After a crazy first year on the job, Cabrillo High football coach Andy Guyader has finally found a rhythm in getting his team prepared for a season
The players had a summer to lift weights and condition together, and Guyader and his staff were able work with them in person.
As he enters season two, Guyader is impressed with the team’s energy and spirit.
“They show up and work hard. They give a lot of support to each other,” he said.
Although the Cabrillo roster is low in numbers (22), Guyader said players have made big jumps in their games.
Among those players are two-way linemen Ethan Mercer and Eric Aguilar.
“Mercer has made impressive gains in strength and agility since last year,” said Guyader. “It will be fun to watch him play.”
On Aguilar: “He’s an exciting leader of the group — an outstanding scholar and ASB leader. He likes to play,” said Guyader.
Cabrillo has played several underclassmen over the last two years and some of those players will make an impact this season. Junior defensive back/running back Chris Edwards played on the varsity as a sophomore “and has developed very well since the spring,” said the coach.
Robert Andrew Rojas, a junior linebacker/running back, played as as freshman. “He’s a great kid and talented wrestler,” said Guyader. “Explosive, strong, runs well. We are fortunate to have him with us.”
The coach expects athletic senior Tanner Costa to make significant contributions on both sides of the ball.
Guyader is excited about 6-8, 285-pound junior lineman Josh Zent.
“He has a very high ceiling,” said Guyader. “His improvement from spring to now has been very impressive. College’s will discover him once tape gets out there this season.”
Guyader appreciates the support and encouragement the players show each other each day.
“The way they lead and inspire by their actions much more than their words (is impressive),” he said. “We’ll continue to focus on blocking and tackling, stance and start and attacking the opponent. Our strength is in our commitment to each other and focusing on daily improvements.”
The Conquistadores open the season against Nordhoff in Ojai on Friday, Aug. 20. They’ll play in the more equitable Pacific View League this season with Santa Ynez, Channel Islands, San Marcos and Buena.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.