As Cajon coach Kim Battin thinks about his team’s potential entering this season, he has flashbacks to 2008. Two years ago, the Cowboys went 11-2 with an experienced, veteran team en route to a San Andreas League championship and a run into the Central Division quarterfinals. Battin isn’t quite predicting that, but he is feeling good about Cajon’s chances this year.
“The expecations are very high. We have a group of seniors that learned from the seniors that made the run two years ago and that were a big part of a team that went 7-3 and made the playoffs last year,” Battin said. “There is a lot of experience and motivation here and we are ready to go out there and see what we can do.”
A lot of Battin’s confidence comes from a loaded offense led by senior quarterback Thomas Carter. Carter (6-0, 185) has started since early in his sophomore season, as he was the triggerman on the Cowboys’ semifinal team two years ago. He brings a potent dual-threat element to the Cowboys’ spread offense, allowing the Cowboys to throw in several different wrinkles.
“He’s almost like a running back that can throw,” Battin said. “His athletic ability gives us a lot of options in the running game with the option and you can’t copy his experience. He’s played in 25 high school football games, including the playoffs, and that’s something that’s valuable.”
Carter will have a lot of pieces in his arsenal this year. His top two running backs, slashing senior Jamael Kazee (5-7, 160) and bruising senior Jacques Kessee (6-0, 205). Battin indicated that Kazee, the younger brother of former Cajon star and current San Diego State running back Walter Kazee, will be the No. 1 back.
The Cowboys also return a bevy of wide receivers led by junior Demontae Kazee (6-0, 170) and will get a deep threat in senior Donovan Clark. Clark, the San Andreas League champion in the 100-meter dash as a junior, was ineligible for varsity play last year after transferring from Etiwanda. Cajon also has experience returning on the offensive line, with senior center Jordan Becar (6-3, 270) providing the anchor and sophomore tackle D.J. Burroughs (6-4, 305) emerging as a potential force.
Cajon returns much of its defensive line and defensive backfield on defense, though has question marks at linebacker. Demontae Kazee sparkled at CB as a sophomore, picking off eight passes, and is already receiving interest from the likes of USC and UCLA. Two-year starter Manuel Fetuuaho (6-1, 275) will plug up the middle of the defensive line.
Cajon schedule (Home games in CAPS, * indicates league game)
Sept. 3 – at Claremont
Sept. 10 – EISENHOWER
Sept. 24 – at Kaiser
Oct. 1 – at San Gorgonio*
Oct. 8 – PACIFIC*
Oct. 15 – RIALTO*
Oct. 22 – at Colton*
Oct. 29 – at Arroyo Valley*
Nov. 5 – CARTER*
Nov. 12 – SAN BERNARDINO*
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