‘Our guys expect to compete.’ Atwater High football aiming for first 3-0 start since 2012
One of the area teams creating a buzz this offseason about possibly making a big step this year was the Atwater High football team.
The Falcons have a talented group moving up from the lower levels, and so far they’re living up the hype.
Atwater is one of four Merced area schools off to a 2-0 start.
And if the Falcon beat Gregori on Friday at Dave Honey Stadium, Atwater will be 309 for the first time since 2012.
“Our guys have had a winning attitude at the lower levels, they expect to win,” said Atwater coach Seneca Ybarra. “Our guys expect to compete at a high level and that helps as a coach.”
The Falcons outscored Pacheco and McNair 83-20 in the first two games combines, using a balanced attack and a defense that has come up with stops and turnovers.
“We’ve been able to run the ball with some different guys and that sets up our passing plays,” Ybarra said. “Our defense has been able to take the ball away and make some stops.”
Junior quarterback James Bell is off to a great start, completing 13 of 20 passes for 271 yards and five touchdowns. AJ Banks has also seen time at quarterback, completing four of five passes for 132 yards and a touchdown.
“James has exceeded expectations early, he’s been a fantastic leader,” Ybarra said. “AJ is competing and doing well. Both guys are doing a good job.”
The Falcons are averaging 201 yards through the air and 189 yards on the ground.
Banks rushed for 108 yards last week against McNair. Jesus Avila has rushed for 95 yards on nine carries and Jeremiah Delarosa has added 94 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
Landon Perez is Atwater’s leading receiver with eight catches for 151 yards and a touchdown and Seneca Ybarra Jr. has pulled in four catches for 143 yards and three touchdowns.
The level of competition will take a jump with Gregori (1-1) this week and Hilmar (1-1) next week.
“Gregori is big across the board on the offensive and defensive line,” Ybarra said. “They are a Division I team and we expect a great game this week. We’ve lost to them the last couple years.”
The Falcons defense has been strong out of the gate with Jonny Macias and Lorenzo Madrid leading the way with 13 tackles each. Niko Gregory has added two sacks.
The Falcons hope to keep moving forward to be a contender in the Central California Conference this season.
Games This Week
Gregori at Atwater
Merced at Downey
Golden Valley at Sierra
Modesto Christian at El Capitan (Golden Valley)
Buhach Colony at Enochs
Sonora at Hilmar
Los Banos at Orestimba
Bradshaw Christian at Pacheco
Argonaut at Livingston
Stone Ridge Christian at Golden Sierra
Gustine at Rio Vista
Hoover at Le Grand
Liberty at Dos Palos
Parlier at Chowchilla
