Looking back at the 2014 season, the Monterey Trail High School football team was in a familiar position. Monterey Trail started strong, faded late and snuck into the playoffs before becoming the likable underdogs of Division I.

The season began with a 5-0 record as they outscored their opponents by a combined 216-68 margin in that span. Things then slowed down, as the team lost four of their next five games.

To that, Monterey Trail had to beat Davis in the regular-season finale to qualify for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs. They did.

The Mustangs went into the playoffs as the Delta League’s final qualifier and were seeded 12th in Division I, but quickly showed they were contenders.

The first round took them to Cosumnes Oaks, a conference champion and fifth seed. Monterey Trail came from behind to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter and successfully converted a two-point attempt to win 29-28.

The next round put them on the road for a second straight year, this time in Merced. The Bears came into the contest as league champions and with a 9-2 record.

Monterey Trail pounded the ground and scored six rushing touchdowns, led by Trey Nahhas’ playoff-record 395 yards, in a wild 51-45 win.

Coming off two big playoff wins, they faced eventual state champion Folsom in the semifinals. Folsom put the game out of reach early and rolled to a 56-14 rout, eliminating a second consecutive Elk Grove-area playoff opponent (Franklin, quarterfinals).

Offense

Monterey Trail returns only two starters on offense from last year’s eight-win team. The biggest departure is Nahhas, an all-state running back who rushed for 2,599 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior.

The two returning starters are offensive lineman Morris Love and tight end Neville Bood. Both bring experience to a young offense, so they will be able to help transition others into their positions.

“I am excited that we have an opportunity to develop players who know the system,” said Monterey Trail head coach T.J. Ewing. “We are able to work our younger players into important roles”

The goal for Monterey Trail is simple, Ewing said: “We want to control the ball, limit turnovers and sustain drives”

Since Ewing is involved with the youth program and dedicates time to working with them, players come into the high school knowing his system and terminology. This makes it an easier transition for them.

“I am excited about our Monterey Trail Junior Mustangs youth program’s growth,” Ewing said.

Defense

When it comes to defense, many factors play into successfully stopping a good offense. One factor is having solid linebackers. Since this year’s defense brings back all four starting linebackers - Pedro Pantoja, Bood, Robert Holt and Arnett Bolden – the Mustangs should be able to control opposing team’s rushing attacks. 

Said Bood: “Looking forward to a competitive season. Our program appreciates the opportunity to play in the Delta League.  We feel honored to play some of the top teams in the area week in, week out.  We look forward to the challenge. “When you are able to bring back players who know what is required of them, you have something to build on.”

Monterey Trail will also have returning starter Austin Nguyen on the defensive line, and two returning defensive backs in Myles Pruitt and Denzel James.

In all, seven starters return on defense.

Just like the offense, Ewing wants to keep it simple defensively: “Limit big plays and keep drives short.”

Coach

Ewing, like most of the Elk Grove-area head coaches, is modest. He deflects his own recognition to his players and staff.

“I have been blessed to coach since the summer of 1994,” he said. “I just enjoy being a part of our school’s growth and development all these years.”

Ewing is a Physical Education teacher at Monterey Trail. He believes in the community and wants to keep giving back.

“I was at orientation the other day and saw 700 freshmen walk onto campus for the first time,” he said. “Those numbers are exciting.”

Schedule

Monterey Trail visits Antelope, a 7-4 team in 2014, in the season opener. Antelope also plays Sheldon and Laguna Creek in nonconference.

Monterey Trail beat Antelope 27-20 last season.

Week 1 offers a playoff rematch of Monterey Trail’s shootout road win at Merced in the quarterfinals. Both teams combined for 96 points.

Monterey Trail closes out nonconference with a rivalry game against Florin. The winner receives the Mark Macres Memorial Trophy, in honor of the former vice principal at both schools.

Things then change in a hurry once league play starts in the Delta. Arguably the toughest league in the Sac-Joaquin Section, one bad stretch could end any of the eight Delta teams’ chance of qualifying for the postseason.

Monterey Trail nearly learned that the hard way last year. Beating Davis in the season finale halted a four-game losing streak and punched the Mustangs’ ticket into the Division I field.

This year’s league opener is Sept. 25 at Sheldon.

Monterey Trail will play Franklin, Grant, Elk Grove and Jesuit in successive weeks.

Prediction: 4-6 overall, 2-5 Delta League

A team with a large group of underclassmen can sometimes mean growing pains, and this is a team full of juniors and sophomores. The defense should be able to keep them in games, and allow the offense to progress throughout the season.

Having to replace Nahhas presents Monterey Trail with the toughest task of any Delta League team.

Ewing does a great job of getting his players to believe in what he teaches. With his knowledge of the game and ability to break down film, Monterey Trail continues to amaze and surprise each season.

Despite reaching two Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship games, Monterey Trail is still regularly viewed as an underdog and not in the same discussion as the rest of the Delta League’s perennial title contenders. 

This year offers Monterey Trail another chance to prove it belongs.