Friday night lights 2017

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Your community newspaper in Folsom and El Dorado Hills

2017

Night Lights Folsom Bulldogs

Oak Ridge Trojans

Vista del Lago Eagles

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| Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles Friday Night Lights 2017

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8/15/17 11:56 AM

Teams revved up for 2017 season

By Matt Long

The 2017 high school football season promises to be another exciting one.

All three local teams, Folsom, Vista del Lago and Oak Ridge, suffered big losses to graduation from last year’s teams; however, all three programs are solid nearly every season and the expectations are the same this season.

The Bulldogs haven’t been close to mediocre since posting a 6-4 record and missing the playoffs in 2007. All they’ve done since then is win two state and five sections championships. The Bulldogs have played in seven straight Sac-Joaquin Section title games, including last year when they lost 56-25 to St. Mary’s. Since joining the Sierra Foothill League, the Bulldogs have yet to lose, going 18-0 and winning three league titles, but that win streak nearly came to an end last year when Oak Ridge almost beat them before Folsom won the game, 17-16.

Earlier in the season, Folsom suffered an upset non-league loss to Sacramento, 32-27.

Is this the year Oak Ridge, or another team in the SFL, beat the Bulldogs?

Folsom finished last season with a 12-2 record and they’ve got another good shot at making a deep playoff run this year.

For the second straight season, Oak Ridge won 10 games against only three losses a year ago; reaching the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I semis before falling to a superior opponent. Last year, St. Mary’s steamrolled the Trojans, 61-21, before it did the same to the Bulldogs to win the Division I championship.

Aside from a 5-5 mark in 2014, the Trojans have won at least 10 games every year since 2012 and believe they have the team to do it again this year. An elusive SFL championship is something they’ve been chasing, and they know if they want it they’re going to have to find a way to beat the Bulldogs. After last year’s one-point loss, the Trojans will likely feel good about their chances of getting the job done this season.

Vista del Lago has won at least seven games in each of the last seven seasons and are regular playoff performers. After winning backto-back Capital Athletic League titles in 2014 and 2015, the Eagles lost to Christian Brothers last year, 74-32, and finished in second place.

They’ve had no trouble with the rest of the league, so if a league championship is what they’re after, they’ll likely have to knock off the Falcons in the regular-season finale to be played in their new stadium.

That’s right, the Eagles will no longer be sharing Prairie City Stadium with the Bulldogs.

Vista will open Vista Eagles Stadium against Ponderosa on Sept. 1, its second game of the season.

The last four years, Vista has alternated from losing its first playoff game to losing the second. It hopes to buck that trend this season, as a trip to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year would be a repeat of last year’s accomplishments.

Following in this publication is a preview of the teams’ upcoming seasons. We hope you enjoy.

2017 Predictions The Gold Country Media sports team plus a few other sports writers from the region took a stab at predicting the order of finish in the Sierra Foothill League, the home of Folsom and Oak Ridge, as well as the Capital Athletic League where Vista del Lago resides.

Folsom won a league championship a year ago, while Vista del Lago and Oak Ridge finished second to Christian Brothers and Folsom, respectively.

For the record, last season our predictions saw only the first- and last-place teams correct in the ultra-competitive SFL, while we chose four of the six correct places for the teams in the Capital Athletic League.

This year’s predictions follow:

Sierra Foothill League

In the seven-member Sierra Foothill League, first-place votes received seven points, second-place votes scored six and so on.

In the six-team Capital Athletic League, first-place votes were worth six points, while second place were worth five and so on.

Folsom received four first-place votes, while Oak Ridge garnered the other two. Folsom finished no worst than second in anyone’s predictions, while one writer had the Trojans finishing third.

Folsom scored 40 points to Oak Ridge’s 37. Del Oro and Granite Bay were a distant third and fourth with 26 and 24 points, respectively.

Like in the SFL, Vista del Lago had four first-place votes, while Christian Brothers picked up the other two votes. The top-two teams in everyone’s predictions were the Eagles and the Falcons; Vista scoring 34 points to Christian Brothers’ 32.

Casa Roble finished third in the voting with 21 points, while El Camino had 18 points and Rio Americano, 15.

General Info, (916) 985-2581, folsomtelegraph.com. Office, 921 Sutter St. Suite 100, Folsom, CA 95630. Hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Publisher: Bob falk (530) 852-0225, bobf@goldcountrymedia.com Gold Country Media Design and Content Manager: Julie Miller, (530) 852-0256, juliem@goldcountrymedia.com

General Manager: Bill Sullivan, (916) 351-3750, bills@goldcountrymedia.c

Folsom Telegraph Advertising Consultants: Debbrah Campbell, (916) 351-3744, debbrahc@goldcountrymedia.com

Folsom Telegraph Sports Editor: Matt Long, (916) 351-3749, mattl@goldcountrymedia.com

Christina Moneypenny, (916) 351-3745, christinam@goldcountrymedia.com

4 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

Capital Athletic League

Folsom Vista del Lago Oak Ridge Christian Brothers Del Oro Casa Roble Granite Bay El Camino Rocklin Rio Americano Woodcreek Mira Loma Nevada Union

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| Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles Friday Night Lights 2017

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Vista Del Lago

League title is goal for the Eagles

By Matt Long

It’s

hard to predict how the Vista del Lago’s football team will be this season.

Not to mention the fact that the team lost several key players and will be playing a lot of first-year varsity players, including at quarterback, the Eagles only have 34 players on this year’s roster, making any injuries magnified.

On top of that, four of the five opposing teams in the Capital Athlete League have new head coaches, which makes it unclear which directions those teams will head. Will the new coaches greatly improve the teams, or will the teams struggle while learning new ways of doing things?

The Eagles have several things going for them; however, and three come in the way of key returning players on offense. Senior Dominick Norris returns as the league’s leading rusher a year ago when he gained 1,349 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Having a strong running game, especially while breaking in a new quarterback, will be important.

