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Friday, Sep. 04, 2009
Once a powerhouse, can Atwater put scare into opponents again?
Nathan Sanchez possesses all the tools. Whether rifling a ball down the field or taking off on an option keeper, he's shown that in his two years as Atwater's quarterback.
Despite rushing for 650 yards and passing for another 1,059 as a junior, Sanchez remained an afterthought in most discussions about the Central California Conference's top quarterbacks.
Sanchez believes he can change that in 2009. The best way to do it is with a playoff appearance.
"I have the most tools I've ever had around me," Sanchez said. "I'm the most comfortable I've ever been with an offensive line.
"We have the pieces to get Atwater tradition back to where it was. We just have to stay focused and keep working hard."
Atwater hasn't tasted much success since reaching back-to-back section title games in '96 and '97.
The team turned a few heads opening CCC play 2-0 last season, but lost its last four games and finished fifth in the conference standings.
As the program enters its third season under head coach Bob Valladao, the players are hoping to bring back the "True Blued" tradition.
"It takes time for kids to know what it takes to be a winning team," Valladao said. "Kids that have never seen it before have to blaze their own trail. That's what we're hoping this group will do."
Sanchez said Atwater's depth at the skill positions is going to make the offense versatile this season.
Atwater returns all but one member of its offensive line, as well as its backfield combo of Angel Molina and Anthony Blanco.
Sanchez will also have the wide frame of tight end Brian Sevilla to throw to.
Atwater's defense returns quite a bit as well.
Inside linebacker Jake Clevenger and Sanchez look to lead an athletic and hard-hitting group.
"You never know how it's going to go until you get out on the field, but we bring a lot of experience into this season," Valladao said. "We've got good numbers throughout all of our levels and I think the kids are really excited about football. It should be fun."
Fun for the players would be putting Atwater back on the section map.
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