Khoury Bethley of Don Lugo talks about loftier expectations this season after last year’s success. pic.twitter.com/uUwzKp3Yfe
— Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) August 9, 2017
Don Lugo emerged as the surprise team on the football field in the Inland Valley last year. The Conquistadores (10-3, 5-0) took over the throne previously occupied by Colony, then marched all the way to the CIF Southern Section Division semifinal before falling to Burbank.
They won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season.
“We won’t be taking anyone by surprise this year,” said Greg Gano, the veteran coach entering his second year at the helm. “We have the target on us now so we have to be ready. That’s OK, we will be.”
On offense the Conquistadores won’t look much different than they did last year. Leading the large core of returning players is senior Khoury Bethley, who ran for 2,089 yards and 25 touchdowns last year which helped earn him MVP honors in the Mt. Baldy League.
Senior quarterback Rudy Garcia who threw for 1,18 yards and 22 touchdowns as well as his favorite target Daniel Munguia (41 catches ofr 892 yards, 12 TDs). Need more? There is also massive offensive lineman Chris Randazzo who has committed to Oregon.
Other to look for on offense include senior center Derek Partida, senior tight end Albert Luevano, sophomore running back Bryan Soto and wide receivers Isseah Gonzalez and Nico Lara.
There are far fewer familiar faces coming back on the other side of the ball, with graduation hitting the team hard, particularly in the line backing core.
“That is definitely our biggest question mark. We lost everyone there,” Gano said. “We’re going to have to count on other guys to step up.”
Several of the offensive standouts will be needed top contribute on defense, including Bethley. Gano is also counting on junior defensive end Alex navarro and senior defensive end Tim Garcia.
Among those in the mix for the linebacker jobs are Norman Morales, Chris Perez, Joey Murray and Kris Bland.
DON LUGO SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 – At Warren
Sept. 8 – Monrovia
Sept. 15 – Northview (At Covina District Field)
Sept. 22 – Chino
Sept. 29 – At Troy
Oct. 6 – At Montclair
Oct. 13 – At Colony
Oct. 20 – At Alta Loma
Oct. 27 – Chaffey
Nov. 3- Ontario