“There’s no doubt we’re going to lean a ton on Dom and the running game,” Vista coach Mike Struebing said. “He doesn’t say much, but he works hard and gets after it day in and day out. He runs hard and low and he’s difficult to tackle. He’s also great after contact and picking up the tough yards.”

Another key returning player is senior offensive lineman Andrew Cokley. At 6-4, 280, Cokley is one of the bigger and better linemen in the league and though he can’t do it all himself, it’s hard to find a better starting point than with him.

“Andrew has been with us since coming up for the playoffs as a freshman,” Struebing said.

“He understands what varsity football is about and we’re going to rely on him to lead the team. He’s got great drive and a quiet deter-

Photos By Bill Sullivan

Senior Dominick Norris led the Capital Athletic League in rushing last season, gaining 1,349 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

mination and wants to get better and pushes other guys to get better and that’s invaluable.”

Vista’s top returning receiver is senior

Senior Brenden Pugh is Vista’s top returning receiver.

Last year, he caught 43 passes for 651 yards and seven touchdowns.

Vista Del lago varsity football schedule Aug. 25 Oak Ridge Away Sept. 1 Ponderosa Home Sept. 8 Monterey Trail Away Sept. 15 Cordova Home Sept. 22 Placer Home Oct. 6 Casa Roble Away Away Oct. 13 Mira Loma Oct. 20 Rio Americano Home Oct. 26 El Camino Away Nov. 3 Christian Brothers Home

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6 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

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| Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles Friday Night Lights 2017

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Brenden Pugh (6-0, 185). Pugh caught 43 passes for 651 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago and will give Vista’s quarterback a strong first option to look for.

“As much as anything else, what stands out to me is how much Brenden has developed over the years,” Struebing said. “As a freshman, he played nose guard, but he’s developed and worked hard and I don’t think he knew how good he could be last year. He also brings physicality to the receiver position.”

While those three will lead the offense, the unit will only be as good as the play of the quarterback.

Senior Nate Cromwell (6-0, 170) and junior Grant Patterson (6-3, 170) were battling in mid-August for the starting role. Vista coach Mike Struebing has confidence in both players.

“Nate moves really well, and throws with great touch,” Struebing said. “Grant is taller, throws a great ball and is a tremendous leader. Both players have a different skill set that they bring to the team. My guess is both are going to get the opportunity to play.

It’s important for us to develop both of them, and it’s not a bad problem to have.”

The Eagles have the pieces on offense to be good and Struebing is confident the unit will produce.

Defensively, the Eagles will be led by returning

Senior Andrew Cokley is one of the top returning offensive linemen in the area.

Photo By Bill Sullivan

starters Hunter Corbitt at linebacker and Cade Bader at safety. In the secondary, Vista also returns cornerback Daniel Dias and Struebing is high on safety Chad Wilson. Garet Homer will be a key player at linebacker along with Nate Hollingshaus and Pugh.

Nick Ellis leads a defensive line that will play a key role in the unit’s success.

Another motivating factor to the Eagles’ this season will be their new stadium, as they will play home games at Vista del Lago for the first time in school history. The atmosphere and fan support could be big.

As for the rest of it, we will find out soon enough.

“Our goal is always to win the league and that’s the question this year, can we do it?” Struebing said. “Christian Brothers is really talented, and I think Casa Roble will be the surprise team this year. El Camino is always the most athletic team in the league so we shall see.

“The keys offensively will be making the most of our opportunities. If we execute, we will be tough to stop, but we’ve got to find that consistency. Defensively, we will have to be able to force turnovers, and tackle well.” ■

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2017 season marks the beginning of a new era for Vista del Lago football.

After nearly a decade of sharing Prairie City Stadium on the campus of Folsom High school with the Bulldogs, the Eagles are set to debut its new and improved home field on its own campus off of Broadstone Parkway.

Coach Mike Struebing, entering his fifth season on the sidelines, and the rest of the Eagles are ready to defend their new nest. “(Sharing a home stadium) is like having a roommate. Some things kind of bug you, and I’m sure they’re glad to have us out,” joked Struebing. “I’m glad (Folsom coach) Kris Richardson let us stay around for as long as we did.”

Last season the Eagles finished 8-4 with a 4-1 Capital Athletic League mark, finishing second to Christian Brothers, and fell to Oakdale in the second round of the Division III Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. It was the first time since joining the CAL that the Eagles did not claim the league title.

Vista graduated three All-Metro players last year in quarterback Brent Schaeffer (third in the entire section in passing yards and threw for 49 touchdowns), and receivers Brenden Hall and Blake Tuter

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(first and second, respectively, in TD catches in the CAL last year).

The Eagles are returning the CAL’s top rusher from 2016, Dominick Norris.

As a junior, Norris rushed for 1,349 yards and 13 TDs and had six games of over 100 yards, including a beast-like 202 in an opening round postseason win against Vanden.

“There is no doubt we’re going to lean on (Norris),” said Struebing. “He’s an AP kid, super bright, strong, fast, everything you want in that position.”

Senior left tackle Andrew Cokley said that he and the rest of the offensive line are looking to help Norris have a huge season.

“Dominick refuses to go down, even with three or four guys on him,” said Cokley, who has drawn football interest from Cal Poly, San Diego State, Boise State, Army, Air Force and UC Davis. “One of our goals this season as offensive linemen is to help Dominick set a school rushing record. We want to punish the defensive Senior Nate Cromwell front. We don’t want (right) and junior Grant anyone hitting any of our Patterson (left) are guys in the backfield. It’s a battling for the starting blue-collar job.” quarterback role at Norris will be chasing Vista. How well they Colby Carrera’s school play will go a long way record of 1,649 rushing in determining how the yards set in 2014.

