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Friday, Sep. 04, 2009
Le Grand's Ortegon as fast, dangerous as a speeding bullet
LE GRAND -- Tony Ortegon bounced off a couple would-be tacklers before high-stepping his way into immortality.
The running back's second touchdown of the game secured a 21-15 overtime victory over Sacramento Capital Christian in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI playoffs.
It upgraded Ortegon from a mild-mannered, farm-town football star to a "Smallville"-type folk hero.
Now with a bevy of talent returning around him and a summer's worth of training in the weight room, Le Grand's Superman has his sights set on the team's first Southern League title since 2004 and the first football section title in school history.
"Last year was great," Ortegon said. "The playoff win gave us a lot of confidence.
"We didn't like how it ended, though. We thought we could beat Marysville, and we didn't get it done.
"I think a lot of guys remember that feeling heading into this season."
Le Grand may need that edge as it charges into the 2009 campaign, as last year's success has generated a buzz among football fans.
Le Grand is being discussed as Southern League favorites on many message boards and was the preseason pick in the Sun-Star Coaches Poll and sjsfootball.com rankings.
"That's been a first for me," Le Grand coach Rick Martinez said. "I guess we can't get away with our fly-by-night approach we've been using to sneak up on people.
"It's nice that the kids are getting some recognition, but until we knock Mariposa off, they're still the team to beat."
Martinez might just have all the pieces in place to accomplish that feat.
Senior Abraham Yanez takes over at quarterback and has a stable of returning skill players to help ease his transition.
Included in that group is junior fullback Bob Perez. Combined with Ortegon, the bruising back gives Le Grand a potent rushing attack.
Le Grand is switching to a 3-4 on defense, which Martinez said his team has responded well to.
Thomas Serrano, Alex Martinez and Perez should anchor an experienced defense.
"We're a confident team," Perez said. "We went to the summer camps and showed we can hang with some of the big boys.
"We return a lot, and it's our 100th anniversary. It feels like something special could happen."
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