Central Coast Football 2019

CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL 2019

BEST IN THE AREA The football landscape keeps changing, but the game remains the same. Check inside as we preview all 11 teams in our coverage area before they kick off the season Friday night.

Lompoc’s Ryan Morgan

Nipomo’s Keyshawn Pu’a

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

Righetti’s Jake Steels

2019

CENTRAL COAST

INSIDE

FOOTBALL

THE OCEAN Santa Maria .........Pages 5-6

THE PAC 4 Pioneer Valley......Pages 7-8 Nipomo ................Pages 10-11

THE MOUNTAIN Righetti .................Pages 12-13 St. Joseph............Pages 14-16

THE CHANNEL Lompoc ................Pages 18-20 Cabrillo.................Pages 21-22 Santa Ynez ...........Pages 23-24

8-MAN

STAFF Joe Bailey

Sports Editor jbailey@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2239 Twitter: @JBaileySMSports

Elliott Stern

Senior Sports Writer estern@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2235 Twitter: @SMTSidelines

Kenny Cress

Sports Writer kcress@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2237 Twitter: @KennyCressSMT

Jason Anderson

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

Len Wood

Assistant Managing Editor lwood@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2215 Twitter: @lwood83

Marga K. Cooley

Valley Christian ...Pages 27-28

Managing Editor mcooley@leecentralcoastnews.com (805) 739-2143 Twitter: @MargaCooley

COLLEGE

Cynthia Schur

Orcutt Academy ..Pages 25-26

Hancock................Pages 30-31

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

Braxton Carroll

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

Ed Galanski

2

| August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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 Facebook.com/SMTSports For sports updates on Twitter, follow @SMTSportsDesk Follow the Santa Maria Times on Twitter @SantaMariaTimes Devin Guggia, a St. Joseph senior, was a solid every-down back for the Knights in 2018. This year, he’ll continue to be the lead back, but also handle starting duties at safety on defense. // Len Wood, Staff

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

CHANGES SURROUND THE GAME OF FOOTBALL

New leagues and new sections seem to be the new norm Joe Bailey

4 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌ an we get some stability?

C I’m not complaining (OK... maybe a little bit), but keeping track of the last few years of football has my head spinning.

And just to make sure everyone is keeping up, this here is a little refresher course.

For some review, let’s look at last season, where nearly all the schools in the area switched to the Central Section, creating a new batch of leagues.

In came the Mountain and Ocean leagues for the Santa Maria and SLO County schools.

The Lompoc and Santa Ynez schools joined a revamped Channel League as the PAC 5, Northern and Los Padres leagues went away.

There was an influx of Bakersfield and Fresno area schools that came to the coast for regular-season games. I went to Santa Barbara to cover Lompoc High playing Channel League games.

Then came the postseason, where some schools made the playoffs in the Central Section where they wouldn’t have qualified in their old Southern Section. Most teams just had to ask for an invite to the playoffs to get in.

It’s a lot easier for teams to get in because there are fewer schools. It also created more favorable matchups for teams in our area.

Mission Prep won the Central Section 8-man title. The Royals wouldn’t have made a similar run in the top division of the Southern Section playoffs, would they?

Righetti nearly won the Central Section D2 title. Would the

Len Wood Photos, Staff‌

Righetti’s Jake Steels is a senior receiver and cornerback for the Warriors, who lost in the CIF Central Section Division 2 title game in 2018, their first year after moving from the Southern Section. They’re now in the Mountain League with A.G., Paso Robles and St. Joseph, though it seems the leagues keep changing every year. Right: Anthony Gills, a SantaYnez Valley High School senior, can make plays all over the field for the Pirates. He’s expected to see time at running back and also QB in 2019 as coach Josh McClurg calls him a ‘Swiss Army knife.’

Warriors have made a deep run in the Southern Section playoffs? I think they could have, but they’d have to be in the perfect division.

It seems like the Southern Section always had teams in this area a division or two too high.

After all that, there’s even more change now as last year’s set-up didn’t last very long.

So we have to study up again.

Now we’ve got three fourteam leagues for our Central Section schools as Mission Prep has made its return to the 11-man realm, sending teams shuffling once more.

The leagues are finally settled for 2019. I sure hope the league names are set as well. I’m 99-percent sure the new league is the PAC 4 League, though I’ve heard a handful of other possibilities for the name.

At least the Ocean and

Mountain leagues keep their names, though the lineups are different. I do think we have the league formulations memorized.

(Here are some notes to copy: Santa Maria, Templeton, Morro Bay and Mission are in the Ocean League. Pioneer Valley, Nipomo, Atascadero and SLO are in the PAC 4 and Arroyo Grande, Righetti, St. Joseph and Paso make up the Mountain League).

There aren’t any changes in the Channel League for Cabrillo, Santa Ynez and Lompoc, though there are rumblings of major change coming, something that could greatly impact the Braves.

I’ve heard a proposal that would send Lompoc to a league with Ventura County schools has been approved, but LHS is appealing, arguing that the geographical makeup of

the league isn’t equitable for the Braves.

A change in the current Channel League setup would benefit Santa Ynez and Cabrillo.

One way or another, I don’t think the Channel League is working for most schools and not just in football.

The Santa Barbara schools have proven to be well-rounded in all sports. Cabrillo, for instance, went from a dominant LPL school in a number of sports to basically getting shutout of the postseason in just about everything.

I won’t be surprised if things keep shifting and changing, especially with the current state of football. Will there even be leagues in the future? Are they even needed?

It’s looking like programs are going through ups and downs more quickly. Schools like Paso

Robles and Atascadero have lost a step recently.

With participation numbers dropping, maintaining equitable leagues is going to become more difficult. Some schools will attract all the good players.

Will others change to 8-man?

Will this area see a school drop football? What about JV and freshman football?

The game has been in flux, and not just in this area. And it appears this is just the new reality.

So make sure you stay up to date on all this, because it’s changing faster than ever.

Joe Bailey is the sports editor at Lee Central Coast Newspapers.

Have a question or comment?

Contact him at jbailey@leecentralcoastnews.com or (805) 7392239. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/jbaileysmsports

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW SANTA MARIA SAINTS Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterback 4 SR 6-1 175 Dominick Martinez Running backs JR 5-10 165 Sammy Herrera 12 2 SR 5-10 185 Adrian Arredondo Offensive linemen 76 JR 6-3 235 Michael Velazquez 77 SR 5-11 245 Joel Evangelista 75 SR 5-10 240 Aldos Romero 70 JR 5-9 220 Victor Santiago JR 6-0 220 Alexis Rodriguez 51 Wide receivers 3 JR 5-9 165 Alex Rodriguez 10 SR 6-2 170 David Garcia Tight end 7 JR 6-1 170 Joannes Gonzalez > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 66 SR 5-10 210 Jason Sanchez 64 SR 6-1 220 Brayan Soriano 82 SR 6-2 175 Abel Santana Linebackers 50 JR 5-10 175 Fabian Montano 43 JR 5-11 175 Martin Diaz JR 5-10 175 Flavio Gonzalez 31 Defensive backs 1 JR 5-6 145 Jovanny Garcia 11 SR 5-9 155 Sammy Benitiz 88 SR 5-6 145 Andres Cuevas 81 SR 5-8 165 Tony Nava > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 2 SR 5-10 185 Adrian Arredondo Kicker 8 SR 5-6 145 Andres Vargas > COACH Dan Ellington enters his fifth season at the helm of the Santa Maria Saints. His teams have gone 19-26 overall and 8-9 in league play in the Los Padres League, Northern League and Ocean League. Ellington’s 2017 squad won the Northern League championship with a 3-0 record. The team went 9-5 overall, making it to the CIF Southern Section championship game where they fell to Big Bear.

August 23 vs. Righetti, 7 p.m.

30 vs. San Marcos September 6 at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.

13 vs. Bakersfield Golden Valley, 7 p.m.

20 at Visalia Mt. Whitney, 7 p.m.

October 4 vs. San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.

11 at Templeton, 7 p.m.* 18 at Mission Prep, 7 p.m.* 25 vs. Morro Bay, 7 p.m.* November 1 at Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m. * Ocean League game

Dominick Martinez (QB) will determine how far the Saints go in 2019. His ability to get the ball downfield to wide receiver Alex Rodriguez is also vital.

Running back Sammy Herrera tore through Martinez the league last year and he’s back to anchor the ground game.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Santa Maria High School’s Mikey Velasquez, Abel Santana, Brayan Soriano, Jason Sanchez, Fabian Montano, Martin Diaz, Sammy Herrera, Adrian Arredondo and Dominick Martinez are the horses Santa Maria coach Dan Ellington is counting on to improve their 3-8 record from a year ago. The Saints start the season with a tough opponent, Friday against Righetti.

Saints in revamped

OCEAN

Elliott Stern

ESTERN@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌ ew year, another new league.

N After having two leagues in the 2018 season, the CIF Central Section split its coastal schools into three four-team leagues this year.

With Mission Prep committing to a full 11-man season, 12 teams are playing at that level, so the Santa Maria Saints now join Templeton, Morro Bay and Mission Prep as members of the re-vamped Ocean League.

“You know with small, private schools like Mission Prep, some years they just don’t have enough kids to play 11-man but they’re planning on that this season,” said Santa Maria High’s fifth-year head coach Dan Ellington. “Mission Prep is pretty talented. They don’t have a lot of

kids but the ones they do have tend to be pretty special.”

But Ellington’s Saints won’t be awed by the Royals, who won a Central Section 8-man championship last year.

“We stack up well against any of them,” said Ellington. “Templeton has a lot of good players coming back and Morro Bay has a new coach so they’ll be eager to play.”

Ellington also has some talented returning players.

“We’re young but we’re not inexperienced,” said Ellington. “We’ll have to see how the young guys progress but we have a lot of high-character players. They work hard and love football.”

Senior quarterback Dominick Martinez is coming back to direct the offense.

PLEASE SEE SAINTS, Page 6

Regular season (3-7) 8/17: Righetti 56, Santa Maria 9 8/24: Santa Maria 29, San Marcos 28 8/31: Santa Ynez 36, Santa Maria 0 9/7: Santa Maria 42, Bakersfield Golden Valley 30 9/14: Visalia Mt. Whitney 56, Santa Maria 15 9/28: Nipomo 38, Santa Maria 7 10/5: San Luis Obispo 21, Santa Maria 7 10/12: Templeton 56, Santa Maria 40 10/19: Santa Maria 42, Morro Bay 10 10/26: Pioneer Valley 27, Santa Maria 14 Playoffs (0-1) 11/2: Visalia Mt. Whitney 77, Santa Maria 0

Key match-up Templeton vs.

Santa Maria Oct. 11 at Templeton Stadium Head coach Dan Ellington feels his team has two key matchups this season. The first — Oct. 11 at Templeton High School. The teams have a longstanding rivalry in the Los Padres, Northern and Ocean leagues.

This matchup could go a long way toward determining the Ocean League champion.

Mission Prep vs.

Santa Maria Oct. 18 at Mission Prep Field Mission Prep returns to the ranks of 11-man football in 2019 after winning a CIF Central Section 8-man championship in 2018. Santa Maria and Mission Prep figure to be in a battle for the Ocean League championship and this game could determine the league’s title team.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 5

Player to watch

2018 results

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saints From 5

6 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

“After (2018 graduate) Sebastian Saiz was injured, Dominick started the last five games last year,” said Ellington.

Sammy Herrera is another returning starter who will be counted on to carry the bulk of the team’s running game.

“Sammy is a very good athlete. He’s one of the fastest kids in the area – one of our top runners on the track team,” said Ellington.

The offensive line will also feature a number of returning players.

“Many of them were sophomores last year,” said Ellington. “They’re still young but they’re not inexperienced.”

Defensive lineman Brayan Soriano and middle linebacker Fabian Montano will be the cornerstones of the Saints’ defense.

“Brayan is our number one guy on defense,” said Ellington. “We’re expecting big things from both of those guys.”

Although the team just returned to practice at the beginning of August, they’ve already spent a lot of time on the practice field.

“We had our regular summer practice schedule through the end of June into

“We’re young but we’re not inexperienced. We’ll have to see how the young guys progress but we have a lot of high-character players. They work hard and love football.”

