Undefeated a year ago, Warriors in hunt for another CAL
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GILROY — How does a team follow up a 9-0-1 season in which it won a Coastal Athletic League championship?
According to head coach KC Adams, there are plenty of ways. One of which is going 10-0.
“There is a whole lot of room for improvement, 9-0-1 didn’t get us into the playoffs,” Adams pointed out at practice last Wednesday. “That was all fine, that was nice, but I think everybody left with a nasty taste in their mouths.”
Getting into the 8-man playoffs requires a team to stay near the top of the state rankings. Last season the Warriors fell out of the top-10 at season’s end. However, that must change in order for them to get the recognition they deserve, Adams said.
“It’s staying high in those rankings. It’s just like that BCS,” Adams said. “We absolutely want the opportunity to be able to play for something.”
First thing is first and that’s a second straight CAL crown.
Now in their fourth year as a program, the Warriors have not only grown as a program , but the CAl has also expanded, fielding seven teams this season with the addition of Cornerstone Christian (Antioch) and Stuart Hall (San Francisco.)
The Warriors return key figures on both sides of the ball led by 6-foot-1 220-pound running back and linebacker, junior Kareem Lucas.
Despite missing games due to injury and academic issues, Lucas still managed to churn out 683 yards on the ground. Back at full strength and with his grades in order, Lucas foresees 2,000 yards in his future.
“I’m going to try to get my two-grand this year,” Lucas said with a wry smile. “I’m going to be around for all 10 games this year.”
In order to make sure all 22 players remain healthy throughout the season, the Warriors made it their prerogative to hit the weight room as ardently as possible, building up the strength and stamina that will sustain them during the season.
“We have a lot of bigger people this year,” said Jordan Suniga, who returns as the team’s fullback and middle linebacker after missing the majority of his junior campaign with a torn medial collateral ligament.
“We all feel way healthier and faster. The intesity of the workouts got a lot harder. Now with hit the gym every day working different parts of the body.”
A revamped offensive line will provide stability to an already threatening offense that torched opposing defenses for a combined 3,579 yards.
Last year’s league-title race came down to the second-to-last week of the season in a grudge match with rival Crystal Springs Uplands on homecoming. The Warriors dominated the affair, winning 66-22.
Anchorpoint won’t have to wait until mid-November to face its foe this season. The two will squares off Week 4 to open CAL play.
“We can’t just win we have to blow teams out,” Lucas said. “We have to do out best out there.”
