Last year, the Anzar High football team experienced a series of firsts, including the school’s first score and win. In the program’s second year, head coach Luis Espinoza is expecting a leap forward for his team of 27 players.
With another year under center for quarterback Jeremy Cedeno and a large number of returning players from last year’s squad, Espinoza has every reason to believe in his expectations. Plus, unlike last year, he was able to have an off-season with his team.
“Last year, I came in May and I didn’t have much time,” Espinoza said. “Here, I started in January. I got guys into the weight room and I got guys to see what we are trying to accomplish. And it’s getting there. I’m still getting a lot of excuses. I’m learning from being out here. We are all learning at the same time.”
During the team’s first padded practice Tuesday, it was noticeably different from a year ago. At this time last year – because of the player’s inexperience – the team was still spending time on the proper way to tackle and hit. This year, the team is stronger, quicker and already has a knowledge base to learn from, Espinoza said.
“It was better than last year,” Espinoza said after going through the first half of Tuesday’s practice. “We are just trying to be patient and know that there are still some guys that have not played before and trying to bring those guys up to speed. At the same time, I’m trying to get my returners to understand that there is some guys that have not played before. I need for them to be leaders, for them to be helping out.”
Cedeno, the team captain, has taken that leadership role. During the offensive practice, the senior was vocal, talking to players when they made a mistake and helping the coaches out.
“That’s one of the biggest things, I don’t have to start all over again at quarterback,” Espinoza said. “I have someone that knows our plays from last year. It’s nice to have someone out there that tells the players what to do. He knows the offense. That’s what we need from our leaders.”
After last year’s struggles and success, Cedeno expanded his offseason workout regiment to get improve, he said.
“I really pushed myself during the offseason workouts that coach put together for me,” he said. “I wanted to work together as a team and do what coach said: ‘Stay humble, pace yourself, go 110 percent all the time, never quit, never get up.’”
He continued: “I want to improve as a player individually. I want to help build this team. I want to help this team to get back on the road again and get fired up about the season. I want to be the best I can be this year. I just want to great things with the team.”
So far, everything is working smoothly for the second-year football program.
The Hawks season begins on Sept. 1 against Potter Valley.
– Look for an in-depth preview of Anzar and San Benito High next week in the Free Lance.