Dan Ellington, head coach

early July. We had our mandatory three week dark period at the end of July and now we’re back at it,” said Ellington.

We’ve spent a lot of time with the kids since Christmas. There really is no long period of time without the kids.”

The team spent the summer working to identify the team’s strengths, finding the right fit for the players.

One of the team’s annual traditions is a summer camping trip.

“It’s something we do every year.

This year we went camping at Lake Cachuma,” said Ellington. “The kids and coaches all get to know each other better. It’s good for team bonding. It’s one of the reasons I keep coaching. I like the camping trips and building better relationships with all the kids.”

The Saints went 3-8 overall and 1-4

in the old Ocean League last season.

They made it to the Central Section playoffs, falling to Visalia Mt. Whitney in the opening round.

This year, with a four-team league, the Saints three league games all come at the end of the season.

“We’ll open with Righetti and end the year with (a non-league game) against Pioneer Valley,” said Ellington.

“I grew up here (Ellington is a Righetti graduate) and not playing them every year just isn’t right. I think we should always play the teams in our own school district even if they’re not league games.

“We can’t build a soft schedule. I’ve never been one to shy away from challenges and both Pioneer Valley and Righetti will be big challenges. Righetti (which made a run to the CIF-CS Division 2 finals last year) is probably the best team we’ll see all year. After that, if we come out healthy, we’ll be alright.”

Ellington feels his Saints will play exciting football.

“I’m proud of these kids. I want to make the school and community proud of them, too,” said Ellington. “I would love it of people would come out to see them play – fill the stadium and see this great group of humble, hard working kids.”

Len Wood, Staff‌

Jason Sanchez, a Santa Maria High School senior, will be counted on to make plays on the defensive and offensive lines for the Saints in 2019.

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW PIONEER VALLEY PANTHERS Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterbacks 8 SR 5-9 155 Danny Martinez JR 5-7 135 Angel Vargas 8 Running backs: 23 SR 5-3 135 Tommy Nunez Offensive linemen 76 SR 6-0 270 Mark Martinez 70 SR 5-10 200 Vicente Wilson 79 SO 6-0 210 Eric Lopez 71 JR 6-0 200 Dylan Leon Wide receivers 25 SR 5-10 170 Daniel Vasquez 9 SR 6-1 160 Joe Arriola 23 SR 5-3 130 JoJo Nunez 20 SR 5-11 150 Christian Morin > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 75 SR 5-9 245 Tony Escobedo 95 SR 5-7 220 Alejandro Zepeda 44 SR 5-7 180 Oskar Ruiz 36 SR 6-0 175 Bruin Chapman Linebackers SO

Alan Ruvalcaba SO

Joshua Hernandez Defensive Backs 18 SR 5-8 150 Isaac Gonzales 16 SR 5-6 145 Nick Tello JR

Jacob Cortez JR

Joshua Smith JR

Andres Vargas > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter JR

Andres Vargas Kicker JR

Andres Vargas > COACH John Beck enters his first year as Pioneer Valley’s head coach.

Beck has extensive coaching experience, including a 2011-15 stint at Redlands Arrowhead Christian.

Beck took the Eagles to the 2014 CIF Southern Section Northwest Division Beck championship game, where they lost 22-19 to Russ Edwards’ Nipomo squad. Edwards’ final season as Nipomo’s coach was in 2014. Beck was the defensive coordinator for Arroyo Grande coach Mike Hartman the past two seasons.

August 23 at Oxnard, 7 p.m.

September 6 vs Righetti, 7 p.m.

13 at Cabrillo, 7 p.m.

20 at Paso Robles, 7 p.m.

27 at Bakersfield Garces Memorial, 7:30 p.m.

October 4 vs. St. Joseph, 7 p.m.

11 at Nipomo, 7 p.m.* 18 at Atascadero, 7 p.m.* 25 vs. San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.* November 1 vs. Santa Maria, 7 p.m. * PAC 4 League game

2018 Results Len Wood, Staff‌

Pioneer Valley’s, front row from left, Isaac Gonzales, JoJo Nunez, Danny Martinez, back row, Mark Martinez, Bruin Chapman and Elijah Bloodworth are set to improve on last year’s 6-5 mark in coach John Ruiz’s final season. First-year coach John Beck has installed new base offensive and defensive schemes in 2019.

P.V. HAS A NEW LOOK

Kenny Cress

KCRESS@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

PLEASE SEE PANTHERS, Page 8

Key match-up Nipomo vs.

Pioneer Valley Oct. 11 at Nipomo High School.

Nipomo edged Pioneer Valley 14-13 for the Ocean League title last year, and the teams are PAC 4 League rivals this year.

Player to watch Tony Escobedo (DL) is raring to go for the 2019 campaign after an All-League season helping anchor the Panthers’ 2018 defensive line.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 7

‌The 2019 Pioneer Valley football team has a new offense, a new defense, a new coach and is in a new league.

John Beck is the new coach. He takes over for John Ruiz, the former veteran PV coach who stepped down at the end of the 2018 season. Beck has several years of coaching under his belt, the last two as the defensive coordinator for Arroyo Grande in 2017 and 2018.

The new Pioneer Valley offense is a spread look, replacing the ‘fly’ the Panthers operated out of for years. The new defense is a 4-2-5.

“I’m happy with how the adjustment has gone on offense,” said Beck before a recent practice earlier this month.

“Defensively, we still have some work to do. But it can take awhile (to adjust) after you put on the pads (for workouts).”

The new league the Panthers will be in,

during the squad’s second season in the CIF Central Section, is the PAC 4 League.

The league will consist of Pioneer Valley, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero.

Nipomo edged Pioneer Valley 14-13 for the Ocean League title last year. The Panthers defeated San Luis Obispo in a league game and Atascadero, which was winless in 2018, in a non-league one.

“Nipomo and San Luis Obispo both have a lot of kids back,” said Beck.

“They’ll be difficult.

“Atascadero was down at all three levels (varsity, junior varsity and freshman) last year, so I don’t know where they’ll fit in in the scheme of things.”

Pioneer Valley lost its top 2018 rusher, Michael Bourbon who was also a leader on defense, to graduation. The Panthers’ 2018 leader in the defensive secondary, Steven Fuerte, also graduated as did their

Regular season (6-4) 8/24: St. Joseph 35, Pioneer Valley 19 8/31: Righetti 35, Pioneer Valley 0 9/7: Pioneer Valley 43, Cabrillo 0 9/14: Paso Robles 21, Pioneer Valley 7 9/21: Pioneer Valley 36, Atascadero 7 9/28: Pioneer Valley 24, San Luis Obispo 17 10/5: Pioneer Valley 38, Templeton 21 10/12: Pioneer Valley 44, Morro Bay 6 10/19: Nipomo 14, Pioneer valley 13 10/26: Pioneer Valley 27, Santa Maria 14 Playoffs (0-1) 11/2: Bakersfield Stockdale 45, Pioneer Valley 24

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Danny Martinez is set to lead the Pioneer Valley offense in 2019. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder is a senior quarterback.

Len Wood photos, Staff‌

John Beck has taken over Pioneer Valley’s football coaching duties. The Panthers open up the 2019 season on Friday at Oxnard High School.

Panthers

8 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

From 7

starting quarterback, Jayson Garcia.

Edgar Zacarias, a kicker-punter who consistently knocked the ball into end zones for touchbacks, graduated as well.

However, the Panthers do have some key players back, including 2018 AllLeaguers Mark Martinez (offensive line), Oskar Ruiz (fullback, who will be playing defensive end this year), Tony Escobedo (defensive line) and Bruin Chapman (linebacker, who will be playing defensive end this season). All four are seniors.

Danny Martinez was the Panthers’ back-up quarterback last year as a junior.

At press time, the senior, who figures to play regularly was competing for the starting job.

“I feel confident with the no-huddle offense, the (quick) tempo,” said Martinez. The Panthers played a lot of hurryup in their offense last year.

“By the looks of things in practice last week, we’re solid with the timing of the offensive line,” Martinez said before a practice in early August. “It will be a long season, so I think we’ll use that to our advantage.”

Pioneer Valley senior Isaac Gonzales will be adjusting to a new position as well as adjusting to a new defense. He was a regular at outside linebacker last

“Defensively, we still have some work to do.

But it can take awhile (to adjust) after you put on the pads (for workouts).”

John Beck, coach

year. He will play free safety this year.

“We played a 3-4 defense, with four linebackers, last year,” said Gonzales.

“There’s a big change in responsibilities with my move to safety, but I feel like I’m starting to get adjusted. I’m confident in my teammates and I feel like they can do their jobs, which will help me do my job.”

The Panthers went 6-5 last year.

They went out in the first round of the playoffs with a 45-24 loss at Bakersfield Stockdale.

Speaking of playoffs, Beck guided Redlands Arrowhead Christian to a big run in 2014. The Eagles made it to the CIF Southern Section Northwest Division championship game, where they lost 22-19 to Nipomo in Russ Edwards’ last year as coach there.

Edwards is Nipomo’s current athletic director.

Pioneer Valley has six road games and four home games during the regular season this year. The Panthers will open at Oxnard Aug. 23.

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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NIPOMO TITANS Projected Starters

2019 SCHEDULE

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterbacks 18 SR 6-3 235 Brayden Groshart 7 SO 5-11 150 Nate Reese Running backs 23 JR 6-1 225 Keshawn Pu’a SR 5-10 190 Zach Plunk 9 4 SR 6-1 200 Nicholas Dostal Offensive linemen 73 SR 5-9 275 Oscar Andersen 54 JR 5-9 220 Nathan Burkhammer 66 JR 6-2 240 Caleb Gretlein 77 SR 6-5 290 Jonathan Vargas 53 SR 5-9 190 David Carreno Wide receivers SO 5-11 150 Nate Reese 7 JR 5-11 160 Declan Coles 11 > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 18 SR 6-3 235 Brayden Groshart SR 6-1 200 Nicholas Dostal 4 55 SR 6-0 220 Joel Mireles 33 SO 5-9 200 Vinnie Hernandez Linebackers SR 6-2 225 Jesse Garza 5 JR 6-1 225 Keyshawn Pu’a 23 SR 5-11 170 Augie Guerrero 1 Defensive backs JR 5-11 160 Declan Coles 11 10 SR 6-0 170 Brandon Randolph JR 6-0 155 Justin McKee 2 7 SO 5-11 150 Nate Reese > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 65 SR 5-10 215 Ronaldo Flores Kicker 65 SR 5-10 215 Ronaldo Flores > COACH Tony Dodge enters his fifth year as the Titans’ head coach.

His teams have won two league championships and have been a league runner-up twice.

Nipomo won the inaugural Ocean League champiDodge onship in 2018.

Dodge’s teams have a combined 25-21 record. The Titans will try to make a playoff run this year after going out in the first round each of the past three seasons. Dodge guided Nipomo to the CIF Southern Section divisional semifinals his first year as coach.

August 23 at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.

30 vs. Cabrillo, at San Luis Obispo

High School, 7 p.m.

September 6 at Visalia Golden West, 7:30 p.m.

13 vs. Bishop Diego, 7 p.m.

20 vs. Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.

27 at Fresno Hoover, Fresno McLane High School, 7:30 p.m.

October 11 vs. Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.* 18 at San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.* 25 vs. Atascadero, 7 p.m.* November 1 at Templeton, 7 p.m. * PAC 4 League game

2018 results Len Wood photos, Staff‌

Nipomo High School’s, from left, Oscar Andersen, Keyshawn Pu’a, Jesse Garza, Nicholas Dostal and Brayden Groshart are eyeing another league title in 2019. Can they also make a playoff run this time around?

Titans are

STACKED Kenny Cress

IN 2019

KCRESS@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌Veteran coach Tony Dodge has said his 2019 Nipomo team, though it has a lot of familiar faces back, will be doing some new things on both sides of the ball.

“We’ll have some new wrinkles.

We’ll also have a lot of guys playing in multiple positions,” said Dodge, who is entering his fifth season at the helm for Nipomo. “We’ll have some new looks on offense and defense.”

The Titans are hoping they will get to play on their new field reasonably soon.

