By Aram Tolegian
Why ruin a good thing?
That’s the way first-year Los Altos High School football coach Hector Spathias is approaching many of his new school’s traditions, both new and old.
Early Thursday morning, Spathias and his team embraced the midnight practice concept started by former head coach Dale Ziola and reserved for the team’s first workout in pads. So, there the Conquerors were into the wee hours of the morning, banging away on each other under the lights.
“We don’t want to take their identity away, we just want to build on it,” Spathias said. “It’s easier to build on what’s there and take it to the next level. So, it was good. It was fun for the kids. It was their first day in pads.
“We’ve been going in the day and it’s been really hot, so the kids really enjoyed practicing at night.”
Spathias estimated the practice was over by 3 a.m., at which point the kids left, presumably headed directly for their beds at home. The team was given the rest of Thursday off.
The Conquerors have a lot of holes to fill this season after losing last year’s dynamic senior class to graduation. The Conquerors went 13-1 in 2016 and won the Hacienda League. Ziola resigned shortly after the season.
Spathias was offensive line coach at Montebello last season, but prior to that he turned in a solid showing at Bassett, where he made a struggling program into something competitive despite battling low player turnout.
IS HE OR ISN’T HE?
St. Francis head coach Jim Bonds confirmed Tuesday that Crespi transfer Darius Perrantes has won the Golden Knights starting QB job. Now the question is will he be eligible when the season starts?
Perrantes is currently listed on the CIF website as a sit-out-period player with eligibility for football beginning on Oct. 2. Bonds expects he’ll have his starting man, however, when the season starts after the school submits a new filing with CIF for a valid change of residence.
Perrantes won a spirited offseason battle for the quarterback position. The sophomore will have plenty to work with as St. Francis has a standout in receiver Greg Dulcich, who was also part of the quarterback competition at one point. Experienced running back Elijah Washington is also back.
BABB STAYS POPULAR
The college offers continue to roll in for Schurr receiver Lance Babb II. Just this week, New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado State have joined the fray seeking Babb’s services next season.
Among others, Babb already has offers from Air Force, Army and Idaho. He’s part of a loaded Schurr offense that has returning experience at all of the skill positions. Babb had 57 receptions for 1,153 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