Eagles do this season.

“I’ve been trying

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Photo By Bill Sullivan

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One of our goals this season as offensive linemen is to help Dominick set a school rushing record. We want to punish the defensive front. We don’t want anyone hitting any of our guys in the backfield. It’s a blue-collar job.”

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to work on a lot more speed stuff, trying to get faster at varsity level,” said Norris. “It’s been an adjustment, but we have a pretty good O-line. It’s about trust. You have to trust the hole’s there and run behind them.”

Norris won’t be the only one the O-line protects. Struebing said there is a healthy competition for the starting QB spot between senior Nate Cromwell and junior Grant Patterson.

Their receiving corps is deep. Brenden Pugh is a returning starter who tallied 651 yards and seven TDs, including a breakout 107 yards with two scores in the playoff win over Vanden. Joining Pugh in the receiver roles will be senior Cade Bader and juniors Chad Wilson and Nate Hollingshaus, and sophomores Mitchell Northcutt and Ryan Tung.

Cromwell is excited about not only the prospect of playing with a really talented group of skill players, but also finally being able to play in front of a true home crowd.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “We’ve looked at those stands since we were little kids.

Defending our new place is so important. We want to come into that first game and set the tone.”

Vista opens the season on Aug. 25 at Oak Ridge before opening up its new home field on Sept. 1 against Ponderosa.

Said Cokley: “It’s nice that we can build something that’s our own. We can develop our own brand and what we represent. We want to show who Vista is as a whole school.”

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No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Off. Def. Nate Cromwell Sr. 6-0 170 QB 2 3 Chad Wilson Jr. 5-11 173 WR DB Mitchell Northcutt Sr. 6-2 165 WR DB 4 5 Nate Hollingshaus Jr. 5-10 175 WR LB 6 Tim Bolyard So. 5-8 165 WR DB Cade Bader Sr. 6-2 195 WR DB 7 8 Spenser Heichlinger Sr. 6-0 175 WR DB Tyler Miller Sr. 5-10 170 WR DB 9 11 Tyler McKeown Sr. 5-8 165 WR DB 13 Ryan Tung So. 5-10 175 WR LB Jr. 6-3 170 QB 14 Grant Patterson 15 Jack Platt Jr. 5-10 165 WR DB Jack West Sr. 5-11 180 LB 16 Sr. 5-10 175 WR DB 20 Hunter Corbitt 22 Brenden Pugh Sr. 6-0 185 WR LB Daniel Dias Sr. 5-10 175 DB 23 Jack Tessler Jr. 5-10 180 LB 25 So. 5-11 170 RB LB 28 Jaxson Hansen 33 James Veit Sr. 6-2 160 WR DB 34 Dominick Norris Sr. 5-10 185 RB LB 40 Garet Homer Jr. 5-10 175 WR LB 50 Nick Ellis Sr. 6-1 195 OL DL 52 Mason Calgano Sr. 5-10 180 OL DL 53 Collin Homer So. 5-10 180 OL DL 54 Matt Koett Sr. 6-0 225 OL DL 55 Andrew Cokley Sr. 6-4 280 OL DL 62 Josh Morris So. 6-0 185 OL DL 64 Seth Larsen Jr. 5-10 190 OL DL 67 Martin Kaulahao Sr. 6-2 202 OL DL 71 Zach Barkley Sr. 5-11 215 OL DL 72 Joseph Greenebaum Sr. 5-10 200 OL DL 73 Yosuf Abouelwafa Sr. 6-2 250 OL DL 77 Ryan Bernal Sr. 6-3 285 OL DL 80 Jack Crandall Sr. 6-2 165 WR DB

12 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

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Vista Del Lago

Takeaways, tackling big keys for Vista defense By matt long

Entering

photos by Bill Sullivan

Defensive end Nick Ellis, linebacker Hunter Corbitt and safety Cade Bader will lead the Vista defense this season.

A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

the season, Vista coach Mike Struebing had a lot of questions concerning his defensive unit.

With only 34 players on the roster this season, including only seven juniors to go along with six sophomores, the most obvious question is who is going to play where?

As the team went through preseason, Struebing would get his answers, but he told the Telegraph in early

August that a lot of players would see the field this season.

“I’ve got as many questions about the defense as I’ve ever had,” said Struebing, now entering his fifth season at the helm. “On top of that, we’ve had two or three injuries already that have made us shuffle things around.”

The Eagles’ defensive line will feature seniors Nick Ellis (6-1, 195), Mason Calgano (5-10, 180), Ryan Bernal (6-3, 285) and Zach

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(5-10, 175). Junior Chad Wilson (5-11, 173) will also play safety, while senior Spenser Heichlinger (6-0, 175) and sophomore Tim Bolyard (5-8, 165) will see time at cornerback. Struebing said both players are athletic.

“Cade’s the leader of the secondary and will make the calls back there,” Struebing said. “Daniel played a lot for us last year, and we will lean on him. Chad is a talent, and he’s really going to surprise some people this year.”

As a leader on the defense, Corbitt is confident about the unit.

“I’m seeing high improvement from last year,” the senior linebacker said. “We’re playing as a group, playing physical, and playing together. I think the keys for us will be stopping the pass and being physical up front.”

Said Struebing, “The keys for the defense will be: can we force turnovers and can we tackle? As a defense, we like to take the ball away, and of course, every defense has to be able to tackle.”

Cokley is confident in the defense.

“We will be strong this year,” he said.

Barkley (5-11, 215). Star offensive lineman Andrew Cokley (6-4, 280) will also likely see some time on the defensive line as well.

“We don’t like to ask our linemen to be two-way players, but that’s not a luxury we have this year,” Struebing said.

Seniors Hunter Corbitt (5-10, 175) and Brenden Pugh (6-0, 185) will lead the linebackers with juniors Garet Homer (5-10, 175) and Nate Hollinghaus (5-10, 175) also seeing plenty of playing time. It’s a group that Struebing likes a lot.