Delays have put the construction of Nipomo’s new stadium behind schedule. The Titans will play their Aug. 30 home opener against Cabrillo at San

Luis Obispo High School.

“They’re still saying the Sept. 13 game against Bishop Diego as the first game on the new field,” said Dodge.

“But there’s no sod yet. That’s starting to be an issue, right?”

Returning two-time All-League Nipomo linebacker Jesse Garza said it won’t matter where the Titans play their home games.

“I think we’ll just play, wherever,” the senior said. “It don’t really matter.

We’ll just come to play.”

Senior linebacker-running back Kesyhawn Pu’a, another returning twotime All-Leaguer for the Titans, said, “I don’t really notice the difference,” when it comes to stadiums.

“Football is football. You just go out

Regular season (8-2) 8/17: Nipomo 17, Santa Ynez 14 8/24: Nipomo 45, Cabrillo 14 8/31: Nipomo 35, Visalia Golden West 20 9/7: Bishop Diego 41, Nipomo 28 9/14: Arroyo Grande 38, Nipomo 0 9/28: Nipomo 38, Santa Maria 7 10/5: Nipomo 58, Morro Bay 0 10/12: Nipomo 34, San Luis Obispo 13 10/19: Nipomo 14, Pioneer Valley 13 Playoffs (0-1) 11/2: Bakerfield Frontier 29, Nipomo 22

Key match-up Pioneer Valley vs.

Nipomo Oct. 11 at Nipomo High School.

Nipomo edged Pioneer Valley 14-13 for the Ocean League championship last year, and the teams will be PAC 4 League rivals this year.

Player to watch Zach Plunk (RB-SS) is a senior transfer from Arizona. Nipomo coach Tony Dodge is counting on him to be a big addition, especially carrying the football.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Keyshawn Pu’a is a running back. He’s also a linebacker. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior will try to do it all for the Titans as they look to improve on their 8-3 record from a year ago.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 11

and play.”

Nipomo is coming off an 8-3 2018.

The Titans won the inaugural Ocean League championship but went out in the first round of the playoffs in their first year in the CIF Central Section.

The Titans lost some key players from that squad, including their leading rusher, Ricky Iniguez, to graduation.

Still, Dodge, Garza and Pu’a sounded confident about the upcoming season.

“We’ve got some new wrinkles, some new people, players stepping up. I like it,” said Garza.

One of those new people is running back-strong safety Zach Plunk, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior transfer from Arizona.

“He’s really going to be an exciting running back to watch,” said Dodge.

Erik Terry is another new Nipomo addition.

“Erik was the head coach at Irvine for the last 10 years,” said Dodge. “He’ll help with our offense. He’s going to be tremendous.”

Terry resigned as Irvine’s head coach earlier this year, telling OC Sports Zone that he wanted to move with his family to Central California to be closer to his parents.

Dodge said at press time that 6-foot3, 235 pound senior Brayden Groshart will be the Titans’ starting quarterback for the third straight year. However, “You could also see Brayden some at running back,” said Dodge.

“You could also see Nate Reese at quarterback,” said Dodge. “You could see him in the slot, you could see him at wide receiver. You’ll see him all over the field. He won’t leave the field on offense.”

The 5-11, 150-pound Reese was Nipomo’s leading receiver as a freshman last year. He caught three touchdown passes.

Nipomo will be in a new league, the PAC 4 League, this year along with Pioneer Valley, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero.

The Titans defeated San Luis Obispo 34-13 and edged Pioneer Valley 14-13 last year for the Ocean League title.

Nipomo did not play Atascadero.

Dodge said before his team moved from the CIF Southern Section to the Central section last year that he wasn’t particularly thrilled with the upcoming move.

He said he was happier with the move now, though he was not sold on his team being placed in Division 2.

“We were not placed properly,” Dodge said. “With the size of our school, we do not belong there. But we compete there.”

Nipomo will open Aug. 23 at Santa Ynez.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

12 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

RIGHETTI WARRIORS Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterbacks 11 SR 5-10 175 Logan Mortensen Running backs JR 5-8 175 Kidasi Nepa 1 21 SR 5-10 205 Joe Cardenas 30 SR 5-9 200 Christian Roseborough Offensive linemen 59 SR 5-10 250 Robert Lamb 56 SR 5-11 225 Jake Mackinnon 51 SR 5-8 190 Angel Guerrero 67 SR 6-0 235 Henry Aguilar 77 SR 6-0 205 Zealand Davis 78 JR 6-3 250 Kyle Sogge Wide receivers SR 5-11 180 Jake Steels 9 15 SR 5-11 170 Chase Reynoso Tight ends 81 SR 5-11 175 Isaiah Navarro 17 SR 6-1 200 Ethan Davenport > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 17 SR 6-1 200 Ethan Davenport 35 SR 5-10 180 Robert Cetti 67 SR 6-0 235 Henry Aguilar Linebackers 33 SR 6-0 220 Jordan Fields 32 SO 5-9 157 Ryan Boivin 25 SR 5-7 180 John McCormack 21 SR 5-10 205 Joe Cardenas 19 SO 6-1 190 Matt Simms Defensive backs 9 SR 5-11 180 Jake Steels 4 JR 5-6 165 Gavin Gayfield 5 JR 5-9 175 Enzo Ramirez 14 SO 5-11 155 Chris Miller > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 9 SR 5-11 180 Jake Steels Kicker 20 SO 5-11 180 Cooper Bagby > COACH Tony Payne went 10-3 in his first season at Righetti, his alma mater. The Warriors finished second behind St. Joseph in the Mountain League title chase. Payne also started the 8-man program at Orcutt Academy, spending several seasons as the Payne Spartans’ head coach.

August 23 at Santa Maria, 7 p.m.

30 at Lompoc, 7 p.m.

September 6 at Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

13 vs. Bakersfield Centennial, 7 p.m.

20 vs. Soledad, 7 p.m.

27 at Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.

October 4 vs. Lancaster Paraclete, 7 p.m.

18 vs. Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.* 25 at Paso Robles, 7 p.m.* November 1 at St. Joseph, 7 p.m.* * Mountain League game Len Wood photos, Staff‌

Righetti High School’s, from left, Jordan Fields, Chase Reynoso, Jake Steels, Kidasi Nepa, Logan Mortensen and Henry Aguilar lead a Righetti team that went to the CIF Central Section Division 2 title game a year ago. Can the Warriors make it back there and possibly win a championship in 2019?

Is Righetti

BACK?

Joe Bailey

JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌ ow does second-year coach Tony H Payne feel about his program after winning 10 games and playing for a Central Section title in 2018?

“Righetti’s back,” Payne says. “Absolutely. Our turnout this summer was wonderful, our community is behind us and we’ve got the dudes. So, yeah, we have high expectations coming off of last season and we have some unfinished business.”

Also with some unfinished business is QB Logan Mortensen. The lefty won the starting job early last year before suffering a broken collarbone in his throwing arm in the game against Arroyo Grande.

“Nobody has out-worked Logan Mortensen,” Payne said.

Mortensen is back to 100 percent and ready to lead the Warriors’ passing attack.

“I’m really motivated. After missing

games last season it really taught me to work and prepare and not take anything for granted,” Mortensen said. “I’m just really excited to get back out there.”

Mortensen went 46-for-60 on pass attempts and threw six TDs against just one INT. Pretty good numbers for a kid who wasn’t always his team’s quarterback in his youth football days.

“I was a running back and would throw a little bit. I didn’t really start playing quarterback until high school,” Mortensen said. “Coach (Hector) Griego was my QB coach until varsity and coach (Nathan) Castillo has pushed me to another level in developing my skills.”

Mortensen likes the weapons he has to work with this year. His top two receivers return in seniors Jake Steels and Chase Reynoso. Reynoso led the Warriors with 27 catches for 442 yards and four TDs. Steels only caught seven passes, but those went for 315 yards.

“They’re really key to our success in our

2018 results Regular season (8-2) 8/17: Righetti 56, Santa Maria 9 8/24: Righetti 49, Oak Park 21 8/31: Righetti 35, Pioneer Valley 0 9/7: Centennial 37, Righetti 35 9/14: Righetti 42, Soledad 12 9/21: Righetti 34, Dos Pueblos 14 9/28: Righetti 52, Paso Robles 20 10/5: Righetti 42, Atascadero 14 10/12: Righetti 46, Arroyo Grande 24 10/26: St. Joseph 27, Righetti 21 Playoffs (2-1) 11/9: Righetti 33, Frontier 16 11/16: Righetti 21, Frontier 0 11/23: Tulare Union 45, Righetti 30

Key match-up St. Joseph vs.

Righetti Nov. 1 at Warrior Stadium This one should be another big one as the Warriors and Knights meet in their regular-season finales. How much will be on the line the first night of November?

Probably a lot. The winner last year claimed the Mountain League title and that could happen again in 2019 as the Warriors look for some revenge after the 27-21 loss to the Knights a year ago.

Player to watch Logan Mortensen (QB) seized the starting QB job early on and was solid in seven games, throwing six TDs against just one INT while competing 77 percent of his Mortensen passes.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW passing game. They’re two studs and I’m looking forward to playing with them,” Mortensen said of Steels and Reynoso.

How does Steels sum up the offensive weapons the Warriors have?

“Oh... it’s gonna be dangerous,” he said.

“We have the strong running game and we’ve implemented a lot of passing game this summer. Me and Chase on both sides.

It’s going to be hard to cover.”

As Mortensen has high praise for his receiving threats and running backs, Steels feels the same way about his QB. “Logan is awesome. He makes all the good throws, really strong-armed, confident, is a leader,” Steels said. “Brandon (Giddings) was awesome, too, but Logan brings our game to a new level.”

The QB admitted that one opponent he’s looking forward to is the St. Joseph game, the regular season finale set for Nov. 1. Mortensen missed that one last year with his broken collarbone.

“Obviously, take it one game at a time, but missing the St. Joe’s game last year... that one hurt,” Mortensen said. “I want to play in that game, I’m anxious for that one.”

Coach Payne raves about the play and leadership of junior Kidasi Nepa, who will take the pressure off the passing game at running back. Nepa was second on the team last year with 787 yards on 85

carries with eight TDs. He will be working to replace the void left by Adan Solis, who rushed for 1,784 yards and 19 scores last season.

“We run that Pistol Wing-T and we have three guys who fit that bill,” Payne said. “It starts with Kidasi. He’s a dualthreat back, the unquestioned leader of our team. His energy is more than anyone can ask for. The way he runs the ball is phenomenal and he’s going to score a lot of touchdowns.”

Nepa will be one of the two wing-backs and Payne says Christian Roseborough will be the tailback, the primary ballcarrier in the offense.

“He’s a beast and he runs hard, he runs physical and I’m looking for big things from him,” Payne said of Roseborough, adding that he hopes Joe Cardenas is fully healed from a major ankle injury to take over the third running back role.

“As far as ball skills and aggressiveness level, we can’t wait for Joe to be back,” Payne said. “He’s ready to go and we’ll have our three-headed monster back in action.”

Cardenas will also play quite a bit at linebacker. Jordan Fields is Righetti’s top player on that unit. Fields was second on the team last year with 101 total tackles.

“First Team All-League last year and he’s really looking forward to a big season

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this year and I’m looking forward to it, too,” Steels said of Fields. “He does a really good job of making tackles and flying around.”

Payne says Ethan Davenport is a newcomer that is really opening eyes in training camp.

“Every coach on my staff, every dude on my team would say Ethan Davenport,” Payne said when asked to name an overlooked player. “He was unable to play football last year and he’s back. He played defensive end, he doesn’t say much but his motor is off the charts.”

The Warriors will have to replace the play of Caleb Thomas, the two-time league MVP who is now at Tulane.

Thomas had 14 sacks last year. The Righetti defense had 25 sacks overall and came up with 18 interceptions.

The Warriors also need to replace three standout linemen in Thomas, Christian Mondol and Andrew ‘Papa’ Martinez.

“On the O-Line, we did lose a bunch of All-League guys and that’s where we start everything,” said Payne, a former offensive lineman himself. “But we do have a bunch of guys coming back and the best thing we have going is competition, five deep. Every position is a fight every day and that’s what I’m counting on. Every day our lineup is changing and getting better at the same time.”

