Training Camp: South Hills off and running

Showed up bright and early for Huskies practice on Friday, and there was media man/coach/drill instructor James Escarcega rounding up the troops and firing off a pre-practice speech. I’ve known James for a while and he’s quite a character, and a great guy to get the players’ juices jangling that early in the morning. Meanwhile, the legend, coach Steve Bogan was off in a classroom, waiting for the right moment to make his entrance. When Bogan finally walked through the gates I grabbed him for a conversation, figuring Escarcega was enjoying his quality time with the guys. Not two minutes into our chat there’s military-man Escarcega, colorfully chiding Bogan to leave the media alone, and screaming at me to go back to the Star-News. What an introduction to Huskies football. But Bogan, he’s all class and understands the huge expectations Huskies fans have, especially after the arrival of wide receiver Dorian Wells, who transferred from
Bishop Amat. Bogan marvels at Wells’ big-play ability, but cautions that some of the expectations are over-blown, emphasizing that they have plenty to prove after a 6-6 season in 2006. But clearly, this is a talented cast that already includes Kebin Umodu, a first-team All-CIF Southwest Division first-team defensive end, along with Damon Kuklinski and Evan Heard – both returning second-team All-San Antonio league running backs. There’s quarterback Brandon Parham and linebackers like Chris Bowden, Wayne Goss and others. I don’t know if they’re clearly the area’s top team, but there’s no doubt they’re among the top two or three.
South Hills opens the season on Sept. 7 against Trabuco Hills at Covina District Field.

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