Eisenhower not intimidated by the CBL

Even though Eisenhower has only won two games in Patrick Lord’s first two years as coach, the Eagles are hardly gunshy entering the 2011 season. In fact, Eisenhower thinks that it is in position to turn some heads.

“The number one thing we are thinking about right now is playoffs,” Lord said. “We’ve spent the last two years building up the program and its numbers and we feel that we have a good shot of making a move this year. There’s no reason that we can’t play at a playoff level.”

The genesis of Lord’s confidence is based on a couple of factors. The Eagles have 14 starters returning from last year’s team that got valuable experience in Citrus Belt League play. But the real ace in the hole for Ike is senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Lalotoa Laumea, who transferred from Compton High School over the summer.

Laumea (6-4, 246) is being recruited by Colorado, Washington, Fresno State and Colorado State, among others and already has been named a team captain, as his hard work has rubbed off on his new teammates.

“He’s a class kid,” Lord said. “He works hard, does what he’s told and he’s a great student in the classroom. He’s the type of person that we want in this program and that we want to produce.”

Laumea will be joined on the offensive line by juniors Juan Yanez (6-2, 280) and Devonte Frazier (6-3, 225), both of whom saw a lot of playing time as sophomores. Junior DeShawn Miller (5-11, 180) returns at quarterback and will have two explosive wide receiver targets in seniors Marvelle Harris (6-3, 185) and Marvon Brooks (5-10, 175).

Laumea will anchor the defensive line, while senior Matt St. Andrew (5-10, 196) and junior Michael Neil (5-10, 215) will alternate between linebacker and tight end. Harris and Brooks will anchor the secondary to go along with their wide receiver duties.

Eisenhower schedule (Home games in CAPS, * indicates league game)

Sept. 2: vs. Alta Loma (Chaffey HS)
Sept. 9: CAJON
Sept. 23: at Arroyo Valley
Sept. 30: TEMECULA GREAT OAK
Oct. 6: vs. Etiwanda (Colony HS)
Oct. 14: YUCAIPA*
Oct. 21: at Miller*
Oct. 28: REDLANDS EAST VALLEY*
Nov. 4: REDLANDS*
Nov. 10: at Fontana*

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