“Hunter has the greatest football understanding of any guy I’ve been around,” Struebing said. “He’s got a nose for the ball.

He understands how offenses attack and he picks up tendencies quickly. He’s the quarterback of that group.

“Garet is unbelievably athletic and is fast.

He can cover a lot of ground. Brenden is physical off the edge and Nate is just a quiet worker, and I like the way he competes.”

Vista also returns some key players in the secondary with senior safety Cade Bader (62, 195) and senior cornerback Daniel Dias

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15

Folsom High

Folsom motivated by loss in title game

By Matt Long

Folsom photo by bill sullivan

The Folsom defensive line might be the most important piece to Folsom’s success this season. If Justin Viega, Tyler Hardeman, Tyler May and Cruz Lara (from left) play well, the Bulldogs could find themselves playing for another section championship.

16 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

reached the section championship game a year ago, losing to a big and powerful St. Mary’s team.

After winning four straight section championships, the Bulldogs lost the title game for the first time since 2011.

In fact, the Bulldogs’ 12 wins was their lowest total since winning 11 in 2011, as were their two losses the most since dropping three games that same year. That gives up an idea of the success Folsom has had the last five years, when 12 wins is their lowest win total. The Bulldogs might have lost to St.

A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

Mary’s, but it was still a great year.

“I don’t think a lot of people thought we could get back to the section championship game last year,” Folsom coach Kris Richardson said. “We were breaking in a new quarterback and had lost a lot of guys. No one likes to lose their last game, but I think we had a great year. We were undefeated SFL champions in one of the toughest leagues in California; I’ll take that. I was proud of last year’s team.”

For the third time in as many seasons, Folsom will break in a new quarterback this year, which is one of the big question marks on the team along with how they will play at the line of scrimmage.

Juniors Kaiden Bennett (6-1, 180) and Joey Washburn (5-11, 205) are battling for the starting quarterback job. On most teams, having a new, first-year starter running the show might be nerve-racking, but the Bulldogs have had great success the last two seasons with Jake Jeffrey and Joe Curry following in the footsteps of Jake Browning and putting up big numbers. Richardson said he’s got confidence in both players and feels the offense has the potential to be great again.

Up front, Folsom returns a big front line in center Kaiden Richardson (6-1, 250) and guards David Ruiz (6-2, 280) and Noah Lunday (6-1, 255). The starting tackles are also big but new: Tucker Dunbar (6-4, 285) and Matt Frost (6-4, 255).

As is always the case, Richardson said the play of the line will go a long way in determining how good Folsom will be on offense.

The same can be said for the defense. If the defensive line of Justin Viega (6-1, 230), Tyler Hardeman (6-2, 250), Tyler May (6-0, 210) and Cruz Lara (6-2, 205)

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can control the line of scrimmage, look for big things from the Bulldogs.

“I think we’ll go as far as our offensive and defensive lines take us,” Richardson said. “If we can stop the run and protect the quarterback, we’ll go far.”

It’s a long season, but if Folsom plays to its potential, winning another SFL title and reaching the section championship game is within reach. Oak Ridge looks to be the main rival in the SFL, as the Trojans return key pieces and are motivated from last year’s one-point loss to the Bulldogs.

Folsom has an odd schedule this season, with six road games, including five straight that will keep photo by bill sullivan the Bulldogs away from Prairie City Stadium the entire Brandon Rupchock will be a key month of September. One road game features Oakdale, player for the Bulldogs, playing last year’s Division III state champion, which should be running back on offense and a good test for the Bulldogs. cornerback on defense.

Along with the Trojans in SFL, St. Mary’s, Elk Grove, Grant, Jesuit, who Folsom plays Sept. 1, and Sheldon appear to be early contenders in the race for a section championship. Folsom knows it won’t be easy, but the team is motivated after last season’s loss to St. Mary’s.

“This group reminds me of the 2012 team,” Richardson said. “After losing the section title game to Vacaville in 2011, that group worked really hard and were hungry to get back to the championship game and this team has showed that same work ethic and hunger. If we play to our potential, I feel we can do that.”

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football roster

2017 varsity

Folsom High

No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Off. Def. Kaiden Bennett Jr. 6-0 175 QB 1 2 Caleb Nelson Jr. 6-0 170 WR DB 3 CJ Hutton So. 5-8 150 WR DB 4 Daniyel Ngata So. 5-8 180 RB DB 5 Brandon Rupchock Sr. 5-8 165 RB DB Andrew Richardson Sr. 5-9 165 WR DB 6 7 Jason Simon Sr. 6-0 170 WR DB 8 Parker Clayton Jr. 6-0 175 WR LB 9 Garrett McClure Sr. 5-9 165 WR DB 10 Joe Ngata Jr. 6-3 205 WR DB Isaiah Barner Jr. 5-9 158 WR DB 11 12 Joey Washburn Jr. 6-0 205 QB 13 Noah Jenkins Jr. 6-3 180 LB 14 Elijhah Badger So. 6-1 185 WR DB 15 Ira Gulewich Jr. 5-10 191 LB AJ Arbis Jr. 5-8 155 WR DB 17 20 Dylan Jorge Jr. 5-11 185 RB LB 21 Richard Cornelius Sr. 5-10 165 WR DB 22 Tanner Ward Sr. 5-9 182 WR DB 23 Jake Wight Jr. 5-9 155 LB 24 Oscar Sanchez Sr. 5-8 150 K 25 Landon Bautista Jr. 5-9 130 WR DB 26 Angelo Smart Jr. 6-2 190 CB Jr. 5-9 160 WR DB 27 Gavin Davis-Smith 28 Mark Weldy Sr. 5-10 195 RB LB 29 Aidan Budge Jr. 5-10 145 WR DB

