No. 8 Saugus
Jason Bornn,
20th season
2021 W-L record: 9-2,
4-0 Foothill League
Top returners: Vinny Gallager, RB/DB, Sr.;
Austin Treahy, ATH, Sr.; AJ Goodman, WR/DB, Sr.; Khai Ky-yieth, WR/DB, Sr.; Jacob Viger, LB, Sr; Jadon Lemmons, WR/DB, Sr.; JT Moore, OL/DL, Sr.; Dario Sandoval, DE/TE, Sr.
Key losses: Brady Welch, QB; Sebastian Dallaire,
WR; Braden Salazar, CB/K; Tyler Long, CB; Cody Collier, S; Blake Zimmerman, LB; Brandon Lee, DL; Nick Cerioli, OL; Ty Durazo, OL; Jacob Faraldo, RB; Justin Lee, DL
Newcomers: TJ Cataldi, QB, Sr.; Andrew Alfaro, ATH, Jr.; Coda Hooper, ATH, Sr.; Wyatt Sharman, ATH, Sr.; Austin Valentino, OL/DL, Sr.
BORNN SAYS...
Team’s biggest strength: “Experience. We need to take that experience and use it to our advantage moving forward this year.” Team’s biggest challenge: “Tough nonleague schedule.”
Saugus will try to win its third straight Foothill League title this fall, but the naysayers will claim the last two league crowns should be accompanied by asterisks. The first title came during the 2021 spring season — or as some have coined it, “the COVID season” — and last year’s crown came with a forfeit win from Valencia after the Vikings had complications with the virus in their program. Foothill League teams — and teams all over Southern California — are crossing their fingers that a full league schedule can be played this fall.
When it comes to the Centurions’ toughness, there are no question marks. Bornn always has his team ready to play. The Centurions are always fundamentally sound and never seem to get pushed around.
The biggest question mark will be at quarterback. TJ Cataldi will be making the transition to QB after playing slot receiver last season. Cataldi is a baseball player who has arm talent, but it remains to be seen how he’ll adjust to the position — and the pressure that comes with it.
Saugus graduated 11starters from last season’s team and lost one of the area’s best defensive linemen in Dylan Hampsten, who transferred to Oaks Christian. Saugus returns 10 seniors and a starting junior.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 18: at Rio Mesa
Aug. 26: vs. Moorpark Sept. 2: at Camarillo Sept. 8: vs. Simi Valley Sept. 16: at Valencia Sept. 23: vs. West Ranch Oct. 7: at Hart
Oct. 14: vs. Castaic
Oct. 21: at Canyon
Oct. 28: vs. Golden Valley Prediction: 8-2. Saugus has a good chance to start the season 3-0 before hosting Simi Valley (10-0 last season). It’s possible the Centurions can get through Foothill League play with just one loss. A lot will depend on how well they are able to throw the ball.