Head Coach Dave Poetzinger returns for another season of leading the Cougars’ football team. For 20 years, Poetzinger was the right-hand man of retired coach Doug Morris. During that era, the Cougars won the numerous Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League’s football titles and made high rounds of CCS tournament. Some refer to that time as the ‘glory years’ for the Cougars. Last year, SLVHS returned to the CCS playoffs for the first time since 2010, with 8-3 overall, 4-1 league record and Poetzinger was voted league’s Coach of the Year.
This season there are 19 returning players from the last year’s team, including twelve starters. On the offense is returning quarterback Nick Salibi who will also be playing wide receiver and defensive back positions. Last year’s back-up quarterback, Tanner Murray is also back, as are center Benjamin Tanguay and wide receiver Mike LaCapria who was second team All-League last year.
Last year’s First-Team All-League running back Brighton Hart will lead the running game, together with fullback Jack Gentry. Offensive linemen: Connor Brooks, Logan Levitre, and Ryan Levitre, make up the list of returning offensive starters.
On the defense, four defensive linemen return: last year’s SCCAL Defensive Player of the Year Jake Hampton; Ryan Kinch, Riley Flores who was the second team All-League Defense last year; and Ryan Williams. In the secondary’s: Robbie Carling, Jackson Turner, last year second team All-League Defense, Jack Gentry and Ryan Levitre.
The five team captains are: Brighton Hart, Nick Salibi, Mike LaCapria, Jake Hampton and Logan Levitre.
Asked about what is the strongest side of this year’s team, Poetzinger said: “we really like this year’s team because they’re all hard-working, great kids, very coach-able. We have a bye at the season’s start – by the time we play our first game, some of our competitors will already have two games behind them. That’s good, we have extra time [for] honing our defense and special teams. We want to walk on that field prepared, be good teachers before being football coaches.”
“’We take one game at a time, no predictions. Right now we are focused on our Saturday game with Homestead High School,” said head coach about the chances of repeating last year’s success.
About returning to the glory years, “Every year is a glory year. All these years were fantastic years to play and coach. The main thing is teaching, helping them to grow and be men of character. That’s where you find your victories.”
“I’m lucky to coach in SLVHS. We have a fantastic parents support, this is the only school in the county where kids don’t have to pay to play; all is paid by the athletic boosters. It’s just one of the things that make it a great place to work”, said Poetzinger.
About retired Coach Morris’ involvement: “He’s at every game, in the booth upstairs. I have him on my headphones all the time.”
Varsity’s first game is this Saturday, at home field, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets $7 Adults, $5 Seniors, $4 Students, $1 Children (ages 6-12), Free for students with ASB card.
