Central Coast Prep Football 2017

Welcome to the 2017 football season Joe Bailey

J BA I LEY@LE ECE NT RALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

A2 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

N ‌

o one works harder to deliver the football coverage you want than us.

So, once again, we’ve got a lot planned for the 2017 season.

Though the area teams haven’t begun playing yet, we’re already in mid-season form. Earlier this month we held our third annual Lee Central Coast Newspapers Media Day at St. Joseph High School.

That’s how we produce this special section, conducting dozens of interviews and taking literally hundreds of photos.

But these 24 pages aren’t all you get.

You can go to one of our websites and get a whole lot more there. We’ve produced dozens of videos and other digital components to get you ready for the season.

I’ve been busy compiling a series counting down the top players in the area titled Central Coast 60. In fact, before the games kick off this Friday, you can check out santamariatimes.com to see who made the cut for my top 10 and who I chose for the top spot.

When the games actually begin, we’ll kick our coverage into high gear, not only bringing you the most comprehensive post-game coverage in the area, but the best LIVE coverage as well. All our reporters are constantly dishing out updates on Twitter and other forms of social media.

But that’s just an added bonus for you, free of charge.

The real fun stuff comes with our Game of the Week broadcasts every Friday night during the season. (Well, that’s also free).

I will be calling the best available game every week and you can watch live at santamariatimes.com. But you should already know that.

We’ve been doing it for about 12 seasons now.

That’s some unique LIVE coverage for you.

But let’s get back to some of that postgame coverage. Every Saturday our Santa Maria Times will be filled with scores, stats, photos and game recaps from all the biggest showdowns. Then, later in the week, we have our 805 Sports Talk show that goes live every Wednesday night.

That show, which is entering its second season, will feature highlights and interviews

from the top players and coaches each week.

See? The coaches, players and parents aren’t the only ones working hard during the football season. Us in the media grind pretty hard as well.

I’m clearly looking forward to covering this football season.

But I’m also looking forward to actually focusing on the games. And there are some big ones on deck. Of course, we’ve got the Lompoc-Arroyo Grande game Friday night at Doug Hitchen Stadium in Arroyo Grande.

That one should be a lot of fun as Andrew Jones’ Braves take on Mike Hartman’s Eagles.

But this also marks the end of an era. For the first time, some of our area teams will be in different sections this time next year. All the SLO County schools and the Santa Maria Valley schools have agreed to move to the Central Section, starting next school year. Schools in Santa Ynez and Lompoc have vowed to stay in the Southern Section. How will that affect next season? I guess we’ll find out.

But let’s focus on this season, for now.

In Week One, St. Joseph hosts Righetti in the Battle for the Shield, another always fun game. I’m not quite sure what to expect in that one as St. Joseph may be the favorite after Righetti struggled last year.

I’m also really going to be focused on Santa Maria early on this year. I really wish I could follow the Saints around and document their entire season. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding that program. Can they beat Righetti again this year? Will they finally get over on Pioneer Valley? Will they beat Nipomo and win the Northern League and do some damage in the playoffs? That’s going to be a fun team this year.

Of course, Lompoc is favored to win the Los Padres League again, though St. Joseph and Santa Ynez may be closing the gap there.

Is Pioneer Valley poised for a breakout season? (And how about the Panthers’ Week Zero game at Nipomo? That’s an intriguing one as former Nipomo QB Nick Robledo is now at Pioneer Valley).

And we can’t forget about Hancock or the area’s 8-man teams. Hancock finished strong with three straight wins and has a lot of local talent back this year. And they play on campus again this year! You have to catch one of

STAFF Joe Bailey Assistant sports editor jbailey@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2239 @JBaileySMSports

Jason Anderson Digital Producer janderson@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2213

Kenny Cress Sports Writer kcress@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2237 Len Wood, Staff‌

Valley Christian Academy’s Joey Valadez (78), Santa Maria’s Blake Truhitte (2), Righetti’s Nathan Bakke (54), and Kenneth Hoobery (21) make up some of the better players in the Santa Maria Valley. We hope you’re as excited as we are to watch these guys play in 2017.

their Saturday afternoon games. They’re a lot of fun. The big question surrounding AHC: Can the Bulldogs win a bowl game or possibly make the playoffs? I think so.

Just how good is Orcutt Academy? They appear to be stacked this year with Alex Andrade, Darin Miller and Jared Sutton. Do the Spartans stay at 8-man or move up to 11 next year? Doug May says they have about 34 kids suited up this year, quite a lot for an 8-man team. (VCA carries 18-20). VCA also has a lot of hope this year with Trenton Lane leading the offense.

That’s just a brief synopsis of what the early part of the season is looking like.

Once the games begin, make sure to keep this special section with you. It has some good information in it, listing projected starters and top returners and which divisions all the teams are in. I know it can be hard to keep track of all that stuff. And once the season really gets going, be sure to check out our Game of the Week every Friday night, with our broadcasts starting at 6:45 p.m. We’ll also have special 805 Sports Talks ready for you live on Wednesdays, and tons of game recaps and highlights throughout the season.

So, buckle up, we’re in for quite a ride as the 2017 football season is just days away.

Sports Writer lreyna@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2236 @LJ_Reyna

Len Wood Assistant Managing Editor lwood@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2215 @lwood83

Tony Martindale Photographer/editor tmartindale@leecentralcoast news.com (805) 739-2210

Marga K. Cooley Managing Editor mcooley@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2143 @MargaCooley

Cynthia Schur Publisher cschur@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2154

Braxton Carroll IT Administrator bcaroll@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2222

Ed Galanski Sales representative egalanski@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2151

Visit Lee Central Coast Newspapers online and on social media! santamariatimes.com lompocrecord.com syvnews.com Facebook.com/ SantaMariaTimes

CONTENTS The Los Padres League‌ St. Joseph ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 4-5 Pioneer �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 6-7 Lompoc �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 8-9 Cabrillo ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 10-11 Santa Ynez ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 12-13 The PAC 5 League‌ Righetti ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 14-15

Lorenzo J. Reyna

The Northern League‌ Santa Maria ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 16-17 Nipomo ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Page 18-19 8-man Football‌ Orcutt Academy ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 20 Valley Christian ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 21 College‌ Hancock ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 22-23

Facebook.com/SMTSports For sports updates on Twitter, follow @SMTSportsDesk Follow the Santa Maria Times on Twitter @SantaMariaTimes

NEW 2017 CHEVROLET 1500 LT CREW CAB Se habla eSpaÑol 805

1313 East Main St., Santa Maria

www.homemotors.net

928-7744

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A3

NEW 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT

ST. JOSEPH KNIGHTS What to know Playoff group: Division 5 Base offense: Spread.

Base defense: 30 stack.

Returning starters: Offense — 5. Defense — 6.

2016 record: 7-5 (3-1 LPL).

Head coach: Jim Chvala, first season, career record 0-0 Top returner on offense: Dino Maldonado, QB: 112 for 206, 1,529 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs in 2016.

Top returner on defense: Zach Morris, LB: 26 solo tackles, 28 assists, 8.5 TFLs in 2016 Key losses: CJ Cole, RB; Fenton Will LB; Clay Will LB; Jacob Swanson FS. Top returners: Nate Guzman 5-10, 165 SR WR; Justin Wong 6-1, 170 SR WR; Mason Biely, 6-2, 180 SR WR. Top newcomers: Trevor Cole, JR WR 5-9, 155.

A4 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: @ Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: RIGHETTI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: @ St. Bonaventure, at Ventura College, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: BISHOP DIEGO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: @ Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: SAN LUIS OBISPO, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Cabrillo, 7 p.m.* Oct. 13: @ PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m. * Oct. 20: BYE Oct. 27: @ Lompoc, 7 p.m.* Nov. 3: @ SANTA YNEZ, 7 p.m.* * — Los Padres League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense DL: Markus Frazier, Victor Zepeda, Isaac Blackburn.

LB: Zach Morris*, Zak Wilson, Tim Miller, Will Sorhiem.

DB: Jayden Vargas*, Justin Wong, Michael Ramirez, Nate Guzman.

Offense OL: Darin Gooley, Jakob Hernandez, Alex Ontiveros.

QB: Dino Maldonado*.

RB: Tim Miller, Jayden Vargas.

WR: Nate Guzman*, Justin Wong, Joseph Miller, Trevor Cole. * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2016

Len Wood, Staff‌

St. Joseph’s Zachary Morris (24), Dino Maldonado (6), Joseph Miller (14), Justin Wong (9), Mason Biely (27) and Timothy Miller (4) are all seniors who expect to make waves for the Knights in 2017 as they try to make it past the CIF quarterfinals this year.

Joe Bailey JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

The Knights have made it to the CIF divisional quarterfinals the last three seasons.

In the last two years, the team to end St. Joseph’s season went on to win a CIF Southern Section championship; Calabasas last year and Camarillo the year before.

So, it’s clear the Knights have been successful recently. It’s also clear that they are expected to make it back to the playoffs in 2017.

This is Jim Chvala’s first year as the Knights’ head coach, and he’s fully determined to lead the Knights to challenge Lompoc in the Los Padres League and forge another deep run in the playoffs.

It doesn’t appear much has changed with Chvala at the helm at St. Joseph. (Dustin Davis left

for Arrowhead Christian after five years at St. Joe).

The expectations are still high and the talent is most certainly there.

“The atmosphere here is high and the expectations at this school are high,” Chvala said. “These young men know that and the coaches know that. Therefore, these studentathletes work very, very hard to accomplish that. Their goals are to be the best they can be.”

Chvala hits the nail on the head when asked about his offense and the team overall.

“What we bring back from last year’s team is athleticism,” he said.

Dino Maldonado, last year’s starter, is an athletic quarterback. Maldonado threw for over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also rushed 329 yards and a score. The Knights do lose CJ Cole, who had 1,067 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns

a year ago.

“I expect us to put up a lot of points against the teams we’re going to play,” Maldonado said.

“We’ve been working good together. Our line is young.

They’re all juniors, but they’re all big boys. Bigger than last year and they have a lot of potential.”

But, among the offensive skill positions, they don’t lose a whole lot else. Four of the Knights’ top five receivers return.

Nate Guzman is back as a senior receiver after catching 33 passes for 550 yards and four touchdowns last year. Justin Wong is also back after making 23 receptions for 247 yards in 2016. Trevor Cole, CJ’s younger brother, is back after he had nine grabs for 197 yards and two scores. Mason Biely is back. He finished the year with nine grabs for 171 yards and a TD. “The receiving corps is very nice,” Wong said. “We’re coming off our junior years so we’re all

seniors. I think our passing game is gonna be a big part of what we do.”

