Monsoons and heat are part of the summer just as are long practices for football teams. The GHS football team is practicing hard as it prepares for their first game on August 23 when they will host the Miyamura Patriots.
“We are excited about where we are right now,” said GHS head football coach Steve Brown. These kids have been studying the playbooks and we are in a much better place this year.”
The Pirates went 6-5, 2-1 last year and are looking to improve on their season.
“Last year we were still in the feel out process of getting to know what we had as the kids were getting to know us as a staff,” said Brown. “Players have really risen this summer and people may not know a lot about us yet—-but they will.”
Brown and his staff have not narrowed down their starting quarterback as of this week.
“The QB position has been the biggest battle of all summer,” said Brown. “DJ Chavez and Tristin Fernandez, (both juniors) are in a dog fight for the starting role.”
Brown is very impressed that though they are both competing for the position they are “true teammates” and are constantly “help each other.” Brown believes that comradeship will make the team “better from it.”
As the opening day kickoff is only two and a half weeks away Brown and his offensive coordinator, Rio Thompson, will have to pull the trigger on a starting quarterback choice. “Either way they are both too good not to have them out there a lot,” said Brown.
Brown had much praise for all his team’s efforts this summer, especially returning players. He also did have some praise for some up-andcoming players.
“Kiernan Bell has shown he can be a force on the offensive line,” said Brown. Bell will join Ryan Tortalita, Gary Chavez, Christian Martinez and Juaquine Rivera on the offensive line.
“A couple more kids that show flashes as running backs are Joe Clawson and Ray Chavira—Clawson is already a starting linebacker– but it’s good to know that Andres Lazos (current running back) will have help carrying the ball this year,” said Brown.
Brown will “have answers” to most of his questions after their scrimmage scheduled for Thursday, August 15 at home.
The scrimmage, scheduled for 5 pm will include Kirtland Central and Laguna-Acoma. “KC is always big, strong and plays fast–so this will be a great gauge of where we are and what we need before opening day,” said Brown. The scrimmage is open to the public.