Which teams will be vying for a Tri-County Athletic League title
this season after North Salinas, Gilroy and Palma claimed the crown
one year ago?
Alisal Trojans
The Alisal Trojans boasted a senior-heavy team last season, especially at the skill positions, which saw quarterback Alfredo Aportela, running back Armando Enriquez and wide receiver Milton Grant Jr. all depart from a team that went 2-4 in the TCAL, 4-6 overall. With TCAL selections Aaron Suarez-Lopez (DB) and Jose Tapia (LB) leaving the team due to graduation as well, the Trojans will look to last season’s strong junior varsity class to fill some of this season’s varsity holes. “We have some guys that should fill in for that and a lot of guys who didn’t get as many carries last year,” head coach Sunil Smith said. “We lost some names, but we had an extremely talented JV class and we’re very optimistic about that.” Alisal’s strength will stem from its front line. Last year’s Sophomore of the Year Andy Ruvalcaba is back, and should anchor a defensive front that returns seven starters, as well as an offensive line that brings back three of its five starters. One player expected to make an impact is RB/LB Oscar Pearson. However, Smith noted Pearson suffered a “pretty significant” injury recently, and will miss some time as a result.
North Salinas Vikings
The Vikings enjoyed its best season in the TCAL last year, compiling a 5-1 record, 9-2 overall, to earn a share of the league title with Gilroy and Palma. It was not only North Salinas’ first-ever TCAL championship, but also its first league crown since 1985, when it won the Monterey Bay League. The Vikings will be reloading this season as it is without the services of many of last season’s top players, including running back Mark Ramos (162 carries 1,252 yards, 9 TDs), receiver Marcos Martinez (12 rec., 308 yards, 6 TDs) and quarterback Mike Ramos (50 of 108, 772 yards, 10 TDs). But with a great offseason under its belt, head coach Steve Zenk said, North Salinas doesn’t need to look far for motivation; its recent success provides plenty. “We have a really good group of kids again,” Zenk said. The fifth-year coach said his team has the hardest part of the game down – giving 100 percent on every play. “Now it’s time to get better at the details,” he said. The run game is usually a strength at North High, and the Vikings should look to the ground once again. The team returns Marquis Brooks (47 carries, 445 yards, 5 TDs), while newcomer Ben Abides is expected to see some action. Quarterback Curt Zeralde will replace Ramos behind center. “We’ve got to get better at throwing the ball,” Zenk said. “We’ve had a great offseason … It’s kind of rolling now. It’s my fifth year and hopefully it’s business as usual.”
Gilroy Mustangs
Gilroy High’s ability to replace key players on the offensive side of the ball will most likely determine if the Mustangs can earn a third straight Tri-County Athletic League title. Gone are the quarterback-receiver tandem of Jamie Jensen and Dante Fullard, who caused league foes fits by connecting for 15 touchdowns through the air last season. Stepping into fill those big shoes will be seniors Nick Marra and Bryan Sanchez. Marra played well as a backup to Jensen in limited action last season, while Sanchez has shown flashes of becoming the next great receiver in Gilroy’s spread attack. Of Gilroy’s seven All-TCAL selections last season, four of which came from the defense, only linebacker Logan Sweeney returns. He is expected to lead another stingy unit with linebacker Eric Vegas, safety Jordan Holler and a cast of other strong seniors who helped the Mustangs allow just 16 points per game last season. Greg Garcia has taken over the program after spending the past few seasons as an assistant. The new coach said he doesn’t plan to change anything considering the Mustangs’ recent success.
Palma Chieftains
Jeff Carnazzo expects this season’s Tri-County Athletic League title chase to be “a dogfight,” which is why the Palma coach scheduled four out-of-league opponents that will be anything but cupcakes for the Chieftains. Taking on Spanish Springs of Nevada, Saint Francis and Cardinal Newman in the first three weeks, and Seaside in Week 5, Carnazzo expects such tests to better prepare his squad for the rigors of league. A long list of contributors return from last season’s team, which shared the TCAL title with North Salinas and Gilroy. Receiver/safety Bruce Taylor is expected to be the Chieftains’ premiere playmaker on both sides of the ball, while Justin Olivarria should shoulder the rushing load after gaining 1,033 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns as a junior. Austin Fales replaces his older brother, David, at quarterback now that last season’s TCAL co-MVP is playing for the University of Nevada. While Palma’s offense will be explosive – sophomore tailback Jack Myers is another player to watch – Carnazzo said a linebacking core led by Mike Sarmiento and John Andrus should be the team’s biggest strength.
Salinas Cowboys
A year removed from posting a 3-3 TCAL record (7-5 overall) and its first CCS playoff berth in five seasons, the Salinas Cowboys will rely on senior speedster Alvin Jelks on offense and a rebuilt defense led by senior inside linebacker Blake Aldrete to propel them to the top of the standings in 2009. Jelks’ 1,421 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns earned him TCAL Junior of the Year honors, a distinction he shared with Palma’s Bruce Taylor. The 6-foot-1 190-pound senior running back will shoulder the bulk of the offensive load, again scampering behind 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive tackle Chandler Hubbard for a team that amassed more than 2,300 yards on the ground in 2008. “Every week is like a rivalry game,” said fourth-year head coach Steve Goodbody of the gritty TCAL. “The league is competitive every year and we like it like that. It’s anybody’s, it’s up for grabs. It prepares all the teams for the playoffs.” The Cowboys defeated Andrew Hill in the first round of the CCS Division I playoffs before being bounced in the second by top-seeded Wilcox. The Cowboys open up the ’09 campaign with four road games, including a Week 2 date with Live Oak on Sept. 11.
Everett Alvarez Eagles
First-year head coach Ralph Ward will bring his offensive prowess to an Alvarez team aching for success after a 1-9 (0-6) performance last season. Ward said his offense will showcase multiple formations anchored by an experienced offensive line led by three seniors: David Vasquez, John Villalobos and Ivan Cervantez. “Our offensive line has good size, they play smart and have great leadership,” Ward said. “They are basically the staple of our team.” Despite the Eagles’ unfavorable record last season (Alvarez is 1-28-1 the past three seasons), five of the nine losses they suffered were of 12 points or less, providing coach Ward with a sense that his team is on the verge of a positive year. “We are working really hard and the kids are doing what they are asked so far,” Ward said. “To me the TCAL is easily one of the top two leagues in the CCS. There aren’t going to be any gimmies…”