But that’s not all. The Knights have picked up two additions after Mission Prep made the change to 8-man football: Tim and Joseph Miller, both of whom starred for the Royals last year and appear ready to take on the LPL this year. Zak Wilson, who had a big sophomore season at linebacker for Righetti in 2016, has also transferred to St. Joseph.

Joseph Miller caught 45 passes for 554 yards and five TDs last year for the Royals. Tim Miller also did well receiving, with 13 for 181 yards and a score.

Both Millers can also play on defense.

Tim Miller had 71 tackles for the Royals in 2016, 29 solo and 42 assists. Joseph Miller had 20 solo tackles and 13 assists. Tim may be counted on to run the ball more this year for the Knights and will be called upon to help

lead a talented defense at St. Joseph.

Maldonado said Tim Miller and Jayden Vargas, who was an All-League and All-Area pick last year as a defensive back, will lead the rushing attack this year.

“They’re both looking really good,” Maldonado said of Miller and Vargas. “I mean, you can’t replace a player like CJ, but they’re filling in good right now and our run-game should be good.”

Joseph Miller may complement Nate Guzman as the No. 2 receiver or turn into the top receiving threat for the Knights.

Maldonado literally has five to six legitimate receiving targets this year, though Vargas and Miller will definitely have to step up in the running game for the offense to find balance.

The Knights do have some holes to fill among the offensive and defensive lines.

Both Noah Duncan and Noah Lossing are gone to graduation. As is Dominic King. And Steelee Morgan.

The Knights are set at kicker with Nathan Halsell returning. As a sophomore, Halsell had 15 touchbacks on 54 kickoffs while going 23 for 24 on PATs

and 7 for 10 on field goal tries, with a long of 50.

Another place where the Knights are certainly deep is linebacker, with Zach Morris, a returning All-League player, joined by Tim Miller, Zak Wilson and Roman Martinez.

Morris, who plays on the outside, is the Knights’ top returning tackler besides Tim Miller. Morris had 54 total tackles (26 solo) in 10 games last year.

“I think our biggest strength is quickness, I think we’re going to be a fast defense this year,” Morris said.

“Just like last year. I think we’re going to do really well. We’re working well as a team and we’re pretty far ahead right now.”

The Knights will find out just how far ahead they are with a tough seasonopening game at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Friday.

“I think it’ll be fun. I like playing with some competition and it’ll be fun to see how we’ll do,” Morris said. “I think we’ll have a good outcome.”

Vargas, Biely and another senior, Mike Ramirez, figure to make up a very solid defensive secondary. Ramirez had a pair

Len Wood, Staff‌

St. Joseph’s Timothy Miller (4) has made the move from Mission Prep to St. Joseph. He’ll be making an impact for the Knights this year from a number of different positions on the field.

of interceptions last year in six games.

Of the 35 players listed on St. Joseph’s roster at press time, 15 of them were seniors. Wong takes being a senior on this team very seriously.

“Every day it starts in practice,” Wong said. “You have to be a leader on the team. You’re the one the guys look up to

so you have to be that leader.”

Wong does have an individual goal for himself this year, but it’s one that does help the team: “I’m trying to catch every single ball that’s thrown to me. Blocking is a huge part of our offense too, so I’ve got to set blocks on the outside.”

Maldonado says the team hasn’t skipped a beat with Chvala transitioning into the head coaching role.

“He’s doing a great job this year and the next couple years I’m sure he’ll do just as good,” Maldonado said.

TJ Jordan and Harrison Keller are running the offense. Ryan Labastida is the defensive coordinator. Jordan, a Righetti grad, is blossoming into the Central Coast’s go-to quarterback guru and has worked extensively with Maldonado.

“Around the Central Coast you don’t really have a quarterback coach like coach Jordan,” Maldonado said. “He brings something to the table that no one really can around here. He’ll be on the rise pretty soon.”

After the game at Sherman Oaks, the Knights will take on rival Righetti then play at St. Bonaventure in Ventura.

Come Meet Our Team, So You Can Hear Yours!

Providing Personalized Patient Care on the Central Coast for over 25 years

Hurdle Hearing & audiology S a n ta M a r i a 210 S. Palisade Dr., Suite 204

805-614-4800

arroyo grande 880 Oak Park Blvd., Suite 101

805-474-6004

Christopher Hurdle, Au.D.

Class of ‘83 Alumni

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A5

Trust Your Hearing to a Doctor of Audiology!

PIONEER VALLEY PANTHERS What to know Playoff group: Division 8 Base offense: Fly Base defense: “40” Returning starters: Offense — 5. Defense — 4.

2016 record: 4-6 (0-4 LPL) Head coach: John Ruiz, third year, career record 8-13.

Top returners on offense: Mathew Garcia, 6-2, 200, Sr. QB; Emmanuel Alcantar, 5-10, 175, Sr. RB; Michael Bourbon, 5-10, 165, Jr. ‘Z’ back-WR; Kenneth Hoobery, 5-11, 155 Sr. WR; Jonathan Salazar, 6-0, 185, Sr. ‘X’ back.

Top returners on defense: Saul Sanchez, 5-10, 210, Sr. DT; Steve Fuerte, 5-11, 150, Jr. CB; Ivan Zepeda, 5-7, 180, Sr., ILB. Key losses: Leo Partida-Ruiz, WR-FS, Moises Olmedo, S, Juilan Bautista, LB, Marco Barajas, LB, Michael Pompa, DL. Top newcomers: Nick Robledo, 5-11, 190, Sr. QB; Nate Willis, 6-2, 180, Sr. WR, Andy Cortez, ILB.

A6 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: @ Nipomo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: SAN LUIS OBISPO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: BYE Sept. 15: ARROYO GRANDE , 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: SANTA MARIA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: @ Atascadero, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: LOMPOC, 7 p.m. * Oct. 13: @ St. Joseph, 7 p.m. * Oct. 20: CABRILLO, 7 p.m. * Oct. 27: @ Santa Ynez, 7 p.m. * Nov. 3: @ Righetti, 7 p.m. * — Denotes Los Padres League Game Homes games in CAPS

Projected starters

Defense‌ DL: Juan Guzman, Elias Zepeda, Josiah Zuniga, Saul Sanchez.

LB: Ivan Zepeda, Oscar Ruiz, Andy Cortez.

DB: Emmanuel Alcantar, Adrian Garcia, Steve Fuerte, Kenneth Hoobery or Michael Bourbon.

Offense OL: Luis Solorio, Eddie Lucio, Elias Zepeda, Eric Santillan, Josiah Zuniga.

QB: Mathew Garcia or Nick Robledo.

RB: Emmanuel Alcantar, Andy Cortez.

WR: Michael Bourbon, Kenneth Hoobery, Nate Willis.

TE: Jonathan Salazar.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Last year, Pioneer Valley started out 3-1. The Panthers wound up 4-6. In 2017, Michael Bourbon (20), Mathew Garcia (1), Nick Robledo (6), Juan Guzman (33), Kenneth Hoobery (21), Ivan Zepeda (15) hope to get off to a strong start and keep it going.

Kenny Cress KCRESS @L EEC ENTRALCOAST NEWS.CO M‌

Season Outlook‌

The Pioneer Valley football team has some valuable skill position players on offense returning for the 2017 campaign.

In fact, all of the Panthers’ skill position players on offense are back. What the Panthers don’t have are many other players.

“This year the numbers are very low, the lowest they’ve been at Pioneer Valley,” said Pioneer Valley coach John Ruiz.

“If I carry 40 players this year, that will be (about the maximum possible with the turnout

this year).”

The Pioneer Valley varsity was 50 players strong last year.

Ruiz will start his third year as Pioneer Valley’s head football coach when the Panthers play at Nipomo Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. in their season opener.

The Panthers went 4-7 in Ruiz’s first year, but they qualified for the post-season. After a 3-1 start last year, Pioneer Valley went 0-4 in the Los Padres League, wound up 4-6 overall and did not make the playoffs.

As for this year, “Yes, the low numbers are a concern,” Ruiz acknowledged.

As to why Pioneer Valley’s football numbers are so low this

year, “I don’t know if it’s because more parents are not letting their kids go out for football. I don’t know if it’s because football is a year-long sport, and a lot of kids here play basketball and baseball as well,” said Pioneer Valley’s football coach.

“Basketball teams play two or three times a week, baseball teams play two or three times a week and football is a year-long sport (because of off-season training). It’s a lot of work.”

Senior Ivan Zepeda is set to start for the second straight year at linebacker for the Panthers.

He believes the people Pioneer Valley has will be good enough.

“I think the guys we have, even

though we only have a little bit, will be good enough to get us to the post-season,” he said.

Pioneer Valley’s returning skill position players include strong-armed senior quarterback Mathew Garcia, running back Emmanuel Alcantar (senior) former running back Michael Bourbon (junior), senior wide receiver Kenneth Hoobery and senior ‘X’ back Jonathan Salazar.

Bourbon is a former running back because, he said, the Pioneer Valley coaches are moving him to the outside.

“I’ll either be a ‘Z’ back or a receiver,” Bourbon said. “I like it.

I feel more comfortable.”

Alcantar is not particularly

big — he is listed at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds — but last year he proved he could grind out tough between-thetackles yardage.

At press time, Ruiz said Nick Robledo, a senior transfer from Nipomo, was pushing Garcia for the starting quarterback job.

“They’re neck-and-neck,” Ruiz said.

“The competition has been good for them. Nick is a good addition. Besides quarterback, he can play running back and defensive back.”

The Panthers will have some promising receivers to throw to for whoever Pioneer Valley’s quarterback is.

However, the team’s leading receiver in 2016, Leo Partida-Ruiz who also

“They’re neck-and-neck,” Ruiz said. “The competition has been good for them. Nick is a good addition. Besides quarterback, he can play running back and defensive back.”

Pioneer Valley coach John Ruiz, on the battle for starting QB between Mathew Garcia and Nick Robledo

helped anchor the PV defense at free safety, graduated.

Still, with whoever the Pioneer Valley quarterback is, “I feel we’ll have a good passing game,” said Hoobery.

“I have faith that we’ll be able to make the playoffs.”

Besides Hoobery and Bourbon, Ruiz expects Nate Willis to give the Panthers help at wide receiver.

“Nate played two years ago. He took the year off last year,” said Ruiz.

Since Ruiz will consider himself fortunate if he carries 40 players on his varsity roster this year, “(Our coaching staff) is going to really have to monitor how the kids get their rest,” he said.

“In practice, the kids have hit, and hit and hit. We’re not going to be able to bang, bang, bang in practice this year.

If we have one or two guys going both ways, we are going to have to make sure the kids rest properly.”

