be found on the list of playoff bound teams.

In 2015, VCA had a 4-4 regular season, going 1-3 in the Coast Valley League.

Invited to the Division 2 playoffs of 8-man football, Valley Christian fell to powerhouse Joshua Springs in the first round.

Although VCA lost starting quarterback Christian Rohde to graduation, Matt Bullock is no stranger to running the Lions’ offense.

Bullock will be counted on to get VCA back to the playoffs but first the small private school has to make it through a tough preseason and the even tougher Coast Valley League wars.

“We’re expecting it to be a pretty good season,” said longtime VCA defensive coordinator Randy Stanford during the recent LCCN Media Day. Stanford was filling in for head coach Pete Fortier who was not available for Media Day. Together, Fortier and Stanford bring years of experience leading the VCA program.

Fortier began at VCA as an elementary school student and later was a record-setting running back for the Lions before heading off to college.

With the exception of one year away from the team, he’s been the head man of the football program for the past 18 years.

Stanford has been his right hand man for the past 15.

“Rohde was pretty good for us but I think Bullock can be even better,” said Stanford. “Bullock played a little quarterback in all nine of our games last season and he did a good job. He’s gotten bigger, faster and stronger so we have a lot of confidence in him.”

Bullock completed 7-of-17 passes last year, good for 91 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

“Matt’s a good quarterback,” said Stanford. “He throws the ball fairly well and we should be able to throw the ball a little bit more than

LB: Trenton Lane, Marcos Cardenas.

DB: Matt Bullock, Kiernan Quinones.

Offense OL: Jacob Bouzard, Joey Valadez, Dominic Porpiglia.

QB: Matt Bullock RB: Kiernan Quiñones, Marcos Cardenas.

Len Wood, Staff

Valley Christian Academy’s Matt Bullock, front, along with teammates, back row left to right, Chris Bouzard, Andrew Sparlin and Jacob Bouzard lead the Lions into what they hope is a bounce-back season.

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 2 Base offense: I formation, double tight end.

Base defense: 4-2-2.

Returning starters: Offense — Jacob Bouzard, Joey Valadez, Dominic Porpiglia, Trenton Lane, Andrew Sparlin. Defense — Jacob Bouzard, Chris Bouzard, Trenton Lane, Martin Cardenas, Kiernan QWuinones, Matt Bullock.

2015 Record: 4-4 (1-3 CVL) Head coach: Pete Fortier, fourth year since 2013. Third stint as head coach. 1 CIF Southern Section Large Schools 8-man

we have the last couple of years.”

Bullock will have two main targets in Andrew Sparlin and Trenton Lane.

Both are seasoned veterans although neither is that old.

“They both played a lot for us last year,” said Stanford. “Lane is a 6-foot junior and Sparlin a 6-3 sophomore. They both have good hands so Matt can throw to them with confidence.”

VCA’s strength has been its running game.

The Lions lost 1,000-yard rusher Bryce Taft to graduation but Kiernan Quinones is a veteran runner who is ready to step in. Lane will also move into the backfield when he’s not split out at

championship, 1997. Three Coast Valley League championships.

Top returner on offense: Matt Bullock, QB, 7-for-17, 91 yards passing in 2015.

Top returner on defense: Shawn Weldon, DE. Key losses: Christian Rohde, QB; Bryce Taft, RB; Shawn Weldon OL-DE. Top returners: Bullock, Quinones, Cardenas, C. Bouzard, J. Bouzard, Valadez, Sparlin, Lane.

Top newcomers: Tobin Sanders, DL.

wide receiver.

“So I think with all those kids returning we’ll be pretty balanced and we’ll be able to mix it up with both running and passing,” said Stanford. “That balance will make it harder for defenses to get a read on us.”

The Lions have both size and experience on their offensive line.

Dominic Porpiglia, a 5-11, 200 pound junior, will start at center.

The guards will be 5-9, 270-pound junior Joey Valadez and 6-2, 170 pound senior Jacob Bouzard.

VCA also has a veteran defense with all eight starters coming back from last year.

“What you lose on defense in 8-man football are your safeties

WR: Andrew Sparlin, Trenton Lane.

and a linebacker, so if they can get around the corner they’re pretty much gone,” said Stanford. “It’s definitely a game of speed.”

Most of the offensive starters will stay on the field the entire game, getting starts on defense as well.

“Bullock, Quinones, Cardenas, Sparlin, Lane and Jacob Bouzard all play both sides of the ball,” said Stanford. “Bouzard’s brother Chris and Tobin Sanders will also start on the D line.”

Stanford will use a 4-2-2 defense most of the time.

