Football preview: Don Lugo doesn't need star power
Don Lugo may have graduated two of the most exciting players in the Inland Valley - behemoth defensive lineman George Uko now at USC and leading rusher Steven Bethley, who scored touchdowns about every conceivable way on offense, defense and special teams - but the 2010 Conquistadores may quite possibly be a better team this year. With the uncertainty of a new coaching staff for a Colony team that has won the league three of the last four years, some believe Don Lugo could be poised to move into the top tier of the Mt. Baldy League.
"Chaffey and Don Lugo," Ontario coach Steve Randall said, "are the top two teams in the league, in my opinion."
This season will go a long way toward indicating what kind of program third-year head coach Rick Martin has built at Don Lugo. If the Conquistadores can not only withstand the loss of a couple players the caliber of Uko and Bethley, but perhaps improve, it will prove a ton about the direction of the team.
The Conquistadores, who have made the playoffs six of the last seven years, bounced back nicely last season after missing the postseason in 2008. Seven starters are back on defense and five on offense. Don Lugo has plenty of size and will be physical on defense but the skill players are the largest question marks.
However, the Don Lugo passing game is accomplished enough behind quarterback Christian Aerts, who took over the last half of last season, that Martin is worried he may not be able to justify keeping the ball on the ground as much as his smash-mouth tendencies would prefer. Aerts doesn't have an abundance of experience and he may not see as many defenders in the box without Bethley's 1,143 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
"Right now our passing game looks much better than I thought," Martin said. "I'm a running guy, so we'll see. You've got to be able to run the ball or it'll catch up to you."
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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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don lugo put guys out but they do not do good at the next level. don lugo wont never get out of the first round. one and out the past 4 years.