A farmer is methodical, smart, intuitive, caring, and nurturing; planning, seeding, and watering his field to get the best crop possible. Farming and coaching aren’t two professions many think of going hand in hand but for Monterey Trail’s head football coach, TJ Ewing, he’s excited about seeing his crops grow in the 2016 season.

“We’re excited because a lot of our players have been with us since pee-wee football (Jr. Mustangs) and we’re finally getting a good number of guys who’ve come through our system,” Ewing said. “In the past it’s hurt us against other schools that have had that established.”

Monterey Trail is coming off a 5-6 season (3-4 in the Delta League), yet got a playoff seed but lost in the first round to Oak Ridge High School, 35-14. The Mustangs will look to harvest that experience, along with hardwork, to provide a hungry team what they hope will be a berth in the playoffs for a second year in a row.

Some of last season’s best crops are gone due to graduation in running back Arnett Belton (618 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns) and linebacker Neville Bood (96 tackles and 2 touchdowns). Ewing will also be missing the great leadership of Tui Pulu (RB/LB). Having this change usually brings football programs into question but Ewing has a group ready to grow into their own leadership roles this year.

Offense

Ewing will be looking for the ball to move a lot through the hands and feet of returning quarterback, Robert Holtz (6’3/195) who is coming off a season of 10 touchdowns through the air and 11 from his feet. Holtz will be bolstered by one of his favorite targets, wide receiver Bishop Brown (6’0/190) who’s looking to improve on his 47 receptions and 6 touchdowns. Lastly, Ewing and Holtz will look to the return of running back, Pedro Pantoja (5’10/195). Pantoja broke his clavicle in Week 3 of last season and is itching to get back on the field.

Defense

Pantoja will lead the defense at linebacker, whose return to the lineup will firm up a defense looking to keep Delta League opponents out of the end zone. Holtz and Brown will also play both ways at strong safety and free safety respectfully. Ewing will look for a big impact from defensive lineman, Wayne Dorean III (5’11/245) in stopping the rush and applying pressure to the quarterback.

Added Help

The Mustangs do not have any new help via transfers but will look to Sam Williams (5’8/170) and Aztlan Lopez (5’10/157) to help running the ball on offense and Javonte Collier (5’10/245) will help anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. Ewing will also be able to feel confident behind the leg of Tehya Beadles (kicker) who is one of the Mustangs’ top soccer players. This season both boys and girls soccer will play during the winter months.

“She’s a legitimate kicker and a huge presence for our team,” said Ewing.

Schedule

The Mustangs start their preseason with some tough games at home versus Wilcox of Santa Clara and Vista Del Lago, while going to Del Campo in week two. In the tough Delta League, every game, each week will be a challenge. With so much excellence within one league a clear picture of who will be finish atop of the standings.

“I don’t know (who will win league), anyone can and there’s no clear cut favorite,” Ewing said. “The Delta League has a high talent level with coaches who are seasoned veterans with a winning record. Every team has the benefit of having a coach who knows how to win. You can’t go into a game thinking you have a win.”

Prediction: 4-6 overall, 3-4 Delta League

Monterey Trail’s head football coach may not be a farmer but he is more than excited about the upcoming crop and more excited about just his football team. The entire campus may be a field eligible to harvest not only a special harvest but a special school environment.

“I’m excited about what’s happening on our campus (Monterey Trail High School),” Ewing said. “I’ve been so lucky to have some great leadership at our school from administration and staff. You tie that in with the positive, fun environment they’re providing on campus…not only great for academics but for the teachers, staff, administrators and our football team.”