California pintos

California’s 2022 season was a tale of two seasons, as they began the year 1-5 but finished the regular season with three straight victories. Their biggest win came against a solid Hallsville team to end the regular season. Head Coach Seth Womack is not returning this season, so Kenny Grubb takes the reigns of the Pinto program. He will inherit a team that features the return of a solid core of seven starters on both sides of the ball. His main goals throughout this summer and training camp will be to install the offense and defense, put the players in the right spots and positions and of course return to that winning mindset. Of those seven returning starters on offense four are seniors. On the O-Line, senior Alexis Anguiano (5’10”, 230) returns at guard and coach calls him a good leader who also has great feet. At center, senior Max Blecke (5’11”, 235) will be back. These two will be counted on to bring along some new starters including fellow senior Skip Figgins (6’0”, 240) who coach states “Has done the work and is ready for a good senior season.” Last year, senior Walker Friedmeyer (6’, 170) played wide receiver, but this year he will make the move to quarterback. Coach Grubb knows he has the athletic ability to do the job, so he says that “Decision making will be the key.” He will have

Class: 3

Conference: Tri County

Head Coach: Kenny Grubb

Years at School: 1st Season

Overall Coaching Record: 13-29

Returning Lettermen: 16

Returning Starters Offense: 7

Returning Starters Defense: 7 Last Year’s Record: a number of weapons to throw to, including senior Ayden Bryant (6’1”, 175) who will move between RB and WR to maximize his athleticism. Junior Brooks Volkart (5’8, 165) is back at running back after having the 2nd most carries last season. Leading the way for the RBs and running for the hard yards on the inside will be junior fullback Tyler Oden (5’8”, 175). The Flex Gun offense that Coach Grubb will be utilizing, centers around the fullback spot. As far as passing targets for Friedmeyer, sophomore WR Jackson Hensley (5’11”, 160) has great instincts and has had a productive summer. A pair of tight ends will be featured in the offense more this season, so look for junior Quaid Grubb (6’0, 175) and Landon Dunham (6’1”, 195). Dunham saw snaps last year and will be a starter this year. “Our offensive strength will be our skill positions,” stated Coach Grubb. “Although several players have moved positions and/or are taking on new roles they have adjusted well. The offense will feature the option, but will be multiple in both formation and play selection. The passing game will be mostly quick passes and play action.”

On the defensive side of the ball, two linebackers return in senior Colin Althoff (6’0, 200) who was the Pinto’s leading tackler from a year ago and junior Lance Clevenger (6’1, 210) who will make the move to LB from DE. Junior Quaid Grubb will join the backer corps at the outside linebacker spot. The line will see the most new faces as only senior Alexis Anguiano, the anchor of DL, returns. Senior Ayden Bryant is making the move from corner to safety, so that he will be more of a force in the run game. Sophomore Jackson Hensley has a good nose for the football. California will play a 3-5-3 alignment this year and Coach sees what the strength of this D will be, “The LB group for this defense is very talented and will be the strength of the defense. Although the defense is multiple the focus on keeping things simple allows our players to play fast. Our goal defensively is to be gap sound, disciplined, fast and physical.” Coach Grubb and his assistant coaches; Brandon Kliethermes, Eric Stout, Robb Hartmann and Richard Matzes have been preaching the program’s goals since the spring.

“Our philosophy centers around the

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process being more important than the result. We believe that by focusing on every kid getting better every day the results on Friday night will take care of themselves. The process involves making kids better physically and then teaching them their role in the offensive and defensive schemes and making them comfortable in that role. We believe that if each player truly knows his role and job they can be free to play fast which leads to them being more physical and in turn allows them to be at their best.”

California will play their normal challenging schedule within the Tri-County Conference so there are no “easy weeks” so to speak. Coach Grubb came from the

Mexico program and has some head coaching experience throughout his career, so he’s familiar with the teams the Pintos will face. He is ready for the challenge that lies ahead. “We are excited to see how this team develops with new leadership, a new offense and a new defense. There are talented players on this team who are looking to have breakout years. The key will be getting everyone on the same page and pulling in the same direction. Expectations are high for California football and we are working hard to meet those expectations.”