“You’ve got two down tackles, two ends that play like outside linebackers, two linebackers and two corners in our base scheme,” said Stanford.

Stanford thinks the always tough Coast Valley League will be even tougher this season.

“Coast Union and Cuyama Valley are always tough and I expect they’ll be excellent teams again this year,” said Stanford. “Maricopa came on strong at the end of last year and they only lost two kids so they are looking good. Shandon was real young last year but they bring everybody back so it should be a real tight year last year.”

The CVL kicks off its season Saturday with the league’s annual Carnival at VCA’s stadium.

“All the league teams get together and we play each other 15-20 offense plays and 15-20 defensive plays,” said Stanford. “It kind of gives us the chance to see what our league looks like and play a little bit before we actually have to play a game. So it’s worked out well over the years.”

2016 SCHEDULE Sept. 2 VILLANOVA PREP, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 TBA Sept. 16 ALPAUGH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 @ Kings Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 MARICOPA, 7 p.m.* Oct. 8 @ Shandon, 1 p.m.* Oct. 14 @ Coast Union, 7 p.m.* Oct. 21 CUYAMA VALLEY, 7 p.m.* Oct. 30 @Maricopa, 7 p.m.” * — Coast Valley League game.

Home games in CAPS.

ORCUTT ACADEMY SPARTANS PROJECTED STARTERS

Elliott Stern EST E R N@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM

Defense DL: Kevin Lopez*, Harrison Picek*, Cole Carpenter*.

Season Outlook

D

LB: Alex Andrade*, Ben Luna-Vasquez*.

DB: Jared Sutton*, Jonah Walmsley, John DeMarco.

Offense OL: Alex Andrade*, Justin Zepeda*, Kevin Lopez* QB: Darin Miller*.

RB: Jared Sutton*, Dominic Nattel*.

Len Wood, Staff

Orcutt Academy’s new football coach Doug May and players Justin Zepeda, left, Cole Carpenter, Darin Miller, Charles Carpenter and Alexander Andrade are set on putting the Spartans into the D1 playoffs once again.

WHAT TO KNOW Playoff group: Division 1 Base offense: I-backs with slot receiver Base defense: 3-2-3 stack.

Top returner on defense: Alex Andrade, LB. Key losses: Isaiah Oropeza, MLB; Javier Sanchez, RB-OLB.

Top returner on offense: Darren Miller, QB

Top newcomers: Jonah Walmsley, DB, John DeMarco, DB.

The Spartans will run a basic “I” formation with a fullback and tailback lining up behind Miller.

The team will be able to keep fresh legs on the field by using two tailbacks and two fullbacks.

“Jared Sutton will be our starting tailback and John DeMarco will also see a lot of playing time, so we’ll be swapping those two guys out,” said May. “And we’ve got two fullbacks that are going to be interchangeable. One of them is Nate Luna Vasquez, he’s a good hard working kid, and Dominic Natell who is as strong as an ox.”

Defenses will be seeing double when twin brothers Cole and Mitch Carpenter line up at wide receiver.

“They’re both 6-4, really good targets for our quarterback to throw to,” said May. “They’re seniors so we want to send them off with a bang.”

The Spartans will try to set

up their passing game with play action passes but May wants Orcutt Academy’s opponents to fear the Spartans’ running game first.

“We’re going to run downhill.

We just want to go ‘hey, prepare for us because going to run downhill,’” said May. “We’re going to come at you. We’ve got a pretty good offensive line. The guys have been working hard. I’ve told the kids that the offensive line is the heart and soul of the team and where they go, we go, and right now, they are really stepping up and performing well.”

The heart and soul of that offense runs along the line.

Alex Andrade and Justin Zepeda will lead the downhill game.

“We’re pretty solid up front.

Alex is one of our guards and Justin is our center,” said May. “Justin is the general of the huddle, he controls the huddle, makes sure

* — Played varsity in 2015.

they line up correctly, so we’re going to run behind those guys.

They are a real key component to the offense.”

The Spartans are also working hard on May’s defense.

May plans to run an odd front with three down lineman, two linebackers, two corners and a safety.

“We’re doing that so we can stop the run, so we can fill those gaps and keep them from breaking a long run,” said May. “It’s the same concept as 11-man but with 3 fewer players on the field.”

But May has other defenses he can work in, depending on opponent.

“Especially against spread teams we’ll have an extra defensive back out there just so we can defend the pass,” said May. “I’ve told the boys, when you’re on defense, you have to be that guy that is angry enough to go make a tackle.”

The Academy is a member of the Condor League along with Cate, Villanova Prep, Thacher and Laguna Blanca.