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Jake Steels, a Righetti High senior, had seven interceptions at cornerback for the Warriors in 2018. He’ll try to match that number in 2019 while also contributing to the offense at receiver.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

14 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

ST. JOSEPH KNIGHTS Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Quarterbacks 6 SO 5-10 175 14 SR 5-6 160 Running backs 2 SR 6-1 190 JR 5-7 150 3 Offensive linemen 58 JR 5-11 200 70 FR 6-2 220 77 JR 6-5 220 51 SR 6-0 200 74 SR 6-1 200 Wide receivers JR 5-11 150 4 10 SR 5-10 160 JR 5-7 150 3 JR 5-9 170 5 Tight ends 40 JR 5-11 190 42 SR 6-0 190 > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 50 SR 5-11 205 32 SR 5-9 180 42 SR 6-0 190 35 SR 6-0 200 54 SR 6-0 195 Linebackers SR 5-9 175 1 36 SR 5-11 180 56 JR 6-1 190 Defensive backs 9 JR 5-10 180 2 SR 6-1 190 3 JR 5-7 150 4 JR 5-11 150 > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 85 JR 5-11 130 Kicker 85 JR 5-11 130 > COACH Pepe Villasenor enters his second season at St. Joseph. He went 8-3 last year and led the Knights to the Mountain League championship with a 4-0 record.

August 23 vs. Visalia Central Valley Christian, 7 p.m.

30 at Garces Memorial, 7:30 p.m.

September 13 vs. Bakersfield Christian, 7 p.m.

20 at Bakersfield Centennial, 7:30 p.m.

27 vs. Lompoc, 7 p.m.

October 4 at Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

11 at San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret’s, 7 p.m.

18 vs. Paso Robles, 7 p.m.* 25 at Arroyo Grande, 7 p.m.* November 1 vs. Righetti, 7 p.m.* * Mountain League game

Name Mark Crisp Ben Camarena Devin Guggia Darien Langley Ryan Milenesa Makai Sat Max Steineman Ethan Otremba Diego Hernandez Tyler Williams Patrick Heard Darien Langley Noah Skarda Anthony Reynoso Noe Carlos

Jacob Medrano Isiah Rodriguez Noe Carlos Daniel Galasi Jeremy Vann Michael Madrigal Josiah Acosta Jayce Gamble Logan Moartinez Devin Guggia Darien Langley Tyler Williams

2018 results Len Wood, Staff‌

With returners, from left, Devin Guggia, Josiah Acosta, Michael Madrigal, Ethan Otremba and Jacob Medrano, can St. Joseph win the Mountain League title again in 2019?They’ll have to beat Righetti, Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande like they did in 2018.

Pep preps for

YEAR TWO Joe Bailey

Brock Marcois Brock Marcois

Villasenor

JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌Pepe Villasenor has hit the ground running at St. Joseph.

Though the regular season wasn’t perfect, things couldn’t have gone much better in Villasenor’s first year at the helm.

The Knights won all their big games en route to claiming the Mountain League title, clinching the league crown with a thrilling 27-21 win over rival Righetti.

The playoffs, however, didn’t go as planned. The Knights landed the fifth seed in the CIF-CS D1 playoffs and lost to Fresno Bullard fairly convincingly, 45-28, in the first round of the postseason.

Don’t plan on another first-round exit in 2019.

The Knights are now in Division 2 and have some pieces in place to compete with some of the best teams there. They should also be in the mix for another Mountain League title, though Righetti, A.G. and possibly Paso Robles are right there, too.

“St. Joe has always had a great deal of tradition and discipline, but I think one thing that has changed is our standards—whether it’s on the field or in the classroom or in the community,” Villasenor said. “Things are the same, but we are trying to elevate the standard each and every year.”

St. Joseph went 8-3 in Villasenor’s first year. Things got off a tremendous start with a 42-6 win over Visalia’s Central Valley Christian, which went on to win the D4 title in the Central Section.

Regular season (8-3) 8/17: St. Joseph 42, Central Valley Christian 6 8/24: St. Joseph 35, Pioneer Valley 19 8/31: St. Joseph 31, Garces 30 9/7: Bakersfield Christian 38, St. Joseph 31 9/14: St. Joseph 48, Centennial 28 9/21: Lompoc 24, St. Joseph 21 9/28: St. Joseph 34, Arroyo Grande 17 10/12: St. Joseph 49, Atascadero 14 10/19: St. Joseph 46, Paso Robles 14 10/26: St. Joseph 27, Righetti 21 Playoffs (0-1) 11/2: Bullard 45, St. Joseph 28

Key matchup St. Joseph vs.

Garces Aug. 30 at Garces Memorial in Bakersfield The Knights won a thriller 31-30 at home last season against the Rams, as Nathan Halsell’s last-second PAT was the difference-maker.

In 2019, Garces is one of the most hyped up teams in the Valley after luring coach Paul Golla from Bakersfield High. Golla won a D1 state title at BHS in 2013 and went 128-50 with the Drillers.

Player to watch Devin Guggia (RB-S) will have a lot on his shoulders in 2019.

He was the Knights’ every-down back last year, but that offense was led by senior star QB Chase Artopoeus, who is Guggia now at UCLA. Can Guggia lead the offense as sophomore QB Mark Crisp gets his feet under him? Guggia will also be counted on to start at safety for the Knights, a position he’s still learning.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The first loss came to Bakersfield Christian, which lost in the D3 title game.

The Knights then lost to Lompoc before rolling through the Mountain League unbeaten at 4-0 and outscoring their opponents by 90 points.

The Knights’ biggest hole to fill on offense is at QB. Senior Chase Artopoeus threw 26 TDs against just one INT and is now trying to walk-on at UCLA. Mark Crisp, a sophomore is set to start at QB for the Knights.

“One of the things we talk about here is we don’t care whether you’re a sophomore or a senior, if you are the starting QB or the starting D-end, you have responsibilities that you have to uphold,” Villasenor said.

Helping Crisp power the offense will be senior running back Devin Guggia, a powerful back that can carry the ball 20 to 25 times a game.

Darien Langley, a junior, returns as the Knights’ most explosive playmaker.

“Darien does an incredible job of stretching the field and we’re going to attempt to put him at different spots throughout the field so you always have to hold him accountable,”

Villasenor said. “When that occurs, other guys have to start making plays when they start doubling him or paying attention to him.”

Langley has scored on 99-yard kick returns, long touchdown catches and can break off long runs in a moment’s notice.

The Knights also have to replace Artopoeus’ favorite target in Trevor Cole, who set the school’s singleseason touchdown reception record after hauling in 16 TDs in 2018 as a senior. Cole is now attempting to walk-on at Boise State.

“I think it’ll be by committee,” Villasenor said of finding his No. 1 receiving target this year. “It’ll be game-by-game. The truth is that we’re all about developing players. I don’t think anyone knew who Trevor Cole was coming into his senior year, but I’m sure after the year ended they certainly knew who he was.

“That’s a St. Joe theme: It’s the next guy up and guys are constantly being developed.”

Villasenor is also running a modern offense with lots of uptempo sets and more of the RPO look that is taking PLEASE SEE KNIGHTS, Page 16

Joe Bailey, Staff‌

St. Joseph quarterback Mark Crisp hands the ball off to Devin Guggia during a practice that was held in front of St. Joseph fans and supporters at Jay Will Stadium.

Crisp is the new starting quarterback at St. Joseph while Guggia returns to lead the Knights’ rushing attack.

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Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 15

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Knights

16 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

From 15

Joe Bailey, Staff‌

St. Joseph’s Tyler Williams catches a pass during a recent practice. Williams, who played at Cabrillo last year, is expected to help the Knights at receiver and defensive back this season.

over the game. The run-pass-option offenses are in vogue at the college level. RPO forces quarterbacks to decide to hand the ball off or hit a quick pass after the ball is snapped.

“It certainly gives our quarterback, who can be a mobile quarterback, different options,” Villasenor said. “It also keeps the defense on their toes and guessing. You have to be schematically sound in order to stop the RPO game, so we will implement that.”

The Knights have a rock-solid schedule, playing CVC, Bakersfield Christian and Lompoc again. They also added San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret’s in a non-league game and will meet Righetti in the regularseason finale. They play at Garces in Bakersfield on Aug. 30 and at Bakersfield Centennial on Sept. 20.

“The truth is, we can play a 10-0 team or an 0-10 team and my anxiety is going to be up and I’m going to want everything to be perfect, regardless,” Villasenor said. “Like I said, we’re talking about creating a high-level standard and when doing so we want to be playing quality opponents, week-in and week-out, so that our young men are prepared for the postseason —God willing we get there.”

The St. Joseph offensive line is a bit green, but there’s some talent there.

Ethan Otremba, a guard, is one of the veteran leaders on that unit.

“We have the next guy stepping up and we have a lot of new brothers making plays,” Otremba said. “We’re relying on them.”

Otremba likes running an uptempo offense from his lineman position.

“It’s good for us because we can catch the defense off guard a little bit,” Otremba said. “You have to be in good condition to run that.”

Freshman Makai Sat is a guy to keep an eye on. He’s 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and already set to start.

Senior linebacker Josiah Acosta will be one of the leaders on defense. The Knights have relied on strong ‘backers the past several years, going from Fenton Will to Tim Miller to Zak Wilson last year.

“I think we’re capable of doing great things as long as we keep leading and keep making plays,” Acosta said. “We have some pretty good guys this year. We had guys leave last year but we’re coming together as a brotherhood. We’re expecting big things.”

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 17

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

18 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

LOMPOC BRAVES Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterbacks 7 SR 5-11 170 Cameron Iribarren Running backs SR 5-11 190 Leondre Coleman 1 20 SO 5-9 140 Sheldon Canley 26 JR 5-11 160 Tyler Rounds 8 SR 5-11 175 Oscar Tenorio Offensive linemen 77 SR 6-4 275 Jacob Nunez 53 JR 6-2 215 Jalen Powers 78 JR 6-2 270 Joshua Navarro Wide receivers 5 SR 6-3 190 Ryan Morgan 15 SR 6-1 185 Joe Schumer 3 JR 5-10 145 Cailin Daniels JR 6-0 165 Bradley Waite 11 Tight ends 45 SR 6-1 220 Cullin Ranney 43 SR 5-11 185 Aaron Nunez > DEFENSE Linebackers SR 5-11 190 Leondre Coleman 1 45 SR 6-1 220 Cullin Ranney 56 SR 6-1 225 Jed Rantz 30 SR 5-11 195 John Gaitan Defensive backs 9 JR 6-2 160 Christian Duarte-Tenorio 10 SO 5-9 145 Deville Dickerson 15 SR 6-1 185 Joe Schumer SR 5-11 175 Oscar Tenorio 8 18 SR 5-10 175 Luke Gardner > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 4 SR 6-3 175 Aldo Anguiano Kicker 4 SR 6-3 175 Aldo Anguiano > COACH Andrew Jones enters his 10th season. He is 100-14 and has won two CIF-SS titles and nine league championships. Eight straight unbeaten league campaigns, one league loss in nine years. 44-1 in league overall, 41 straight league wins. Jones

August 23 vs. Simi Valley, 7 p.m.

30 at Righetti, 7 p.m.

September 6 vs. Bishop Diego, 7 p.m.

13 vs Arroyo Grande at PVHS, 7 p.m.

27 at St. Joseph, 7 p.m.

October 4 at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.* 11 vs. Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.* 18 vs. Santa Barbara, 7 p.m.* 25 at San Marcos, 7 p.m.* November 1 vs. Cabrillo, 7 p.m.* * Channel League game

2018 results

Len Wood photos, Staff‌

Lompoc High School’s Jed Rantz, Ryan Morgan, John Gaitan, Joe Schumer, Jacob Nunez and Cameron Iribarren hope to lead the Braves to another Channel League title and a deeper run in the playoffs in 2019.

Expectations high at LHS Joe Bailey JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌There’s little question that Lompoc is the premier program on the Central Coast.

But the Braves have had back-toback early exits in the postseason, getting knocked out in the first round last year and in the second round in 2017.

The Braves were on the brink of making the CIF-SS D4 title game in 2016, before falling to Corona del Mar 35-34 in the semifinals.