Ruiz said he really isn’t thinking about the Panthers’ move from the CIF Southern Section to the Central Section that will take place in 2018.

“Everybody else will probably be chasing Lompoc and St Joseph in the Los Padres League again this year.

They have the best talent in the area,” said Ruiz.

He added, “Santa Maria has improved a lot. We have to play Atascadero in another non-league game. So we really can’t be thinking ahead to the next year.

“Our goal is to finish above .500 and make the playoffs.”

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A7

Len Wood, Staff‌

Pioneer Valley’s Michael Bourbon is a versatile weapon for the Panthers, this year moving from running back to receiver.

LOMPOC BRAVES What to know Playoff group: Division 3 Base offense: Pro style.

Base defense: Odd front. 3-4 Returning starters: Offense — 5. Defense — 7.

2016 record: 12-1 (4-0 LPL).

Head coach: Andrew Jones, eighth season, career record 81-10, seven straight LPL titles.

Top returner on offense: Toa Taua, RB, 184 carries, 1,777 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns.

Top returner on defense: Jelani Henderson, LB, 67 tackles, 42 solo, three behind the line of scrimmage, one interception Key losses: Kam Davis, QB, R.J. Grice, OT, Isaac Black, OL/DL, Trenton Carter, OL-DL, Greg Lewis, DB, Zion Harris, DB. Top returners:ToaTaua 5-10, 200 SR RB/DB; Dallas Canley 5-11, 170 SR RB/CB; Shemar Savage, 6-3, 180 JR WR; Johnny Manzo, 6-1, 170 SRWR; Ruben Cortez 5-8, 180 SR RB/LB; Jelani Henderson 6-1, 205 SR LB; Juan DeLuna 5-11, 250 JR NG. Top newcomers: Jacob Nunez 6-3, 270 SO OL/DL; Ryan Morgan 6-2, 170 SOWR.

A8 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: @ Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: NIPOMO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: SAN MARCOS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: @ Santa Barbara, at SBCC, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: RIGHETTI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: @ Templeton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m. * Oct. 13: BYE Oct. 20: SANTA YNEZ, 7 p.m. * Oct. 27: ST. JOSEPH, 7 p.m * Nov. 3: @ Cabrillo, 7 p.m. * * — Denotes Los Padres League game Home games in CAPS

Projected starters

Defense DL: Juan DeLuna.

LB: Jelani Henderson*, Ruben Cortez*, DB: Dallas Canley,* Jimmy Gardner*, Toa Taua*, Shemar Savage*.

Offense OL: Jacob Nunez, Nicholas Jones.

QB: Xavier Nix. RB: Toa Taua *, Ruben Cortez*, Dallas Canley*.

WR: Shemar Savage*, Johnny Manzo, Ryan Morgan * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2016

Len Wood, Staff‌

Lompoc’s Toa Taua (35) Ruben Cortez (21), Dallas Canley (20), Shemar Savage (22), Nicholas Jones (51), Jimmy Gardner (32) and Johnny Manzo (18) comprise the most talented group of players on the Central Coast. The Braves, though, are focused on erasing the memory of last year’s playoff loss to Corona del Mar. They start the mission Friday night in Arroyo Grande.

Lorenzo J. Reyna LREYNA@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

Black Friday 2016 still stays fresh in the minds of this year’s Lompoc High football team.

While Americans were battling congested lines and tackling their Christmas shopping, the Braves were tackling a formidable opponent from Orange County in Corona del Mar – and the scenes played out like this on that November night: The Braves built an 18-point lead, then lost the lead late, then retook the lead on a double pass with less than three minutes to play and lastly, saw one final climatic drive that was engineered

by Cal quarterback commit

Chase Garbers…

And the final result: Corona del Mar 35, Lompoc 34, ending the Braves’ undefeated run and CIF Southern Section Division 4 title game bid in the semifinals.

The loss still resonates with some of the returning star players who played in that game.

“That game is still fresh in my mind,” said Ruben Cortez, the Braves’ returning senior linebacker and running back. “I think about it every time I step on the field. We had a chance to do something special and we couldn’t finish. That’s why our focus point is finishing.”

Added senior wide receiver Johnny Manzo: “Coach Andrew Jones brings it up all the time.

We didn’t bring the ‘A’ game.”

Concluded wide receiver and

safety Shemar Savage: “I still think about it and I use it to make me work harder and not make the same mistakes this year. Pushing the rest of the team to do their best – that’s what I regret not doing (that night).”

Lompoc will not only aim to redeem itself from the Black Friday playoff loss, but deal with a higher playing field this season: The Division 3 gauntlet.

The playoffs will now see these Southern California heavyweights for the Braves: Defending state champion Sierra Canyon, traditional Orange County powerhouse Buena Park and Ventura County kingpin Newbury Park, with Texas commit Cameron Rising at quarterback.

The Braves, though, don’t sound like they’re unfazed

about the promotion to the higher division.

“I look forward to it. It is better competition and I feel like we can hang with those big name schools,” Cortez said.

Returning four-year varsity letter winner Toa Taua, who currently holds 12 reported scholarship offers including Cal and Washington State, also likes the ascension to D3 but knows more work lies ahead.

“I’m glad we got to move up, but we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Taua said. “The bar has been raised.”

Lompoc is welcoming back a stacked group of skill position players from an offense that tallied 623 points last season, with 10 games of scoring past the 40-point threshold. Taua

– who earned Lee Central Coast News All-Area Most Valuable Player honors after collecting 1,777 yards and 28 touchdowns last year – helps lead a deep group of running backs along with Cortez and outside threat Dallas Canley.

Gone is quarterback Kameron Davis and top pass protector and run blocker R.J. Grice on the offensive line, two key components from last year’s offense.

But expected to line up behind center is Xavier Nix, who still brings the dualthreat presence that past Brave quarterbacks have been known for. Helping anchor the offensive line will likely be Jacob Nunez, who got his feet wet as a freshman on varsity for both football and wrestling last year.

The senior Savage returns out wide after a breakout season of 686 receiving yards, an average of 22.9 yards per catch and 13 touchdowns. Like Taua, Savage is on the national radar with offers from San Jose State and Howard that arrived to him during the spring – plus adds Colorado has been talking to him during the summer. Outside of Savage, basketball

and baseball star Ryan Morgan is expected to see the ball as a sophomore on varsity, while Manzo returns for his senior season to provide the Braves their explosive slot presence.

Defensively, the Braves lost both defensive ends Isaac Black and Trenton Carter to graduation. But Juan DeLuna returns to occupy the middle at nose guard.

The

5-foot-11, 250-pounder controlled the inside gaps with his 31 tackles last season, including five behind the line of scrimmage.

Cortez is expected to lead an experienced linebacker core that additionally brings back Jelani Henderson, who led the team in tackles with 67. A star-studded secondary is luring back Taua, Jimmy Gardner, Savage and Lompoc’s top shut down cornerback Canley, who is coming back from a season-ending knee injury that sidelined him during the playoffs.

“I’m motivated.

I’m trying

to pick up from where I left off and take my team to the top this year,” Canley said.

Canley adds that he sees a higher sense of focus out of this year’s team.

“I think this year, we’re all hungry because we’re seniors and we want to get a CIF ring,” Canley said.

For Cortez, the team goal is making sure the season ends in December, not around Thanksgiving.

“Our focus point is finishing,” Cortez said. “We came up short last year.

This year, everything is all about finishing.”

“I’m glad we got to move up, but we’ve got a lot of work to do. The bar has been raised.”

Toa Taua, Lompoc senior

Len Wood, Staff

Best of wishes for a winning season!

MON.-FRI. 10AM-8PM, SAT. 10AM-7PM, SUN. 11AM-5PM www.surfconnection.net

A9

1307 North H Street #C, Lompoc CA 93436 (805) 736-1730

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers |

Lompoc’s Toa Taua returns as a senior with aspirations of winning a CIF title.

Last year, Taua had 1,777 yards rushing to go along with 28 touchdowns.

CABRILLO CONQUISTADORES What to know Playoff group: Division 11 Base offense: Run-based Base defense: Even front, 4-3 Returning starters: Offense — 6. Defense — 3.

2016 record: 4-6 (1-3 LPL).

Head coach: A.J. Pateras, first season.

Top returner on offense: Ben Dixon, WR, 20 catches, 244 yards and two touchdowns.

Top returner on defense: Sean Wood, DB, 24 tackles, 16 solo, two interceptions.

Key losses: Cody Perry, RB/LB; Izzy Hernandez, QB/LB; De’Andre Sauceda RB/LB. Top returners: Ben Dixon 6-0, 180 SR WR/DB; Sean Wood 6-0, 180 SR WR/CB; J.D. Czjakowski 6-1, 170 SR WR/DB Top newcomer: Kurt Newberry 5-10, 170 RB/LB.

A10 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: BAKERSFIELD FRONTIER, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1: @ Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: @ Santa Maria, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: TEMPLETON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: @ Nipomo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: MORRO BAY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: ST. JOSEPH, 7 p.m. * Oct. 13: @ Santa Ynez, 7 p.m. * Oct. 20: @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m. * Oct. 27: BYE Nov. 3: LOMPOC, 7 p.m. * * — denotes Los Padres League game Home games in CAPS

Projected starters

Defense‌ DL: Danan Pacheco, Austin Martin LB: Kurt Newberry, Spencer Cothran DB: JD Czjakowski, Ben Dixon*, Alex Bourne Offense OL: Ruben Ponce, Blake Settje, Brenton Staunton WR: Joey Brown, Jordan Green, Mason Townes, Ben Dixon* * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2016

Len Wood photos, Staff‌

Cabrillo’s J.D. Czajkowski (2), left, Sean Wood (4) and Ben Dixon (1) compose Cabrillo’s core of senior captains. The Conqs went through some turmoil and coaching changes in 2016, but new coach A.J. Pateras has brought stability to Cabrillo.

Lorenzo J. Reyna LREYNA@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

Cabrillo is turning to its seventh head varsity football coach since the 1999-2000 campaign.

While the newest varsity leader A.J. Pateras is no stranger to the colors black and gold, the former Ventura High assistant and player is the first nonCHS graduate to take over the program since Don Cross, who roamed the Conquistadores sidelines from 2003 to 2007.

Pateras is planning to bring some of his Ventura High elements in his first go-round on Constellation Road.

“Coming from Ventura, we did a lot of different things throughout the program. So I’ve got a good inner-working of how a

program is supposed to be structured and organized,” Pateras said. “It’s been a lot of behind the scenes work and a lot of work with getting organized, getting collaborations from the kids and parents, getting a staff together and lastly, learning about our kids.”

Yet, Pateras says that he’s not planning to run Cabrillo the way his former mentors Brad Steward and Tim Garcia ran Ventura High.

