WATSONVILLE– It’s been a shaky beginning for the Pajaro Valley High football group after it shed 2 straight non-league video games to start the season.
The Grizzlies are much from surrendering, nevertheless, and also head instructor Joe Manfre claimed a lot of the goals they set at the start of the season are still available.
For starters, they’re still in line to win a Pacific Shore Athletic League Santa Lucia Division title. This year’s group can likewise become the first team in the program’s history to get the Central Shore Area playoffs.
” There’s all these points that we wish to do as well as obviously defeating Watsonville would certainly’ve been really great, however at the end of the day it’s not completion of the globe,” Manfre claimed.
After a heartbreaking 22-17 season opening loss to Watsonville High up on Aug. 27, Manfre told his players to maintain their direct since there are still a lot of games left in the season to transform points around.
The Grizzlies took another strike to the digestive tract after a 40-0 crushing loss to North Monterey Region High on Sept. 3.
Pajaro Valley (0-2) has a current roster of 41 players and also half of them are brand-new to the sporting activity.
Manfre said the hardest part is these brand-new players don’t have adequate video game time experience, unlike in 2015 when the Grizzlies were senior-heavy.
Pajaro Valley ended up 2-7 general as well as put fourth in the Santa Lucia with a 1-3 record in 2021.
” Some of those juniors had roles on the team yet really did not see a lots of playing time,” Manfre said. “So this is their first real, true having fun time and also it’s a rough road occasionally when you have a lot of individuals that do not have a ton of playing experience.”
Elderly Juan Macias was just one of the gamers who saw very little play time last season. This year, he’s going to carry on a whole lot on violation as well as he’ll likewise be a staple on defense as a linebacker for the Grizzlies.
Macias stated they’re bringing even more intensity and power, educating the young individuals to never give up.
He mentioned in 2014’s elderly course ran the group but now it depends on the junior class to complete deep spaces, primarily on the protective side.
Macias and also fellow colleague Jesus Basulto both have actually been playing the leadership function by constantly being on time and setting the instance.
Macias stated it had not been till summer season practice that he began working out right into his duty as captain.
” It was sort of out of my comfort area, so I had to deal with individuals that have a lot more experience,” he said.
Erick Viveros, that dropped the moniker “Hollywood”, is the only returning two-way electrician as well as has actually also actioned in as a leader on the group.
Basulto said the frame of mind this year is finishing solid. He desires gamers to give it 100% the whole time.
The senior quarterback added that having a brand-new training personnel also brought a new sort of mindset that makes them attempt harder on every play.
” We take a look at it as a brand-new season, we have a various way of thinking entering into this period as well as we expect the very best,” Basulto claimed.
The Grizzlies are running a Pistol Wing-T violation. Manfre claimed it alters a bit of what they used to do yet he believes they’ll have the ability to be extra effective using it.
” It’s kind of a discovering curve today with all these brand-new guys that have never ever played in the past,” Manfre claimed.
Pajaro Valley additionally brought back protective planner Casey Neligh, that was with the program the last time they won the Belgard Kup in 2016. He will run a 4-3 defense.
Manfre said the defensive trainer’s return brought a great deal of power to the group and also the gamers are thrilled. They required 6 fumbles in the season opener versus Watsonville.
” He brings a great deal of energy to exercise, to video games and he’s got the kids delighted,” Manfre claimed.
Macias stated he quickly felt the high power when Neligh initially presented himself in the weight area.
” Initially, he came in as well as he’s like ‘Look, we’re just gon na bring this from the bottom up’ as well as I resembled damn,” Macias claimed. “The way he chats, I get cools.”
Damian Torres had 3 sacks as well as a number of takes on for losses in the Grizzlies’ period opening loss to Watsonville. Manfre claimed Torres plays physical football as well as though he might not be the biggest gamer on the area, he’s tough and also all over the area.
” I think he type of turned some heads and I assume groups are going to see him on movie and say, ‘We could need to plan for this individual a little,'” Manfre said.
Manfre additionally likes elderly running back/safety Franky Gomez, that has actually been flying around the area and making use both sides of the ball.
” I’m excited to see what he might do this year, as well,” Manfre stated.
This year’s race for the Santa Lucia Department title will be a shot in the dark, Manfre said. He stated Gonzales and San Lorenzo Valley are still the unknown teams, Stevenson lost a lot of seniors from last year’s squad, Greenfield dropped to 1-2 after a loss to St. Francis and also Marina is returning after not having an university period in 2021.
” It’s up for grabs now,” Manfre said. “I think it’s whoever’s playing the best back then when you’re playing those groups.”
Macias said this year’s league timetable will certainly be fun once again and also understands what to anticipate, specifically after being in the exact same division for the previous four years.
” We kind of know who we’re highlighting versus,” Macias claimed. “We like going against those guys.”
The Grizzlies will certainly seek to have a bounceback week with a roadway video game against Pacific Grove on Saturday at 2pm.
Pajaro Valley High 2022 football timetable
Watsonville, shed (22-17).
North Monterey County, shed (40-0).
At Pacific Grove, 9/10 at 2pm.
St. Francis, 9/17 at 12:30 pm.
San Lorenzo Valley *, 9/24 at 12:30 pm.
Gonzales *, 10/08 at 12:30 pm.
At Stevenson *, 10/15 at 2pm.
Harbor *, 10/22 at 12:30 pm.
At Greenfield *, 10/28 at 7pm.
Marina *, 11/05 at 6pm (Beach High School).
My name is Christopher B. Grant. I am currently a journalist at the Watsonville News Daily. I have been interested in journalism since I was a young boy and it is my dream to one day work for a major news organization. I am passionate about telling stories that matter and making a difference in my community.
My name is Christopher B. Grant. I am currently a journalist at the Watsonville News Daily. I have been interested in journalism since I was a young boy and it is my dream to one day work for a major news organization. I am passionate about telling stories that matter and making a difference in my community.
