Golden Valley looking to rebound after tough year

Dennis Stubbs has been excited about this junior class since it arrived on the Golden Valley High School campus two years ago. The Cougars’ coach felt it was a strong group and could have success when it reached the varsity level.

That time is now.

Those juniors, led by quarterback Armando Muzquiz and running back Isaiah Montanez, will take the lead as the Cougars look to rebound from an 0-10 season.

Stubbs said eight to nine juniors likely will start on offense and another five to six will start on defense.

“It’s hard to get too excited because we’re still going to be young,” Stubbs said. “We like everything we’re doing. We like what we did in the offseason, during the spring and summer. We like the commitment our guys have shown, even during the dead period. They showed up in the weight room and did what they’re supposed to do.

“I think we’re in a good place, but our league is always tough. I like our chances. The kids are hungry and they want to succeed, but we still have to get it done in games.”

Stubbs remembers walking around the field before the Battle for the Mayor’s Cup in last season’s finale against Merced and watching as the Bears had 10 to 12 receivers running routes during warmups. Stubbs looked toward his end and saw only four or five.

That will change this year with the Cougars’ depth at the skill positions. Stubbs believes Golden Valley will be more athletic and faster with receivers like Cadrian McDaniel and Brandon Reyes.

Coaches and players think the 6-foot-2 McDaniel can be a stud.

“That kid has an unlimited ceiling,” Muzquiz said. “If he gets the mental part of the game right, he can go anywhere. He’s got the hands, speed and route running. If he works on his attitude and his work ethic and gets that up to par, he’ll be a superstar.”

Muzquiz’s backfield partner, Montanez, also has adjusted to the varsity game after starting as a sophomore. Montanez ran for 495 yards and four touchdowns.

Stubbs feels with a little patience, Montanez can have a big season. This offseason, Stubbs sent Montanez videos of former Cougars running back Rayshawn Vance to show how Vance let plays develop and set up his blockers.

“As a sophomore, I was jittery,” Montanez said. “I was always in a hurry. Watching the videos, I could see how being patient paid off. During camp, it was easy for me to work on it. Being more patient helps my vision. I can see the holes develop.”

Muzquiz also could develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the Central California Conference. He started every game as a sophomore, passing for 922 yards and three touchdowns with eight interceptions.

“He’s a great kid,” Stubbs said. “He wants to learn. He definitely wants to be successful. Our quarterback coach has worked with him all summer, and his release is a lot quicker. He’s seeing what he needs to see. Last year, it was more about survival. Now, he’s able to see the whole field.”

Muzquiz said seeing the field has become 10 times easier now that the game has slowed down for him and he’s become more familiar with the offense.

Muzquiz believes this team must do a better job of sticking together.

“The more games we lost, the worse our chemistry got last year,” Muzquiz said. “There was more bickering, and the relationships between the players and coaches became more distant.

“We have to work together. We have a very talented team, but we’re not the most talented team. We have to work our butt off. I think everybody is going to look past us. Nobody expects us to compete in the (CCC). We have to go out and prove them wrong.”

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 11:11 PM with the headline "Golden Valley looking to rebound after tough year."