“There are some things from Ventura that I brought with me.

But I wouldn’t say our practices are like a VHS practice. It’s more of a mixture of things that I wanted to do or have done in the past – or things that I liked that we did at VHS,” Pateras said. “But it’s high energy (at CHS). We’re jumping from one five-minute station here to another five minute there then to a 10 minute one. So there’s

no standing around. It’s a high energy practice.”

Cabrillo players have had to get used to not walking on the practice field or standing around for long periods of time during practices. Pateras and his current staff have placed an emphasis on fundamentals throughout the summer – from defenses pursuing to the football to executing the proper blocking techniques on the offensive line. Pateras realizes that his first CHS team won’t be a seasoned one.

“We’re young,” Pateras said.

“We’ve got some young offensive linemen who could move – and that’s really good because I like athletic linemen. We also got some skills guys who can catch the ball in space and make plays. We’ve got a quarterback battle going on between a junior and senior – both of whom I

Cabrillo coach A.J. Pateras made an appearance at the third annual LCCN Media Day at St. Joseph High School. Pateras is all in on building up the Conqs.

“We’re young. We’ve got some young offensive linemen who could move – and that’s really good because I like athletic linemen. We also got some skills guys who can catch the ball in space and make plays. We’ve got a quarterback battle going on between a junior and senior – both of whom I think can handle the work load. But we’re young so we’re going to see what happens with these guys when they get tested.”

Cabrillo coach A.J. Pateras

think can handle the work load. But we’re young so we’re going to see what happens with these guys when they get tested.”

Pateras says that outside of quarterback, there are other key position battles going on at the CHS practice field – from running back to both lines. The most experience is on the outside, as Pateras says Joey Brown, Mason Townes and Jordan Green will likely be key contributes through the air attack.

The former defensive back Pateras has three key cornerstones in the secondary in Sean Wood, J.D. Czjakowski and Ben Dixon. Czjakowski and Dixon both said they and the rest of the Conqs have gotten used to Pateras.

“I think the players have warmed up to him already. He’s full of energy and he loves to be out on the field,” Czjakowski said.

Added Dixon: “He expects a lot from us. He’s building something special.”

Outside of the secondary, Pateras cites Kurt Newberry and Spencer Cothran as two building blocks at linebacker while the trenches will likely be led by Danan Pacheco and Austin Martin.

Offensively, Pateras and his staff are still trying to figure out who will be penciled in at key spots outside of receiver, but says Ruben Ponce, Blake Settje and Brenton Staunton are anticipated to anchor the line.

Pateras has a vision mapped out for

Len Wood, Staff‌

Cabrillo’s Sean Wood can contribute all over the field for Cabrillo. He may takesnaps at quarterback can also play on defense. He’ll try to help his team improve on their 4-6 mark from a year ago.

CHS to become an elite program. But his primary goal is to have a cerebrally strong team during his first season as head coach.

“I hope they’re going to be mentally tough,” Pateras said. “Just coming into

a situation and process it, then give it their best effort. I hope with these guys, it’s you clock in, work your butt off, clock out and then you go home. I expect our guys to just show up, give it their best effort and be physical.”

UndeFeATed Proud sponsors of Lompoc High School and Cabrillo High School photo galleries

TOYOTA OF LOMPOC

Under New Ownership and Management

Making a Difference!

203 E Ocean Ave, Lompoc • www.toyotaoflompoc.com 888-490-9377 • 805-736-1295

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A11

deALS!

SANTA YNEZ PIRATES What to know Playoff group: Division 10 Base offense: Spread Base defense: Even front Returning starters: Offense — 9. Defense — 10.

2016 record: 8-2 (2-2 LPL).

Head coach: Josh McClurg, sixth season, career record 21-31.

Top returner on offense: Gabe Prendergast, WR, 54 catches, 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Top returner on defense: Travis Vreeland, LB, 115 tackles, 50 solo, 2.5 sacks, one interception.

Key losses: Mike McCoy, QB/FS; Greg Fariss, RB/LB. Top returners: Gabe Prendergast 6-3, 180 SR WR/DB; Jasper Kadlec 6-4, 200 JR WR/CB; Ben Schaeffer, 6-0, 170 SR WR/DB; A.J. Reynoso, 5-11, 200 SR RB/LB; Travis Vreeland 6-0, 200 SR TE/ LB. Top newcomers: Dustin Gregg 5-8, 170 QB/FS.

A12 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: SAN MARCOS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: @ CAPRINTERIA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: BYE Sept. 15: NIPOMO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: @ Templeton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: SANTA MARIA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Morro Bay, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: CABRILLO, 7 p.m.* Oct. 20: @ Lompooc, 7 p.m.* Oct. 27: PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m. * Nov. 3: @ St. Joseph, 7 p.m.* * — Los Padres League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense‌ DL: Brennan Dellinger, Isaiah Smith, Gabe Palato and Nick Tipolt LB: Travis Vreeland*, A.J. Reynoso* DB: Gabe Prendergast, Markie Ray, Ben Schaeffer and Dustin Gregg Offense OL: Nick Tipolt, Isaiah Smith*, Kalen Reed, Marco Lazarit and Patrick Montgomery QB: Dustin Gregg RB: Cash Transeth, FB: AJ Reynoso WR: Jasper Kadlec*, Gabe Prendergast* TE: Travis Vreeland * — Named to All-LPL Team in 2016

Len Wood, Staff‌

Santa Ynez’s Isaiah Smith (56), Dustin Gregg (17), Ben Schaeffer (7), Jasper Kadlec (88) and Gabe Prendergast (9) have helped the Pirates win 15 games the last two years. Yet they haven’t been rewarded with a playoff berth. Will that change this year?

Lorenzo J. Reyna LREYNA@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

Santa Ynez is itching to play an 11th game this season – and possibly beyond.

The Pirates have become a model of consistency in the last two seasons, winning 15 of their last 20 games – but have been snubbed from the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

Why the rebuff from the CIFSS playoff committee? Because the Pirates have finished no higher than third place in the Los Padres League the last two seasons – and the LPL rule is that

a team must finish either first or second in league standings to guarantee a playoff spot.

Players and coaches are ticked, but at the same time they know they can’t lament on not playing an extra game in November…and instead come out more motivated than ever to end their three-year absence from the postseason.

“Of course it’s our goal every year,” said head coach Josh McClurg. “But I tell the kids ‘Control the controlables.’ We can’t control the CIF process and what’s set out in front of us. All we can do is control our effort and the way we go out and play every single Friday night.”

Added wide receiver Gabe

Prendergast: “Of course it stays fresh in my mind. But it’s in the past and we’re moving forward. We’re ready to get after it this year.”

This Pirates team will be one of the more experienced groups in the 805 this fall, with 19 returning starters from that 8-2 team of 2016-17.

“They’re a motivated group,” McClurg said. “It’s a tight senior group. They have a big chip on their shoulder. They’ve set their goal of getting to the playoffs.

“We return 10 defensive starters and nine offensive starters.

Defensively, we’re super experienced and way ahead of where we were last year in terms of

scheme and what we’ve put in.”

While the offensive line and receiving core are the most experienced units on offense, McClurg is aware that he has to replace one stout Pirate who energized his team on offense and defense: Quarterback and safety Mike McCoy, who has since moved on to Santa Barbara City College. McCoy dazzled the Central Coast with his knack for extending plays on offense and giving his team a run-pass element, plus provided the Pirate secondary with an extra ball-hawk.

“I’ve heard people say ‘How do you replace a guy like that?’

We don’t. We adapt,” McClurg

“We return 10 defensive starters and nine offensive starters. Defensively, we’re super experienced and way ahead of where we were last year in terms of scheme and what we’ve put in.”

Santa Ynez coach Josh McClurg

said. “We’ve changed some things but we’ll still have our base schemes on both sides. We just adapt to what we do and get the ball in different people’s hands.”

Prendergast will more than likely get the ball coming his way, especially after a breakout junior season that saw him collect 54 catches for 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns – earning him All-LPL and All-Area honors from Lee Central Coast News.

The 6-foot-3 Prendergast has since given Santa Ynez its first NCAA Division I prospect since Chris Joseph chose UCLA in 2004 – as Prendergast received full ride scholarship offers from Cornell and the University of San Diego during the spring.

“He’s going to garner a lot of attention this season. We’re finding

different ways to get him the ball,” McClurg said. “It’s awesome for him and awesome for the Santa Ynez community (to have the offers). I told him to enjoy the ride. It only comes around every ten years for a Santa Ynez kid.”

But McClurg believes there are two other Pirates who could break out this fall.

“I think Cash Transeth (is one to watch). He’s looked real sharp in camp,” McClurg said. “I think Jasper Kadlec as well. Those guys can have some outstanding games this season.”

Kadlec is the other big body wide receiver target outside of Prendergast. As a sophomore, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Kadlec caught 37 passes for 628 yards and scored five times while playing opposite of Prendergast.

Kadlec got on the Boise State radar after attending the Broncos’ June camp with Prendergast.

Prendergast himself believes his fellow receiving mate is due for a break-

Tony Martindale, Staff‌

Santa Ynez football players, from left, Ben Schaeffer, Jasper Kadlec, Dustin Gregg and Isaiah Smith, prepare to fulfill media obligations, including interviews and photographs, during Saturday’s LCCN Media Day event at St. Joseph High School.

on Gabe Palato and Nick Tipoldt to lead the front line, while Travis Vreeland and A.J. Reynoso return to an experienced linebacker core. Both combined for 196 total tackles last season.

While the secondary will aim to replace McCoy, Ben Schaeffer’s return helps ease that loss. The returning senior had five interceptions last year.

While the Pirates are seeking to add an extra game to their season, Kadlec knows that Santa Ynez has re-established itself as a football hotbed again.

“In the past years when I was younger, I would come to the high school games and they would be blown out at halftime. I would leave the games after halftime because it would be like 60-7. But now, we’re that team that gets up on people and the city wants to see our games,” Kadlec said.

Santa Ynez Ben Schaeffer (7) is a ball-hawk on defense after racking up five interceptions last year.

Will opposing quarterback test Schaeffer less this year? Or will he get even more INTs? Len Wood, Staff‌

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A13

out season.

“We went off, the both of us. Him being a junior this year, he could have the season I have,” Prendergast said.

But they’ll have a new quarterback to work with in Dustin Gregg, who is expected to bring that same dualthreat presence McCoy gave the Pirates last season.

“He’s definitely not as big. But he does have a great arm and he’s very smart,” Prendergast said. “He’ll read the defense really well. Plus I played YFL with him. We already have a good connection.”

Added Kadlec: “Mike was a big star.

But Dusty is a really good quarterback.

