Los Altos’ football opening has the most prestige, but Nogales might be the best opportunity

By Fred J. Robledo
In terms of history and prestige, the Los Altos high school football program offers it all. The school has won 12 CIF-SS titles, including seven under legendary coach Dwayne DeSpain, and four under Greg Gano, now at Damien. Gano resigned and turned the program over to Felipe Aguilar in 2008, who resigned after two years and a 4-16 overall record as the Conquerors missed the playoffs for the third season in a row. (To continue, click thread)


While the Conquerors’ search for a successor continues, Nogales High appears to be attracting plenty of head coaching candidates after the school elected not to bring back coach Vito Saracino. With Nogales leaving the San Antonio League for the Valle Vista League and the Mid-Valley Division next fall, Nobles athletic director Bruce Alley said he has received more than 30 resumes, which include a few high-profile former area head coaches, although he declined to give names.
Nogales was 2-9 last season, with wins over Garey and Ontario.
“We’re screening the resumes this week, and would love to have a head coach named next week or over the next two weeks,” Alley said. “I was pleasantly surprised by all the interest. I think moving into the Valle Vista gives us a good chance to be successful. It certainly is going to take a lot of work, but I think the next coach coming in has a great opportunity in a great situation to be successful.”
Nogales vice principal Doi Johnson is in charge of the search. Johnson, who played and starred in football at Nogales, also coached at Los Angeles city schools Jordan and Jefferson.
Alley said the list of coaching resumes does include coaches from the city section.
“The upside to all of this is that we have a lot of choices,” Alley said. “A lot of quality choices.”

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