Starting over never felt so good
Don Cross, a longtime assistant at Lompoc High, moves across town and he's bringing some elements of the Braves' CIF-championship program with him. "Coming from a program which has had a lot of success might give you a little initial credibility," said Cross. "The kids think that maybe you know what you're doing. But it doesn't take kids long to see through you if you're not true to them." An obvious change for fans will be a shift from the Conqs' wide-open passing attack to Lompoc's staple, the Wing-T, an attack based on motion and misdirection runs. Cabrillo's spread-formation passing attack rang up several passing records the last few years but it didn't produce a lot of wins Ñ just five in four years. Cross is promoting a return to basics and, so far, he said, the players are buying into it. "I think the kids are enjoying the idea of playing some smashmouth football, rather than trying to trick people," said Cross. "It's not a matter of attitude," he added. "These kids want to win and they're putting in the effort to do it. They've had some down years and they are very motivated to change that." Turnout for the team has been good, said Cross, including a handful of players who did not play last year. OFFENSE Quarterback: Matt Hansen (5-11, 180) is a third-year starter. He passed for more than 1,122 yards and ran for 408 last year. His ability to run and throw should fit well into the new offense, said Cross. Running back: Junior Lydell Sargeant will be the featured back after running for 228 yards and three TDs on 54 carries last year and scoring three other touchdowns on returns. He also showed some pass-catching skills with 12 receptions. Derrick James will fill the wingback slot. Receivers: Raphael McKinney showed big-play potential with two 48-yard catches last year. Line: Senior returnees Ross Ryder (6-0, 220) and John Jennings (6-3, 250) are the leaders, along with Josh Lewis (5-9, 235) and Matt Luna (6-0, 200), who did not play last year. "Our line has good size and moves pretty well," said Cross. DEFENSE Line: T.J. Holt (6-1, 220) and Jennings have been solid but, as with any team starting over with a new coach, there will be a lot of changes as the season develops. Linebackers: R.J. Davis (5-8, 165) and Vai Tava (5-10, 195) combine with John Pierce (5-11, 180) to produce a veteran core. Backs: McKinney, Sargeant and Chris Stephens join
with junior Geoff West, the point guard off the basketball team. |
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| Bishop Diego Cardinals
• Cabrillo Conquistadores •
Carpinteria Warriors • Dos
Pueblos Chargers • Laguna Blanca
Owls |
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Coach: Don Cross (1st year)
From
winging it to the Wing-T, Cabrillo High will look quite a bit different
this year.