The Numbers 20

Years since Sirr Guy Shakir coached a high school team.

14

Castaic coaches in 2023, entire program had five last season.

9.33 Points per league game in 2022.

3

Returning receivers with over 200 yards.

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

Castaic Coyotes football is gearing up for year two of varsity and Foothill League play. The year of seconds will be the inaugural for first-year head coach Sirr Guy Shakir.

Shakir has been away from high school football for 20 years but has helped develop the belief, culture and abilities of the Coyote football program. The coach has a plethora of returners who went through 2022’s growing pains and are preparing to compete in 2023.

Senior wide receiver Gage Gibson led the 2022 offense with 335 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns and a 17.7-yards-per-catch average. “Our program’s really grown this year,” Gibson said. “We came into this season with a whole new coaching staff and I’ve really felt the strength in our community grow. I really feel that our family is growing with new players and the new coaching staff has allowed for new ways for us to train, grow and refine our talent. It’s really been a journey and not an easy one. It’s been a lot of hard work.”

For Shakir, game results could be mixed but the coach wants to see his players fight for 60 minutes, regardless of the score. “We want to battle,” Shakir said. “Everybody can look at the scoreboard and tell what the score is. We’re striving for if someone were to watch us play, they won’t know what the score is because there’s no difference in how. That’s the standard, to just battle regardless and show your grit. At that point, it’s