Last year the Webb football team got off to a 5-1 start and was on its way to the best season in recent memory. But some injuries took their toll and the Gauls settled for a 5-5 record.
Coach Amahl Thomas, now in his fourth year, says this could be the year his team turns the corner provided it can stay healthy.
“We were disappointed last year because we thought we were capable of something a little better. We had four major injuries and when you’re talking a small school and those guys play both sides, it’s like losing eight,” he said. “We just never recovered.”
Thomas singles out his skill position players as the strong point of this year’s version of the Gauls. Many of those will see action on both offense and defense.
Leading the group of experienced players are senior wide receiver-defensive end Apollo Thomas, the coach’s son who was a first-team All-San Joaquin selection last year.
Others include senior wide receiver Nick Jung and junior middle linebacker-tailback Adrian Alvarez. Both were among those players, each sustaining a severe ankle sprain that sidelined them for the stretch run.
The biggest question mark comes on the offensive line which was hit hard by graduation. Thomas will be counting heavily on senior Andy Christiansen, the elder statesman of the bunch.
“We’re going to have to utilize our skill position players and get the ball out there a little quicker,” Thomas said. “We’re just inexperienced up front and we’ll need to make up for that.”
The quarterback spot is up for grabs between junior Ryan Place and sophomore J.J. Cunningham. Wyatt Albert, who played there last year, is not playing this year after sustaining a third concussion playing soccer in the winter.
Thomas is expecting junior wide receiver-linebacker Spencer Easley, a backup last year, to assume a larger role this season. Among the others who could have an impact are senior linebacker Spencer Stewart, a baseball player who has dedicated himself to football as well.
The new season gets underway on Saturday, Aug. 27 with a 10:30 a.m. home game against North Hollywood Campbell Hall.
Thomas is excited about having three local teams on his schedule – Western Christian Garey and Upland Christian, with Upland Christian, transitioning from the eight-man game to the traditional game this fall.
“I really see this team as a 7-3 kind of team,” Thomas said. “You never know what is going to happen and we’ll need some younger guys to improve as we go but we have good potential.”
