Marching on with a new beat
Two years ago, Santa Maria's split-back veer offense led the county in rushing with 3,200 yards and 31 touchdowns — while completing just nine passes for 180 yards. Last year, it was far more "balanced" with 2,112 yards rushing and eight passes completed for 76 yards. "There's no plan to change," said coach Jim Doyle. Doyle did say, however, that senior Billy Kennedy (6-1, 185), who finished the season at quarterback, did well in summer passing camps and could be a more prominent figure carrying the ball and throwing it. The Saints might even — shudder — throw as many as 10 passes in a single game. "We have a couple of receivers we'd like to see get the ball," noted Doyle. Unfortunately, there's no one to take the place of two-time all-county pick Luis Espinosa, the 6-foot-5, 330-pound behemoth. "I say I have three starters back on the line," joked Doyle. "What I don't say is that Luis started at the other two spots." OFFENSE Quarterback: Kennedy started the last three games and finished with 140 yards in 31 carries. He had a strong summer throwing the ball, said Doyle. Running backs: Smaller but probably quicker than last year. Yardage will come from a group that includes Juan Alcantar, Steve Rosser, Jessie Walker and Gilbert Arguijo. Receiver: There are two tall targets in 6-foot-4 basketball-convert Fred Smith and 6-2 Jesse Holt. With all the Saints' running, play-action fakes should get them single coverage. Line: Returning starters are Noel Grandy, Alex Mendoza, and athletic junior center Jason Quintero. Grandy (6-2, 225) is a "throwback" said Doyle, whose hard-nosed attitude makes him a natural leader. Quintero (6-1, 245) recently returned from South Dakota, where he earned All-America honors in freestyle wrestling. Several candidates are competing for the other two spots, including Emanuel Leon (5-11, 210) and defensive tackles Weston Chase (6-0, 240) and Brandon Delaney (6-0, 235). Kicker: Senior Victor Velasco was All-CIF after nailing a 52-yarder last year and punting for a 39.6-yard average. He was named the top kicker at a camp this summer, said Doyle, and kicked a 67-yarder. "There was no pressure," said Doyle. "But it was 67 yards." DEFENSE Line: Delaney, Chase and Quintero are all returning starters. "That could be a strong area for us," said Doyle. Linebacker: Rosser (5-8, 170) may be a bit undersized but he has a spark that makes him the team's defensive leader, said Doyle. Secondary: Alcantar returns at cornerback. |
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| Bishop Diego Cardinals
• Cabrillo Conquistadores •
Carpinteria Warriors • Dos
Pueblos Chargers • Laguna Blanca
Owls |
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Coach: Jim Doyle (3rd year, 8-13)
With
three returning starters on the offensive line, the Saints figure
to go marching on with their relentless ground attack.