Story Created:
Sep 1, 2010 at 1:14 PM PST
Story Updated:
Sep 1, 2010 at 1:14 PM PST
Nobody can accuse Garfield High School football coach Lorenzo Hernandez of padding his schedule with patsies.
The fact is, it’s just the opposite.
Hernandez is preparing his Bulldogs for the Eastern League with a preseason gauntlet that begins with Friday’s 7:30 p.m. opener with powerhouse Bishop Amat at East L.A. College.
Following are road games with Orange Lutheran, Ontario Colony and St. Paul.
“We’re looking to challenge the kids and see how we stack up against teams of this caliber,” Hernandez said. “Bishop Amat has so much tradition and so many great athletes over the years. We appreciate them giving us the opportunity to play them.”
Amat, coming off a 10-2 season, is ranked 24th in the state by maxpreps.com. The Lancers are led by one of the state’s best all-around athletes in quarterback Rio Ruiz.
Garfield, 5-6 a year ago, has a challenge on its hands, but features some talented athletes of its own.
Fortunately, they’re on defense where the Bulldogs’ strength appears to lie.
Moses Saucedo, a two-time All-City defensive end and the league defensive MVP in 2009, and linebacker Hector Cazales won’t be intimidated by anybody. Both participated in a football camp at Boise State this summer and left positive impressions.
Hernandez feels colleges are missing a bet by not making more of a run at Saucedo (6-1, 210).
“He has an unstoppable motor and never comes off the field,” he said. “I don’t see why they don’t give this guy a chance.”
The offensive and defensive fronts will have to carry the team early while young skill players get their bearings, according to Hernandez.
Leonardo Vaal returns at quarterback after starting about half the 2009 season. Giovanni Leon and sophomore Lance Fernandez will share the running back duties. Sophomore Fabian Gonzalez is the top wide receiver.
Anchoring the offensive line is Hasiel Santoyo (6-3, 275).
“Hopefully we’re better than last year,” Hernandez said. “We want to close out games better than we did last year. We would get into the red zone and not be able to finish. We want to be able to score touchdowns.”
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