Coaches, players are anxious to kick off varsity season.
GILROY – From the moment the Christopher High junior varsity football team erased a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat Marin Catholic 36-29 in come-from-behind fashion in the season finale last season, head coach Tim Pierleoni and the Cougars have been eagerly awaiting the program’s first campaign at the varsity level.
Even though the season doesn’t begin until September, the Cougars took the first step, opening spring practice last week.
“The kids are all extremely excited,” Pierleoni said. “They have shown up and worked hard.”
After playing last season as an independent school, the Cougars join the Monterey Bay League for the upcoming year.
The task is daunting – the Cougars will have just juniors and sophomores on the varsity team and will lack some in experience – but Pierleoni said his kids are determined to address the assignment with vigor.
“They see it as a challenge and they want to show that they can play at that level,” Pierleoni said. “We are still young and expect there to be growing pains. But they are top-notch kids with big hearts. They never quit.”
Among other things, Pierleoni said that the main focus out of spring ball and when summer camp opens up is spending quality time in the weight room.
“We will continue to concentrate on speed and getting bigger,” he said.
An upside to being such a young program is that each individual, including the coaches have a unique understanding of each other. That familiarity, Pierleoni said, will give his team a leg up as they continue to progress during the offseason.
“They are all one year older and know what to expect,” he said. “They know what to expect from me and the program.”
Another added bonus: the Cougars did not have to worry about losing any players to graduation. And they won’t have two for another two seasons.
CHS will play its home games at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex, alternating with Gilroy High’s team.
“They have been really great in working with us,” Pierleoni said. “Greg (Garcia) and I are good friends. Our (athletic directors) work well together.”
Cougars’ 2010 schedule
9/3 Sobrato 7:30
9/10 Live Oak 7:30
9/18 Capuchino 1:00
*10/1 Monterey 7:30
*10/8 Pajaro 7:30
*10/16 MVC 1:00
*10/23 NMC 2:00
*10/29 Seaside 7:30
*11/5 Watsonville 7:30
11/12 Gilroy 7:30
Home Games in bold
*League game
