Santa Lucia Division
Greenfield (3-7, 2-4)
Scoring points wasn't an issue last season for the Bruins, who produced 48 or more points in three games last year -- all wins.
To be brutally honest, they couldn't stop anyone, allowing 42 or more points in six of their last seven games -- five of which resulted in losses.
For Greenfield to compete in the Santa Lucia Division this season, it has to shore up its defense and create opportunities for its offense, which was stripped of its core because of graduation.
"Eight guys started on offense and defense last year,'' first year coach Adam Barsenas said. "All of our linemen went both ways. By the second half, we were gassed."
It wasn't for the lack of conditioning. Greenfield was competitive in the first half. The lack of depth, however, simply caught up with them. One game it suited up just 17 players.
That number could double this fall as Barsenas has brought in a breath of fresh air, providing a new culture and a vision for the program.
There was a quiet sense of confidence oozing out during a recent practice, an understanding of what needs to be accomplished to take the next step forward.
"He's (Barsenas) changed so much,'' returning center Christopher Espinosa said. "He's kept his word. It's not just hope. There is a sense of belief that we can compete and turn this around."
And why not?
Eight years ago the Bruins set a school record by going 9-2. The program has proven in the past that it can win, although their last winning season occurred seven years ago.
Barsenas has brought back alumni to help him resurrect the Bruins - former players that went on and played college football, that have a passion for the game and their community.
"It has a family type feeling," Espinosa said.
The off-season turnout was a positive start. Instead of five linemen going ways this season, Barsenas hopes only one will be ticketed for double-duty.
"We got beat up in the trenches last year," Barsenas said. "More skilled guys will be on the defensive side. We can afford to do that this season."
Barsenas will fine tune the defense with a cast of new characters, relying on Espinosa to create havoc as a defensive tackle and linebacker Alfredo Mendoza stuffing the run.
Greenfield installed more of a passing game into its offense last fall to avoid teams from stacking the box and being predictable. And last year it threw for over 1,000 yards.
"It's unrealistic for us to be a 60-40 pass offense," Barsenas said. "Our goal this year is to be a 60-40 run offense. We've got a core of guys that can run the ball."
Plus, grinding the ball chews up the clock and keeps the defense off the field. Daniel Morales will be asked to quarterback the offense, with one of his offensive threats being Leonardo Ceballos.
Last fall the quarterback position accounted for over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. Morales will not have to shoulder the burden of the ground game.
During Greenfield's playoff years, it dominated play on offense with as many as two running backs chasing 1,000 yard rushing seasons.
Barsenas has been pleased with what he has seen from tailbacks Jose Uribe and Antonio Chiquito, both of which hit the holes quickly and have a burst in the open field.
"A lot of our offense is the same," Barsenas said. "We're just sharing the wealth. We didn't have that option last year. From a fundamental standpoint, we're just better."
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