St. Paul Football: Still "A work in progress"
]"A work in progress."
That's St. Paul High School football coach Pete Gonzalez's progress report on the Swordsmen after they played their Blue-White scrimmage Saturday.
"It went OK," Gonzalez said of the intrasquad scrimmage. "We were playing a (simulated) game, hoping to see where our players stand, and to fix some things. We're still trying to find the right combinations."
One of the Gonzalez's priorities is finding the right equation in the offensive line. The Swordsmen may have taken a step closer to the solution, but he's still looking.
"It's a work in progress," Gonzalez said. "We're still moving guys around. Nothing is set. The good thing is the players and coaches are working hard to get it settled."
It appears the offense in general will rely more on execution than surprises, at least for the time being.
"We did OK overall," Gonzalez said. "We're a pretty basic team (offensively) right now, at least until we get it down. A work in progress. We're not going to move forward to the complicated stuff until we get the little things right first."
Linebacker Michael Demery, a transfer from Mayfair, was impressive.
"He's a very smart player," Gonzalez said. "He pays attention and works hard. He knows our stuff already."
Gonzalez also cited the efforts of Luis Garcia, who is doubling as a running back/defensive back.
"He can do a lot of things," Gonzalez said. "We're very fortunate to have someone like him."
The Swordsmen worked without Darius Bratcher, another transfer from Mayfair, who fractured two ribs in practice and is questionable for Friday's game.
That means Garcia, junior Jared Morales and returning letterman Deion Williams will get most of the reps against Servite in Friday's season opener.
Also missing Saturday was linebacker Markus Viramontes, who is recovering from surgery that removed a tumor from his toe.
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About this blog
Roger Murray is the prep sports editor for the Whittier Daily News.
The progress is not to good!!!!!! Maybe they need more TRANFERS, or Murry should not post their SCORES!!!!!
Roger, In mentioning college ball, When are you featuring information on Whittier college's upcoming season? I heard that there are a of couple St Paul 2008 Grads, joining another SP grad (2006) on the team? Give us the 2008 team outlook/preview... Thx
Dear SPF
I realize that some high school grads are not ready for University level and JC is a great option...my point was that: signing day was staged and everyone involved knew..coaches , administration and possibly the press. They did not have to use him. I am not judging David Flores..I hope he makes it.
Big Bust (Russ),
The reason Big Dave ended it up at Cerritos College is because his test scores weren't that high, the Minnesota State-Moorhead coaches talked to his parents. It was in the best interest in David's future to enroll at a JC and in a year or two try to get in a DIV. 1 program. I know everyone thinks this kid blow a prime opportunity to play football at the next level. But many kids take this avenue and become successful.
I was at the game last night. St Paul has a much better team than what I expected. From what I see their offense is better and more dangerous than last years. Their defense is a work in progress and may hurt them in big games. Here's my prediction: St Paul 27 Garfield 20. Too much overall team speed on the Swordsmen side, and Garfield may not be able to get their heads out of the clouds after their biggest victory in years.
Dear SP alums,
So defensive about Flores and Stieger..Could you be the soft-ball coach that "resigned"? protecting her "boys". Flores went through grad ceremony...key word ceremony and went to summer school to make up credits. There is nothing wrong with it -making up credits..just be honest about how signing day was staged. Point is: SP coaches used the opportunity for publicity to the program.
SP Alum:
You are mistaken. No one from last years all CIF team is up yet on the Walk of Fame. Ryan Rosenthal is up there because he was also all CIF in 2006.
No conspiracy, no cover up....they just haven't put their numbers up yet.
Big Russ and Anonymous,
Yes both Flores and Stiger both play at Cerritos. Both have Div. 1 Talent and in my opinion both made a smart decsion by turning down other scholarships to get and opportunity to again showcase their talents for Div. 1 schools. And another thing Flores and Stiger both did graduate high school.
That signing day was not staged. Flores just wants to go D1 and anyone who has seen him play knows he can play at that level. You cannot fault a kid for chasing what he wants. And who wants to play outdoors in Minnesota during the winter at a Div.2 school?
Also Murray quick question to see if you have any insight. All players that get ALL-CIF at SP get their numbers put on the outside of the stadium, right? Well walking by the other day I notice that everyone that made ALL-CIF from last years were on there EXCEPT for the 2 MOST IMPORTANT KEY PLAYERS FROM LAST YEARS CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. The Offensive and Defensive CIF PLAYERS of THE YEAR in Aubrey Haynes and David Flores. What ever happened to
"Once a Swordsman, always a Swordsman." Will they put those number up?
I think they should bc without those 2 they dont win that title.
Some one forgot to tell Garcia he is only 5"9" , he thinks he is 6'5 250 . LOL Are kids might be height challenged but they are full of heart and not afraid to go up against anyone.
Ryan Stiger is listed on the Cerritos College roster
Hey Big Russ
Must have been! If it was then someone needs to go ask Coach Jimenez what the heck he was doing there sitting at the table with that big-o smile. You’d think he’d know being one of David’s d-coaches. I have to admit I was shock to even see him still there that late in the school. To bad, Dave is a nice kid.
hey Anonymous,
My niece(his classmate) told me he did not even graduate..not enough credits. Was That whole signing day and front page article staged?...at that point of the school year won't they very well know about his grades... What do you think??
A few swordmens from last year have went on to play in college. Flores has 1 year of JC before transferring to a Div I school not sure which one. Ryan Stiger is at Arizona, Matt Lopez is at New Mexico just to name a few.
Its all starting to creap up on Cheaty Petey now. He promises scholarships to kids and yet how many d1 players has he had get scholarships. He is now relegated to show off his coaching ability because the new principal is laying down the law. No more transfers at SP and no more assisted tuition for athletes. Finally someone that can bring the school back is there in charge. Just answer the, How do you have the CIF Defensive and Offensive player of the year and they do not go anywhere. Grades werent an issue with Aubrey either so before you reply think of another excuse.
Yo Murray,
Did my eyes deceive me or did I read in the WDN paper this morning that David Flores from St Paul is listed as a one of the talented newcomers to Cerritos College???? What happened to him being a Dragon????? Did anyone from that championship team go anywhere beyond JC?
Also I heard from a buddy of mine that the two football stadiums in the Whittier Union School District are going to be renamed as District Stadiums (east and west?) Have you heard anything like that?
Choo-choo! Her comes the SP excuse train. Get on board.
Servite suffered injuries in black/white scrimmage friday night also. Our staring QB, RB and LB all hurt friday. They will not play.
I watched the scrimmage. St Paul has their work cut out for them especially with their tough schedule. I respect their program for taking on tough teams, making it to the semi's in 2006 and also winning the championship last year. No easy task. They will have to play with a lot of heart and above their potential to be successful this year. Something the Swordsmen do year in and year out.
garcia has a big heart,but doesnt know he is only 5'9" 170 lbs.
not enough to carry st. paul.
gonna need alot of luck