Chaffey used to be known for its running game, made possible by a strong offensive line.
Last year the Tigers (4-6 overall, 2-3 in league in 2016) were a little young and the inexperience showed. But veteran coach Chris Brown thinks this team is capable of having the success on the ground it has in the past.
“I think we’re going to be able to run the ball,” Brown said. “We were young up front last year but all those guys are back and they’re a year older and they worked at it during the off-season. I really like this team.”
Most of the other offensive starters are back too. That group of returning players is led by senior running back Nick Silva who ran for a team-high 838 yards in nine games a year ago. The backfield will also include junior David Ciminiski (234 yards, 46 carries) and senior Micah Gildenrew (219 yards, 45 carries).
Senior speedster Jalen Vivian should see the ball as well.
That unit up front is led by senior Josue Lepes Sanchez, who will also be counted on defensively, as well as senior Gabriel Fuentez. The Tigers are also set at tight end with both George Wusstig and Malaki Tovi factoring in.
Junior Tyler Freeman is set to start at quarterback.
On defense many of those same players will be relied upon. Brown is a little concerned with his secondary, only because many of those playing there will also play full-time on offense.
The other trouble spot will be the kicking game because Brown said right now he literally does not have a kicker.
The team will be bolstered by the addition of senior strong safety0linebacker Kurt Imbach, who older brother Devin was a standout at Colony several years ago.
“He is really gong to help us,” Brown said. “He can play.”
The Tigers are dropping from Division 8 to Division 9. Brown singles out Colony and Don Lugo as the frontrunners in the Mt. Baldy League but thinks his team could factor into that third spot and possibly get into the playoffs.
CHAFFEY SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 – Grand Terrace
Sept. 1 – At Jurupa Hills
Sept. 8 – Patriot (at Rubidoux)
Sept. 15 – Colton
Sept. 29 – Barstow
Oct. 6 – Colony
Oct. 13 – Alta Loma
Oct. 20 – At Ontario
Oct. 27 – At Don Lugo
Nov. 3- Montclair