The biggest reason for the Braves’ premature exit in the postseason the last two years? Mainly them playing in the third-highest division in the toughest section in the nation.

Now the Braves are in a much more competitive Division 5 in 2019 and they

are, once again, loaded with talent.

With the expectations around the Lompoc High program, it’s safe to say it’s a title-game-or-bust type of season for the Braves.

They have the top coach in the area entering his 10th season. Andrew Jones is 100-14 (an .877 winning percentage) and is 44-1 in league games, having won 41 straight.

Jones has also put together the best coaching staff in the 805.

He has former St. Joseph head coach Dustin Davis leading the defense and TJ Jordan, one of the top QB coaches around, leading the offense.

Longtime Hancock coach Ricky Aguilar, who also played at LHS in the early 2000s, is now on the staff. Aguilar was Hancock’s defensive coordinator for six seasons.

Regular season (8-2) 8/17: Lompoc 49, Simi Valley 28 8/24: St. Paul 31, Lompoc 13 8/31: Lompoc 36, Bishop Diego 10 9/7: Arroyo Grande 24, Lompoc 10 9/21: Lompoc 24, St. Joseph 21 9/28: Lompoc 21, Santa Ynez 0 10/5: Lompoc 42, Dos Pueblos 21 10/13: Lompoc 28, Santa Barbara 11 10/19: Lompoc 47, San Marcos 7 10/26: Lompoc 63, Cabrillo 0 Playoffs (0-1) 11/2: Capistrano Valley 24, Lompoc 7

Key match-up Righetti vs.

Lompoc Aug. 30 at Huyck Stadium It’s been awhile since a Lompoc-Righetti game has been a marquee matchup. But that’s what this early-season game will be when the Braves host the Warriors in the second week of the season. Righetti made the CIF-CS D2 title game last year. Lompoc dominated the Channel League, but was knocked out in the first round of the CIF-SS D3 playoffs a year ago. This will be a big one.

Player to watch Leondre Coleman (RB-LB) may be the most talented player in the area. He could probably go D1 at running back, receiver, linebacker, safety or even defensive end. The big question Coleman around Coleman, now a senior, will be has he developed everything off the field?

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Matt Sims, another LHS grad, has put together dominant offensive lines year after year. Harrison Keller, who coached at St. Joseph and spent time on Cal Poly’s staff, is also at LHS. On the field, the Braves return top starters at almost all the critical positions.

The Braves have a returning QB in Cameron Iribarren, the reigning Channel League Offensive MVP. Leondre Coleman is now a senior.

The younger brother of former Washington standout Lavon Coleman, is the reigning Channel League Defensive MVP. Jacob Nunez, the team’s 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive tackle, is committed to Arizona State.

Ryan Morgan, a 6-foot-3, 190pound safety/receiver, is committed to Wyoming.

The Braves have coaching, talent and experience and are in a good division for the playoffs.

“The expectations don’t change,” Jones said. “We want to compete for a league championship and try to make a run in this division.”

Jones, himself a former Lompoc quarterback, has relied on talented QB play over the years, though Lompoc is renowned for its rushing attack.

“...We’re going to be fast athletic, running to the football, if we can just find the three down guys I think we can be pretty good defensively.”

Andrew Jones, coach

Iribarren, a lefty, threw 13 TDs a year ago, against just four INTs. He did complete just 44 percent of his passes, though some of that can attributed to the inexperienced receiving corps the Braves featured.

Iribarren rushed 151 times for 1,068 yards and 15 TDs. Jones does want more consistency in the passing game in hopes of limiting the amount Iribarren runs in 2019.

“Cameron had a heck of a year last year. He’s a dynamic player, the offensive player of the year in our league,” Jones said. “This offseason he spent a lot of time with coach TJ working on the passing game. I think he seems more comfortable, more accurate. If he can get that going, we obviously have a lot of skill guys, weapons for him to throw to.

“If we can combine that, not be as one-dimensional as we were last year, I think we can be pretty dangerous.”

“I can always work on the passing

GO

game, that’s my main asset this season,” Iribarren says.

The QB agrees that he has a lot to work with as far as offensive weapons go.

“I feel we’re pretty stacked at the skill positions. We have a lot seniors there. We also have Joe Schumer out there,” Iribarren said. “He’s mainly a DB, but I feel he’s going to be making a lot of big plays out there.”

Jones also feels Cailin Daniels will be a player to shine in 2019. Daniels was up on varsity as a sophomore in his first time ever playing football. Daniels went on to have a stellar track season, competing in the long jump, triple jump and 4x100 relay, where he won league titles in all three.

“Last year was his first time ever playing and he’s definitely made huge strides in the offseason,” Jones said of Daniels. “Kind of an electric kid. We’ve

Lompoc High School Football is proud of our Student-Athlete’s success, on and off the field, as we begin our 2019 School Year. The Braves continue their Tradition of Excellence on the field with 8 consecutive League Championships.

The Braves return several key returners who continue to work hard in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. Senior Captains Jacob Nunez, Ryan Morgan, Cameron Iribarren, Joseph Schumer and Jed Rantz lead a very productive senior class that brings work ethic, respect, and pride.

The 2019 Braves Football would like to invite our community to come support and share with us in an unforgettable season. We will continue to value the support of our community and lead by example. We will continue to value tradition and excellence for all to be proud of. Our success is your success.

GO BRAVES!!

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 19

BRAVES!!

PLEASE SEE BRAVES, Page 20

Ryan Morgan, Lompoc High School senior safety and receiver, is back on the field after missing most of last season with a broken collarbone.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FROM LOMPOC TO LARAMIE

Brave football standout Ryan Morgan commits to Wyoming Lorenzo J. Reyna

20 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

CONTRIBUTOR‌

‌Ryan Morgan will go from Lompoc to Laramie soon.

The Lompoc High four-sport standout – who has caught passes, dunked the basketball, hit the baseball deep and put the track and field spikes on his feet since his arrival at LHS – verbally committed to the University of Wyoming Tuesday afternoon.

The class of 2020 prospect Morgan had been hinting at a future on the gridiron since the spring, citing his current 6-foot4, 220-pound frame as the chief reason.

Now, the Cowboys are giving him that opportunity to zero in on one sport – and become a future go-to target on offense.

Morgan took his unofficial visit to Laramie during the weekend of July 27 and said he immediately became enamored with the vibe in the community.

“I met the people, the coaches, the players, the community…and they’re all great people,” Morgan said by phone.

“The day I got back from my trip – I just knew it was the place for me.”

Morgan likened Laramie to Lompoc, catching plenty of similarities between both neighborhoods.

“That’s one of the things (I liked): There’s one movie theater, one Wal-Mart just like Lompoc. It makes me feel more at home,” Morgan said.

Morgan held two scholarship offers: Wyoming and UNLV of the Mountain West Conference. He first got on the Cowboys’ radar by chatting with two coaches at the USC Rising Stars camp held in June: Tight ends coach Shannon Moore and head coach Craig Bohl.

And the latter was who helped convince Morgan that his future was

Braves From 19

got a slew of receivers working pretty hard. Joe Schumer, Leondre rotates back and forth, Christian Tenorio came up late last year and made some big

Contributed‌

Lompoc’s Ryan Morgan announced his commitment Tuesday afternoon to play for the University of Wyoming.

with Wyoming.

“We went into his office and he was a genuine person,” Morgan said. “He made me feel like that I wasn’t just going to be a number on the field, that I was going to be part of a family.”

Morgan isn’t the only Central Coast region prospect to declare his future to Wyoming.

St. Bonaventure quarterback Gavin Beerup announced his decision to verbally commit to the MWC program on Friday.

Both Beerup and Morgan were touring the Wyoming campus together during the

same weekend. Beerup says he’s energized to know he has a future tall target to feed the ball to.

“That’s a big pickup that we just got right there,” Beerup said. “We happened to both be down there on the visit at the same time and it was really great to catch up and talk about the future. The fact that he is a four-year varsity player shows the skill and athleticism he holds. He’s a big body that will excel very well at the next level.”

Beerup also likes the fact he and Morgan share the same area code.

“It’s crazy how we both are from schools that are not too far away from each other and to be able to play at the same school next year is crazy,” Beerup said. “I’m very ecstatic for the opportunity to build a connection with him next year on and off the football field.”

Beerup and Morgan were the first two 2020 commitments for the Cowboys’ current recruiting cycle.

Morgan becomes the second NCAA Division I verbal commitment on the 2019-20 Braves roster. Offensive tackle and cousin Jacob Nunez verbally committed to Arizona State on the Fourth of July.

And Morgan loves the fact he and Nunez’s college football aspirations are coming true.

“It’s really exciting especially since we’re cousins and we dreamed of this,” Morgan said. “It’s crazy to think our dreams are coming true.”

catches for us. We definitely have more athletic guys returning than we do up front on the line.”

Though the offensive line may lack experience, it does return star Jacob Nunez, who’s committed to ASU. Nunez relishes his role as a nasty lineman who just plays.

“I feel like I’m under the scenes, working hard. Offensive linemen don’t

need interviews, don’t need any of that,” he said. “They’re all strictly about the game, playing hard and protecting the quarterback.”

Nunez has played on varsity all four years.

“I’ve developed a lot, mentally, physically and overall as a player and human being. I’m definitely a team player,” Nunez said.

Jones said the biggest question mark on the defense is the front three after they lose Juan DeLuna and Geovany Lucatero to graduation.

“Just about everyone returns with the back guys,” Jones said. “...We’re going to be fast athletic, running to the football, if we can just find the three down guys I think we can be pretty good defensively.”

Len Wood, Staff‌

Lompoc’s Ryan Morgan, seen as he leads the Braves onto the field during last September’s game against Arroyo Grande, has verbally committed to play for Wyoming.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW CABRILLO CONQS Projected Starters

2019 SCHEDULE

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterbacks 1 JR 5-10 150 Zack Ramos Running backs 23 SR 5-11 180 JJ Lombrana 21 JR 5-9 170 Trey Robison 45 SR 6-1 190 Patrick Durham Offensive linemen 53 JR 5-10 175 Ruben Deleon 51 JR 6-3 230 Dylan Forbes 55 JR 6-1 220 Jeffery Tourtillotte 50 JR 5-10 185 Angel Monreal 67 SR 5-11 220 Joseph Levingston Wide receivers 4 SR 5-9 170 Mykul Guillory 7 JR 6-1 150 Hunter Barthel 2 SR 5-11 160 Isaiah Reyes Tight ends 8 SR 6-4 205 Cade McNamee 22 SO 6-2 184 Julian Carlson > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 51 JR 6-3 230 Dylan Forbes 8 SR 6-4 205 Cade McNamee 55 SR 5-10 205 Jameson Brodeur 79 SO 6-3 285 Joey Rosales Linebackers 45 SR 6-1 190 Patrick Durham 22 SO 6-2 184 Julian Carlson 23 SR 5-11 180 JJ Lombrana 25 JR 5-11 170 Luis Ornelas Defensive backs 4 SR 5-9 170 Mykul Guillory 2 SR 5-11 170 Isaiah Reyes 21 JR 5-9 170 Trey Robison > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 1 JR 5-10 150 Zack Ramos 25 JR 5-11 170 Luis Ornelas Kicker 84 JR 5-10 160 James Mayfield Long snapper 11 JR 5-7 135 Tony Boneck > COACH A.J Pateras is entering third season in Vandenberg Village. The Ventura native has a 1-19 overall record in two seasons with Cabrillo High.

August 24 vs. Bishop Diego, 7 p.m.

30 vs. Nipomo at SLO High, 7 p.m.

September 6 at Rio Mesa, 7 p.m.

13 vs Pioneer Valley, 7 p.m.

20 at Buena, 7 p.m.

October 4 vs. Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.* 11 at San Marcos, 7 p.m.* 18 at Santa Ynez, 7 p.m.* 25 vs. Santa Barbara, 7 p.m.* November 1 at Lompoc, 7 p.m.* * Channel League game

Len Wood, Staff

Cabrillo High School’s, from left, JJ Lombrana, Mykul Guillory, Trey Robison (front), Cade McNamee, Jameson Broduer and Patrick Durham are the difference-makers for the Conquistadores. Can they score their first win since 2017 this year?

