Make no bones about it, Monterey Trail High School head coach TJ Ewing knows that his team will need to play better when the 2017 schedule turns to the slate of Delta League contests if it hopes to improve from last season.
A second-consecutive 5-6 season (2-5 Delta League) in 2016 began with a 3-0 start outside of league play. The Mustangs held a 5-1 record in the beginning of October before falling in its last four regular season contests within the Delta League. Despite the slump, the Mustangs earned a No. 10 seed playoff spot within the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Division I playoffs a year ago. The Mustangs ultimately fell 35-21 to No. 7 seed Pitman in their opening round matchup, in a game that saw the two teams tied 21-21 in the third quarter.
Earning a playoff spot is always welcomed, but Ewing was quick to aknowledge the goal for the upcoming season.
"Play for the Delta League Championship," he said.
Four of its five losses within the Delta League last season were by seven points or less, showing that the Mustangs are definitely no pushover when going toe-to-toe with the likes of Elk Grove and Grant, respectively. For Ewing, it's about being competitive and prepared to go against anyone they play.
"We feel like it's going to be another great season in the Delta," he said. "We feel like our players can play in any league the Section makes up. Historically Monterey Trail has competed in the Sierra Foothill League, Delta River, Delta Valley & the current Delta League. So, we've been very appreciative of playing against some of the best programs in the state. Whatever the section wants to do, we will be ready each week. We respect everyone we play."
After losing last years' graduating class, the Mustangs will look to incorporate an influx of youth as they continue to build their program.
Offense:
Senior running back Aztlan Lopez (5'10", 157 lbs.) will spearhead the Mustangs' ground game this year. Last season, Lopez, rushed 119 times for 706 yards and eight touchdowns as he took home 1st-Team All-Delta honors.
"Aztlan comes from a great line of talented Lopez family brothers," Ewing said of his halfback. "He is an excellent, skillful, and selfless player. He leads by example."
Fellow senior tailback and sparkplug Sam Williams (5'6", 162 lbs.) will help bolster the rushing attack after providing 329 yards and five touchdowns a season ago.
Senior offensive lineman Wayne Doroen (5'10", 240 lbs.), a two-time 1st Team All-Delta performer, will anchor the offensive line.
At quarterback, junior Zach Larrier (6'0", 176 lbs.) looks to take the reins as the Mustangs' signal caller. Despite throwing just 22 passes a season ago and playing other positions, those within the team feel Larrier is the right guy for the job.
"Zach is a very special person. He is an outstanding student-athlete," Ewing said. "He has already started to build a student-athlete resume at our school that most seniors would be excited about. The future is bright for Zach."
Defense:
Senior defensive lineman Amin Barker (5'8, 207 lbs.) is the top returning upperclassman up front. Last season, Barker recorded 39 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery.
A quartet of juniors round out the rest of the expected standouts defensively. Linebacker Anthony Almonte (5'9", 175 lbs), defensive back Jehiel Budget (5'10", 160 lbs.), defensive lineman Diego Rodriguez (5'9", 210 lbs.), and Viktor Oliver (6'0", 180 lbs.), will all look to contribute as part of the youth movement.
Keys To A Winning Season
For the Mustangs, success this season will be contingent upon the younger players being able to fill in and produce at key positions. When asked about what he feels will be the biggest reason the team wins or loses games this year, Ewing didn't hesitate.
"It's about how well our young men bond early on in the schedule," he said.
Despite the yearly challenge of losing graduating seniors, especially talented quarterback and linebacker Robert Holt, the Mustangs have traditionally put together a very competitive bunch who are capable of winning any game whenever they step onto the field. This year appears to be no exception.
"I think we have a good group of players who are ready for the schedule we put together," Ewing stated. "We always feel good about our players and what they can accomplish. We think the players feel good about it being their time now."
Schedule Breakdown
The Mustangs have a tough stretch of preseason games to begin the season. With home games versus Manteca and Vista del Lago, and away games against Wilcox and Del Oro, the team will have all the competition they need to get tuned up for league play.
The Mustangs begin league play at Sheldon on September 22.
When asked about games that stand out or could possibly make or break the Mustangs schedule, Ewing went with the obvious answer. "Manteca. They're the first game and they're up next."
Coaches:
Head Coach TJ Ewing is entering his 14th season with the team. He has been with the program since its inception. Former athletic director Rick Arcuri, current athletic director Dave Coronado, head varsity track coach Robert Longan, Freshman head coach Robert Jones, and assistants Louie Canahuati, Ile Tellez, Jose Avina, Fo Coronado, Toke Kefu, and Matt Anderson round out the reset of the coaching staff.
