JT Stone’s next quarterback up at Santa Barbara High throws an accurate pass, can run and has a Dons football pedigree.
Sophomore Abel Renteria takes over the quarterback position that belonged to standout — and now Wisconsin Badger — Deacon Hill for the last two years, and 32 years ago was held by Abel’s father, Poncho Renteria, who guided Santa Barbara to a CIF-SS championship in 1989.
“Abel will be taking the reins, and we’re excited for him,” said Stone, who has tutored and coached past SBHS star quarterbacks Brent Peus, Frankie Gamberdella and Hill, who led the Dons to a CIF-SS Division 8 runner-up finish in 2019.
Like the other three QBs, Renteria has been training under Stone before entering high school.
“He’s been working hard, and we’re going to keep him safe,” said Stone. “He’s definitely able to get the job done, so we’re excited about him and we’re going to support him 100%.”
Renteria will have the benefit of working behind an experienced offensive line. That group includes senior tackle Johnny Perez and senior guard Ryan Holguin, both played on the CIF finals team and have been named first-team All-Channel League.
“Our football team starts there,” said Stone of the O-Line. “Those two kids have just been a blessing. You saw what we did last year, we started running the football because of those two guys.”
The backfield will include junior running back Nathan Barrios and sophomore Koa Herrera, who saw lots of action as a freshman during the Dons’ three-game spring season. Junior Benecio Garcia is also expected to run the ball.
“I think what we have put in place right now is definitely suited for Abel and suited for us to move the chains,” said Stone. “We don’t have to rely on Abel so much. I just need him to do what he needs to do.”
The receiving corps is led by senior Miguel Unzueta, who caught a several passes during the spring season.
“He does a lot of things well. He might not be the fastest, but he’s a hell of a receiver. He was a bright spot for us at the wide receiver spot and we expect him to have a tremendous senior year,” said Stone.
There is a talented pair of sophomores receivers, Winston Bartley and Jack Holdren, that Stone says will make an impact. He also likes athletic senior Ben Gordnier.
On the defensive side, the Dons are athletic at linebacker and in the secondary. The linebacking crew includes experienced seniors Vince Gamberdella, Grant Gonzales and Barrios.
The athletic and speedy Trent Williams leads the secondary.
On the defensive front, Stone’s plan is to rotate 5-6 players.
“We’re going to have to see who steps up, but I’m definitely excited (about our defense),” he said. “We’ve got some guys over there that can fly around.”
The Dons play a tough schedule, starting with their opener on Friday against Saugus at Peabody Stadium. They also have games against Thousand Oaks and Righetti before taking on a challenging Channel League slate that includes strong programs like Pacifica, Oxnard, Rio Mesa and Lompoc.
Stone said he reminds his players that it’s a new chapter in Santa Barbara High football as star players like Hill and all-league nose guard Noach Wood have graduated.
“Now, it’s who is going to step up and fill that void and get us to where we need to be,” he said.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.