Wildcats ready to make strides
“It’ll be interesting,” was how West Ranch head coach Chris Varner described the situation with respect to the abbreviated season, echoing the sentiments of every coach in the Foothill League. He joked that he had a January plan, and an August plan, but he didn’t necessarily have a mid-March plan in place for a season.
As far as tempering expectation, Varner wouldn’t be surprised if play ranged from the exciting and high-scoring, as well as including mistakes and fumbles, as teams had a fraction of their normal prep time. Varner is certainly capable of the former, leading a high-powered offense that finished the 2019-20 season 10-3 and averaging 40 points a game.
“I’ve got a young team, so there’s a lot of question marks,” he said, then adding, “We’re young, but we’re going to learn fast.”
The team lost four very talented All-CIF starters on both sides of the ball — linebackers Zachary Van Bennekum and Bryce Buchanan, and on offense, wide receiver Brandon Wyre, and offensive lineman John Collier.
However, Varner is hopeful that his seasoned starter under center, San Jose State-bound, All-CIF quarterback Walker Eget will be able to get the offense to come together quickly in the sprint that is the fivegame 2021 season.
He expects junior free safety/running back Derek Miranda and senior wide receiver Nick Kohl to also play important roles in that effort, as well.
“This is also the biggest offensive line I’ve ever had,” Varner said. As far as upside and potential goes, the sky is the limit for the offensive line, as it’s an all-sophomore group among the starters, which also could present challenges in a shortened season.
On defense, there could be five sophomores starting, and the rest could be juniors, which means that 2021 is going to offer “a very quick learning curve,” Varner said.
Senior Sean Castor was described as a defensive end who’s “got a big motor” and has been all over the field making plays for the Wildcats, Varner said. The same can also be said for Grayson Gil, a speedy sophomore who was moved up to varsity early in the shortened preseason based on how he’s impressed coaches.
Jake Priske had his season shortened by an ankle injury last year, and Varner noted he’s healthy and doing well in his move from primarily a receiver to outside linebacker. “He’s playing a new position, but really making some nice strides,” Varner added.
“I will say, this is one of the most enjoyable teams that I’ve ever coached, just for what we’ve asked them to do in three weeks,” Varner said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more than what they’ve given me.”
The Wildcats’ season starts today against reigning league champion Valencia.