Wolterman assumes La Habra quarterback role
By Steve Ramirez
LA HABRA - Cole Wolterman is sort of the missing link for the La Habra High School football team.
The Highlanders, who have won four consecutive CIF-Southern Section titles, appear to have nearly everything in place for their drive to five.
The question mark is at quarterback, where Southwest Division Player of the Year Cody Clements is gone.
Enter Wolterman, who understands the task at hand.
"Quarterback is already a tough position as it is, especially to follow someone like Cody," Wolterman said. "It's a big challenge, but I'm not that worried about it. I believe I can do it."
On the surface, Wolterman appears to be the perfect fit for La Habra. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he's able to combine physicality with speed and has enjoyed success at the position while leading the junior varsity two years ago.
But the learning curve for him will be on the mental side. He must get up to speed for the complex reads - both passing and runs - that are required in coach Frank Mazzotta's offense.
Mazzotta likes what he's seen so far.
"He's really worked hard and done a nice job getting ready since fall camp started," Mazzotta said. "He's fast, and he's a good runner, which are the strengths that are really going to make him the right quarterback for our offense.
"He's getting better at the decision part. In our offense, not only is he making pass decisions, but there are a lot of run reads that he has to make. He's doing that. (Our) quarterback is the point guard. He needs to find the right guy to get the ball to."
Clements, now at Washington State, was the master at that.
The former Highlanders star threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 61 touchdowns while leading La Habra to back-to-back divisional titles the past two seasons. He also gave the defense a run option.
The burning question is how quick can Wolterman provide enough production to allow the rest of the offense to function at a high level.
"Cole keeps getting better and better," said receiver Brett Bartolone, who had 37 receptions for 658 yards last season. "I'm excited about that. He has basically the same amount of arm strength Cody has. He puts the same zip on the ball. It's very comparable to Cody.
"I'm trying to help him out with the offense. He's still learning that, and I will do what I can to make him feel comfortable."
A big key for Wolterman is that he's not new to the varsity game. He did spell Clements two years ago, and got a taste of Friday nights while playing in La Habra's secondary last season.
He believes it will speed up his learning curve.
"(Playing safety last season) was a big help," Wolterman said. "It gives you that perspective of what the defense tries to do to stop the quarterback. Now, being a quarterback, it makes that transition a lot easier.
"I was happy playing safety last year. It was better than just staying behind Cody, and not having any experience on the field. It will make a difference."
Wolterman also understands the pressure for La Habra, which is trying to do what few in the CIF-SS have done - win five consecutive divisional titles. But he believes this team is ready for the challenge.
"I think we are going to have a really good team," he said. "We've worked really hard in the offseason and everyone (on the team) is showing a lot more than what people thought we've had. I'm really confident we're going to have a good year.
"There's a lot of pressure after winning four in a row, because nobody thinks we can win five. We just want to prove everyone wrong."
About this blog
Steve Ramirez is the prep sports editor for the Whittier Daily News.
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