Conqs ready

TO WIN

Joe Bailey

JBAILEY@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

PLEASE SEE CONQS, Page 22

Key match-up Cabrillo vs.

San Marcos Oct. 11 at Warkentin Stadium The Conqs nearly scored their only win of the 2018 season against San Marcos in a 26-25 loss. Cabrillo will get its best chance at a Channel League win against the Royals in 2019 in Santa Barbara on Oct. 11. The big question now is what will Cabrillo’s record look like when they face the Royals in their seventh game of the season? They lost by a single point in last year’s match-up and finished 0-10 on the season.

Player to watch Patrick Durham (LB-FB) put together one of the finest defensive seasons in the area in 2018, recording 110 total tackles in 10 games. He also had a sack and an Durham interception. Durham is back as a senior set to lead A.J. Pateras’ defense.

21

“It’s night and day.”

That’s how Cabrillo football coach A.J. Pateras describes the development of the Cabrillo football program from year one as he enters his third season on the sidelines at CHS. Will that development lead to more wins in 2019? That remains to be seen.

The Conqs went 0-10 in 2018. The closest they came to winning was the 26-25 loss to San Marcos in a Channel League game. The Conquistadores were also competitive in a 24-7 loss to Ventura Buena.

They were outscored 400-72 in 10 games.

Those numbers haven’t put a damper on Pateras’ enthusiasm when talking about his program and the changes being

made in Vandenberg Village.

Pateras has found his groove after coming over from Ventura County in 2017.

“I remember my first year, I was still driving up from Ventura and we were running morning workouts at 6 a.m. I was driving an hour-and-a-half to get to workouts,” Pateras said. “Now we’ve got more coaches in place, we have coaches going on year three. We brought in coach (Doug) May.” Pateras says May, who spent two seasons leading the Orcutt Academy 8-man football team and was an assistant at Righetti last season, has brought major value to the program. May has been working with Cabrillo’s offense after spending last season as Righetti’s DBs coach.

Regular season (0-10) 8/17: Bishop Diego 42, Cabrillo 0 8/24: Nipomo 45, Cabrillo 14 8/31: Rio Mesa 29, Cabrillo 6 9/7: Pioneer Valley 43, Cabrillo 0 9/14: Buena 24, Cabrillo 7 9/28: Dos Pueblos 42, Cabrillo 0 10/5: San Marcos 26, Cabrillo 25 10/12: Santa Ynez 42, Cabrillo 8 10/18: Santa Barbara 44, Cabrillo 12 10/26: Lompoc 63, Cabrillo 0

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 |

Pateras

2018 Results

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Conqs From 21

“He’s been a huge stability boost in terms of another head coach with tons of experience,” Pateras said of May. There’s also been improved weightroom work at Cabrillo and the school’s athletic trainer has been more involved with the strength and conditioning program.

“With our booster club and our parents and the family support, and the administrative support behind the scenes, I feel less stressed coming into this year just knowing that I’m not looking to do everything,” Pateras said. “We’ve got a lot of good pieces in place to support our kids and support our coaches.”

Pateras confronts the issues his team’s offense faced last season, noting they were shutout four times and averaged just over seven points a game in 2018.

“My focus was, ‘How do we bring stability to the offense?’ Pateras said. “Hiring Doug, right off the bat, his knowledge and experience as a head coach, lower level coach and coordinator, it’s like I have another head coach out there.”

Pateras said the team is scaling back its spread offense, though there will still be

spread elements in the base offense.

Junior Zack Ramos was tabbed to lead that unit at quarterback after spending last year running the JV squad.

On defense, Patrick Durham returns as the unquestioned leader of that unit. Last season, the linebacker piled up 110 total tackles in 10 games. The 6-foot-1, 190pound machine is one of the top defensive players in the Channel League.

Pateras says Durham is almost like another coach in the locker room and on the field.

“He’s another sounding board. ‘What do you guys need? How are you guys feeling?’ Pateras said of how he communicates with Durham. “He’s hard on himself and he looks to be perfect.”

“Not only am I focused on improving myself, but I’m also focused on improving my teammates, my other linebackers, my other defenders,” Durham says. “I got a lot of tackles last year but my teammates didn’t get as many.

“I want my D-Line to get more tackles than me, I want my teammates to get 500 tackles this year.”

Durham will also play some fullback on offense.

“It’s the first time, in my life, that I’ve played running back and I’m really excited,” Durham said. “I’m a good hitter on defense so I think I’ll be pretty good on

offense when it comes to hitting. I have speed. I think right now I’m the fastest one on the team. I think I’ll be good.”

Durham is expecting sophomore Julian Carlson to step up on defense at linebacker and junior Cade McNamee to be a force at defensive end. McNamee is a 6-foot-4, 200-pounder who also plays tight end.

“He’s already insane when it comes to D-End,” Durham said of McNamee.

“I think he can get a lot of pressure off my back and get some tackles in there.

The last one I’m really excited for is Trey Robison. He’s playing safety this year.

Last year he played outside linebacker and he’ll be really good in coverage.

He’s probably the second fastest guy on the team.”

McNamee says he’ll use his size at both tight end and defensive end this year.

“You gotta use the physicality of being big bodied,” McNamee said. “Work hard and be big and strong when you go up for a ball. Really, you can’t compete with it.”

McNamee says Ramos, the new starting QB, has shown promise during the preseason.

“Ramos is a grinder, he’s good. I have Len Wood, Staff‌ full faith in him that he can really domiJJ Lombrana is expected to be one of nate that position,” McNamee said. “He’s Cabrillo’s top running backs this year. been working hard throughout summer Lombrana is a 5-11, 180-pound senior. camp. I have full faith in him.”

What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.

22 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Culture

Cabrillo High School Football is excited to begin our Academic and Football journey for the upcoming 2019 School year.The Conqs return several key returners, who have worked extremely hard this offseason. Seniors Patrick Durham and Jameson Brodeur highlight a senior class that brings a lot of onfield experience and leadership. Patrick Durham returns off a 100 + Tackle season, while also qualifying for Masters in Wrestling. Jameson Brodeur brings leadership and experience to both the Offensive and Defensive Lines as the fellow 3-year letterman.

Our Junior returners, Cade McNamee, and Trey Robison who played and started in all 10 games as sophomores add to the depth and experience of the team. Cade McNamee is the returning leader of the Defensive line and will add Tight End duties this fall to help the offense.Trey Robison, who was 3rd in tackles last season, will continue to impact the defensive side of the ball while getting the opportunity to run the ball on Offense.

The 2019 Conquistador football team would invite you all to come out on Friday Nights to support the Football program. As a proud member of Cabrillo High School campus, the Conqs will strive to serve as leaders and ambassadors on campus and in the community.

We invite all Families of the Lompoc Valley, to come out and enjoy beautiful Friday evenings under the lights with your Conquistadors.

GO CONQS!!

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW SANTA YNEZ PIRATES Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterback 5 JR 5-10 165 Bennett Redell Running backs 1 SR 6-3 190 Anthony Gills 42 SR 6-2 200 Dean Tipolt 24 SR 5-10 175 Logan Ast Offensive linemen 68 SR 6-2 240 Tyler Germani 73 SO 6-0 230 Emilio Figueroa 76 SR 5-11 260 Connor Cunningham 55 SR 5-11 210 Tao Kingsley 74 JR 6-1 265 Alex Phipps 64 SR 5-10 250 Owen Thompson Wide receivers 9 JR 5-10 155 Camron Prendergast 8 SR 5-11 160 Lars Ladinig Tight end 44 JR 5-10 190 Christian Saw 20 SR 6-2 200 Ivan Hernandez > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 68 SR 6-2 240 Tyler Germani 72 SO 5-10 215 Brandon Welby 33 JR 6-0 180 Mason Hammill 55 SR 5-11 210 Tao Kingsley Linebackers 42 SR 6-2 200 Dean Tipolt 44 JR 5-10 190 Christian Shaw 24 JR 5-10 170 Logan Ast 22 SR 6-1 165 Pachomo Romero Defensive backs 1 SR 6-3 190 Anthony Gills 2 SR 6-1 165 Braeden McCoy 6 SR 5-8 140 Jacob Davies 3 SO 6-0 170 Tanner Padfield > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter TBD Kicker 7 SR 5-10 155 Quincy Valle 23 SR 5’9 150 Nico Rocha > COACH Josh McClurg is entering his eighth season as the Pirates’ head coach. With a 29-33 overall record, McClurg’s teams have had their greatest success over the last four years.

The Pirates went 7-3 overall in 2015 and followed that with back-to-back 8-2 seasons but were left out of the CIF-SS playoffs every year.

McClurg In 2018, the team’s first year in the Channel League, Santa Ynez went 6-5 overall and 3-2 in the Channel League which was good for a tie for second place and a long-awaited invitation to the playoffs.

August

23 vs. Nipomo, 7 p.m.

30 at Carpinteria, 7 p.m.

September 6 vs. Santa Maria, 7 p.m.

20 at San Luis Obispo, 7 p.m.

27 at Templeton, 7 p.m.

October 4 vs. Lompoc, 7 p.m.* 11 vs. Santa Barbara at DPHS, 7 p.m.* 18 vs. Cabrillo, 7 p.m.* 25 at Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.* November 1 vs. San Marcos, 7 p.m.* * Channel League game

2018 results Len Wood, Staff

Santa Ynez Valley High School’s, from left, Tyler Germani, Camron Prendergast, Anthony Gills, Bennett Redell and DeanTipolt aim to lead the Pirates back to the playoffs in 2019.

Santa Ynez finished 6-5 last year after a 3-2 mark in the Channel League.

PIRATES aim for playoffs

Elliott Stern ESTERN@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM

Santa Barbara vs.

Santa Ynez Oct. 11 at Dos Pueblos High School Santa Ynez upset Santa Barbara 28-10 last season, a win that helped the Pirates to a tie for second place in their first year in the Channel League and a spot in the CIF-SS playoffs. The 2018 game was at Santa Ynez. Due to ongoing renovation of Santa Barbara’s stadium, the 2019 game will be played at Dos Pueblos High. A spot in the CIF-SS playoffs could be on the line when these teams meet.

Player to watch Santa Ynez High School junior quarterback Bennett Redell was called up from the junior varsity last year an emergency Redell injury replacement for starter Anthony Gills.

Redell engineered the upset win over Santa Barbara last year. With a season of varsity play under his belt, Redell returns as a more seasoned, confident signal caller.

23

PLEASE SEE PIRATES, Page 24

Key match-up

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 |

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

“It’s still football,” said Santa Ynez High School head coach Josh McClurg during a recent practice. “Kids graduate.

New kids come in. It’s still football.”

As McClurg’s Pirates enter their second year in the Channel League, McClurg said “It’s just like the old Los Padres League.”

That’s not just because Lompoc and Cabrillo also moved to the Channel League last season, joining Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara.

“The competitiveness, the challenges are still the same,” said McClurg, who is entering his eighth season at the Pirates’ helm. “I don’t think much has changed.

We’re still going to take it one game at a time. We’ll try not to look too far ahead.”

The Pirates will open the season with three capable quarterbacks.

Junior Bennett Redell is set to be the starter, but senior Anthony Gills could also take some serious reps at the position.

Add in junior Logan Ast and the Pirates are deep at the position.

Gills started the 2018 under center but was injured late in the Pirates’ seasonopener at Nipomo.

Lineman Juan Sanchez finished that game at quarterback and then McClurg promoted Bennett Redell from the junior varsity.

Redell moved into the starting role in the third game and started until Gills returned in Week 8.

The duo split time running the offense the remainder of the season.

Regular season (6-4) 8/17: Nipomo 17, Santa Ynez 14 8/24: Santa Ynez 14, Carpinteria 7 8/31: Santa Ynez 36, Santa Maria 0 9/14: San Luis Obispo 20, Santa Ynez 10 9/21: Santa Ynez 49, Templeton 21 9/28: Lompoc 21, Santa Ynez 0 10/5: Santa Ynez 28, Santa Barbara 10 10/12: Santa Ynez 42, Cabrillo 8 10/19: Dos Pueblos 35, Santa Ynez 28 10/26: Santa Ynez 42, San Marcos 0 Playoffs (0-1) 11/2: Covina Northview 43, Santa Ynez 7

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Pirates From 23

Len Wood, Staff‌

Anthony Gills, a Santa Ynez Valley High School senior, can make plays all over the field for the Pirates. He’s expected to see time at running back and also QB in 2019 as coach Josh McClurg calls him a ‘Swiss Army knife.’

