This year’s San Marcos squad is a lot different than the one that won the city title behind an experienced line and up-the-gut attack.
“I’d say the opposite. We have a lot of speed… I’d say our speed guys are our strongest point,” said running back Jon Kim, one of the few seniors who saw significant playing time for the Royals last year.
San Marcos let out a big sigh of relief when coach Jeff Hesselmeyer returned for his second season. The longtime local football guru was in danger of not getting his teaching position back due to the volatile job market in the school district.
The coach said it’s going to take a lot of work to repeat as city champs.
“We’re gonna have to really make big strides before league starts. We don’t have a lot of experience playing in varsity games. That’s what we’re gonna have to gain,” he said.
Senior Joe Rivera will be the starting quarterback with classmate Andrew Griffin and junior Gabe Loza backing him up.
With a lack of big bodies on the field, this year’s team is going to need to rely on a blue-collar approach. Kim, a captain, said that he’s pleased with how things have gone in the preseason.
“I just expect a lot of hard work out of my guys… I didn’t think we’d be as far as we’ve come. I’d say we’re a family right now,” he said, saying that junior FB/LB Marquis Glover has been a standout in preparation for the season, as has
There are new faces on the coaching staff this year as well, as Gary Semenza, John Semenza, move to the varsity ranks after coaching the Royals at other levels previously. Ed Holdren and Chris Janeway return to assist Hesselmeyer as well.
Cabrillo pays a visit to Valley Stadium for a season-opening matchup on Friday at 7 p.m.
