LOS BANOS -- Dennis Stubbs has always done a good job of getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers.
The position doesn't matter.
In his time at Los Banos, Stubbs has featured a fullback in Casey Cotta, a receiver in Rubal Sangha, a quarterback in Erik Martin and a running back in Darron Brown.
"That's what we do," Stubbs said. "As coaches, we sit down in the offseason and evaluate talent. We look at our offensive planning and figure out what we have to do to get the ball to our playmakers."
The Tigers (10-1) have plenty of options this year with a big-play receiver in Daeton West and quarterback in Chris Corpuz. However, running back James Sams has evolved into Los Banos' go-to star.
Sams ran through the mud at Loftin Stadium last week, racking up 240 yards and five touchdowns on 32 carries in the Tigers' 56-18 win over Vanden in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 3 playoffs.
Sams will again be a big part of the game plan against Casa Roble's high-octane offense on Friday night.
Sams has tallied 1,561 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.
"I know all the hard work our team and our coaching staff has put in," Sams said. "I didn't think I would have the stats to this extent, but our offensive line has done a great job."
Sams first caught Stubbs' eye as a freshman, playing his final home game with the first-year team.
"He had a couple injuries his freshman year, so the games I saw there was somebody else playing tailback," Stubbs said. "I was at their last home game and I saw him and I asked, 'Who was that?'
"They told me it was him and it was pretty obvious he was going to be good."
Sams has made a believer in Casa Roble.
"Watching film of Los Banos in general is scary, but watching James Sams is by far the scariest," Rams coach Norman Ryan said. "I'm pretty sure, even with our high-powered non-league schedule, that he is the best back we've faced so far. Austin Carr from Benicia was an outstanding running back, but James looks better on film. He reads his blocks well and is very difficult to tackle. His offensive line opens up the holes and he almost always breaks the first tackle."
Stubbs has watched Sams grow into a complete back.
He has the speed to break off big runs, but has also learned to lower his shoulder and drive through defenders to pick up crucial yards.
"To be a great running back you have to be able to do many things," Sams said. "You can't just turn to one thing to get out of certain situations. You have to be well-rounded in all areas."
One of Sams' biggest attributes is patience. He waits for a play to develop. It comes from a trust he has developed with his offensive line.
"A lot of running backs just want to go full speed the second they get the ball," Stubbs said. "We're in an (I formation) for a reason. We want him to be patient. If the defense closes in on the hole, there will be a crease somewhere else."
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