“It’s one of the most competitive leagues in 8 man football and gets a lot of respect from the CIF,” said May. “We’re also going to playing Mojave in our third week.

They’re defending CIF champions.

They have a pretty good program there which is a good challenge for us to see how we’re going to stack up in our league.”

The Spartans usually play their home games at Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley or Righetti High School stadiums.

Aug. 26 CHADWICK at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 SAN JACINTO VALLEY ACADEMY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 @ Mojave, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 @ Downey Calvary Chapel, 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 @ at Thacher*, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30 DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY at Pioneer Valley, 4 p.m.

Oct. 7 LAGUNA BLANCA* at Santa Maria High, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 @ Cate*, 2 p.m.

Oct. 21 BYE Oct. 28 VILLANOVA PREP*, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4 Bye * — Denotes Condor League game Home games in CAPS.

A21

Head coach: Doug May, first season

Top returners: Darren Miller, 6-3, 190, Jr. QB; Alex Andrade, 6-0, 200, Jr. OG-DT; Dominic Nattel, Jr., 5-6, 175, RB-LB; Cole Carpenter, 6-4, Sr. WR; Mitch Carpenter 6-4, Sr. WR.

2015 record: 6-4 (1-3 Condor League)

WR: Cole Carpenter*, Mitch Carpenter*.

2016 SCHEDULE

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2016 |

oug May is itching for some action.

Orcutt Academy’s firstyear head coach can’t wait for his Spartans to hit the field on Aug. 26.

“We’ve got some good kids — really intelligent, smart, love the game of football,” said May at the LCCN annual football Media Day. “They are really looking forward to getting after it in our first game.”

After spending years as an assistant coach on 11-man teams, May’s first shot as a head coach comes in the wonderful world of 8-man.

“It truly is the most exciting football,” said May. “Coming from 11-man, I have to remember there’s a couple extra gaps there.

There’s a lot of space and defending that is interesting. You’re basically one tackle away from breaking it for a touchdown so how we defend it is putting the right kids in the right spots and be disciplined and hopefully we can keep their scores down.”

There is also a lot of learning going on as May and his coaching staff get to know their new players.

May spent the last 10 years as a position coach at Righetti High.

He is just the second head coach in OA history, taking over for Tony Payne who started the program in 2012.

Payne regularly led the Spartans to the 8-man playoffs.

The Academy ran off five straight wins to open the 2015 season before going just 1-3 in Condor League play.

But the Spartans get a lot of respect from the CIFSS, earning a spot in the Division 1 playoffs where they lost in the first round to San Jacinto Valley Academy.

“Coach Payne built a great program,” said May. “We’re going to try to build on that tradition.”

The Spartans have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball.

Darin Miller is back for his second season of running the offense.

“He’s a really heady guy,” said May. “We’re working on his footwork and where he needs to be handing off and that type of thing.

He’s a junior this year so I’m really excited that I’m going to have him for two years.”

HANCOCK COLLEGE BULLDOGS 2016 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 BAKERSFIELD, 2 p.m.

Sept. 10 @ East Los Angeles, 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 @ Pasadena, 4 p.m.

Sept. 24 SANTA ANA, 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 @ San Bernardino*.

Oct. 8 BYE. Oct. 15 SANTA BARBARA, 2 p.m.* Len Wood, Staff

Matt Albright, left, will throw a lot to teammate and fellow sophomore Chris Barganier, far right, in the upcoming football season. Malik Pope, second from left, and safety Patrick Graves will help lead the Hancock defense.

Kenny Cress

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| August 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

KC RESS@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM

WHAT TO KNOW Base offense: Pro set.

Season outlook

Base defense: 4-3.

fter seven years, the Hancock College football team has bid goodbye to the rugged Northern League.

The Southern California Football Association did some league revamping during the offseason, and Hancock landed in the Pacific League of the SCFA’s American Division. The Bulldogs had played in the National Division.

With the likes of traditional powers Cerritos and College of the Canyons, the Northern League has been consistently among the toughest leagues in Southern California.

Returning starters: Offense 2 .

Defense 3 .

A

2015 record: 4-6 (2-4 Conf.).

Head coach: Kris Dutra, 16th season, 86-69 career record, 1 bowl win (2011 Western State Conference Bowl).

Top returner on offense: Chris Barganier, wide receiver, 34 catches for 560 yards and four touchdowns,

“It’s one thing when you have two or three teams you really have to key on,” said veteran Hancock

leading the team in all three categories.

Top returner on defense: Easton Coy, LB, 10 solo tackles, 5 assists in 2015.