No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Off. Def. 30 Cruz Lara Sr. 6-2 205 TE DE 31 Ezra Gulewich Sr. 6-1 215 LB 33 Cade Posner Sr. 5-11 180 OL DE Elijah Swonger Jr. 5-11 185 LB 34 44 Justin Viega Sr. 6-1 230 OL DL 50 Caleb Freeland Jr. 5-10 220 OL DL 51 Kaden Richardson Jr. 6-1 250 OL DL 52 Tyler Hardeman Jr. 6-2 250 OL DL Tyler May Sr. 6-0 210 OL DL 53 54 Noah Lunday Sr. 6-1 255 OL DL 55 Matt Frost Sr. 6-4 255 OL DL 57 Tyler Nycum Jr. 5-11 210 OL DL 58 Beau Gleason Sr. 5-11 180 OL DL Jr. 5-10 250 OL DL 59 Tommy Nunez 60 Victor Alonzo Jr. 5-10 210 LB 62 Andreis Langhagen Sr. 5-8 240 OL DL 63 Victor Veliz Sr. 6-0 200 OL DL 64 Jacob Day Jr. 5-9 210 OL DL Jr. 6-3 235 OT DT 65 Garrison Passmore 70 Deshawn Lynch So. 6-2 280 OL DL 72 Tucker Dunbar Sr. 6-4 285 OL DL Nav Sandhu Sr. 5-11 247 OL DL 73 75 Joseph Wagner Jr. 6-3 240 OL DL David Ruiz Jr. 6-2 280 OL DL 77 78 Enrique Carrillo Jr. 5-11 275 OL DL 79 William Fitzgerald Sr. 5-10 292 OL DL

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19

Folsom High

Bulldogs ready to light up Friday nights

By Nick Pecoraro

The

Folsom Bulldogs have won two state championships and five section titles over the past seven seasons. They haven’t lost a league game since 2011. A ton of Folsom’s success over the larger part of the past decade is due to its offensive units producing lots of crooked numbers all across the Sacramento region.

Folsom finished 12-2 last season, but its shot at a Sac-Joaquin Section five-peat was interrupted by St. Mary’s of Stockton in the Division I final. This year’s returning Bulldogs are ready to get back to work and reclaim the title of top dogs.

It all starts with the quarterback position. Coach Kris Richardson seems to always have a new stud under center each year who leads the Bulldogs deep into the postseason.

Last year, Joe Curry came out of nowhere to throw for 3,875 yards and 53 touchdowns to be named the All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year, silencing the critics at the end of 2016.

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“Last year, everyone always said, ‘oh, Folsom doesn’t have a quarterback.’ Then Joe Curry goes out and wins Offensive Player of the Year,” said Richardson, never doubting the abilities or the fight his players display year in and year out.

Junior Kaiden Bennett has the most varsity experience, getting into 13 games last season, but Richardson says that there is a strong internal competition for the starting gig with the addition of junior Joey Washburn.

“Kaiden is a dual threat. He can run the ball, he was a starter as a freshman on JV, and he has experience in our system,” said Richardson.

“Joey is more of a drop-back guy, and he probably has a stronger arm. I feel good about both of them.

They both show up every day, and they both have an attitude of what’s best for the team.”

Bennett’s legs may be his best attribute. Despite Joe Ngata will be Folsom’s big seeing mostly only third offensive weapon this season. or fourth-quarter action, With offers from most every he was the team’s second Pac-12 school, Ngata figures to leading rusher in 2016 be one of the top receivers in and added nine rushing the Sacramento area. touchdowns. Washburn led Photo By Bill Sullivan the JV Bulldogs to an 8-2 record last season.

“Getting into games last year boosted my confidence and showed me that I could make plays as sophomore,” said Bennett.

Folsom will have to make up for the loss of four graduating senior receivers who accounted for more than 2,600 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns. Drake Stall-

20 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

worth and Brad Jenner were first-team All-Metro wideouts, Jack Sa earned honorable mention, and Eric Davis provided speed on both offense and defense. Subtract Davin Simmons, who transferred to Oak Ridge for his senior season, and the Bulldogs seemingly have major holes to fill.

Those holes are viewed by Richardson, always looking onward, as opportunities.

“I’m excited about this group of skill guys,” said Richardson. “One of the biggest strengths of our program has been if one of our skill guys goes out, we can plug the next guy in.”

Joe Ngata, who Richardson said has offers from nearly every school in the Pac-12, will likely take on the primary receiving role. Brandon Rupchock could see some touches out of the slot, and a flock of underclassmen round out the rest of the receiving core, including juniors Parker Clayton and Caleb Nelson, and sophomores CJ Hutton and Elijhah Badger.

Rupchock’s versatility makes him one of the best overall athletes on the team. The 5-foot-8 senior, who is on a full ride to Sacramento State, tallied 10 total touchdowns last season and saved his breakout game for the section championship game, where he caught 10 passes for 103 yards against St. Mary’s.

“I play every game like it’s my last,” he said. “Coach Richardson does a great job of showing you how to play the game like

you’re going through life. So, I play like I’m playing for my life.”

Out of the backfield will be senior Mark Weldy, who saw his fair share of snaps last season, and sophomore Daniyel Ngata, younger brother of Joe and Ariel (who is now playing with former Folsom QB Jake Browning at the University of Washington).

There’s not an offensive lineman under six feet in the rotation for the Bulldogs this year. Tucker Dunbar, Noah Lunday, Matt Frost, Kaden Richardson, Joseph Wagner, Tyler Hardeman and David Ruiz, among others, will all see time in the trenches.

