The 2011 Centurions Varsity Football Team got off to a great start this year, initially winning two out of their first three games. They won a shootout against Hilltop High in their season opener, and beat Southwest High in El Centro by holding them to just seven points. But the Centurions have had two disappointments since then.
The team’s strengths include the ability to communicate and the ability to work together. “We have our fair share of jokes; we have some comedic players. But when it’s game time, we all get serious, and we’ve got to work hard. I think we know when to joke and when to take it really seriously,” said Right Tackle Senior Tom Hogle in an interview with KUSI’s Prep Pigskin Report. Also, the Centurions boast a strong running game, led by Senior Runningbacks Sam Haynes and Jordan Green. This duo carries the team on their backs as they account for 69 percent of the team’s total yards and 79 percent of all touchdowns (maxpreps.com).
As for things to improve on, the Centurions must adjust to having a new quarterback in the middle of the season. Junior Ryan Fassetta is now in control of the offense.
But this will be more of a substitution rather than a replacement, as this transition should be seamless. “The guys know who I am and what I can do. We’ve been playing together for a long time, and we know what to expect out of each other,” said Fassetta. Also, the Centurions have to simply execute better on both sides of the ball. “We have to work on the little things. Football is a game of details,” said Head Coach John Hutsel.
One player to keep an eye on is Hogle, who is also a major part of the Centurions’ successful ground attack, paving the way for Haynes and Green. “He works hard; he has a great attitude, and he’s big. God made him to play some football!” said Hutsel. Another player to watch for is Safety/Linebacker Senior Josh Gonzalez. “He is one of our leaders and has the ability to make big hits as a linebacker,” said Defensive Back Senior Alfonso Juarez.
According to Hutsel, the Centurions simply have to do one thing to make the playoffs: win. Despite a four game losing streak and a dismal 2-5 record, they are actually on the bubble. The Centurions must win at least one of their final three games in order to stay in the playoff hunt. But they will have to face San Diego High School and Kearny High, the top ranked defense and offense in the Central League, respectively.