By Fred J. Robledo, staff writer
Diamond Bar coach Ryan Maine has no other choice but to be patient.

The Brahmas’ best players are sophomores, and rebuilding after a 4-6 season and fifth-place finish in the Hacienda League isn’t what the second-year coach had in mind – but it is what it is.

“We’re really young, there’s no way around that,” Maine said. “During the spring and summer we’ve seen a lot of guys mature, especially at the skill positions.

“This might be the best skill talent we’ve had in a while, but again, they’re young. We might be starting five to six sophomores depending on how things go.”

One of those sophomores is 6-foot-2 receiver and defensive back Cordell Broadus, the son of rapper Snoop Dogg.

Broadus’ cousin, 6-foot receiver Kanya Bell, is another sophomore expected to make big contributions.

“Both of those guys have had big summers,” Maine said. “Cordell has all the tools and Kanya is probably the best athlete on the team. It’s just a matter of those two getting acclimated to Friday night football.”

The Brahmas’ first big test under the lights comes during a scrimmage Friday against Baldwin Park at Baldwin Park High School.

That’s where Maine will get a good look at junior running back Tyler Brown, who is expected to carry the offense, and a better feel between quarterbacks Tyler Peterson, a sophomore, and Nolan Lucy, a junior.

Diamond Bar opens the season at home on Aug. 24 against Ayala at 7 p.m.

“I’d like to name a starting quarterback after Friday’s scrimmage,” Maine said. “It’s obviously an important position so we wanted to take our time. They’ve both done a good job and I hope they make it (decision) hard on us by both having a good game.”

In terms of the season goal, Maine is hoping for one of four playoff spots from the Hacienda League.

“West Covina is still head and shoulders above the rest and they’re loaded again,” Maine said. “Diamond Ranch is always strong but after that, it’s a toss-up between the remaining teams.”