Patriots JV team starts off hot
Junior varsity squad defeats Wolves, 26-7
The first day of the football season was a good one for the Pioneer Patriots. Not only did the varsity team record a shutout against crosstown rival Wolves back on March 19, but the junior varsity team also picked up a tone-setting win.
Led by head coach Andrew Marquez, the junior varsity Pats defeated the Wolves 26-7 thanks to huge performances from running back Hector Casas, quarterback Carson King, and the entire offensive line.
Marquez, who has helped coach the Pats at all different levels for the past 10 seasons, began his junior varsity head coaching reign in style.
His first play as a coach? Well, that resulted in a 75-yard touchdown run from Casas.
“The online blocked phenomenally,” Marquez said. “They were able to open up running holes for Hector Casas and the rest of our backs to get through.”
They also paved the way for quarterback Carson King to rush for a touchdown of his own and gave him ample time to throw for another two.
That offensive line Marquez speaks so fondly of consists of first-year players Brandon Nolan and tight end Jose Razo, along with returners Adrain Ramos, Dominic Vittone, Ryan Bryson, and David Cardenas.
“Razo has added some toughness and athleticism to our tight end position, catching three passes for over 60 yards,” Marquez said. “Nolan adds a welcome size, toughness, and grit to the offensive line.”
The early season victory extends the current winning streak this group of players began last year as freshmen when they went undefeated. But whether it’s 11, or just one game in a row, the streak is not on their minds.
“I think they are just happy that we get to play,” Marquez said. “Nobody even mentioned that we are still on a winning streak from last year. I think we all feel very blessed and very fortunate that we have been able to get the opportunity to put the pads on again.”
Having four out of five offensive linemen returning to the program,
along with the rest of a tight-knit squad that has mostly been together since their Jr. Patriots days, is huge. Practice sessions can rely more on preparing for the week ahead instead of focusing on small details and fundamentals.
“It made the short preseason more manageable because we didn’t have to start from scratch,” Marquez said. “I was confident in the boy’s abilities, so the game Friday was our first time live tackling. I had not let the boys loose until Friday.”
With a week off from any games, the JV team spent the week resting up. They face perennial league favorites, Casa Robles on Friday and will have to play even better than they did against Woodland.
“I feel like this win has definitely motivated us, and it’s exciting for us to finish the season,” Marquez said. “We have Casa Robles coming up, and they are going to be a tough opponent. They are very well-coached, and we are looking forward to this next opponent and challenge. We have to be more disciplined. We have to do what we do. We have to run our offense, we can’t turn the ball over, and we have to tackle.”
Whatever happens, coach Marquez will always be grateful for the chance to get to play this year.
“I coach to see the boys interact with each other and know they are creating memories that will last with them for a lifetime because there is nothing like high school football,” Marquez said. “Thats why I come out here. I couldn’t imagine being in high school and not having athletics. It’s just such an outlet for these boys, so for them to open it up and let us play, we are truly grateful that we can put our helmets on and get out there.”