This year, Redell looks to start with Gills moving to wide receiver.

“Bennett did a good job for us last year,” said McClurg. “And Gills is so talented. He’s like a Swiss Army knife.

We can plug him in anywhere and he’ll play everywhere for us but he’ll start the season at wide receiver.

“And Logan Ast is another Gills — another Swiss Army knife player. He can line up as a running back, receiver or quarterback.”

Senior Dean Tipolt was an All-League player last year. He’ll be back in his starting middle linebacker position while splitting time between fullback and tight end.

Wide receiver Camron Prendergast was also All-League.

Braden McCoy will also line up at wide receiver and will double as a defensive back.

Defensive end Tyler Germani will anchor the defensive line. The senior was first team All-League and a member of the All-Area defense last year.

Jacob Davies will move into the

“Bennett did a good job for us last year.

And Gills is so talented. He’s like a Swiss Army knife. We can plug him in anywhere and he’ll play everywhere for us but he’ll start the season at wide receiver.”

Josh McClurg, Santa Ynez High School head coach

starting lineup at safety after backing up Eddie Sanchez last season.

Senior Tao Kingsley will work both sides of the line and senior Pachomio Romero will start at outside linebacker.

“Pachomio and Tao both have a lot of experience. They’re both tough kids,” said McClurg. “Besides having three good quarterbacks, our receivers and defensive backs are definitely strong positions.”

Christian Shaw will return to play tight end and linebacker.

All-League kicker senior Quincy Valle is set to be the team’s kicker.

The Pirates are also counting on several key newcomers.

Senior Lars Ladinig at receiver, Lorenzo Beard at defensive back and sophomores Tanner Padfield at strong safety and on the line, Emilio Figueroa and Brandon Welby.

“The new players aren’t new to the

program,” said McClurg. “The moment they step on campus, we educate them as freshmen and junior varsity players so when they get to the varsity, it’s not a new program to them.”

The Pirates went 6-5 last season, 3-2 in league games, to make the CIF Southern Section playoffs where they lost in the first round to Covina Northview.

“But we were in every game,” said McClurg. “Except for the (21-0) loss to Lompoc, none of our regular season losses were by more than 10 points. That was a successful first season in the Channel League.”

The Pirates open at home against Nipomo on Friday night.

“That should be a tough battle. They return a lot of key players,” said McClurg.

“I told the team on the first day of practice – now we play real football. We’ll be ready.”

24 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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2886 Mission Drive Solvang

805-688-4300

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ORCUTT ACADEMY SPARTANS Projected Starters

2019 Schedule

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterbacks 22 SR 5-9 172 Bryce Cofield 12 SO 5-3 123 Zander Clark Running backs 21 JR 6-1 225 Alex Sutton Offensive linemen 70 SR 5-10 250 Marc Valdez 94 SR 6-1 227 Winston Harris 65 JR 5-7 215 Nathan Piacentini Wide receivers 87 SR 6-2 165 Cameron Carpenter SO 6-2 170 Nick Gudmunds 8 17 SR 5-10 140 Cooper Wood > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 44 SR 5-11 225 Abraham Villanueva 72 SR 6-0 255 Mason Picek 55 SR 6-1 227 Winston Harris Linebackers 22 SR 5-9 172 Bryce Cofield 17 SR 5-10 140 Cooper Wood JR 6-1 255 Alex Sutton 21 Defensive backs SR 6-2 170 Nick Gudmunds 8 23 SR 5-10 132 Oscar Corral > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter JR 6-1 225 Alex Sutton 21 Kicker 19 SR 6-0 168 Josiah DeBruno Long snapper 94 SR 6-1 205 Winston Harris > COACH Gabe Espinoza leads the Spartans after serving as an assistant at Santa Maria High for over a decade.

Espinoza also spent two years as Santa Maria High’s head coach. He takes over for Ben Alberry, who’s now assistant at Pioneer Valley.

Espinoza

August 23 at Van Nuys Fulton, 4 p.m.

30 vs. Lancaster Baptist at PVHS, 7 p.m.

September 6 vs. Animo Robinson at SMHS, 7 p.m.

13 at Thacher, 4:30 p.m.

20 vs. Cate at PVHS, 7 p.m.

October 5 at Alpaugh, 1 p.m.* 11 vs. Frazier Mountain at PVHS, 7 p.m.* 19 at Riverdale Christian, 1 p.m.* 25 vs. Laton at Santa Ynez High School , 7 p.m.* November 1 at Fresno Christian, 7 p.m.* * Central Sierra League game

Alex Sutton (RB-LB) was Orcutt Academy’s leading rusher last year He was also a leader on defense. As a sophomore, Sutton tallied 1,282 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns.

Sutton

Espinoza guides

SPARTANS

Kenny Cress

KCRESS@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌After 11 years of coaching 11-man football, Gabe Espinoza is getting initiated into the eight-man version of the sport.

Espinoza is the Orcutt Academy’s eight-man team’s new head coach. He coached football for 10 years at Santa Maria and coached at all three levels — varsity, junior varsity and freshman — at some time during his coaching tenure there. He spent both of his prior years as a varsity head coach there.

After his time at Santa Maria, Espinoza coached for a year at Righetti. He took the 2018 season off from coaching.

“I think I’m really in the swing of coaching eight-man football,” said Espinoza. “It’s a smaller field (80 yards instead of 100), a faster game with fewer players but it’s football.

“Here, I saw an opportunity to impart from what I’ve learned from coaching all these years at the 11-man level to the players, and the kids have brought into it.”

Orcutt Academy suffered some key losses, including graduated quarterback

Max Daniels, but two-way stalwart Alex Sutton returns from the 2018 team that went 8-4.

Sutton, a junior running backlinebacker, was far and away the team’s leading rusher last year, with 1,282 yards. He rushed for 10 touchdowns, second on the team to Daniels, who ran for 16.

As they did last year, the Spartans will play a freelance schedule. As for his team’s offense, “We’ll be run-oriented, but (what) we do will be out of the option,” said Espinoza.

“The good thing about that is what we do can evolve around the personnel we have on the field. We can pass out of the option.”

At press time, Orcutt Academy had two quarterbacks in the departed Daniels’ wake, senior Bryce Cofield and sophomore Zander Clark.

Orcutt Academy’s program has had a lot of success. The eight-year program has been to the playoffs six times, and the Spartans made it to the semifinals last year, their inaugural one in the CIF Central Section.

PLEASE SEE SPARTANS, Page 26

2018 results Regular season (7-3) 8/17: Orcutt Academy 23, Moreno Valley RCEA 6 8/31: Cate 62, Orcutt Academy 30 9/7: Orcutt Academy 40, Lancaster Baptist 20 9/14: Orcutt Academy 54, Lebec Frazier Mountain 6 9/21: Orcutt Academy 42, Riverdale Christian 0 9/28: Orcutt Academy 73, Lemoore King’s Christian 14 10/5: Orcutt Academy 78, Alpaugh 8 10/12: Fresno Christian 45, Orcutt Academy 27 10/19: Orcutt Academy 49, Laton 28 10/26: Mission Prep 42, Orcutt Academy 28 Playoffs (1-1) 11/2: Orcutt Academy 53, Trona 16 11/9: Fresno Christian 53, Orcutt Academy 34

Key match-up Fresno Christian vs.

Orcutt Academy Nov. 1 at Fresno Christian High School.

Orcutt Academy and Fresno Christian played twice last year, with Fresno Christian winning both times. Particularly with 2018 Central Section 8-man champion Mission Prep having moved back up to 11-man football, Fresno Christian and Orcutt Academy figure to be among the front-runners in Central Section 8-man football again. After Fresno Christian beat Orcutt 53-34 in the CIF semifinals, the Eagles lost to Mission Prep 60-20 in the section title game, finishing 10-2 on the season.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 25

Player to watch

Len Wood, Staff‌

Orcutt Academy went 7-3 during the 2018 regular season. In 2019 though, the Spartans have a whole new look, including new coach Gabe Espinoza. Alex Sutton, center, returns as one of the top players in 8-man football in all of California.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Spartans

26 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

From 25

“That kind of success gives the returning players a lot of confidence, and they can give that to the new players,” said Espinoza.

Mission Prep won the Central Section 8-man championship in 2018. The Royals have moved back to 11-man football since. Fresno Christian, which beat Orcutt in the semifinals, is on the Spartans’ schedule again, this time in the regular season finale.

The Eagles defeated the Spartans both times the teams played last year. In the long run-up to his team’s game against Fresno Christian this year, “We’re just taking things week by week,” Sutton said at the Times’ Football Media Day at St. Joseph High School earlier this month.

“I’ve heard Fresno Christian is the team to watch out for,” said Espinoza.

“With that, we can’t look past anyone else. We have the same lofty goal as everyone else does — a sectional championship.”

Besides his team’s work ethic, Espinoza is happy — thrilled, actually — with the number of players on his team’s roster.

“We’re pushing 32 (team members) now,” Orcutt’s first-year coach said at press time. “We’ll see if we pick up any more during the first week of school,” which has since taken place.

“I’ve talked to our athletic director (Chad McKenzie), and this is one of the biggest teams, in terms of size and roster numbers, they’ve had at this school,” said Espinoza.

He did not seem to think finding adequate playing time for all of the members of his considerable squad was a concern. “We can do a lot of situational subbing,” said Espinoza.

“The ideal situation for us would be to have a two-platoon system, with eight players on offense and eight different players on defense.

We’re not quite there yet.”

“The ideal situation for us would be to have a two-platoon system, with eight players on offense and eight different players on defense. We’re not quite there yet.”

Gabe Espinoza, coach

Winston Harris, an Orcutt Academy High School senior, will play defensive line, tight end and long-snapper for the Spartans in 2019.

Len Wood, Staff‌

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LIONS 2019 Schedule September 6 at Lebec Frazier Mountain, 7 p.m.

13 vs Laton, 7 p.m.

21 at Monterey Trinity Christian at Pacific Grove HS, 2 p.m.

28 at La Verne Calvary Baptist, 3 p.m.

October 11 at Cuyama Valley, 7 p.m.* 18 at Maricopa, 7 p.m.* 25 vs. Cambria Coast Union, 7 p.m.* November 1 vs. Laguna Blanca, 7 p.m. * Coast Valley League game

2018 results

Len Wood, Staff‌

Valley Christian Academy’s, from left, Matt Holihan, Timmy Trenkle, Tyler McCoy, Jamin Magness and, in front, AJ Davis lead the Lions into the 2019 season. VCA went 7-3 and won the Coast Valley League title in 2018.

VCA looking for 3rd straight CVL title Elliott Stern ESTERN@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌The Valley Christian Academy Lions are preparing for life on the road.

The Lions will be the visiting team in five of their eight games in the 2019 season.

VCA is the two-time, defending Coast Valley League champion but even there, the Lions play two of their three league games away from home.

“We’re trying to get one more home game,” said head coach and Athletic Director Pete Fortier. “We only play Laton, Coast Union and Laguna Blanca at home so we’ll be putting a lot of miles on the team bus.”

The Lions play that unique version of high school football known as 8-man.

Designed for small schools, it’s a wide open, high scoring game.

The CIF Southern Section also limits 8-man teams to a nine-game regular season.

VCA was the last school to take to the practice field, opening fall practice on Monday, Aug. 13.

“School hasn’t even started yet. We don’t start classes until Aug. 27,” said Fortier. “We’ll hold our Carnival before that, on Saturday, Aug. 24.”

The Carnival is something else that’s unique to the world of 8-man.

Every year, Valley Christian hosts its CVL opponents for a league-wide, round robin scrimmage, usually on the weekend that 11-man schools play their Week Zero games.

“Coast Union, Cuyama Valley and Maricopa all come here and (non-league team) Laguna Blanca is coming again this year,” said Fortier.