He can throw about the same. He’s still got everything we need.”

Defensively, only McCoy is the lone non-returner. McClurg will be banking

RIGHETTI WARRIORS What to know Playoff group: Division 8 Base offense: Power “I”.

Base defense: 4-4.

2016 record: 1-9 (1-3 PAC 5).

Returning starters: Offense — 5. Defense — 5.

Head coach: Ed Herrmann, fifth season, 13-29 career record.

Top returners on offense: Damien Robles, RB. 73 carries 344 yards, 2 TDs. Derek Imel, RB-DB, 35 carries, 129 yards.

Top returners on defense: Anthony Porcho, DB, 45 tackles, 2 INTs. Caleb Thomas, JR (Missed 9 games with broken leg).

Key losses: Jacob Rothanzl OL; Johnuel Laron LB-RB-QB, Justin Frazier, RB-LB, Billy Wolf, DL-TE. Top returner: Jalen Davis, WR-DB, 28 catches, 403 yards, 3 TDs. Top newcomers: Brandon Giddings, QB, JR.

A14 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: MORRO BAY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: @ St. Joseph, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: DOS PUEBLOS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: @ Santa Maria, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: @ Lompoc.

Sept. 29: BYE Oct. 6: @ San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.* Oct. 13: ATASCADERO, 7 p.m.* Oct. 20: @ ARROYO GRANDE, 7 p.m.* Oct. 27: @ Paso Robles, 7 p.m.* Nov. 3: PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m. * — PAC 5 League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense‌ DL: Chad Zimmerman, Dylan White, Isaiah Roland.

LB: Caleb Thomas, Adon Solis, Jacob Solano, Danny Chavez.

DB: Jalen Davis*, Austin Dasis, Anthony Porcho, Derek Imel.

Offense OL: Nathan Bakke*, Andrew Martinez, Jan Gutierrez, Ricky Turcutt, Zach Gardner.

QB: Brandon Giddings.

RB: Damien Robles, Derek Imel.

WR: Jalen Davis*, Anthony Porcho, Christian Lee. * — All-PAC 5 League in 2016

Len Wood, Staff‌

The Warriors are determined to redeem themselves after a subpar performance in 2016. Righetti’s Danny Chavez (6), Austin Dasis (3), Damien Robles (5), Cristian Mondol (55), Derek Imel (9) and Nathan Bakke (54) will lead the charge as the Warriors aim to make strides in 2017.

Joe Bailey JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

The Warriors were young last year. And they played like it.

They’re not so young in 2017.

Righetti coach Ed Herrmann hopes they play like an experienced group that weathered the storm of a 1-9 season in 2016.

When talking to Herrmann, one of the first things he points to when trying to gauge where the Warriors will be this year is his group of 18 returning players, who come back seasoned after a brutal 2016 schedule and a rugged offseason program.

“We do have a good group of returners. We were very young last year, but the leadership has

turned things around quite a bit,” Herrmann said. “Kind of a bounce-back from a 1-9 season last year. We’re pretty happy with the way the offseason went, with the conditioning, the weight training that started in January with these guys, who really wanted to put a good squad together.”

The offensive line may be Righetti’s strongest unit, expected to hit the ground running from the moment the season starts. Senior Nathan Bakke is a leader on that unit. Bakke will be joined by Andrew Martinez, Jan Gutierrez, Ricky Turcutt and Zach Gardner.

“They’ve really come together as a unit to get better every day,” Herrmann said. “They are returning. There is a lot of pride there

with those linemen. They’ve done some really good things in the offseason that we’re pretty happy about. We’re going to lean on the offensive line pretty heavily.”

Bakke is fully confident in the unit’s level of play coming into the season.

“I feel we’re at the top of our game,” he said. “We’ve been working hard with the new staff that we have. They’ve been pushing us to the limit, making sure we put everything into it so we can get everything out of it this season.”

Neither Herrmann or the Warriors hide from the 1-9 season.

Bakke says it helps motivate the team.

“It’s really just fuel for this season. We’re ready to do big things because nobody is

thinking about us,” Bakke said.

The line should be opening up holes from Damien Robles and Derek Imel. Robles, at 5-foot-5, was the team’s leading rusher last year as the Warriors didn’t quite crack the 1,000-yard mark as a team. Robles had 344 yards on 73 carries with two touchdowns. Imel, also a senior, finished the year with 35 carries and 129 yards last year.

As a team, Righetti carried the ball 299 times for 954 yards and eight touchdowns.

“We’re hoping that they can give us a pretty good 1-2 punch,” Herrmann said of Robles and Imel. “They’re both pretty physical inside the tackles and they have enough speed to get outside sometimes too. Should be a pretty good mix.”

“We do have a good group of returners. We were very young last year, but the leadership has turned things around quite a bit.

Kind of a bounce-back from a 1-9 season last year.”

Righetti coach Ed Herrmann

Tony Martindale, Staff‌

Righetti kicks off the season at home against Morro Bay before playing at St. Joseph the following week.

touchdowns and four interceptions.

“He looks really nice, he’s young so we’ll see how that goes,” Robles said of Giddings. “He’s pretty smart and he knows how to read defenses really well.”

The Warriors scored just 15 total touchdowns last year in 10 games. They scored 20 points against Santa Maria last year. But that wasn’t enough as the Saints won 22-20 their first win over the Warriors in more than two decades.

Robles admitted that he’d like to give Santa Maria some payback when the two teams meet at SMHS on Sept. 15.

“I want to get Santa Maria back, too.

But I’m really focused on Week Zero,” he said.

Another name that is getting some buzz around Righetti is Austin Dasis.

“He can be a real threat on defense,” Robles said. “Due to injuries last year he kind of didn’t step up that well, but this year he’s going to shine.”

Dasis made 21 tackles last year. Dasis and a number of other defenders will have to step up this year as Righetti loses its top three tacklers from a year ago.

Anthony Porcho, who Herrmann expects a lot out of this year, is the top returning tackler. He had 45 last year as a sophomore. Imel had 33 tackles last year and Davis is the third-best returning tackler with 27.

Dylan White and Bakke are the only returners to record a sack last year.

White and Bakke had one each.

Sponsored by Powerade

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A15

Bakke says it’s easy to block for a guy like Robles.

“He’s a hard runner; he’s physical,” Bakke said. “He’ll cover you and help block for you too. We just got to make little creases for Damien and he’ll make it through because he’s a good, hard, physical runner.”

Robles isn’t too worried about piling up the yards. He’s sure those will come. He’s excited about enjoying his senior season.

“It’s my senior year. Gotta go out with a bang,” Robles said. “I think this team has really gone up since last year. Ever since that season we feel like we need to show everyone something. We’ve been working hard. So we’ll see how that goes.”

Robles says his size doesn’t hold him back on the field.

“Coming up to the line, I don’t really fear anybody. But if somebody is in my way I’ll go after them aggressively,” he said. “I’ve been working on my cuts and my speed. So we’ll see where I’m at.”

Robles feels there is a strong bond between the offensive line and the running backs on this team. That will only help the Warriors find a groove on offense this year.

“They’ve been working hard,” Robles said. “I know when I step on that field that they have my back. I believe in them.”

While Robles and Imel will be providing the consistent offensive production, the Warriors do have a player who can bring the explosive type of offense they will need: Jalen Davis.

As a junior last year, Davis led the Warriors in catches and yards by a very healthy margin. Davis had 28 catches for 403 yards and three touchdowns.

Johnuel Laron, who graduated, was second in catches with 13 for 72 yards last year. Jacob Solano, a senior fullbacktight end, is the next best returning pass-catcher after grabbing five passes for 78 yards a year ago.

Herrmann expects Brandon Giddings to be the starting quarterback this year, taking over for Chase Artopoeus, who has since transferred to Thousand Oaks.

Last season, Righetti quarterbacks combined to complete 42 percent of their passes (68 for 162) with just six

SANTA MARIA SAINTS What to know Playoff group: Division 12 Base offense: Multiple sets Base defense: 4-3.

Returning starters: Offense — 6. Defense — 7.

2016 record: 5-5 (2-2 Northern League) Head coach: Dan Ellington, second year.

7-13 career record at SMHS. Top returner on offense: Isaiah Garcia, JR RB, 5-8 170. 148 carries, 849 yards, 8 TDs in 2016.

Top returner on defense: Gabriel Bravo, DE, 6-0, 180, 65 total tackles, 29 solo, 36 assists, 2.5 sacks in 2016.

Key losses: Angel Esparza, WR, Bryan Villa, K-P, Elijah Fisher, OL; Jesus Pacheco, LB; Juan Contreras, DB. Top returners: Isiah Garcia RB, 5-8, 170; Bobby Ruiz, 5-9, 175 RB-DB, John Ramos, 6-0, 180 LB; Jon Garcia OT, 6-2 240.

Top newcomers: Daniel Solorio, WR.

A16 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: @ San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: @ Santa Barbara, at SBCC, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: CABRILLO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: RIGHETTI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: @ Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: @ Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: BYE Oct. 13: @ Templeton, 7 p.m.* Oct. 20: MORRO BAY, 7 p.m.* Oct. 27: CALABASAS VIEWPOINT, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3: @ Nipomo, 7 p.m.* * — Northern League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense DL: Gabriel Bravo, Gerardo Zul*, Johnathan Garcia, Marcos Moreno.

LB: Kenny Dato, Jonathan Ramos, Frank Lopez.

DB: Isiah Garcia, Bobby Ruiz*, Jose Venegas, John Rojas.

Offense OL: Jesus Zul*, Mario Carreno, Devin Erickson, Gabriel Bravo, Johnathan Garcia.

QB: Blake Truhitte* RB: Bobby Ruiz, Isiah Garcia* WR: Daniel Solorio. * — Named to All-Northern League in 2016.

Len Wood, Staff‌

The Saints are simply loaded with talent in 2017. Santa Maria’s Robert Ruiz (3), Gabriel Bravo (54), Isiah Garcia (1), Jonathan Garcia (66), Blake Truhitte (2) and Gerardo Zul (81) all return for a team that went 5-5 last year and nearly claimed a piece of the Northern League championship.

Joe Bailey JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

A lot has changed at Santa Maria since Dan Ellington arrived as head coach last year.

A whole lot. Namely, the level of confidence the Saints are carrying into the 2017 season.

Santa Maria went 5-5 and just missed out on a playoff bid and a piece of the Northern League championship.

“We have really high expectations this year,” Ellington said.

“We have a lot of seniors coming back. One of our attitudes this year is we want to come in

with a lot of confidence and we want to be aggressive and basically take it to the other team.

Don’t give into anything.

“Chip on our shoulder.”