“We have a lot more girth this year,” Kaiden Bennett (right) said Lunday. “We’re bigger, faster and and Joey Washburn were smarter than last year’s team. We take battling for the starting tons of pride as an offensive line, and if quarterback position we don’t do our job, our skill guys can’t throughout August. The do theirs.” player chosen as the Last season, Folsom opened up with starter will have plenty a 55-36 victory over Coeur d’Alene of of talented players Idaho. The Bulldogs will again open up around him to get at home on Aug. 25 with the Vikings, the ball too. who are the No. 2 ranked team in the Photo By Bill state of Idaho this season.

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21

Folsom High

Underrated Folsom defense ready to go to work

By Matt Long

Folsom

Photo By Bill Sullivan

Parker Clayton, Ezra Gulewich and Dylan Jorge give the Folsom defense speed, athleticism and toughness at linebackers.

High’s defense might never get the props it deserves; that’s just the nature of being associated with an offense that scores 40 points a game year in and year out.

Even in the state championship year of 2014 when the Bulldogs had as tough a defense as ever, the defense didn’t get a ton of recognition because Jake Browning and the offense was so good.

No one knows yet how this year’s defensive unit for the Bulldogs will play, but Folsom head coach Kris Richardson likes the depth of the group and feels his linebackers and defensive backs are strong. That’s not to say he doesn’t like what he has up front, but Richardson said that group is the key to the defense. If they line plays well, it could be a very strong defensive unit.

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Cornerbacks Brandon Rupchock and Richard Cornelius surround safeties Tanner Ward and CJ Hutton. The Folsom starting defensive backs are speedy, skilled and tough.

Senior Ezra Gulewich (6-1, 215) is the leader of the linebackers and will play in the middle between a pair of juniors; Parker Clayton (6-0, 175) on the strong side and Dylan Jorge (5-11, 185) on the weak side. While Clayton and Jorge are new starters this season, this unit should be a good one for the Bulldogs.

“Ezra played quite a bit last year and played great,” Richardson said. “When Brad ( Jenner) got hurt, Ezra really stepped up and became a leader. He can run and has speed to the ball.

He’s a physical guy, a guy who I’m always yelling at to take it easy on his teammates during practice. He’s a beast.”

Clayton will also play a big role at receiver on offense, but don’t let that fool you, he can bring it on the other side of the ball as well. Jorge is a backup running back, who will make a bigger mark on the defense.

“Parker is a solid defensive player and will be great on the outside,” Richardson said. “I’ve watched Dylan play since he was in second grade, and I think he’s been one of the best defensive players on every team he’s ever played on.”

Richardson said juniors Noah Jenkins (6-3, 180), Elijah Swonger (5-11, 185) and Gulewich’s brother, Ira (5-10, 191) are also in the mix at linebacker.

As high as Richardson is on the linebackers, he called the secondary the strength of the defense. Senior Richard Cornelius (5-10, 165) is a returning starter at one corner and senior Brandon Rupchock (5-8, 165) moves from safety last year to corner this year. Others expected to see playing time are juniors Caleb Nelson (6-0, 170) and Isaiah Barner (5-9, 158) and sophomore Elijhah Badger (6-1, 185).

“I feel like I’ve got five guys who can play corner compared to last year when I might have A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

Photo By Bill Sullivan

had two or three,” Richardson said. “‘Corn is probably our best defensive back, and Brandon will be playing the other corner, his more natural position than safety. Caleb has looked great; Isaiah is athletic and one of our fastest guys, and Elijhah can play too.”

Senior Tanner Ward (5-9, 182) returns at one safety, while sophomore CJ Hutton (5-8, 150) is slated to be the other starter. Junior Gavin Davis-Smith (5-9, 160) will see playing time as well. As a returning starter, Ward is the leader of the group.

“Tanner might be a little undersized, but he’s tough as nails and he’s a great tackler,” Richardson said. “He’s also a 4.0 student and just a smart player.”

Up front, Folsom has seniors Cruz Lara (6-2, 205) and Justin Viega (6-1, 230) manning the starting defensive end positions and both saw plenty of playing time a season ago. The starting defensive tackles are senior Tyler May (6-0, 210) and junior Tyler Hardeman (6-2, 250). Juniors Tyler Nycum (5-11, 210) and Joseph Wagner (6-3, 240) will also see the field.

“Cruz played a lot last year and is athletic and a dynamic pass rusher who can also drop back in coverage,” Richardson said. “He was an unsung hero last year. Justin is another returning starter who we’ve got high expectations for. Tyler May is coming along and did a great job in the weight room in the offseason, and Tyler Hardeman was arguably our best defensive lineman on the junior varsity team last year.”

Richardson said this group is one of the big keys to not only the success of the defense, but also of the entire team.

“I know we’ve got the athletes and can cover in the back end,” Richardson said. “The key will be how good we are up front. In the games we struggled last year, primarily St. Mary’s, we got manhandled up front. If we can stop the run, we will go far.”

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23

Oak Ridge

Confident Trojans ready for season

Photo By Matt Long

The Trojan offensive line will pave the way for rushing yards and protect the quarterback for passing yards. If they dominate, chances are, so will the Trojan offense. Pictured are Jesse Jimenez, Bailey Smith, Zach Welch, Carson Starr, Bryan Catchings and Jacob Crannell.

By Matt Long

Is

this Oak Ridge’s year to win the Sierra Foothill League?

After coming a point shy a year ago against Folsom, the Trojans feel they’re ready to take the next step and finish the job.

With several top players returning on offense, scoring points shouldn’t be a problem. The defense is the team’s question mark, but that said, coach Eric Cavaliere is excited about the potential of the group. Cavaliere is a take-one-game-at-a-time-coach, but it’s clear that every year the Trojans are out to win a league title and make a deep run in the playoffs. They’ve finished second to Folsom in the SFL the last two years and reached the semifinals of the Division I playoffs. It’s not hard to figure out the next step is winning a league title and reaching the section championship game. You can be sure if the Trojans get there, a section title becomes another goal with a state title not far behind.

