Not much went right for the Los Osos High School football team last year. The Grizzlies and coach Kevin Price knew it was going to be tough competing in the Baseline League even if they were healthy. Well, they weren’t.
The Grizzlies went 2-8 overall and 0-5 in league play. Of the 53 players on the roster, 29 were injured, most of those missing multiple games.
“It was tough,” he said. “Everyone has injuries so you hate using it as an excuse but it was a major factor. We just couldn’t put the team on the field we thought we were going to have.”
Price is doing everything he can to see that history doesn’t repeat itself. He had called the offense the last two years but is going back on the other side of the ball and will be defensive coordinator.
Mike Randall, previously the offensive line coach, will call the offense.
“It’s just where I feel the most comfortable,” Price said. “And it’s where I think I can contribute the most.”
The Grizzlies will boast a couple of the area’s best players and that’s a good place to start. Senior Cohl Cabral, who has committed to Arizona State, will anchor both lines. Price also singled him out for his work ethic and leadership.
Then there’s senior linebacker Bryce Younquist, who has a half a dozen major college offers. He too missed a couple of games last season.
Senior running back Donovan Williams who has the potential have an impact in both the running and passing games. He has also been used at quarterback at times.
Among the others who saw significant playing time last year were cornerback Aiden Christensen, offensive lineman Miles Dutton, defensive tackle Chris Ekokobe, inside linebacker Mikael Fakhoura, slot receiver Michael Martin and wide receiver Koa Mattson.
Among the others coming back are senior quarterback Dominic Slouka, who played five games in place of the injured Jason Crain last year as a junior.
“He has come a long way,” Price said of Slouka. “Obviously it was tough on him because it was a lot to ask of him to begin with and a lot of his weapons weren’t on the field either.”
Among the newcomers Price is hoping make an immediate impact are senior defensive end Mason Vega, junior defensive end Daivon Allen and junior wide receiver Trevon Clark.
“I’m not coming out an saying we’re going to win the league but we can compete,” Price said. “These kids work hard and at the end of the day they’re going to leave it all out there.”
Los Osos starts the new season on Aug. 28 against Carter. It opens league play on Oct. 9 at home against Chino Hills.
