When the Monterey Trail Mustangs’ varsity football team steps onto the field for the first time this season, they’ll be aiming for a lofty goal: Make the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Division I playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
The way they’ll go about it, however, will look drastically different.
Coming off a solid 2017 campaign that saw the Mustangs accrue a 6-5 overall (4-3 Delta League) record, Monterey Trail was part of the area realignment by the Section, and will now call the Metro League home.
But that doesn’t matter to Mustangs’ head coach TJ Ewing. The mission and focus remain the same.
“Win a league championship, go to our fifth straight playoff appearance, win a Section Championship, as well as NorCal and State championships,” Ewing said of his goals for his squad this year.
While those may be some high expectations, Ewing has every right to expect good things from his team this season based on the way last year went for Monterey Trail. With impressive double-digit wins against the likes of Pleasant Grove, Grant, Elk Grove and Davis last season, respectively, the Mustangs appear to be in a prime position to quickly become a force in the Metro League with the returning talent they have on the roster.
Offensively, it will all start on the ground for the Mustangs with their potent rushing attack. Senior all-around athlete/quarterback/defensive back Zach Larrier (6’0”, 190 lbs.) is a dual threat whose skill set has garnered double-digit scholarship offers. Larrier is currently undecided on his collegiate choice, but make no mistake about it: when he makes a decision on the field, it’s typically a good one. Last season, Larrier accounted for 700 yards and three touchdowns through the air, to go along with 696 yards and 12 scores on the ground at a 7.4 yards per carry average.
“Zach, like many players in the area, deserve everything they have worked long, smart and hard for,” Ewing said of his quarterback. “ Very humble, respectful young man. He’s a special human being. He is raised in a very supportive loving family. He’s learned a lot about leadership and is poised to have a great senior year.”
Senior tailback Jehiel Budgett (6’0”, 195 pounds), who led the team with 913 rushing yards and nine touchdowns a season ago at a 7.2 yards per carry clip, will be the workhorse when Larrier hands the ball off in the backfield.
Junior offensive lineman Lathun Snipes (5’11”, 260 pounds) and senior offensive lineman Anthony Thompson (5’11”, 225 pounds) will anchor the offense up front, with senior place kicker Michael Lee being looked upon for field goals and extra points.
On the defensive side of the ball, Larrier and Budgett will be relied upon in the secondary. Additionally, Monterey Trail has a trio of linebackers poised to make an impact. Junior Marcus Jones (6’0”, 185 pounds) tallied 120 total tackles. 6.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks last season. Senior Andrew Almonte (5’10”, 190 pounds) compiled 94 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and had three passes defended a year ago. Senior Brandon Hwa (5’10”, 190 pounds) contributed 53 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and snagged one interception last year as well.
Two defensive linemen, junior Mario Keanon (6’2”, 248 pounds) and senior Arturo Pantoja (5’10”, 190 pounds) are being counted on in the trenches to stop the run and rush the passer effectively.
The Mustangs open their season in a non-conference game this Friday at home when they host familiar foe Sheldon, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. After a five-game preseason slate, Monterey Trail will begin Metro League play at River City High School on Sept. 28.
So while some big changes may impact the Mustangs in their first season outside the Delta League, Ewing is confident in his bunch and knows that his team can only control what they do as a unit regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. When asked about the key to having a successful season this year, his answer was simple.
“Focus on us.”
