Pitman High Pride U
BY ANGELINA MARTIN
nder new head coach Eric Reza, the Pitman Pride are looking to bounce back this year from a shortened COVID season which saw them finish fourth in Central California Athletic League play last spring. “These kids haven’t had a full, real season in almost two years, so I was hoping that the kids would bring new energy and excitement,” Reza said. “We’ve had a lot of long, hot practices but they’ve brought that and it’s been a nice atmosphere.” The team has been hard at work this summer preparing for a full schedule of football which starts this week — the first time the Pride and other CCAL teams will play a full season since 2019. Despite the ever-present coronavirus pandemic, the team is ready to compete under the leadership of Reza, who took over the pro-
I feel like we’re ready. We’ve been putting in more work this year because we have more to look forward to. — Joey Stout, Running back
gram following the resignation of Lance Weckerle in May. Reza is new to the varsity head coaching position but not to Pitman High, having coached at the freshman and junior varsity levels since arriving in 2004. With a team of veteran assistant coaches around him, Reza hopes to lead the Pride to a bounce back season and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Fewer COVID restrictions and the certainty of actually having a season this year have allowed the Pride to properly prepare for competition, he said. “Last season was very stressful, but this year we can go a little bit slower with our preparation and can hit more details,” Reza said. “This summer we were able to get in the weight room and on the field a little bit more, so I’m hoping that extra time and work pays off.” It’s still a toss-up as to who will be under cen-
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021
ter this year, as Reza weighs his two quarterback options in senior Evan Kiely — who also plays kicker — and junior Drew Walker. Though both have little to no experience playing QB at the varsity level, Reza likes what he’s seen from both so far. “Evan is very quick; he’s got those long legs and can move fast. He’s also a senior, so he has that leadership mentality,” Reza said. “Drew is like a surgeon. He’s very smart and understands everything. They both have their strengths and they both have things they need to work on.” No matter who’s at QB, they’ll have plenty of offensive weapons to choose from like senior running back and receiver Joey Stout as well as senior receiver Dylan Freeman. Those two are also expected to make an impact on defense, along with senior lineman Colton Salsig. Together, Reza expects the team to turn things around this season. “It’s going to take a lot of discipline,” he said. “If we keep the mistakes down, I think we’re talented enough to be in every game.” 8
the Blitz season 9 football tab
COVER PLAYERs
Joey Stout Colton Salsig
Aug. 20 v. Central Valley Aug. 27 @ Lincoln Sept. 3 v. Patterson Sept. 10 @ Golden Valley Sept. 17 @ Edison (Stockton) Oct. 1 @ Turlock Oct. 8 v. Enochs Oct. 15 @ Gregori Oct. 22 v. Modesto Oct. 29 v. Downey
2020Record: 2-3 Head Coach: Eric Reza Points per game scored: 23.8 (119 total) Points per game 27.4 (137 total)
