Spartans prepared to get defensive in '07
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

Last season Rio Mesa High's football team rolled to a 10-2 record and captured the Pacific View League title behind a high-powered offense that scored more than 40 points on seven occasions. This year the Spartans will look to once again win the league crown, but they'll have to do it with defense.

On paper, the Spartans appear to have one of the best defenses in the league. The unit returns six players who had at least 38 tackles last season.

"I'm very pleased with where our defense is right now," head coach Bob Gregorchuk said. "This early in the year the defense is developing a lot faster than they did last year, as far as reading and reacting to plays."

Leading the way on defense are seniors Quinton Greenlaw and Ina Liaina. Liaina posted 86 tackles in 2006, while Greenlaw registered 89.

"Most of the guys we have on defense are returning, so we have a very good defensive scheme," Greenlaw said. "We have a lot of hard workers on defense, and I think overall it's the strength of this team."

Besides Greenlaw and Liaina, other players that should make big contributions include Fernando Jr. Raigoza, Jordyn Aupiu, Gustavo Uribe and James Lopez. Gregorchuk said even the backups have impressed early on.

"We have a lot of depth this year, especially at the linebacker position," Gregorchuk said.

"In the past we would put in a reserve and say, 'Please don't score.' Now we have complete confidence that the job will be done. It's good for us to be able to rotate so many people through the lineup because we do a lot of blitzing and we'll need fresh legs."

While the defense is set, the offense is the question mark. The offensive line features nine newcomers from the junior varsity level joining two returning veterans- Jeremy Fontes and Paul Ui.

"For us to win the league, it all comes down to the play of our offensive line," Gregorchuk said. "We are inexperienced there, but the players are developing fast."

Fontes, the starting center, has become a team leader. He said his goal in '07 is to not allow a sack.

"I've been trying to preach to the line to play hard until you hear the whistle and never give up on a play," Fontes said. "It's a pretty enthusiastic bunch of guys, and if we can gel quickly as a unit we'll be successful."

The line will protect senior quarterback Matt DeLosSantos, who becomes the starter after Shane Austin moved on to the University of Hawaii. According to Gregorchuk, DeLosSantos doesn't have the arm strength of Austin, but may be more athletic and has the ability to run.

If DeLosSantos has time to throw, his first option will likely be Aupiu, who hauled in 22 receptions for 460 yards last year. Gregorchuk said he has also been impressed with wide receiver Jamie Jordan.

"For a young kid, (Jordan) plays like he has been here before, even though last year was his first year playing organized football," the coach said. "He's very mature, and there are times I forget that he's only a sophomore."

At running back, the Spartans will have to fill a large void after Malachi Lewis graduated to the University of Oregon. Seniors Jerell Thomas, Greenlaw and Liaina will take Lewis' place in the offensive backfield.

RMHS may have one of the quickest set of ball carriers in the area with both Thomas and Greenlaw having been apart of the highly successful 4x100 boys' relay team at Rio Mesa.

"Running in track and field helps a lot in football to increase your overall speed," Greenlaw said.

Last year, Rio Mesa's season ended with a 7614 loss to Canyon in the second round of the playoffs. Gregorchuk said he expects the players that competed in that game to step up and help lead the team this time around.

"Those guys that were there last year know what it takes to win, and they know what happens when you aren't prepared, like us against Canyon," Gregorchuk said. "I'm hoping that they can do a good job leading this team and translating to the younger guys what it takes to succeed."

Rio Mesa begins its season Fri., Sept. 7 at home against San Marcos.