Meeting the challenge
For the second straight year, the Knights open the season with a four-game tour of San Luis Obispo county, taking on large-school, Pac 5 stalwarts Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Paso Robles. "We probably have the toughest nonleague schedule on the Central Coast," said second-year coach Barney Eames, who is quick to point out that he did not pick out the games. "Who else plays four Pac 5 schools?" The brutal gambit left St. Joseph, a parochial school of under 700 students, 0-12 for three levels last year. "That doesn't get people fired up about football," said Eames. "But it's the hand you're dealt, so you deal with it and try to look at the positive side, which is that (the schedule) probably is the reason we made the playoffs. Once we got into our league, we did much better and we really came on at the end." The Knights even gave first-round CIF opponent Culver City, one of the top seeds, a tough time before losing 36-22. "We had pretty much, a junior team last year," noted Eames. "We're still young, but we're making progress. We have a lot more experience this year and we have some guys out who didn't play last year. It's going to be a rough start again with that schedule but we should OK once we get to league." OFFENSE Quarterback: Casey Cathcart (6-0, 170), a transfer from Philadelphia with a familiar name figures to be the starter. Cathcart, a junior, is the son of former Santa Barbara High star Scott Cathcart and the grandson of Hall of Fame Dons coach Sam Cathcart. He's also reported to be a good basketball and baseball player. "He did a real good job running the team in our scrimmage," noted Eames. Josh Meagher, a hard-hitting catcher for the Knights in baseball, is close behind. Running back: Brad Escobar (5-11, 160) heads a committee after rushing for 94 yards and catching 23 passes last year. Senior Sean Wolfe (5-10, 165) and sophomore Phil Adam (6-0, 183) will also handle the ball, said Eames, while Brandon Merlo (5-11, 210) and Ross Gracia step in at fullback. Receiver: Dom Catayas and Jacob Boster saw a lot of action last year but only a few catches. Junior Kevin Buchanan (6-2, 185), who skipped football last year, has looked good at tight end, said Eames. Line: Three starters return, led by senior guard Matt Matasci (5-11, 214). Center Shane Lim (5-10, 220) and junior tackle Matt Ruiz (6-0, 263) also return. Kicker: Still in flux, though several can handle the basics. DEFENSE Line: Zack Sternjacob (6-3, 240) returns at tackle and Jacob Bychak (6-0, 180) at end. Linebacker: Merlo and Ryan San Juan (6-0, 234) are solid inside. Backs: All-league safety Greg Reynolds returns. Wolfe and Catayas move in at the corners. |
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| Bishop Diego Cardinals
• Cabrillo Conquistadores •
Carpinteria Warriors • Dos
Pueblos Chargers • Laguna Blanca
Owls |
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Coach: Barney Eames (2nd year, 2-8; 71-36-1 at Santa Maria)
Whatever
happens in the 2003 football season, no one can accuse St. Joseph
High of doing it the easy way. 