Trying hard to catch on
When Gonzalez got hired to coach the Charger football team last spring, he installed Hernandez as his defensive coordinator and quickly gave him another assist. "I told Juan he could have first shot at any players he wanted for the defense," said Gonzalez. "As a guy whose focus has always been offense, I just wanted to do whatever I could for the defense because, with our line, and our quarterbacks getting rid of the ball fast, I know we will be able to move the ball." Gonzalez helped coach Charger quarterback Anthony Ramos to a number of county records for total offense in 1996 and he has spent the last few years refining his passing X's and O's as a college assistant. He is undeterred by the prospect of replacing four-year starter Shane Lopes and he can give you five good reasons. "We're real solid on the offensive line," he said. "They're all back from last year and they're huge (averaging 6-foot-1 and 275 pounds). If we didn't have them, we might be in trouble, but with them . . . I believe they're going to carry us through the season." Gonzalez said the Chargers would continue to lean heavily toward the passing game but would keep opponents honest with a wider variety of formations, including some that allow for power running.
"We'll probably be a lot like last year with the passing formations but the details will be different," he said. The Chargers went on a wild ride the last two years, going 11-3 and playing for a CIF title in 2001 and then dropped to 2-8 last season. Gonzalez made it clear which way he thinks this year will go. "I think we're going to be at the top of the pack," he said. "I really do." OFFENSE Quarterback: Senior Tyler Wilkes, who backed up Lopes last year, and junior Kellen Moriarty, a receiver last year, are vying for the spot and both will play in the opener, said Gonzalez. Gonzalez said Moriarty is faster afoot than Ramos, who also played receiver as a sophomore. "He doesn't understand the game like Anthony," said Gonzalez, but he's picking it up." Wilkes started one game when Lopes was hurt. He completed 11 passes for 176 yards last season. Backs: So far, a committee led by shifty senior Anthony Munoz, sophomore Matt Houston (6-1, 189) and junior Justin Sliger. Junior Ryan Shotwell (6-2, 200), whose primary job will be at middle linebacker, will also see some time in the backfield as well as tight end. Receiver: Steve Silva (6-2, 183) has emerged as a go-to guy after grabbing 38 passes last year. Toshi Franklin (6-1, 170) caught 33 passes and Anthony Ramirez caught 18. Volleyball star Kyle Benskin (6-4, 195) offers a big target. Line: Led by all-leaguer Josh Engle (6-2, 295) and Pablo Botello (6-5, 263). Also includes Ryan Gonzales (6-0, 334), Rich Elliott (5-10, 270) and Casey Wilson (6-2, 226). Steve Valencia (5-8, 258) is also in the mix, said Gonzalez. Kicker: Wilkes can punt. The call is out for a placekicker. DEFENSE Line: Wrestling stars Stephen Berthiaume (6-1, 215) and Tyler Mearce (6-2, 218) are bolstered by senior Daniel Yepez (6-2, 298), who did not play last year, and sophomore Dennis Aguirre (6-0, 260) Linebacker: Shotwell may be the team's best all-around athlete and he will almost certainly be the leading tackler. Converted lineman Doug Ramirez (5-10, 245) is a good run stuffer. Senior Mike Venegas (5-10, 185) played some at end last year. Backs: Returning starter John Ramirez is the veteran of a young group. Houston is a likely starter at free safety while junior Travion Glover steps in at corner. "We will probably have a few backs and receivers go both ways," said Gonzalez. |
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| Bishop Diego Cardinals
• Cabrillo Conquistadores •
Carpinteria Warriors • Dos
Pueblos Chargers • Laguna Blanca
Owls |
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Coach: Armando Gonzalez (1st year)
As
second baseman for Dos Pueblos High's 1993 CIF finalist baseball
team, Armando Gonzalez gave plenty of assists to shortstop Juan
Hernandez.