San Gorgonio feeling good about chances

The first year as head coach at San Gorgonio didn’t go swimmingly for Ron Gueringer. The former Corona Centennial head man was given a young team and changed a lot of the philosophies that were in place before, a combination that led to a lackluster 2-8 record. But Gueringer thinks the Spartans will be better off because of their struggles.

“Last year was tough,” Gueringer said. “We had quite a few kids who were reluctant to change, which is something you’ll find sometimes. But I’ve noticed a different attitude. Kids aren’t nearly as reluctant and are buying in.”

With the San Andreas League picking up another playoff spot with the inclusion of Carter and Rialto into the league, Gueringer sees a golden opportunity for the Spartans to sneak in and nab its third playoff spot in five years.

“I think we are going to be right there fighting it out for a spot,” Gueringer said. “It’s a good league, but we have a lot of guys that gained valuable experience last year and should be ready to take the next step. I think we’ll be much improved.”

The Spartans did show some explosiveness in the spread offense at times, especially when Daylyn Contreras started. The senior sparkled in San G’s first game against Hesperia last year and was moving the Spartans nicely against REV before breaking his thumb. Contreras (6-1, 175) will be back as the starting QB, leaving last year’s starter, junior Monroe Offield (6-0, 175), to move to wide receiver and join senior De’Marrio Brooks (6-0, 180) and junior Brandon Charles (5-9, 170).

San G’s offensive line will be led by its tackles, with seniors Paul Rodriguez (6-6, 240) and Keon Scott (6-5 305) providing the muscle for Spartan running backs Mike Martin (5-7, 165) and James Snowden (5-8, 175).

Snowden will also play in the secondary, returning along with junior Davion Lucas (6-0, 170) and Brooks. Junior Ryan Hunter-Simms (6-0, 250), an accomplished shot putter, will anchor San G’s defensive line while senior Brian Pratt (5-11, 215) returns at linebacker. Rodriguez will likely see time at defensive end as well.

San Gorgonio 2010 schedule (Home games in CAPS, * indicates league game)

Sept. 10 – MORENO VALLEY RANCHO VERDE
Sept. 16 – at Redlands East Valley (Citrus Valley HS)
Sept. 24 – at Yucaipa
Oct. 1 – CAJON*
Oct. 8 – at Carter*
Oct. 15 – ARROYO VALLEY*
Oct. 22 – SAN BERNARDINO*
Oct. 29 – at Rialto*
Nov. 5 – COLTON*
Nov. 12 – PACIFIC*

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