‘The leadership is spectacular.’ Chowchilla enters football season with high expectations
With a roster size hovering around 20 players the last few years, Chowchilla High head football coach Alex Pittz has been forced to be creative at practices.
The Tribe coaching staff has had to do drills with only half of the offensive or defensive line on the field. At times coaches have had to fill in on scout teams to give starters a look.
So having a roster close to 40 players this year is a welcome change for the Tribe.
“It’s nice to be able to put together a scout team and get a decent look for our players,” Pittz said. “The nice thing is we have quality players too. I keep talking about, the competitiveness and how that makes everybody better. We’re not just going up against a bag”
After an 8-3 season, which included a 7-0 run to a Northwest Sequoia League championship, the Tribe enter this season with high expectations.
It starts with a core group of returning players who are preparing for their third year of varsity play, which includes quarterback/defensive back Davian Stephenson, running back/linebacker Dwayne Hemphill, receiver/safety Branson Soares and offensive lineman/linebacker Alejandro, Molina.
Pittz has been coaching in the program for close to 20 years, including 14 as the head coach, as he feels this is one of the best senior group of players in the last two decades.
“Yeah, the leadership is spectacular,” Pittz said. “We have four captains that we have right now who have been captains since they were sophomores. So the expectations are set, and everybody understands what their roles and responsibilities are. I could literally step away from practice, and they would run it and and do just as good a job.”
Molina leads a strong offensive line that includes Brody Absher, Paddy Romine and Layne Turner.
Stephenson moved from receiver to quarterback early last season and was named the Northwest Sequoia League Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 905 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushing for 714 yards and 11 more scores.
“I’m a lot more comfortable,” Stephenson said. “I’ve played quarterback for pretty much a whole season now. I know what to look for and what I have to do.”
Hemphill gives the Tribe a bruising ball-carrier, who rushed for 828 yards and seven touchdowns. Dellvonta Vaughn and Travis Selby will also held shoulder the rushing attack.
Pittz says the added depth is crucial but many players will still be asked to play on offense and defense.
“We’re still going to field the best 11 on both sides of the ball but it absolutely gives us an opportunity to give guys breaks when they need it,” Pittz said.
The Tribe seniors have improved each year from 1-10 as freshmen, to 5-6 as sophomore to 8-3 last year as juniors.
It’s a group still looking for their first playoff win. A fact that isn’t lost on them.
“We went to playoffs every year and lost in round one,” Hemphill said. “We’re not trying to repeat that again.”
Pittz is going to enjoy one last journey with this group.
“It’s a great group of kids,” he said. “I don’t know if we’re championship caliber. I believe we can be, but I know I’m going have a great time this year because of the kids that we have. Being around them every day is truly a pleasure.”
Chowchilla 2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Firebaugh
Aug. 30 vs Dos Palos
Sept. 6 vs Stone Ridge Christian
Sept. 13 at Parlier
Sept. 20 vs Boron
Oct. 4 at Riverdale
Oct. 11 at Fowler
Oct. 18 vs Minarets
Oct. 25 at Caruthers
Nov. 1 vs Liberty
