Football preview: Damien doesn't look good - yet
"We lost everybody."
It sounded like a distress call on the other end of the phone. Greg Gano, however, isn't the distressed type. Yes, Damien lost 19 of its 22 starters from last season. I wouldn't exactly describe things as looking rosy for the defending co-Sierra League champs entering this year - and they don't look any better with Covina Charter Oak and West Covina South Hills in the league now.
But things didn't look too great when Gano took over a 3-win team prior to last season. They looked even worse when Damien started 1-5. But the Spartans won their last four regular-season games and ended up with the Sierra League's No. 1 playoff seed. (That landed them a first-round date with eventual CIF champ Upland, but that's beside the point) If there is something that does look good, it's Gano's coaching record. He's done this before and he can do it again.
"Last year our defense came around in the middle of the season and allowed less points than anybody in league," Gano said. "We're optimistic, but we don't have a lot of expectations."
With returning starters James Ramirez, a senior strong safety, and Alex Arevalo, a junior defensive end, Gano is hoping the defense will again hit its stride by the time league play begins. The Spartans don't have an abundance of size but they relied heavily on their scrappiness last year. They may not have the bodies, but in a way Damien is beginning this season ahead of where they were last year.
"With a new coaching staff it takes the kids a little time to believe in what you're doing," Gano said. "This year, they already believe."
Junior 6-foot-4 quarterback Enrique Zaldivar takes over for James Guillen but the largest void to fill is that of 1,250-yard rusher Phillip Sainz. Damien doesn't seem to have a lot of answers yet, but I think some will emerge before the season is over. The Spartans again have one of the most difficult schedules in the area - seven of their 10 opponents reached at least the quarterfinals of the playoffs - but that philosophy perfectly prepared them for league last year.
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About Clay
Clay Fowler has been covering high school sports for six years in California and Texas. He was born in Dallas, attended the University of Texas and worked in Central Texas before joining the Daily Bulletin staff in 2006.
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But what Damien does have behind them is there fans!! Damien fans will support them all the way ~ Best all around! Go Spartans!