SBCC will kick off the 60th season of Vaquero football on Saturday when San Bernardino Valley visits La Playa Stadium for the 4 p.m. opener. It’s the first meeting between the schools and a tongue-twister to boot: SBCC vs. SBVC.
Last year, the Vaqueros recorded their best season in 22 years with a 7-3 record. Craig Moropoulos begins his eighth year as head coach.
“This schedule is as hard as we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Moropoulos. “This is the first time we’ve played San Bernardino and they’re always athletic and very formidable.”
Brandon Edwards, a 6-2 freshman from Seattle, Wash., will start at quarterback for the Vaqueros and run their no-huddle offense. There’s plenty of local talent on this year’s squad, including running back Cheroke Cunningham and tight end Emilio Gonzalez of Santa Barbara High; defensive lineman Parker Rozenberg of San Marcos; wide receiver Robert Gulvin of Dos Pueblos and quarterback Nolan Tisdale and receiver Sam Kwock from Bishop Diego.
Safety Zach Arnell and linebacker Jake Pettit will pace the Vaquero defense.
San Bernardino went 8-3 last year and played in the Patriotic Bowl, falling to Southwestern 34-23. John Shipp is in his first year coaching the Wolverines, who finished third in the American Mountain Conference with a 5-2 record. SBVC is ranked No. 19 in the Southern Cal preseason poll.
All home games will be live-streamed on the Internet with John Martony calling the action. Martony will also broadcast all 10 games on the radio (KZSB AM 1290)
