Last year was not an enjoyable one for Ganesha football coach Don Cayer. The Giants went just 3-7 (0-4 in the five-0team Miramonte League) and underachieved for the talent Cayer thought he had. He chalked that up to some selfish attitudes and poor team chemistry.
He got rid of a dozen or so players between the end of the season and Christmas and is hoping new team chemistry will translate to a better product on the field.
“I want to have guys out here that I like and kids out here that get along,” he said. “I probably let more stuff go last year than I should have and that’s on me. I don’t want to have another year like that.”
Cayer, starting his fifth year, is optimistic though. The Giants are young but the veteran coach likes the potential.
“We’re going to be young so if we can keep improving we should do pretty well. But everyone looks good this time of year,” he said.
He singles out his backfield as the strength of the team. He is high on freshman Jaylin Sims who moved into the area last year as an eighth grader. Cayer says he has the potential to be as big a factor as Donovan Davis was when he led the area in rushing in 2013.
Junior Zaquand Irby, who did not play last year so he could get academics in order, will also be a big contributor.
Of course a good running game is dependent on a formidable front line. Cayer singled out tackles Diego Mora and Luis Lopez and guard Jacob Delgadillo as the leaders up front.
The biggest question mark will be at quarterback with the departure of three-year starter John Mosqueda. Top candidates are Angel Bernal and senior Tyler Wardsworth. Bernal was the junior varsity quarterback but Wardsworth is a newcomer better known as the starting center fielder for the baseball team.
Top performers on the defensive side of the ball will be senior defensive end Jaques Wilborn and sophomore middle linebacker Alonso Arce. Cayer said Wilborn will also play some wide receiver-tight end hybrid.
GANESHA SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 – At Sierra Vista
Sept. 1 – Gladstone
Sept. 8 – At Jurupa Valley
Sept. 15 – San Gabriel
Sept. 22 – Montclair
Sept. 29 – At Southlands Christian
Oct. 13 – La Puente
Oct. 20 – At Garey
Oct. 27 – Bassett
Nov. 3 – At Pomona
