There’s a youth movement on the SBCC football team and if the kids are going to be solid, they need to become quick studies in College Football 101.
The Vaqueros return just three starters from last year’s 4-6 edition that was fourth in the American Pacific Conference with a 3-3 mark.
The roster lists 67 freshmen and 14 sophomores.
“It’s pretty obvious that there’s a lot of inexperience,” said fifth-year coach Craig Moropoulos. “It’s going to be ‘How do we improve and how do we progress?’ “
SBCC opens the season on Saturday against county rival Hancock at Righetti High. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. The home opener is Sept. 10 vs. Antelope Valley.
Linebacker Manny Hernandez is the top returning player. The former San Marcos High standout was a first-team All-APC performer on defense and a first-team punter on offense. He led the state with 130 tackles and was No. 1 among APC punters with a 39-yard average.
Marcus Griffin (26 tackles) returns as a starting linebacker and Alonzo Winn, the second-leading rusher on the team last year, is back at tailback.
Mike Spirtosanto and John Dickinson, fresh off a Channel League title at Dos Pueblos High, are slated to start at cornerback. “The secondary is all new and we’re happy with their athleticism,” said Moropoulos.
Jaylon Jackson (6-0, 292) is a two-time all-league defensive tackle from one of the nation’s best high school teams — Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Kameahoo Kahaipo (6-0, 258) of Honolulu has also looked good on the defensive line.
A couple of Dos Pueblos products are vying for the defensive end spots — Collin Powell and Lucas Rascon. Tom Borchert, a freshman from New Jersey, will see time at linebacker.
Adam Maisch won a battle with Mike Morando of Bishop Diego for the kicking duties. Quinton Padilla, a running back from Medford, Ore., will return punts and play tailback.
Winn rushed for 450 yards and six TDs last year. SBCC’s offense was No. 2 in the conference, averaging more than 400 yards a game.
Keegan Robilotta, a 6-foot freshman from Temecula Valley, will start at quarterback with Max Slattery of San Marcos playing fullback. Sophomore Pierre Hale is the top receiving threat.
“Keegan has impressed me with his knowledge and poise,” said Moropoulos. “He’ll be able to execute what we’re trying to do.”
The Vaqueros have a pair of strong tight ends in Tyson Heller (Caldwell, ID) and Garrett Tinlin (South Lake Tahoe). Heller is the nephew of ex-San Francisco 49er Ron Heller, who lives in Santa Barbara.
Wade Norberg and center Jose Carrera have stood out in the offensive line. “Norberg is undersized (197 pounds) but he’s also 6-6 and very coachable,” said Moropoulos. “Carrera is doing well at a position that’s very demanding.”
Moropoulos, a former star quarterback at SBHS and SBCC, said it’s all about playing hard.
“Hopefully, as the youth of our team progresses, they’ll continue to understand that we’re going to play hard — every play and every game,” he concluded. “If we can keep that attitude and stay together as a family, that’s all I can ask for.”
