Carpinteria High School football coach Mario Robinson is excited about the group of players he’s taking into the fall season.
The Warriors had a rough spring season, getting in only two games because of COVID-19 issues.
Robinson increased the varsity roster to 35 by adding JV players for the fall, and the team is fired up to play a full season of games.
The Warriors open at Morro Bay on Friday night.
“We have a very good group of players this year who work hard and have good attitudes,” said Robinson, who started coaching the Warriors in 2019. “They understand how important it is to work together as a team and support each other. We must be mentally tough and execute in all phases of the game.”
Senior guard/defensive lineman Alfredo Lopez (6-foot-2, 240 pounds) and senior running back/linebacker Gibby Castillo (5-foot-8, 185 pounds) are returning players Robinson is counting on to lead the Warriors. Castillo has been named a team captain.
“He has improved his leadership and keeps the team moving on the field. I’m looking forward to Gibby doing some great things this year,” Robinson said.
The coach said Lopez will anchor the offensive line. “Alfredo is a returning starter and has improved every year,” he said.
Another senior who should make an impact is Hunter Garcia (5-11, 180) at wide receiver and defensive back.
“He is going to play a big role in the offense and defense,” Robinson said.
Junior captain Gabriel Flores (5-10, 210) has demonstrated good leadership and confidence as an offensive lineman. He’ll play the center position
“Having him at center is important to the offense,” Robinson said.
Erick Trejo (5-11, 195) is another junior who will be counted on to make things happen. The 5-11, 195-pounder will play running back and defensive end.
“Erick is in better shape this year and runs the ball very hard,” Robinson said.
Junior Matthew Munoz (5-8, 170) will be the Warriors’ quarterback.
“This is his first year playing football, and he has caught on well,” Robinson said. “He’s very athletic with a good arm. Matthew is also a good baseball player.”
Carpinteria has a strong kicker in sophomore Raul Reyes, who also has been impressive playing at wide receiver and defensive back.
With no JV team this year, Robinson has a good group of sophomores and freshmen who he expects to make an impact on the varsity. The sophomores include Talon Trumble (5-9, 170) at running back/linebacker, Judah Torres (5-8, 170) at H-back/linebacker, Anthony Ybarra (5-7, 200) at center/defensive line and Sebastian Hernandez (5-6, 160) at running back/defensive back.
The freshmen who Robinson is high on this season include Dominic Herrera (5-11 210) at quarterback/defensive end and Kelly Sawyer (5-10, 150) at quarterback/linebacker.
“The coaches are excited about this group of players and look forward to positive results,” Robinson said. “We continue to stress being competitive.”
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.