Alisal football

 

Alisal Trojans (5-5, 4-2) 

The first order of business for new coach Cesar Chaidez is getting everyone on the same page, from administration to the water boy.

While some would argue that Alisal turned a corner last year with a three-game improvement, the program has not beaten a team with a winning record in three years.
The strides Alisal took last year on the field were interrupted by dissension off of it, leading to its fourth coach in five years this fall. 
"With change you have to have support,’’ Chaidez said. "Everyone is believing and buying into it. Once you have structure and the kids understand, the sky is the limit.’’
Chaidez’s attitude and energy is contagious, having been a former standout at Salinas High and Hartnell College in the mid 1990s.
Trust does not seem to be an issue this season as the Trojans believe they’re a playoff caliber team. And why not? Over 25 players are back from last season.
Non bigger than three-year starting quarterback Raul Garnica, who could dip into the record books before the season is over.
Garnica didn’t toss an interception in his last 35 attempts, throwing for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns in the teams final two games -- both wins.
Chaidez expects the offense will be balanced with the return of tailback Javion Macias, who had moments last year, running behind a wall that includes all-league guard Manuel Valdivias.
"The difference this year is more consistency and more dependability in everybody,’’ Valdivias said. "There might have been too much leniency last year. Everyone is being held accountable.’’
As a result, practices have been more crisp for Alisal.
Defense was a strength for Alisal in its five wins last year, allowing just 45 points. The heart of that unit starts with Julio Galeana, who lead the team in sacks and tackles, along with Miguel Cardenas and defensive back Bryan Garcia.
There are holes to fill in the Trojans defense, which lost five starters - two of which were all-leaguers - to graduation.
Yet, several players that are back got a taste last year. Chaidez can feel the hunger of a group that wants to bring a title back to the campus for the first time in 12 years.
"You have to care and be committed,’’ Chaidez said. "I saw that in our off-season workouts. Our No. 1 goal is to compete with integrity, character and class. If they internalize that, change will be there for us.’’