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Sports

Football Preview: This Year, Capuchino Looks to Turn the Page

With new head coach, the Mustangs look to rebound from a lackluster 2009 season.

After a disappointing 2009 campaign, the Capuchino High Mustangs will look to hit the "refresh" button this year. With new coaches, offensive schemes and talent on both sides of the ball, the team is optimistic that it can do just that.

The Mustangs had to deal with some early adversity, though, due to last week's gas explosion and fire. Capuchino's first game at South City was postponed last week after the fire, which was disappointing to the team, said head coach Jordan Seiden.

"We were looking forward to getting this first game under our belts, but we understand why it had to be that way," Seiden said. "The kids are resilient. They are looking for every oppurtunity to bounce back, and football provides a good opportunity to get their minds off of it."

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Fortunately, none of the players' houses were destroyed.

 The 2009 season was a grind, resulting in a 1-9 overall record. (The one win came when Mission-San Francisco had to forfeit.) "We weren't working as a unit," said senior running back/safety John Wild. "We played as individuals."

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Lack of effort in practice also played a key factor. "Last year we goofed off a lot and we were out of shape," Wild said.

This is exactly what Seiden, the former Conta Costa College assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, looks to change. Senior offensive guard/defensive tackle Xavier Collins said last year's coach, Chris Chaika, was good but there was a lack of effort from the team. However, players agree, there seems to be a lot more structure in this year's practices, with more discipline involved and a set game plan.  

Senior fullback Will Scott said he is extremely optimistic about the team's hierarchy, which includes Seiden, defensive coordinator Keith Norman and offensive coordinator Shawn Parker.

"The coaching staff commands more respect. Last year's coaches acted more like a friends, but more is expected from us this year," Scott said. "Our entire team's  conditioning has changed. There is more intensity and the team is benefitting."

The biggest change in the team's on-field philosophy can be seen in the offense. As with most teams in high school football, Capuchino has traditionally had a run-first offense. This will still be partially true, Seiden said, but new offensive weapons such as junior wide receiver/running back Tim Gretter will allow Seiden to run more of a spread offense (one running back with two wide receivers on each side of the field).

Seiden said he also plans to install many trick plays to keep the defense on its toes.

The Mustangs also have reason to be optimistic about the product on the field. One might say that the team has a "core four" of senior players that includes Scott, Wild, Collins and quarterback John Bacchi. Along with sophomore free safety Justin Ewing and junior running back/wide receiver Tim Gretter, Capuchino expects to go far.

The team definitely has some exciting matchups on the schedule this season. Their first game Saturday against Gilroy's Christopher High School will provide an opportunity for the Mustangs to show how much they've improved, Scott said.

"We want to make a statement in our first game," Scott said. Furthermore, all of the players say they are looking forward to the game against their archrivals, Mills, on Nov. 14.

One obstacle the Mustangs must face this year is their depth. Many players will suit up to play both offensive and defensive positions, which will affect their stamina, said defensive back Dajon Oneal.

"We don't have many backups," Oneal said.

The enhanced conditioning program Seiden established should help keep the troops from wearing down.

"We have the talent to win our league and make it to CCS (Central Coast Section)," Wild said. "It's up to us to go out and execute."

Saturday's game against Christopher High is at 1pm at Capuchino.

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