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Canyon High football head coach Joe Maiale used two words to describe the preseason situation as well as anyone could, after learning his team would, in fact, have the season his players have been preparing for since last August: “ever changing.”
While Maiale is still establishing traditions with his second year at the helm of the Cowboys, it’s safe to say no one expected a year like
the one coaches and players have been challenged with this year.
“The best part is the enthusiasm,” Maiale said. “The kids love being out there.”
The play has surpassed expectation, he added, especially since, before the last two weeks, the players hadn’t touched a football in a team practice since last March.
“We’re gonna have to pare down a lot of what we do,” he added, describing the first week back on the field, “and really just focus on fundamentals.”
Maiale is looking forward to seeing more big plays from wide receiver Colin Figueroa, whose highlights last season included an 87-yard touchdown reception.
Figueroa put together an impressive 52-catch, 760-yard effort last year on both sides of the ball, playing as a defensive back, as well.
“He’s a playmaker,” Maiale said. “He’s got incredible hands, route running, he’s a leader ... he just really is a special ballplayer.”
Throwing to Figueroa
will be Angel Vasquez, senior starting quarterback whose physical ability and 6-foot, 3-inch, 210-pound frame have also garnered attention from college coaches due to his play at linebacker for the Cowboys. Vasquez was the backup quarterback last year, but his skills and athletic ability have commanded a more prominent role. “We had to get him on the field,” Maiale added, “and he really excelled in his one year at linebacker.”
At the line of scrimmage, Maiale said senior Matt Santos will be someone the offense and the defense depend on to make critical stops at the line of scrimmage and support the team’s playmakers, as well as in the locker room — or wherever the team is preparing for the game in lieu of COVID-19, as the restrictions might limit teams from gathering indoors before kickoff and at halftime.
“He’s definitely an emotional leader for the team,” Maiale said, “and really a guy who brings guys together.”
Jarrett Reeser will anchor the special teams as a senior punter/kicker who also plays forward for the Canyon High soccer team. He averaged about 47 yards per punt in 11 games last season and made six of seven field goal attempts, including a 43-yarder, according to statistics available on MaxPreps.com.
“It’s nice to have a dedicated kicker,” Maiale said, noting the challenges that come with putting together special teams in such a hectic preseason. “He loves doing it, he works hard on his own, and it’s impressive.”