“We have 18 players and we could add a couple more before the season begins,” said Fortier. “Some of these schools might only have 15 players so they don’t have enough for a full scrimmage against themselves. This gives all of us a chance to have some live action. We have a pretty good idea of who our starting eight will be but we’ll have a better idea after the Carnival.”

Tyler McCoy is back to lead the Valley PLEASE SEE LIONS, Page 28

Regular season (6-2) 8/31: Laguna Blanca 42, Valley Christian 20 9/7: Valley Christian 54, Frazier Mountain 32 9/14: Villanova Prep 40, Valley Christian 26 9/21: Valley Christian 44, Calvary Baptist 14 9/28: Valley Christian 47, Cuyama Valley 20 10/12: Valley Christian 55, Maricopa 6 10/18: Valley Christian 58, Trinity Christian 42 10/26: Valley Christian 61, Coast Union 29 Playoffs (1-1) 11/9: Valley Christian 40, Calvary Baptist 20 11/17: Bloomington Christian 70, Valley Christian 14

Key match-up Cambria Coast Union vs.

VCA Oct. 26 at Coast Union High School Stadium For the past two seasons, the matchup against the Coast Union Broncos has settled the Coast Valley League championship.

VCA’s shot at three-straight CVL titles could be on the line once again when the teams meet in the final CVL game of the season.

Player to watch In 2018, Tyler McCoy became the first VCA sophomore to start every game at quarterback. McCoy led the Lions to the Coast Valley League championship and is being counted on to McCoy lead the Lions back to the CIF playoffs.

With Adam Aldana choosing not to play in 2019 and the graduation of Ethan McCoy and Andrew Sparlin, the offense will rely even more on the junior quarterback.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 27

> OFFENSE No. Class Ht. Wt. Name Quarterback 10 JR 5-9 170 Tyler McCoy Running backs JR 5-9 170 Matt Holihan 25 9 SR 5-9 140 Jamin Magness Offensive linemen 62 SR 5-10 270 A.J. Davis 26 SO 5-11 180 Josiah Heller 19 SR 5-10 170 Caleb Kerley Wide receivers 20 JR 5-11 165 Timmy Trenkle Tight ends JR 5-9 170 Matt Holihan 25 > DEFENSE Defensive linemen 62 SR 5-10 270 A.J. Davis 26 SO 5-11 180 Josiah Heller 19 SR 5-10 170 Caleb Kerley 20 JR 5-11 165 Timmy Trenkle 27 SO 5-5 140 Jack Adam Linebackers 25 JR 5-9 170 Matt Holihan 24 SR 5-7 135 Connor Anderson Defensive backs SR 5-9 140 Jamin Magness 9 15 SR 5-7 135 Jared Moore > SPECIAL TEAMS Punter 20 JR 5-11 165 Timmy Trenkle Kicker 20 JR 5-11 165 Timmy Trenkle > COACH Pete Fortier has been at Valley Christian for most of his life, starting in elementary school before becoming a record-setting running back in high school. Returning to VCA after college, Fortier is in his third stint as head coach, taking over for Josh Fortier Beeson in 2016.

The Lions have gone 7-3 in each of the past two seasons, going undefeated in the Coast Valley League each year and advancing to the CIF Southern Section 8-man Division 2 quarterfinals both seasons. Can the Lions break through to the semifinals are title game in 2019? We’ll find out.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Lions

28 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

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Christian offense.

“He started every game for us last year,” said Fortier. “I think he was the first sophomore in VCA history to start every game at quarterback.”

The Lions lost four key players from last year’s squad – Ethan McCoy, Juan Perez and Andrew Sparlin graduated and Adam Aldana has decided not to play this year.

“With Adam, we were more of a run-oriented team last year,” said Fortier. “This year, we’ll have a more balanced attack.”

Matt Holihan will line up in the backfield as the team’s fullback. After taking last year off, Jamin Magness returns to share the running responsibilities at tailback.

Magness will spend time at receiver along with Timmy Trenkle and Jared Moore.

The offensive line is anchored by A.J. Davis, Josiah Heller and Caleb Kerley.

“The defense will look a lot like the offense,” said defensive coordinator Randy Stanford. “A.J. Davis, Timmy Trenkle, Caleb Kerley and Jack Adam, who played a lot for us last year as a freshman, will be on the line. Connor Anderson and Matt Holihan will be linebackers, Jared Moore is our defensive back and Jamin Magness is our rover. In 8-man, we don’t have safeties and only have two linebackers. My goal is to mix and match so we don’t have to play kids both ways the whole game.”

“We’re not going to have the size we had last year but I think as a team, we’re faster,” said Fortier. “Tyler had a great sophomore season. He’ll be even better this year and we’re trying to have him play only on offense. Timmy had a great year last year at receiver. He’s also our kicker. A.J. is our center and nose guard.

He’s already shown he’s quicker this year.”

Valley Christian opens the season at Lebec Frazier Mountain on Friday, Sept.

6 before hosting Laton on Sept. 7.

The Lions then hit the road for four straight games – two of them Saturday afternoon contests at Monterey Trinity Christian and La Verne Calvary Baptist followed by two CVL matchups at Cuyama Valley and Maricopa.

The Lions wrap up the regular season at home against Coast Union in their CVL finale and with a non-league game against Laguna Blanca.

“I think Coast Union is the team to beat (in the CVL). They have most of their core group back from last year,” said Fortier. “Cuyama Valley is always tough. They’ll have 16 or 17 kids and

Tyler McCoy, Valley Christian Academy’s quarterback, returns to the Lions as a 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior.

Len Wood, Staff‌

they’ve got size and speed but we’ve got some size and speed so I think we’ll be alright.”

In winning their second straight CVL championship last season, the Lions

went 3-0 in league and 7-3 overall, making it to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS 8-man Division 2 playoffs.

“Our goal is to play good solid football and the wins will come.” said Fortier. “I

believe football will help these young men in life. If they’re tired, aching, sore – they’ve got to keep going. If they fight through it and don’t quit, then they won’t quit on life.”

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HANCOCK COLLEGE BULLDOGS > COACH Kris Dutra enters his 19th year as Hancock’s coach. He set the school record for football career coaching wins in 2017, guiding the Bulldogs to a 5-0 Pacific League campaign Dutra and a bowl berth.

Last year, for the first time since 2011, the Bulldogs broke through for a bowl win, edging San Bernardino Valley College 38-35 in the American Championship Bowl. The Bulldogs are a combined 10-0 in their two seasons in the Pacific League.

In 2019, Hancock will enter its third Pacific League campaign.

Player to watch Seth Mathysse, DB. The Paso Robles High School grad’s star rose rapidly last year.

A freshman in 2018, Mathysse quickly became one of the leaders of a solid Hancock secondary.

Mathysse

30 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

2019 Schedule September 7 BYE 14 vs. Los Angeles Valley, 2 p.m.

21 at Ventura, 6 p.m.

28 at West Los Angeles, 2 p.m.

October 5 vs. Citrus, 2 p.m.

12 at Antelope Valley, 6 p.m.

19 vs. Pasadena City College, 2 p.m.* 26 vs. Santa Monica, 2 p.m.* November 2 at Santa Barbara, 1 p.m.* 9 vs. Los Angeles Pierce, 1 p.m.* 16 at Los Angels Harbor, 3 p.m.* * Pacific League game

2018 results Regular season (9-1) 9/8: Hancock 26, Los Angeles Valley 14 9/15: Ventura 29, Hancock 28 9/22: Hancock 70, West Los Angeles 20 9/29: Hancock 28, Citrus 21 10/6: Hancock 26, Antelope Valley 3 10/13: Hancock 27, Pasadena City College 21, OT 10/20: Hancock 62, Santa Monica 0 10/27: Hancock 48, Santa Barbara CC 14 11:3: Hancock 49, Los Angeles Pierce 24 11/10: Hancock 55, Los Angeles Harbor 14 Bowl game (1-0) Hancock 38, San Bernardino Valley College 35, American Championship Bowl

Len Wood photos, Staff‌

Hancock College’s Curt McDonald, T.J. Boone and Seth Matthysse are three of the players back from a 2018 team that went 10-1, winning a league title and a bowl game.

’Dogs riding a wave Kenny Cress KCRESS@LEECENTRALCOASTNEWS.COM‌

‌With 1:01 left in the third quarter of the 2018 American Championship Bowl game at Righetti High School, Hancock sophomore kicker Hector Gil-Garcia lined up for a 29-yard field goal try.

The kick was good for what turned out to be the biggest Hancock field goal in recent memory. Gil-Garcia’s field goal gave Hancock a 38-14 lead, and the Bulldogs held on for a 38-35 win over San Bernardino Valley College and the first bowl game victory for Hancock since 2011.

The win capped a golden year for the Bulldogs in which they went 10-1 — their lone loss was 29-28 to Ventura College

— and went 5-0 in the Pacific League for the second straight year. Hancock has not lost a Pacific League game yet.

Hancock’s 2019 season will get off to a late start. After an Aug. 29 scrimmage at El Camino, the Bulldogs have a bye during the first week of the regular season. Hancock will open Sept. 14 when it hosts Los Angeles Valley College.

“I actually think (the late start) will help us,” defensive back Seth Mathysse, a Paso Robles graduate, said during the LCCN Media Day earlier this month.

“It will give us more time to get acclimated,” for the 2019 campaign.

Gil-Garcia graduated. The Bulldogs also lost their two top running backs from what was a typically crunching Hancock ground game in 2018, Ryheem

Skinner and Jayden Vargas.

However, T.J. Boone, a starting offensive tackle on the 2018 team, says the Bulldogs have plenty of quality coming back.

For starters, though the team’s 2019 roster was not set at press time, “Everyone on the offensive line except our center, R.J. Grice, is back,” said Boone, a Clinton, North Carolina, native.

“That really helps us with what we want to do. The offensive line is meshing really well.”

Grice, a Lompoc High School graduate, graduated from Hancock last spring.

Though the Bulldogs lost Skinner and Vargas, Boone said, “We have a lot of great backs coming back, and some real good ones coming in.”

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Key match-up Pasadena City College vs.

Hancock

T.J. Boone, Hancock College’s sophomore, is a leader on the offensive line for the Bulldogs in 2018.

Nov. 9 at Hancock College The Lancers gave the Bulldogs easily their biggest scare last year in Hancock’s second straight 5-0 campaign. Hancock rallied from an early two-touchdown deficit to win in overtime.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | August 2019 | 31

Vargas had transferred to Ventura College, joining up with his high school QB, St. Joseph graduate Dino Maldonado.

Eddie Battle came on strong for Hancock as the 2018 season went along, and Boone said Battle will be back this year.

Wide receiver Pierre Moudrou, littleused until then, caught two touchdown passes in the American Championship Bowl game. The Danbury, Connecticut, native was a freshman in 2018. It was not known at press time whether or not Moudrou will be with the Bulldogs in 2019.

Both of Hancock’s first two quarterbacks in 2018, starter Thomas Carr and back-up Steven Schouten, were freshmen last year.

Two cornerstones of an effective 2018 Hancock secondary, Matthyse and Curt McDonald, who hails from Montezuma, Georgia, will be back. They helped give the Bulldogs some of their most consistently effective pass coverage in years.

“We lost some starters in our secondary from last year, Alex Cecchi, Domanic Chapa, Eduan Works,” to graduation, McDonald said during Media Day. “But I’m confident with the guys we have. The returning secondary players are communicating well, and we can pass that on,” to Hancock’s new players in the secondary.

Matthyse also said he has full confidence that the Hancock secondary will be an effective unit again.

Hancock motored through most of its Pacific League schedule last year. However, the Bulldogs had to rally from an early two-touchdown deficit to beat Pasadena City College in overtime in their league opener.

The Bulldogs did not pull away from Los Angeles Pierce in their penultimate league game until the fourth quarter.

“We’re just taking it week to week right now,” said Matthyse.

“We can’t afford to look past anybody if we’re going to accomplish what we want to accomplish.”

32 | August 2019 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Enroll at Hancock immediately after graduating from a high school or complete a GED or a HiSET credential through an adult education program within the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District and get one year FREE at AHC! The Hancock Promise will pay tuition and fees for a student’s first year.

All students within Northern Santa Barbara County are eligible.

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