Ellington has comfortably taken on the role himself. He says he’s purposefully exuding confidence and swagger, knowing his team will feed off that.

“So far they’ve bought into that. I’m playing the role to get them going,” Ellington said.

“We’re going to keep doing that and bring a different mentality to the program.”

Ellington says that mentality has erased any sense of doubt within the program.

“In the past we weren’t sure

if we could compete,” he said.

“Then we started competing and now we’re at a point where we feel we’re the best team on the field when we walk on the football field.

“I think confidence is going to make you play better. So that’s what we’re going to do.”

Offensively, the Saints are loaded with skill players, namely returning quarterback Blake Truhitte and their top rushers in Bobby Ruiz and Isiah Garcia.

Truhitte, who has played football, baseball and basketball for the Saints, had a breakout football season in 2016 as a junior. He completed nearly

70 percent of his throws (102 for 150) for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns against 6 interceptions.

Santa Maria hasn’t featured a passing attack like that in a long, long time.

Truhitte was also the team’s second-leading rusher with 796 yards on 111 carries and eight touchdowns.

He did all that while not practicing with the Saints last summer.

“We didn’t have him over the summer last year,” Ellington said. “This year we’ve had him all offseason. He’s looking really good. Isiah Garcia is coming back as well. We’re basically

Len Wood, Staff‌

for 163 yards and two scores.

Ellington says Ramos may be the Saints’ top player this year, which is a big statement considering who all returns for Santa Maria.

Though the Saints lose their top two tacklers from last year, they’re still fairly stacked on defense.

Gabriel Bravo was third on the team in tackles in 2016 with 65 total (29 solo) and he returns. Bravo was third on the team with 2.5 sacks.

Ruiz was fourth on the team with 59 total tackles (27 solo).

Gerardo Zul was a force on the defensive line last season for Santa Maria and he’s back. Zul led the Saints with five sacks last year. He also had 50 total tackles (24 solo).

Garcia also helped on defense last year with 46 total tackles (28) as a cornerback.

Don’t be surprised if linebacker Frank Lopez also has a big season on defense for Santa Maria. As a junior last year, Lopez had 1.5 sacks and 22 total tackles (11 solo).

Juan Contreras was Santa Maria’s top defensive back last year and has since graduated. He had two interceptions a year ago. Zul and Garcia each had an INT last year. Garcia broke up three passes and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the season-ending loss at home to Nipomo.

CENTRAL COAST FAVORITES INCLUDE: Pulled-Pork sandwich • BBQ Pork Ribs Burgers • Vaquero Tacos and Burritos.

LIVE MUSIC

Enjoy Live Music by some of the Central Coast’s best artist, and dance the night away!

805.925.3500

108 Cuyama Lane, Nipomo,Ca

Tues-Thurs 11am-8pm • Fri & Sat 11am-9pm • Sun 11am-8pm

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A17

returning our whole offensive line.

Our other running back, Bobby Ruiz, he’s coming back. We were young last year. This year we’re experienced. So if anything is going to happen it’s going to happen this year.”

“We’ve made a lot of progress this summer, a lot of good passing games and 7-on-7 tournaments,” Truhitte said. “We’re a lot better than we were last summer, so that’s exciting.”

Truhitte spoke candidly about becoming a more vocal leader.

“I’m trying to, it’s getting there,” he said. “Something different. I was never a vocal leader so it’s something new.”

Garcia, also a senior and multi-sport standout, was the Saints’ top rusher in 2016. He carried the ball 148 times for 849 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Honestly, I feel we’re going to have a good year this year,” Garcia said. “We have a new running backs coach this year, coach Galloway, and he’s pushing us a lot. He’s getting us better at running harder and keeping our legs up.”

Ruiz, also a multi-sport star and a senior, had 108 carries for 535 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

“I wanna see the team do better than 5-5 this year,” Ruiz said. “I want to at least make it to CIF. Most of all, I want to bring home a ring for us.”

As a team, Santa Maria dominated on the ground. The Saints rushed for 2,258 yards on just 384 carries, good for a 5.9-yard average per carry. They had 19 rushing touchdowns as a team.

Santa Maria is replacing both of its top receivers, though. Angel Esparza, who teamed up with Ruiz and Garcia to help Santa Maria capture a CIF baseball championship in the spring, has graduated. Esparza caught 28 passes for 448 yards and three touchdowns last year.

Ricky Mendoza, who has also graduated, caught 41 balls for 421 yards and three scores.

Garcia and Ruiz say that winning a CIF title in baseball can help them carry over a little extra confidence to the football season.

“We’re in Division 12 and I think we can do damage there,” Garcia said.

“We know how it feels to win and we want to do it even more,” Ruiz said.

“We want another chance to feel like champions again.”

Helping Truhitte in the passing game this year is Daniel Solorio, a newcomer who Ellington says is a starting receiver.

John Ramos also may be called upon to catch some passes this year. Ramos missed most of his junior season after suffering a knee injury three games in.

He finished the year with seven grabs

Santa Maria’s Gabriel Bravo (54) will be a leader on offense and defense this year. Saints coach Dan Ellington says the senior Bravo is a starter at defensive end and right guard for Santa Maria.

NIPOMO TITANS What to know Playoff group: Division 6 Base offense: TBD Base defense: 4-2-5.

Returning starters: Offense — 2. Defense — 5.

2016 record: 6-5 (4-0 Northern League) Head coach:Tony Dodge, 3rd year, career record 13-11.

Top returner on offense: Jedu Reyes, SR WR, 17 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns in 2016.

Top returner on defense: Gage Wynn, SR FS, led Northern League in interceptions in 2016 with five.

Key losses: Isaac Bausley, RB-DB, Michael Jordan, RB, Nick Robledo, QB, Spencer Pool, RB-DB, J.J. Ramirez, RB, Matthew O’Henley, OL. Top returners: Jedu Reyes, SR WR; Elyaz Pu’a, SR FB; Simon Rodriguez, SR DE; Robert Buenrostro, SR DE; Luis Diego Riquelme SR RB-Rover.

Top newcomers: Jason Davis, WR-SS, Brayden Groshart, QB.

A18 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: PIONEER VALLEY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: @ Lompoc, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: BISHOP DIEGO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: @ Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: CABRILLO, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: ARROYO GRANDE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Templeton, 7 p.m.* Oct. 13: @ Scotts Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: BYE Oct. 27: @ Morro Bay, 7 p.m.* Nov. 4: SANTA MARIA, 7 p.m.* * — Northern League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense‌ DL: Robert Buenrostro*, Simon Rodriguez*, Elyaz Pua*.

LB: Joey Garza, Jesse Garza, Nicholas Dostal, Keyshawn Pu’a.

Rover: Luis Diego Riquelme*.

DB: Jedu Reyes, Isaiah Ribera, Gage Wynn*, Anthony Perez.

Offense OL: Jason Fryckman, Oscar Anderson, Mason Santos, Tad Miller, Casey Kuhn.

QB: Brayden Groshart.

RB: Luis Diego Ruiquelme, Ricky Iniguez.

FB: Elyaz Pu’a*.

WR: Jedu Reyes, Gage Wynn, Jayson Davis. * — Named to All-Northern League Team in 2016.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Nipomo’s Gage Wynn (10), Elyaz Pu’a (34) and Luis Diego Riquelme (25) will be counted upon to lead the Titans back to the playoffs after they won the Northern League title last year. Can they do it again now that it’s a four-team league?

Kenny Cress KCRESS @L EEC ENTRALCOAST NEWS.CO M‌

Season outlook‌

Tony Dodge offenses have been adept at switching from being pass-oriented to being run-oriented and then changing back again if necessary.

Nipomo’s coach said his offense will need to learn in a hurry again. And experience is not exactly on the unit’s side this time.

“It’s definitely in a state of flux,” said Dodge, whose team won the Northern League championship with a 4-0 league campaign in 2016.

“Our base offensive formation is to be determined. We’ll try out multiple sets and see what fits our personnel best.”

The youth movement is on for the Titans this year.

“I will probably be starting six or seven sophomores,” said Dodge. “We will probably have only six or seven seniors who will contribute. I think we have 10 on the roster.”

Nipomo’s base offense was to be determined at this time last year, and the unit wound up doing fine. However, the Titans had stalwarts such as Isaac Bausley, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2016, Michael Jordan, who ran for more than 700, back J.J. Ramirez, wide receiver Spencer Pool and quarterback Nick Robledo.

The Titans bid farewell to all of them. Robledo transferred to Pioneer Valley. The rest graduated.

Dodge will start his third

season at Nipomo when his team hosts Pioneer Valley Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. in its season opener.

Some of the mainstays on a good offensive line also graduated. “We only have one senior on the offensive line, Casey Kuhn,” said Dodge. “He’ll either be a tackle or guard.”

At press time, Dodge said sophomore Brayden Groshart had the inside track to the starting quarterback job that Robledo vacated.

Dodge listed Groshart as one of his top newcomers, along with wide receiver-strong safety Jason Davis.

Returning senior free safety Gage Wynn frustrated opposing quarterbacks a lot last year. The 2016 All-Northern League First Teamer led the league in interceptions with five.

“It’s just being able to locate the receiver, read the eyes of the quarterback at the same time and anticipate where the pass is going to go,” Wynn said of his success in the interceptions department.

He has his eye on the school career interceptions record of nine.

As for his team in general, Wynn said, “I think we’re a little behind where we were last year at this time just because we lost so many guys on offense. We do have a good young quarterback.

He’s a big guy with a strong arm.”

Groshart will have Jedu Reyes to throw to. Dodge listed Reyes, who racked up 17 receptions for 254 yards and two touchdowns in 2016, as his top returner on offense.

“We’re going to be runoriented or pass-oriented, one or

“It’s just being able to locate the receiver, read the eyes of the quarterback at the same time and anticipate where the pass is going to go.”

Gage Wynn, said of his success in the interceptions department

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A19

the other,” Dodge said with a chuckle.

“Or balanced. It all depends on what we can handle up front.”

Returning senior fullback Elyaz Pua sounded confident that the current Nipomo offense will find its groove. “We’ve been repping it since spring ball, so I think we have it down already,” Pua said.

Pua also plays middle linebacker on defense.

As for his team’s size up front on offense, Dodge laughed. “I have a 330-pounder up there, and I have a 170-pounder. We’ve got a good mix; the big side and the light side of it.”

Nipomo’s group is more seasoned on defense.

“We have five returning starters on defense,” said Dodge.

Those returnees include three 2016 all-leaguers — Wynn, and senior defensive ends Simon Rodriguez and Robert Buenrostro.

Two-way starter Luis Diego Riquelme also returns. The junior running back-rover made the All-Northern League Second Team last year.