Key losses: Kevon Perry, DE, Damarion King, DB. Top returners: Chris Barganier, So., WR, Easton Coy, So., LB, Davon Perry, So., DE, Malik Pope, So., DB. Top newcomers: Patrick Graves, So., FS.

coach Kris Dutra. “It’s another when you know you’re in for a tough game every single week.”

Hancock’s move doesn’t appear to make for a guaranteed cakewalk through its new league.

“A lot of the teams in our league this year were in the old Western State Conference we used to play in, and the WSC has changed a lot,” said Dutra.

Hancock will join Central Coast rival Santa Barbara City College, , San Bernardino Valley College, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Pierce, Antelope Valley and Citrus in the Pacific League.

Those teams were a combined 35-26 last year. L.A. Valley finished 9-2 overall and, at 6-1, was the runner-up behind Santa Monica in the Pacific League last year. SBCC, L.A. Pierce and Antelope Valley were all 4-3 in Pacific League games in 2015.

Oct. 22 @ Los Angeles Valley, 6 p.m.* Oct. 29 LOS ANGELES PIERCE, 2 p.m.* Nov. 5 ANTELOPE VALLEY, 2 p.m.* Nov. 12 @ Citrus, 2 p.m.* * — Pacific League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Scott Smith, Contributor

Hancock quarterback Matt Albright hands the ball off to running back Justin Banks at the Bulldogs’ first home game last fall.

Expect a lot of Albright passes in 2016.

PROJECTED STARTERS Defense DL: Davon Perry.

LB: Easton Coy. DB: Malik Pope, Patrick Graves.

Offense OL: n/a QB: Matt Albright.

WR: Chris Barganier.

Hancock wide receiver Chris Barganier goes up for a pass during a game against Santa Barbara City last year. Barganier had a productive freshman season but you can expect even bigger things out of the St. Joe grad in 2016.

Mike Eliason, Contributor

A23

defensive end Kavon Perry, Davon’s brother, graduated.

Pope was set back last season when he missed multiple games after being injured in Hancock’s fifth game of the year, at Long Beach City College.

Now, though, “I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life,” Pope said.

“Coming out of high school, the game was a lot faster. Now I’m up to gear with that, and I feel like I’m dialed into the defense we’re running.”

Sophomore safety Patrick Graves figures to give the Hancock defense a boost. A 2009 graduate of Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Graves arrived late to the Hancock program last year, but wound up being a contributor on defense.

Based in Colorado Springs, where he remained before coming to Hancock in 2015, he was on active duty after he graduated from high school. He is now in the Air Force Reserve and said he serves at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

With the combined rigors of the Air Force, and football practice, “I’m in the best shape of my life,” Graves asserted.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2016 |

San Bernardino Valley College, 8-2, 6-1, finished in a three-way tie with Desert and Victor Valley in the American Division’s Mountain League last year. Citrus, 2-8, 1-5, took its lumps in the National Division’s Central League.

The Bulldogs went 4-6 in 2015, their second straight 4-6 campaign. Dutra will begin his 16th year at the helm when Hancock hosts former Northern League rival Bakersfield at 2 p.m.

Sept. 3.

Matt Albright, a sophomore who graduated from Nipomo High School, will be Hancock’s starting quarterback.

Albright saw limited action last year.

“We will run a lot of offense out of the standard pro set,” said Dutra. “With this quarterback, that doesn’t mean we won’t throw out of the spread.”

Albright made a habit of connecting on long passes during his time at Nipomo.

“I think I got a good feel for the offense last year, and we’ll be running a lot of the same offense we did last season,” said Albright.

Besides, “I think I added arm strength and accuracy,” the quarterback said.

“The lifting program helped me out.”

Hancock will have to do without players who provided a lot of its scoring punch last year. Most of its leading backs from last year are gone. So, too, is Malik Williams, a top return man in the state in 2015.

The Bulldogs do have their leading receiver in 2015, Chris Barganier, back.

The St. Joseph graduate led Hancock in receptions (34), reception yardage (560) and touchdown receptions (4).

“The only difference in going against pass coverage from high school is that (the defensive backs) are a lot more physical and faster,” said Barganier.

“Once I got the feel for that, it was easy to try to adjust to junior college coverages.”

Albright wasn’t the Hancock starting quarterback last year, but he and Barganier are familiar with each other, the receiver said.

“We hang out after practice a lot and we work on pass routes,” said Barganier.

The Bulldogs have just two offensive regulars and three regulars from the defensive side back from last year.

Bowl game regulars in the recent past, the Bulldogs will go after their first winning season, and first bowl appearance, since 2011.

Sophomore defensive back Malik Pope will try to help the Bulldogs get there. He, along with linebacker Easton Coy and defensive end Davon Perry, helped anchor the Hancock defense, although all-everything

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