Sartans have very lofty goals for 2016 season
Star quarterback Ortiz leads the way
The St. Pius Sartans feel as though they are walking the high ground.
“Our group,” senior quarterback Drew Ortiz said, “is full of confidence.”
St. Pius is not only coming off a terrific 10-2 season, but it has what might be the most dangerous dualthreat QB in the state in Ortiz, one of 14 returning starters for a team that has definite — and legitimate — state championship aspirations.
St. Pius is the Journal’s No. 4 preseason pick in the metro.
“I think there are about six teams that can compete for a state title, and we’ll be right there in the mix,” longtime St. Pius coach San Juan Mendoza said. “We’ve had a great summer, and we’re excited to get this thing going.”
Ortiz will be a compelling reason to watch St. Pius. The three-year starter accounted for over 3,300 combined passing and rushing yards in a spectacular 2015 campaign. He threw for 2,262 yards and 37 touchdowns, and he rushed for 1,040 yards with another 10 scores.
“Playing against our offense is the best work we can get,” said senior linebacker Austin Shull.
Ortiz has got some proven targets in his arsenal, with receivers such as Mel DeHerrera, Dylan DiLorenzo and Brendan Gallegos.
Shull is the middle linebacker for a defensive unit that returns all three linebackers, with Adrian Leon and Jared Vigil on the outside. Leon will also do some ball-carrying in the St. Pius backfield. Senior All-Metro center John Corcoran is one of three starters back on the offensive line.
“We have the best chance for a state run,” Ortiz said. “We’re all so talented. Talentwise, this is the best talent we’ve had in my four years here as a team. Everyone is just so good at what they do, on both sides of the ball.”
Coming Monday: No. 3 in Journal top-5 metro countdown