“We definitely want to win the SFL title and continue from there and make it to Sac State,” senior lineman Bryan Catchings said. “But it’s a long way from thinking about that right now. We’ve got to beat Vista and go from there.”

Said senior quarterback Marco Baldacchino, “The Folsom game is the game I’m looking forward to the most. It’s our final home game; it’s senior night and the SFL title will probably be on the line. We were so close last year. You have no idea how bad we want that game.”

The showdown with Folsom will surely be a dogfight and with Baldacchino, Catchings, running back Davin Simmons, who transferred from Folsom, and receiver Justin Poerio, the Trojans have the skill to get it done, but will they?

24 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

Defensively, Poerio moves from cornerback to safety to give the team a center fielder that should be a playmaker in the secondary. Nate Otto returns at linebacker and anchors the defense. Ryan Brown is another returning starter at linebacker.

The key to the defense will be up front. If the line plays well, good things will happen for the Trojans. Devin Kemp and Gage King start at defensive end, while Eli Otero and Hayden Nabors play on the inside. Jordan Cuellar is also in the mix.

“Our defense is a big question for us,” Cavaliere said. “We graduated a lot of guys. Our coaches do a great job scheming around our strengths and things looked good this summer, but it’s too early to tell. Stopping the run will be key.”

Folsom is obviously the team the Trojans are shooting for, but Cavaliere said in the SFL, Granite Bay will be much improved, and despite the loss of head coach Casey Taylor, “Del Oro is still Del Oro.” As always, however, every game is tough in the league.

“If you take a week off in the SFL, you’ll get caught and lose,” Cavaliere said.

“You have to be ready to play.”

The key to the Trojans’ success this season will be the play at the line of scrimmage.

“It all starts up front, like it normally does in football,” Cavaliere said. “How quickly our offensive line comes together and establishes themselves as the dominate group on the field will be key.

“The same can be said on defense. The line must make plays or command a double team. We’re talented on the perimeter, but we have to establish ourselves up front.”

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Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge defense ready to set the tone

By Nick Pecoraro

Two points.

That was all that separated the Oak Ridge Trojan football team from winning its first league title since 2009 in last year’s regular season finale against the perennial Sacramento area powerhouse Folsom Bulldogs.

Nearly four years had passed since any other defense had suppressed the mighty Bulldogs to such a minimal offensive output. Although the Trojans held Folsom — a team known to put up 50, 60, even 70 points on a given Friday night — to just 17 points last November, the sting of the one-point loss still sticks in the back of the current Trojans’ minds.

“It hurts,” said senior linebacker Nate Otto. “It was a close game against a good Folsom team. We held them to 17 points. We started off strong, but a couple missed assignments here and there just shows you how important each person is to the defense.”

Eric Cavaliere, entering his 11th season as head coach for the Trojans, knows how much that game motivated his squad, especially the group of returning seniors, to turn last year’s sting into this year’s fuel.

“We put ourselves in a position to

Photo By Matt Long

Jordan Cueller, Hayden Nabors, Devin Kemp, Eli Otero and Gage King make up the Oak Ridge defensive line. This group will have to play well if the Trojans are to excel defensively.

win the game and the league,” said Cavaliere. “It was the lowest point total Folsom scored all year, and that’s a nod to our defense. It’s definitely motivating, and it gave us a confidence that we can beat anybody.”

Leading the Trojans’ defense this year are returning All-Metro players Otto and Justin Poerio, patrolling the middle of the field at linebacker and free safety, respectively. Otto led the Sierra Foothill League in tackles and was second among juniors in the entire Sac-Joaquin Section.

Poerio, a second team All-Metro all-purpose back, was second in the SFL with five interceptions (former Trojan teammate Cameron Stone was first with eight picks). The versatile senior plans to leave his mark in a number of positions. He can ballhawk in the secondary, run the ball out of the backfield, catch the pass downfield, return kicks, and he has high praise from his teammates.

“If you don’t know about Justin already, I don’t know what’s up with you,” said Otto.

Despite graduating All-Metro defenders, Stone and Truman Andrus, Cavaliere has plenty of new and reliable tools in his shed to pick up from a 10-3 finish (5-1 SFL) in 2016.

Seniors Devin Kemp, Hayden Nabers, Austin Jarrard, Bailey Smith and Eli Otero, and juniors Gage King and Zachary Welch could all share time up front. Tyler Lackowski and Ryan Brown can flank Otto in the linebacker positions. Seniors Parker Barry, Nic Stolecki and Braeden Anderson, along with junior Sawyer Merrill and sophomore Avant Jacobs will compliment Poerio in the secondary.

Oak Ridge advanced to the Division I section semifinals before losing to eventual section champion St. Mary’s last season. The Trojans’ first contest this year is Aug. 25 at home against Vista del Lago. SFL play begins on Sept. 29 at Woodcreek and culminates with the game circled on every Trojan’s calendar against Folsom at home on Nov. 3.

“We knew when we joined the SFL that those are the six toughest, most important games of the season,” said Poerio.

“We really learned from (last year’s Folsom) game. Games can turn so quickly. It can happen at any time. Our defense is such an important aspect.”

Senior linebacker Nate Otto is the leader of the Oak Ridge defense. He returns as the Sierra Foothill League’s top tackler.

