New faces, new blue turf creates excitement around Atwater High football for this season
With only 15 seniors on the roster, the Atwater High School football team will be counting on a lot of new players this season.
The returning players combined for just 16 catches for 195 yards and 13 carries for 198 yards last season.
“We’ve got a lot of new blood,” said Atwater coach Seneca Ybarra. “A lot of our guys coming up have never played a varsity football game. We have 15 seniors who are doing a good job of trying to lead them.”
Ybarra says one thing that stands out with this group is speed. The Falcons have many players who ran track last spring or participate in other sports.
“Speed never has a bad day on the field,” Ybarra said. “A lot of guys ran track and did a lot of seven on seven in the offseason. A lot of our guys are three-sport guys who like to compete.”
Receivers Grayson Soto, Lorenzo Madrid, Seneca Ybarra Jr. and Landon Perez will all be given opportunities to contribute. Jeremiah Dela Rosa and Dhenynm Jackson will get their shot at running back.
Junior James Bell and sophomore AJ Banks have been splitting time at quarterback.
Bell says it’s good that so many people are experiencing their first varsity season together.
“We’re all going through it at the same time and it brings us closer together,” Bell said. “Iron sharpens iron, we’re all improving, working hard and competing with each other.”
The Falcons coaching staff likes what they have up front on offense with an offensive line that includes Max Coleman, Aldo Madrigal, Isaac Rios, Jose Martinez and Robert Dominguez.
“We don’t have a lot of height but it’s probably one of the strongest lines I’ve had,” Ybarra said. “They’ve dedicated themselves in the weight room. It’s a really close group. I’m optimistic we can run the ball effectively.”
While the offense averaged close to 30 points per game last year, it’s on defense where the Falcons struggled, giving up 370 points in 10 games.
With many of the speedy receivers also playing defensive back and some of the linemen playing both ways, Atwater hopes to improve the defense this season.
“I see improvements on the defensive line,” Coleman said. “We’ve got a big nose guard in Robert Dominguez. We’ve got a lot more defensive linemen so that rotation is going to be big improvement from last year.”
The Falcons also are breaking in a very new and very blue turf this year at Dave Honey Stadium. Golden Valley High School also installed a new turf this season.
“It’s beautiful,” said Ybarra, who pushed for the blue turf. “The old turf should have been replaced about five years ago. We were one of the first schools to get turf around here. The new turf is nice and soft.”
“The first game is going to be pretty amazing,” Coleman added. “I’ve never seen blue turf in this area.”
After months of preparation and practice, the Falcons are excited for the challenge of the upcoming season.
“I get nervous just thinking about it,” Coleman said. “This is my last year and I hope good things come out of it. I’m not taking anything for granted.”
Atwater High’s 2023 Football Schedule
Aug. 18 at Pacheco
Aug. 25 vs McNair
Sept. 1 vs Gregori
Sept. 8 at Hilmar
Sept. 15 at Buhach Colony
Sept. 22 vs Merced
Sept. 29 at El Capitan
Oct. 6 at Patterson
Oct. 13 at Golden Valley
Oct. 20 vs Central Valley
