From the 24 varsity veterans, including 19 who started in 2010,
to the turnout for junior varsity practices
– 35 players and that would have dwarfed the varsity team in
past years – the signs have been everywhere this offseason. Sobrato
football is ready to take the next step.
From the 24 varsity veterans, including 19 who started in 2010, to the turnout for junior varsity practices – 35 players and that would have dwarfed the varsity team in past years – the signs have been everywhere this offseason. Sobrato football is ready to take the next step.
The eighth-year program has had success with three winning seasons, two Central Coast Section playoffs, a league championship and an El Toro Bowl title in 2009. But what the Bulldogs are capable of in 2011 could transcend their accomplishments in year’s past – combined.
“We want the perfect season,” said senior fullback Obi Mbonu, the lynchpin to one of the most potent rushing attacks in the section. “We look at what we have this year, and we know we can play with any team. So our goal is to go deep at CCS.”
How deep? That’s really up to the Bulldogs, who return their biggest playmakers from 2010 in first-team all-leaguers Drew Glines (tailback) and Steven Villareal (wideout/cornerback) and second-team honorees Jerry Jacob (quarterback) and Conor Havstad (safety), plus Mbonu, the 2010 Santa Teresa Division Junior of the Year.
“I’d say our greatest strengths are at the skill positions,” fourth-year SHS coach Nick Borello said. “We’re pretty deep – really deep and really experienced at the skill positions.”
The Bulldogs got richer this offseason with the addition of senior Anthony Villareal, Steven’s twin brother, and junior Curtis Theard, who made the varsity basketball team as a sophomore last winter. Both should factor into an overflowing pool of talent at the receiver and defensive back positions.
As solid as they are on the outside, the Bulldogs will win or lose, once again, on the legs of their vaunted wing-T offense.
“Maybe I’m delusional, but I think any one of our ball carriers – and we’ve got four good ones – could be a thousand-yard rusher,” Borello said. “Obi’s already been one. If we had a different offense, and Drew, Jerry and (wingback Derrick Taylor) got more carries, they’d be there, too.”
That’s not to say the Bulldogs won’t utilize the improved passing of Jacob, who attended several quarterback clinics this offseason and retooled his delivery.
“I think we can definitely open things up this year,” the 5-foot-10 senior said. “We’ve just worked a lot everywhere, improving all parts of the offense.”
Up front, the Bulldogs will suffer with the loss of all-league tackles Gustavo Ramirez and Skyler King, a junior who was declared ineligible in July. But veteran interior linemen Connor Porzio, William Puna and Jacob Sanchez came on strong in summer. Senior tight end Alex Hagiperos (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) will add much-needed support.
“We’ve pushed each other to get better each day,” said Sanchez, a second-team all-leaguer in 2010. “It helps knowing if we mess up, our running backs are good enough to still make something happen.”
The Sobrato linebackers held themselves to a similar standard this season, following a disappointing 2010. The starters will likely be Zack Zhang, Sanchez and Hagiperos, a strong, veteran group. Tyler Lerma and Vince Nguyen will see playing time as well.
“We’ve really worked hard to get better,” Hagiperos said. “We all know at some point in the game we’re going to get in, so we need to be ready.”
The defensive line, though not as strong without King, will have size and experience with Puna, a 250-pound junior, at nose guard, flanked by strong-side tackle Nick Perry and the quick-side tackle, Porzio.
The secondary positions were still up for grabs last week, but it’s a safe bet Havstad and Palmer will start again at the safety positions behind Anthony Villareal and possibly Taylor or Theard at the cornerback spots.
Borello and his staff were thrilled to see so many position battles this offseason.
“We have a mix of newcomers with a ton of ability and a ton of veterans with good experience,” the fourth-year coach said. “It’s a good problem to have, definitely a different feel than in past years. It seems like this could be something special.”
Outlook:
Fourth-year coach Nick Borello felt the Bulldogs have “as good a chance as anybody” to compete for a Santa Teresa Division championship this fall after they placed fourth in 2010 with seven seniors. The league is weaker this year, and Sobrato is stronger with 19 returning starters.
Who to watch:
Obi Mbonu (senior, RB) eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in 2010 while earning Santa Teresa Division Junior of the Year honors. Steven Villareal (senior, WR) led the team in receiving and made first-team all-league as a junior. Drew Glines (junior, RB), a first-team all-leaguer, and Derrick Taylor (junior, RB) provide a solid 1-2-3 punch with Mbonu. Jerry Jacob (senior, QB) returns under center, complete with improved accuracy. Conor Havstad (senior, DB) earned first-team all-league in 2010 and made several key plays. Jacob Sanchez (senior, OL/LB) provides leadership and talent to both fronts.
