Gonzales football

Pacific Coast Athletic League

Santa Lucia Division

Gonzales (3-7, 3-3)

 You could sense a different feel at practice. Upbeat and enthusiastic, even an occasional smile broke out. Players teaching teammates the game instead of a dazed look on their face.

 The foundation at Gonzales was laid out last fall under new coach Art Berlanga. The growing pains were evident in a 3-7 season.

 So was a change in attitude. 

 "Confidence is the biggest difference," multi-talented Payton Flores said. "We trust our coaches. We grew from our mistakes last year. We believe. I couldn't say that two years ago."

 Now it's time to reap the benefits. There just isn't hope this fall. There are expectations for Gonzales,  who won three of its final four games after dropping its first six.

 "We could have won at least three of those games," Berlanga said. "We had collapses in the fourth quarter. These kids had never been in that position. They didn't know how to finish."

 Berlanga preached patience, asking them to trust the process. And while sacrifices were made by last year's seniors in the rebuilding of the program, it won't be forgotten.

 "A lot of these kids have experienced a lot of lessons," Berlanga said. "You can't teach those lessons. Experience is the best teacher. You have to go through the fire first. There is a change of attitude."

 While the numbers on the roster is a work in progress, it is a talented core that has returned, starting with three-year starting offensive lineman Pablo Villasenor.

 The 6-foot-5, 260-pound guard is a punishing run blocker on offense and a demon on defense as a defensive tackle.

 A three-sport all-leaguer last year, Villasenor earned accolades this past spring at a pair of lineman camps, while reaching the Central Coast Section finals in the shot put.

 "He was a piece of clay that has molded," Berlanga said. "He's using his length to his advantage. He has the potential to play at a four year school."

 Teams that attempt to double team Villasenor on defense will have to deal with 6-3, 255-pound Jerry Ruiz, who also put together a pair of impressive summer camp efforts.

 Brought up last year as a sophomore, Ruiz accelerates off the snap, using his upper body strength to create mismatches on defense for the Spartans.

 "It's a nice starting point for us having those two in the trenches," said Berlanga, a Soledad grad and former Arena League defensive back.

 As dynamic as the pair could be on defense, both will be asked to protect returning quarterback Raul Morales, who threw for nearly 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

 "With the improvement he has shown over the spring and summer, Raul's confidence has shot up,'' Berlanga said. "He understands what it means to be a quarterback."

 The 6-1 senior will have no shortage of options to get the ball to in the Spartans packages, starting with Dominic Emery, who caught 23 passes for nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns last fall.

 Flores is coming off a 22 catch season as well. However, the senior is expected to move to tailback full time this fall after rushing for 545 yards on just 60 carries.

 "He's our best overall athlete," Berlanga said. "We need to get him more touches. At any point in the game, he can go. He'll still be used in our passing packages."

 As will fleet receiver Alex Morga, a baseball and basketball standout, who has added football to his resume this fall.

 "We're starting to get more athletes that want to be a part of the program," said Berlanga, who was excited about the turnout this year at the lower levels.

 "Remember we don't have a Pop Warner program down here," Berlanga said. "So when kids arrive as freshman, it's the first time they've put on a helmet or pads."

 Preparation wasn't the problem last season for the Spartans, who lead in five of their first six games. Finishing and fatigue were part of the process in the development.

 With a hopeful roster of 28 players, contributions have to come from everyone to keep the program pointed in the right direction, perhaps chasing the school's first football title since 2002.

 "It's all a part of learning the game of football," Berlanga said. "This group is ready for change. We won't be outworked."