Diego Riquelme figures to help anchor a defense that, at this point, is a good deal ahead of his team’s offense.

“I don’t know if we’ll be throwing as much,” with capable receivers such as Pool and Ramirez gone, said Diego Riquelme.

“We’re a young team, and there’s been some messing around. The younger guys will figure it out and have the right mindset.”

There will be no Nipomo junior varsity in 2017.

In fact, Dodge said, no Northern League team will have a junior varsity.

“We will have a frosh-soph team, and the entire league (now four strong since Mission Prep had to drop to eight-man because of low numbers), will have a frosh-soph team,” said Dodge.

“We will play three freshman games, against Pioneer Valley, Lompoc and Arroyo Grande,” said Dodge. “The rest of our (non-varsity) games will be frosh-soph.”

A small league got smaller when Mission Prep dropped to eight-man.

“We have a three-game league schedule,” said Dodge. “That’s crazy.”

Santa Maria, Templeton and Morro Bay will round out the league with Nipomo. Nipomo edged Santa Maria last year to win the league championship outright.

“I think it will be very competitive this year,” said Dodge. “I think it will be between us, Santa Maria and Templeton. Templeton was pretty young last year.”

Len Wood, Staff‌

Nipomo’s Gage Wynn had five interceptions last year. He wants five more this year to break the school record set by Peyton Witcher.

ORCUTT ACADEMY SPARTANS What to know Playoff group: Division 1 (8-man) Base offense: I-Formation with slot receivers Base defense: Odd front, 3-2-3 Returning starters: Offense — 6. Defense — 3.

2016 record: 5-5 (2-2 Condor).

Head coach: Doug May, second season, 5-5 overall record.

Top returner on offense: Darin Miller, QB, 43 completions out of 101 attempts, 584 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. Also 56 carries, 358 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Top returner on defense: Alex Andrade, LB, 165 tackles, 47 solo.

Key losses: Cole Carpenter, WR/DB; Mitchell Carpenter, WR/DB. Top returners: Darin Miller 6-3, 200 SR QB; Jared Sutton 5-7, 150 SR RB/CB/ PK; Ben Luna-Vasquez SR 5-5, 160 JR RB/LB. Top newcomer: Aiden Heller 6-0, 150 WR/DB.

A20 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2017 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: PRICE (Los Angeles), at Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: FLINTRIDGE PREP (La Canada), at Santa Maria High, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: MOJAVE, at Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: at Riverside County Education Academy (Moreno Valley), 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 22: @ Faith Baptist (Canoga Park), 4 p.m.

Sept. 29: CATE, at Orcutt Academy, 7 p.m.* Oct. 6: ACADEMY OF CAREER AND EXPLORATION, at Santa Ynez High, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: THACHER, at Orcutt Academy, 7 p.m. * Oct. 20: BYE Oct. 28: @ Villanova Prep (Ojai), 7 p.m.* * — Mt. Pinos League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense DL: Mitch McMann LB: Alex Andrade, Ben Luna-Vasquez DB: Max Daniels, Jared Sutton Offense OL: Alex Andrade, Marc Valdez, Harrison Picek WR: Aiden Heller, Josiah DeBruno RB: Jared Sutton, Ben Luna-Vasquez QB: Darin Miller.

Lorenzo J. Reyna LREYNA@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

Season Outlook‌

In year two of the Doug May regime at Orcutt Academy, there are two tasks for the Spartans: Lead by example and lead each other past the rough preseason gauntlet that’s on the horizon.

May’s second Spartan team brings back many skill position standouts from 2016 and will be taking on these obstacles during the preseason slate: La Canada Flintridge Prep, Mojave, Moreno Valley Riverside County Education Academy, Canoga Park Faith Baptist and Cate – all of which were CIF Southern Section Division I playoff teams in the 8-man realm last season, with Mojave entering this season as the defending CIF champion.

May isn’t sweating the competition that lies ahead.

“I’m really confident that we’re going to do well enough not just in our league, but in our preseason as well,” May said during the Lee Central Coast News Media Day on Aug. 5. “In our preseason, we have four teams that are in the top five of 8-man football in the Southern Section – so we’re playing some tough teams.”

May, who had to adjust to the faster 8-man play last season after years of coaching 11-man football, says he has a more experienced and positive group of Spartans in Old Town Orcutt.

“There are a lot of positive views going on,” May said.

“Being a second-year coach, I don’t have that excuse of rookie coach anymore. It’s time to take care of business. These guys have been playing really hard, they get behind each other and I’m very lucky to coach these kids.”

May has started to see a steady increase in participation numbers for Spartans football. Last year’s team fielded 30 players during the 5-5 season. This year’s team has 34 bodies in shoulder pads and helmet. May loves the fact that he’ll have plenty of depth on the sidelines this fall after being stung with the injury bug last season.

“We had some adversity with some key injuries – which put us behind last season,” May said. “A 5-5 season is considered

Orcutt Academy’s Aiden Heller, Alex Andrade, Darin Miller and Jared Sutton make up pieces of an explosive offense the Spartans have. Miller threw 14 touchdown passes last year and has 38TD tosses in three years as a starter.

Len Wood photos, Staff‌

Orcutt Academy’s Darin Miller also has 32 rushing touchdowns in his career. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds he’s rare specimen at the 8-man level.

mediocre, but for us it was good because there were some teams we played where we right there with them in several games. This year, with some of the seniors, they get it. They’re stepping up as team leaders and they coach guys up. They know they’ve got to step it up.”

May has been banking heavily on his returning quarterback Darin Miller for both his leadership and his explosive

play-making ability. As a dualthreat passer, the returning senior combined for 24 touchdowns running and throwing in six games last year. Miller knows he’s one of the Spartans who is taking on a leadership initiative.

“Now that we’re seniors, it’s a different feeling from freshman to junior year because there’s no one over us,” Miller said. “Now we’ve got to step up and show the young guys how it’s done.”

Miller adds that he and the rest of the returning Orcutt Academy players have grown comfortable with May and his staff – even adding some new wrinkles to its already high-powered offense that scored 41 total touchdowns in 2016.

“It’s definitely been a lot of work with the offense with getting new plays in. We also have been adding new formations and have new players trying out for new positions,” Miller said. “But we’re more comfortable with the new staff. We’re set in and ready to go.”

His lead blocker Alex Andrade, who also plays the “Mike” linebacker, said the chemistry at the OAHS practice field has improved in May’s second go-round.

“We’re definitely doing a lot more building this year,” Andrade

said. “He’s thrown a bunch of whole new stuff in this year.

He even said it himself that last year that he screwed up multiple times, but so did we.”

Andrade also likes the depth and improving numbers for Spartans football, saying: “Now we have more secondary guys.

Now we’ve got guys who need to step up and get the job done.

It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of work. We’re excited to get the season going.”

Miller and Andrade will serve as key cornerstones of the Spartan offense. Outside of them, OAHS has a deep backfield returning with Jared Sutton and Ben Luna-Vasquez returning.

At wide receiver, the Spartans have welcomed Valley Christian Academy transfer Aiden Heller.

Defensively, top tackler Andrade returns after collecting 165 stops in 2016. Returning junior Ben Luna-Vasquez will join him after collecting 115 total tackles.

In the end, May likes the rugged preseason tests that lie ahead – and believes his team is ready for the challenge.

“I’m excited we’re playing these games,” May said. “We’ve got to travel, but it is part of the game and we’ve got to find some teams that are solid.”

VCA LIONS What to know

Kenny Cress KCRESS @L EEC ENTRALCOASTN EWS.CO M‌

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

Base defense: 4-2-2.

Returning starters: Offense — 4. Defense — 4.

2016 Record: 3-5 (1-3 CVL) Head coach: Pete Fortier, fifth year since 2013. Third stint as head coach. 1 CIF Southern Section Large Schools 8-man championship, 1997. Three Coast Valley League championships.

Top returner on offense: Trenton Lane, RB-QB, 754 yards rushing, 90 yards passing in 2016. Five rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown.

Top returner on defense: Marcos Cardenas, DL-LB. Key losses: Shawn Weldon, DE, Jacob Bouzard, DL, Matt Bullock, QB. Top returners:Trenton Lane, 6-0, 155, SR RB-QB; Marcos Cardenas, 5-10, 185, SR RB-DL-LB; Adam Aldana, 5-6, 160, SO RB-LB,; Andrew Sparlin, 6-4, 200, JRTE-DE; Ethan McCoy, 6-0, 185, JRTE-FB-DE-LB. Top newcomers: n/a.

Projected Starters

Defense‌ DL: Andrew Sparlin, Conner Anderson, Marcos Cardenas, Jarrett Smith.

LB: Ethan McCoy, Kiernan Quinonez.

DB: Tyler McCoy. Offense OL: Joey Valadez, Jarrett Smith, TBD. TE: Andrew Sparlin, Ethan McCoy. QB: Trenton Lane.

RB: Kiernan Quiñonez, Marcos Cardenas, Adam Aldana.

WR: Conner Anderson.

Valley Christian Academy’s 8-man football team made it to the playoffs in 2015, but the Lions got pounded by eventual CIF Southern Section Division 2 champion Yucca Valley Joshua Springs Christian in the first round.

Joshua Springs Christian finished 13-0 that year.

The Lions missed the postseason party in 2016. They’ll try to get back there this year.

“We didn’t have a .500 record,” in 2016, said VCA coach and athletic director Pete Fortier.

“There were several open spots,” in the playoff field, but the Lions decided to pass.

“I’m extremely confident we’ll get to the post-season,” said VCA senior center-nose guard Joey Valadez. “About half the team (from last year) is back.

Early training has been going pretty well.”

To have a chance to get back to the playoffs, the Lions figure to need to get past Shandon and Maricopa if they can’t at least get a split against traditional Coast Valley League powers Cuyama Valley and Coast Union.

“The league is interesting this year,” said Fortier. “A number of coaches and ADs have stepped down. Cuyama Valley’s AD and assistant coach stepped down, Maricopa’s coach stepped down, Shandon’s coach and AD stepped down, Coast Union’s AD and coach is no longer there.”

Meanwhile, “I’m still here,” said Fortier. Fortier started his third stint as VCA’s football coach in 2013.

His 2017 quarterback position is open, Fortier said at press time, but senior Trenton Lane has the inside track.

“Trenton, I believe, wants that position,” said Fortier. “Being a senior, he’s not a shoe in, but he’ll definitely get the first look.

“He stepped in for Matt (Bullock, who has since graduated) when Matt went down at Coast Union,” said Fortier. Lane rushed for 754 yards and threw for 90 in 2016.

