Uribe looks to throw up big numbers for Vaqs

After experiencing a record-setting senior season at Santa Barbara High, quarterback John Uribe brings his gunslinging style to the City College football team.

Uribe, who set county records with 41 touchdowns and 4,124 yards passing last year, will start for the Vaqueros in Saturday’s opener against county rival Hancock at Righetti High.

While he came into camp with impressive credentials, it wasn’t a given that Uribe would be the starter, said coach Craig Moropoulos.

“It was wide open when he got here and he knew that,” he said of the competition for the starting quarterback position. “John and Cale Carson competed hard and it was open until last Saturday at the scrimmage. I felt John ran the team the way I like to see it. I think he has a bright future and he earned the spot.”

The Vaqueros won’t be throwing the ball on every down, but that doesn’t mean Moropoulos is pulling the reins on Uribe.

“His personality is still the same as it was (in high school), he’s just being asked to do more,” the coach explained. “There’s a lot more to do at this level and in this system. He’s learning every day. He’s done a good job to this point and we hope we can take that into (the Hancock game). But the guy’s personality is still going to come out and I want that … within the system.”

SBCC hopes to complement Uribe’s passing with a strong running game. The Vaqueros have two experienced running backs in Robyn Lawson and Tristan Carter.

“I think a guy like John can appreciate having a running game and it being very valuable. Being adept at running the ball means that’s going to open up things in the passing game.”

Uribe’s main passing targets figure to be Oscar Medina, last year’s top receiver on the team with 28 catches for 443 yards, former Bishop Diego standout Art Gonzalez and speedster Jakharie Murphy.

Defensively, the Vaqueros are especially strong in the secondary with four returnees, led by all-conference free safety Lamont Dupres. Matt Racowski, Nate Bailey and Aeyrus Holloway are the other veterans.

“They’ve all got extensive playing time and that’s a real plus,” said Moropoulos, who is entering his 25th year of coaching.

Local players expected to contribute include Julio Romero (Dos Pueblos) at linebacker, Ralph Padilla (Santa Barbara High) at defensive back, Moses Martinez (DP) on the offensive line, Freddie Maldonado (SB) as a returner and wide receiver and Jeremy Waxman as the kicker.

Moropoulos expectations for the team is to battle hard and prepare for each game like it’s for a championship.

“They know it’s a real challenge, “ he said. “We’re not going (into games) and laying down for anybody. We’re going in and attack them. Each week is like a Super bowl week.”

(Photo by John Dvorak / PresidioPics)