Soledad football

 Two years removed from a Central Coast Section Division IV title. Less than a year from hanging a Mission Trail Athletic League banner.
 Winless in four games this fall -- three of the losses mismatches.
 What happen to the Aztecs program?
 Well, lets start with the late hiring of a coach, leaving Soledad with virtually no off-season program. Yes, it matters.
 Graduation took the programs all-team leading rusher -- 4,000 plus yards over the last three years -- leaving a big hole to fill.
 The single-season school record holder for touchdown passes also departed, along with The Herald's Male Athlete of the Year. Soledad had six all-leaguers that were seniors last fall.
 Still, no one saw this coming. But should we have? Eighteen senior departed. The Aztecs have been outscored 137-31. Last fall they gave up 162 points in 11 games.
 Soledad hasn't shied away from brutal non-league schedules over the last two years. The results have produced 0-2 starts before the program rebounded.
 This is different.
 Scheduling Palma was a mistake. But that came from the old regime. It's had a snowballing effect in this 0-4 start, although losing 15-13 to defending CCS DV champion Gilroy may have stung more.
 This is still a team with some talent. Angel Olivas is one of the best receivers in the area. Linebacker Victor Ocampo is a returning all-leaguer.
 What's great about the start of league play is it signals a fresh start. Clearly, though, the Aztecs are  limping into Mission Division play. Rediscovering its confidence is crucial.