Yes, Lane said, he definitely wants to return as the team’s quarterback. “I got familiar with

Above: Valley Christian Academy’s Marcos Cardenas (54), Trenton Lane (34), Andrew Sparlin (80), Kirnan Quinonez (13), Joey Valadez (78) hope to lead the Lions back to the playoffs this year.

Left: Valley Christian Academy’s Kirnan Quinonez (13) is expected to play well with QB Trenton Lane as the Lions aim to make the postseason and battle Coast Union and Cuyama Valley in the CVL. Len Wood photos, Staff‌

the offense last year,” and he’s ready to go, he said.

Fortier did say that anyone who wanted to try out for the quarterback position was welcome to do so.

“There might be someone in the rough who wants to give it a shot,” said Fortier.

“Ethan McCoy, a junior who has good height and can throw the ball, will get a look,” said Fortier.

“Ethan’s younger brother, Tyler McCoy who is a freshman, might try out for the quarterback spot.”

At 6-foot, Lane has the height to throw over opposing rushers. He could use more people to throw the ball to.

He will have Andrew Sparlin, a 6-4, 200-pound junior returnee, at tight end. Other than that, “Our receiving spots are open,” Fortier said at press time.

“No wide receivers are standing out at this time.”

The Lions have often preferred

the power running game and, “Oh, yeah, we’ll definitely be run-oriented this year,” said running back-wide receiver Kiernan Quinonez.

With capable backs such as Quinonez, Adan Aldana, Marcos Cardenas and possibly Ethan McCoy, “We’re stacked at running back,” said Valadez. “We’ll probably go triple option some.”

At press time, Fortier said the Lions had between 15 and 20 players. “Those numbers are decent for 8-man football,” VCA’s veteran coach said.

Aldana was a solid running back for the Lions as a freshman last year. Besides helping anchor the defense when he was switching between the line and linebacker, Cardenas “got quite a few carries,” at running back last year, said Fortier.

Besides Cardenas and Valadez, Sparlin, at defensive end,

and defensive end-linebacker Ethan McCoy, who can also play tight end as well as fullback on offense, figure to help anchor the VCA defense.

Fortier said the loss of graduated defensive lineman Jacob Bouzard will hurt. “Jacob would throw people back 10 yards,” said Fortier.

Once again, VCA will host the CVL football carnival. This year, the event will take place Aug. 26.

Most or all of the league teams traditionally come to the carnival and run 15-20 plays against each other.

“The carnival gives you a good indication of who you have to strive to beat,” said Fortier.

“We know we have some freshmen who could see some playing time. I’m looking forward to seeing them in action.”

The Lions will open their 2017 season at home against Laguna Blanca Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers | A21

2017 SCHEDULE

Sept. 1: LAGUNA BLANCA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: @ Lebec Frazier Mountain, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: @ Alpaugh, 1 p.m.

Sept. 22: BYE Sept. 28: LEMOORE KINGS CHRISTIAN, 4 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Maricopa, 7 p.m.* Oct. 13: SHANDON, 7 p.m.* Oct. 20: COAST UNION, 7 p.m.* Oct. 27: @ Cuyama Valley, 7 p.m.” * — Coast Valley League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Season outlook ‌

HANCOCK BULLDOGS What to know Base offense: Pro set Base defense: 4-3.

Returning starters: Offense 6. Defense 6.

2016 record: 5-5 (3-2 Pacific League).

Head coach: Kris Dutra, 17th season, 91-74 career record, 1 bowl win (2011 Western State Conference Bowl).

Top returner on offense: Alex Cecchi, RB-WR, 302 yards rushing, 27 receptions for 284 yards in 2016. Cecchi rushed for 4TDs and caught twoTD passes. He also had 379 yards in kickoff and punt returns combined.

Top returner on defense: Lenny Roundtree, CB. 27 solo tackles, 7 assists and 4 INTs in 2016.

Key losses: Chris Barganier, WR, Jajuan Lankford, RB, Thomas Leggett, S, Cameo Autry, CB, Easton Coy, LB, Osa Omokaro, DE, Matt Albright, QB. Top returners: Connor Epley, DE, Anthony Miller, DL, Lenny Roundtree, CB, Alex Cecchi, WR-RB, Nick Kimball, WR.

A22 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Top newcomers: n/a.

2017 Schedule

Sept. 2: @ Bakersfield, 6 p.m.

Sept. 9: EAST LOS ANGELES, 2 p.m.

Sept. 16: PASADENA, 2 p.m.

Sept. 23: @ Santa Ana, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30: SAN BERNARDINO, 2 p.m.* Oct. 7: BYE Oct. 14: @ Santa Barbara, 1 p.m.* Oct. 21: LOS ANGELES VALLEY, 2 p.m.* Oct. 28: @ Los Angeles Pierce, 4 p.m.* Nov. 4: @ Antelope Valley, 6 p.m.* Nov. 11: CITRUS, 2 p.m.* * — Pacific League game.

Home games in CAPS.

Projected Starters

Defense‌ DL: Anthony Miller, Connor Epley, Taupule Asotau, TBD. LB: J.D. Smith, TBD. DB: Lenny Roundtree, Benny Willkomm, TBD. Offense OL: Lesone Smith, Kobi Smith-Parrott, Jamil Viaud, Tommy Clauson, TBD. QB: TBD. RB: Alex Cecchi, TBD. WR: Nick Kimball, Alex Cecchi, TBD. TE: Dominic Chance.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Hancock College’s Nick Kimball (15), Alex Cecchi (10) and Benny Willkomm (5) are local products who are now sophomores for the Bulldogs.

Kimball and Cecchi are set to provide offense for the Bulldogs while Willkomm is focused on becoming a shutdown corner.

Kenny Cress KCRESS @L EEC ENTRALCOAST NEWS.CO M‌

Season outlook‌

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” an old adage goes.

The Hancock football team’s finish in 2016 was not enough to get it to a bowl game, but the Bulldogs did finish well.

Hancock finished with three straight wins to end up 5-5.

With those three wins, the Bulldogs posted a 3-2 record in their first year in the Southern California Football Association’s Pacific League.

Those three league victories included a 38-17 win at home over an Antelope Valley College team that finished 7-4 and

defeated Victor Valley College 35-21 in the High Desert Bowl.

“Definitely, we can build off that momentum,” said Hancock sophomore wide receiver Nick Kimball.

“The team looks a lot stronger this year.”

Kris Dutra will start his 17th season as Hancock’s head football coach when the Bulldogs play at Bakersfield at 6 p.m. Sept. 2.

“I hope so,” Dutra said recently when he was asked if he was confident his team could carry over the momentum it generated at the end of last season into this season.

“I think we have a very good chance to be competitive in our league. Injuries and all that kind of stuff are going to play into it. “

The Bulldogs have had some hard luck with injuries over the past two years, and their relatively low numbers have exacerbated the bad luck.

“We didn’t have big enough numbers to overcome some of those things,” said Dutra. “It was just very difficult getting those big numbers. Housing is just tight.”

Dutra said his team’s numbers will be about 80 strong this year.

Last year, it got to the point where multiple Hancock players were playing both ways.

Kimball graduated from Nipomo High School in 2015.

He was the Lee Central Coast Newspapers All-Area Football Team MVP in 2014 after he helped lead the Titans to a CIF Southern Section Northwest

Division championship as a wide receiver-defensive back-kicker.

He took the 2015 football season off. He did a bit of kicking for Hancock last year but, Kimball said with a smile, he doesn’t think he’ll be doing any kicking for the Bulldogs this year.

“Not unless we need it,” he said. The Bulldogs have been prone in the recent past to losing kickers to injury, and Kimball had some injury problems himself when he briefly handled some kicking chores.

Kimball and Alex Cecchi, a solid running back-wide receiver-kick-and-punt-return man, are it as far as Hancock’s returning skill position players.

Among others, they lost Chris Barganier, their leading receiver.

Barganier graduated and will play for Chadron State in Nebraska this coming season.

Dutra said the Bulldogs have the core of their offensive line from 2016 returning. So it looks as though Hancock’s front men will be able to open some holes for their running backs.

Other than Cecchi, just who will try to run through those holes is an open question. Except for Cecchi, “We don’t have a single running back returning,” from a group that combined to finish fourth in the state in rushing last year, said Dutra.

“I’ll be playing running back and some wide receiver this year,” said Cecchi, who was was an All-PAC 5 League selection at Arroyo Grande. “They haven’t decided who the return men will be, but hopefully I’ll be back there.”

Dutra said Hancock’s tight end

figures to be Dominic Chance, a converted linebacker.

Hancock’s starting quarterback from last year, Matt Albright, graduated and Dutra said four newcomers are competing for the job.

Those four are sophomore Jimmy Kelleher, a transfer from Naussau Community College in New York City, and three freshmen, Davin Schuck of Florida, Dylan Simons of Alaska and Tristan Eames, who graduated from Yosemite High School.

Since Hancock had yet to have its first workout in pads at press time, “I don’t know who the leading candidate is at this point,” Dutra said.

“All four quarterbacks are pretty good. They’re all pretty solid.”

Hancock lost several of its defensive leaders from 2016, including leading tackler Thomas Leggett, a safety who

signed to play for Texas Tech after his freshman season, and its sack leader, Osa Omokaro. Dutra said Omokaro is ineligible this year.

The Bulldogs do have several leaders from the defense back though, including defensive end Connor Epley, a Santa Ynez graduate, lineman Anthony Miller, linebacker Taupule Asotau and cornerback Lenny Roundtree, who had 27 solo tackles, seven assists and four interceptions last year.

Arroyo Grande graduate Benny Willkomm, a sophomore, figures to help anchor the Hancock defense this year after earning a starting job late in the season last year.

When it came to sticking with collegiate receivers,

“Once I got thrown in there, it was pretty easy to get the hang of it,” he said.

As far as Hancock’s coverage scheme compared to the one he played in when he was an All-PAC 5 League player for Arroyo Grande, “It’s a little bit different,” said Willkomm. “We play more man-to-man, not as much zone. But our defense is pretty simple.”

Los Angeles Valley College went 11-0 and won the Pacific League championship last year. Hancock was part of a tight pack behind the Monarchs.

This year, “It ought to be interesting to see how it all plays out,” said Dutra.

Hancock College’s Nick Kimball, a Nipomo High grad, hopes to rack up at least 1,500 all-purpose yards this year as the Bulldogs aim to build off their 5-5 mark from 2016.

Len Wood, Staff

Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers |

A23

A24 | Prep Football 2017 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

NEW!

Beginning fall 2018, students who enroll at Hancock immediately after graduating from a high school in the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District will receive free tuition and fees for one year.

The Hancock Promise provides continuous support and guidance for students from elementary school through college.

Learn more about the Hancock Promise at www.hancockcollege.edu/promise