“Overall I was very pleased with how our kids performed,” said GHS head coach Steve Brown of the recent 7on7 hosted by the Pirates last weekend.
“It is definitely a good barometer to see where we are—all spring and summer we’ve played against our own kids so this was a welcome change for us.”
The Pirates hosted Valencia High School, Aztec High School and Hope Christian High School this past weekend.
Brown is very pleased report that the team is “significantly” better at this point this year compared to last year. “Our receivers and defensive backs—had quite a bit of success against all 3 teams we played,” said Brown.
“Cardenio Chavez, Isaiah Ortega and Isaiah Aldaz are the rest of the receivers who are pretty much on point.”
On a defensive note, Brown stated, Noah Lundstrom “really shined” at the safety position as did Chavez at the corner position.
Brown went on to state that he is pleased to see that the team will have depth in both the receivers and defensive back positions. He foresees some challenges on the linebacker positions for next year.
Brown added that the linemen competed in a lineman challenge against Hope Chrisitan’s linemen and were able to “hold their own.” Brown said, “The depth in the lines has always been a question— I'm really looking for some of our younger guys to step up when called to fill those positions as needed.”
Brown overall feels that they are ahead of where they were last year in most positions.
Brown was “excited” to say that at the crucial quarterback position there is some “serious” competition between DJ Chavez and Tristin Fernandez. “Both have shown that either of them can run the offense and be very successful doing so,” said Brown.
“Fernandez is also working at the middle linebacker position and has risen to the top of the depth chart there with Joe Clawson and Brandon Wheeler.”
Brown went on to say that his linebacker corps is going to be “dangerous” and he is eager to see them in pads in a few weeks.
The JV squad also played two games and Brown said it was “very successful” and he had praise for JV players Victor Chavira, Joe Tellez and Devon Fording for “stepping up” and playing well. JV quarterback Andres Autobo “played well” according to Brown and is picking up the offense “pretty quick” for a new kid.
Overall Brown was more than pleased with the 7-7.
Brown was clear that he did not have “our full complement” of players due to other commitments and was eager to see what he has when he does have all his players together.
This upcoming Friday, June 21, they will compete at a 7-7 at Valencia High School where some quality teams such as St. Pius, Cleveland and West Las Vegas amongst others.
“That should be another test of where we are,” said Brown.
Football is one of the few sports where to be competitive you need to field a small army and coach Brown would like to add to his roster for next year. Coach Brown and his staff invite potential players to come out for summer practice from 6:00AM-7:30AM and 4:00pm-5:30pm, Monday through Thursday.
“We could use all the help and talent as we can get if we want to raise the bar of our program this year,” said Brown.