Football Tour XI

Alvarez (11-1, 6-0)
 The Eagles are a perfect example of why the equity league works.
 A program coming off an 0-10 campaign in the Gabilan Division in 2012, won its first 11 games last fall, capturing the Pacific Division title and a playoff game.
 Confidence doesn't disappear by changing leagues. The Eagles are back in the Gabilan Division this season. But now they believe they can compete for supremacy.
 And why not?
 Alvarez beat two teams out of the Gabilan Division last season before falling to San Benito in the Division I semifinals.
 "These kids' goal was to get themselves back in the Upper Division,'' Alvarez coach David Bottom said.
 Two 1,000 yard rushers are back, including quarterback Edric Gamble, as well as 31 players from last year's school-record title team.
 Gamble and running back Ceasar Ramirez combined for 32 rushing touchdowns last year, as nine starters are back on the offensive unit.
 Ryan Hocoq and all leaguer Rene Chavez solidify the linebacking crew on defense, which has six starters back in the fold.
 "We have a lot to prove,'' Chavez said. "These are different teams. We're right where we need to be. Our younger guys know what we expect.''
 The climate has changed at Alvarez.

 Check The Herald's website for an interview with Alvarez High coach David Bottom.