It’s a special time for Santa Ynez High football and coach Josh McClurg.
After a talented senior class led the Pirates to a terrific spring season, McClurg has another special group of players who have known each other since they were little kids.
He says “team unity” is what he likes about this group. “It is also my twin sons Cash and Canyon’s senior year. So, most of these player I have known since they’ve been 5.
The 5-foot-11, 160-pound McClurg brothers will be all over the field for the Pirates. Cash plays tailback and strong safety while Canyon is a wide receiver and cornerback.
Both saw lots of action during the Pirates’ 4-1 spring season.
Cash McClurg will be part of a running back committee that fills the huge vacancy left by powerhouse back Logan Ast, who is now at Cal Poly.
“We will have a lot of depth at both running back and wide receiver,” said coach McClurg. “We plan on a run-by-committee approach this year.”
Junior Luke Gildred (5-10, 175 pounds ) steps in as starting quarterback. He got some varsity playing time in a couple of games during the spring.
“He’s very athletic, smart and has a high football IQ,” said coach McClurg.
Gildred has the luxury of having six returning starters on offense, including linemen Emilio Figueroa (6-0 250, senior), Nick Crandall (6-4, 215, junior) and Aidan Cintron (6-3, 270, junior).
“Figueroa is a three-year starter and can play any spot on the O-Line,” said McClurg. “Crandall has started at left tackle since his freshman year. He is one of the best athletes on the team for his size.
“Cintron, a returning starter at right guard, is extremely quick, strong and athletic for his size. His potential is huge.”
Also returning to the starting offensive lineup are dynamic receiver Tyler Gregg (5-9, 155, senior), tight end Owen Hunt (6-3, 190, senior) and fullback Nwar Samaan (5-9, 210, senior). Another key returning player is tight end Leo Valencia, (6-2 195, senior).
The Pirates have eight returning starters on defense, led by senior linebacker Mikey Gills (6-3, 195). McClurg calls the three-year starter “the heart and soul of the defense.”
Junior defensive end Aidan Scott (6-3, 210) is a two-year starter that plays with an “unbelievable motor,” said McClurg.
Senior Brandon Welby (5-9, 255) is a three-year starting nose guard and a two-time All-Channel League first-team honoree.
Senior Tanner Padfield (6-2, 210) is a three-year starter at outside and inside linebacker, while junior Isaac Moran (5-10, 180) returns at outside linebacker and also plays running back.
Among the newcomers McClurg says will make an impact are junior wide receiver/defensive back Dylan Peters (6-0,15), junior running back/outside linebacker Cole Swain (5-11, 180), sophomore wide receiver/cornerback Daulton Beard (6-4, 185) and junior wide receiver/corner back Nolan Oslin (6-0, 155).
The Pirates open their season Friday, Aug. 20 at Nipomo and play their home opener Friday, Aug. 27 against Fillmore. They’ll make their debut in the Pacific View League on Oct. 1 against Cabrillo.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.