Photo By Matt Long

26 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

football roster

2017 varsity

Oak Ridge

No. Name 1 Ryan Manriquez 2 Marco Baldacchino 3 Davin Simmons Matt Jenner 4 5 John Charles 6 Devin Kemp 7 Ryan Brown 9 Sam Champlin 10 Parker Barry 11 Gage King 12 Cooper Crick 13 Avant Jacobs 14 Amar Dhillon 15 Braeden Anderson 16 Sawyer Merrill 17 Nic Stolecki 18 Austin Jarrard 19 Justin Poerio 20 Jake Dyer 21 EJ Delwiche 23 Tyler Jeppesen 24 Cody Van De Ven

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Ht. 5-4 6-0 5-10 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-11

Wt. Off. 129 QB 175 QB 200 RB 205 WR 170 WR 185 RB 205 TE 190 RB 175 WR 230 TE 185 QB 160 WR 180 RB 190 WR 160 WR 175 RB 220 WR 180 WR 175 RB 160 WR 200 WR 175 WR

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No. Name 27 Soulius Jones 30 Sam Sanders 31 Nathan Addleman 32 Hayden Nabors 34 Nate Otto 42 Christian Ross 44 Tyler Lackowski 50 Sean Erickson 54 Drew Davidson 55 Matt Murphy 58 Jack Laing 61 Bailey Smith 63 Jordan Cuellar 64 Bryan Catchings 65 Zachary Welch 66 Greg Masegian 68 Mike Tackett 71 Cody Rowen 72 Jesse Jimenez 74 Jacob Crannell 75 Carson Starr 77 Eli Otero

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Wt. Off. 210 OL 205 RB 192 RB 215 TE 205 RB 225 TE 220 RB 205 OL 250 K 220 OL 260 OL 245 OL 245 OL 270 OL 278 OL 285 OL 215 OL 280 OL 280 OL 250 OL 285 OL 255 OL

Def. DL LB DE DL LB DL LB DE DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

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Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge offense should feature dynamic attack

By Matt Long

With

the Sierra Foothill League’s top returning quarterback and running back and one of the top returning receivers and lineman back in the fold, Oak Ridge’s offense should be one of the best in the area.

The Trojan offense was quite good a year ago, averaging 32 points and 385 yards of offense per game, so look for those numbers to improve this season.

Senior Marco Baldacchino (6-0, 175) returns for his second year at quarterback. As a junior, Baldacchino passed for 1,841 yards and 22 touchdowns and gained 991 yards on the ground and scored 17 touchdowns. Look for the passing yards and touchdowns to increase this year, as not only does he have more experience this year, but he also worked in the offseason to improve his passing game.

“After only one week of practice, you can see he looks different in the pocket,” Oak Ridge

Davin Simmons, left, joins his cousin Marco Baldacchino in Oak Ridge’s backfield.

The duo are the top returning rushers in the Sierra Foothill League this season.

Photo By Matt Long

coach Eric Cavaliere said. “His accuracy and arm strength have improved. We’re looking forward to what he can do this season.”

Junior Cooper Crick (5-10, 185), last year’s junior varsity quarterback, and junior Matt Jenner (6-4, 205), Baldacchino’s backup a year ago, will be ready to play if Baldacchino is injured.

In the backfield, senior Davin Simmons (5-10, 200) relocated from Folsom and brings his 939 yards and five rushing touchdowns with him. He could likely improve on those numbers and if he doesn’t it’s because senior Devin Kemp (5-10, 185) is getting carries. These two, along with Baldacchino and senior receiver Justin Poerio, will all get their share of carries, yards and touchdowns.

“Davin is super talented,” Cavaliere said. “He’s quick and shifty, but he’s also a physical runner as well. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Devin is a good athlete and also physical and those two give us a great one-two punch.”

Poerio (6-0, 180) is the team’s top receiver and will likely be one of the best in the area.

Last year, Poerio caught 41 balls for 558 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers could double this year.

“Justin will be one of the top offensive players in the section,” Cavaliere said. “He can carry the ball; he can stretch the field vertically, and he can catch it underneath.

On top of all that, he’s also a physical player.”

The only thing that might keep Poerio from doubling his numbers from a year ago are his teammates. Joining him at receiver are seniors Braeden Anderson (5-10, 190), Austin Jarrard (6-3, 220) and Parker Berry (6-0, 175) and junior Matt Jenner (6-4, 205) and Cavaliere sees all four of them catching a lot of passes. Jarrard and Jenner provide big targets for Baldacchino, while Anderson is quick and a good route runner. Barry has the speed to stretch the field.

When the Trojans go to their bigger package which includes tight ends, those players include senior Hayden Nabors (6-3, 215) and junior Gage King (6-3, 230).

In the trenches, the Trojans are led by senior tackle Bryan Catchings (6-3, 275), who recently accepted a scholarship offer from UNLV. Catchings is a three-year starter and leads a line that includes returning senior starter Bailey Smith (6-0, 245) at center.

Junior Zach Welch (6-4, 278) started the last four games last season and is back at the other tackle. Senior Carson Starr (6-4, 285) is another big tackle who will play. Three guards in the rotation inside include senior Greg Masegian (6-0, 285) and juniors Jacob Crannell (6-0, 250) and Jesse Jimenez (6-0, 280).

“We definitely have some size this year,

28 Friday Night Lights 2017 Folsom Bulldogs Oak Ridge Trojans Vista Del Lago Eagles |

A publication of the Folsom Telegraph

which is always nice,” Cavaliere said.

“This is our third year running the spread offense and our run game has evolved and the line has done a good job picking up on that. One of the things they do best, though, is pass protect. I’m excited about that group.”

Cavaliere has high hopes for the offense this season, as he should. The key, he says, will be the play at the line of scrimmage.

“We need to be able to run the ball,” Cavaliere said. “With Marco, Davin and Justin, that’s three all-league players to get the ball to and spread it around. It all starts up front and how quickly our offensive line comes together and establishes themselves as the dominate group on the field. We’re talented on the perimeter, but we have to establish ourselves up front.”

Photo By Matt Long

Braeden Anderson, Justin Poerio, Marco Baldacchino and Parker Barry will make up a larger portion of the Trojan passing attack. Baldacchino is the returning starting quarterback. Poerio will be one of the top receivers in the area, while Anderson and Barry are weapons that will be used.

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