In an early September game at storied St. Francis in 1999, a
sophomore named Nick Buzzetta took his first varsity snap. Buzzetta
went on to lead the Haybalers to three consecutive Central Coast
Section title appearances, winning Division II in 2000.
In an early September game at storied St. Francis in 1999, a sophomore named Nick Buzzetta took his first varsity snap. Buzzetta went on to lead the Haybalers to three consecutive Central Coast Section title appearances, winning Division II in 2000.
This Friday night, another sophomore quarterback will take his first snap for the Balers – Karson Klauer. Klauer, like Buzzetta did that Indian Summer evening in Mountain View, is facing a formidable foe. Valley Christian is state-ranked and is considered the team to beat in the West Catholic Athletic League. Klauer will be standing over center and peering at one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the nation in Warriors defensive end Jeff Schweiger. He’ll see other blue chippers in defensive end Jameson Lyman and linebacker Matt Castelo.
Welcome to varsity football, Mr. Klauer.
“They have good athletes, but we’ll play well,” said Klauer. “I’m not nervous. Everybody on the team thinks we can pull this off. We have nothing to lose.”
While the outlying pressure may be on the green as grass Klauer, the underlying pressure is on the Baler offensive line. The Balers return three starters – tackles Phil Leonard and Jonathan Lopez and guard Ty Doty. Center Nick Kostielney
had his share of reps last year. Kostielney’s nursing some injuries, but he should play. With Oscar Correa hurt, Cameron Murray should get the bulk of the time at the other guard spot.
It is up to those five players, along with whomever is in at tight end, to burrow out enough room for Klauer to run the wing-t. The Balers seem to have the backs who can run tough enough to make things happen. But, if no holes are there, the Balers, who gained just 89 yards total in last year’s 38-0 defeat to the Warriors, will be in big trouble.
What if the Balers get down by two or three touchdowns early?
“We have to pass to get back into the game,” said Klauer. “That’s all we can do.”
Baler head coach Chris Cameron feels Klauer is as ready as he ever will be.
“It’s his first big day,” said Cameron, acting like a proud papa. “Sure, he’ll make some mistakes, but he’ confident, poised and he learns quickly. He’s coachable and mature beyond his years.”
Plus, at 6-1, 195, Klauer has one special attribute going for him.
“He’s a load to bring down,” said Baler offensive coordinator Rick Dukes. “He’s different than Buzzetta that way. Nick could run away from defenders.”
Klauer is an outstanding athlete. He’s libel to start on, or at least, make three varsity teams as a sophomore this year. That is a rarity.
He can bank on one bit of history. While Buzzetta’s Balers lost that game in Lancer land in early September 1999, they bounced back to defeat the Lancers in the semifinals of the CCS Division I playoffs in arguably the greatest playoff victory in school history, rallying from a 17-point halftime deficit.
The Balers may, in fact, go down to, on paper, a more talented Warriors team Friday night. But, Klauer seems to be the man to lead them to their rightful place in the CCS playoffs this season, perhaps, meeting up with powerful Valley Christian once again.
The Kool as a Kuke Klauer seems ready. He seems unflappable for his first big day.
