The Scotts Valley Falcons lost two-thirds of last year’s team, five of 11 starters on defense and offense.
But Louie Walters’ boys are always tapped as one of the top teams in the league, and this year is no exception.
Quarterback Tyler Stow led an almost-successful second half comeback with six straight completions against Los Altos on Aug. 26, a promising start for the Falcons.
Walters is making some adjustments in his backfield, with Tyler Stone moving to fullback and Tanner Gilton moving from fullback to tailback.
He says Gilton is the player to watch, and his second half performance in the first game set him off on a good start at the new position.
Walters also lists running back Trevor Ponos and wide receivers RJ Johnston and Jason Bucio as keys to Falcon success this season.
The coach said Tyler Stow has emerged as the team leader, and that showed in the quarterback’s second half against Los Altos.
“We’re going to continue to run the ball – it’s a Scotts Valley tradition,” Walters said.
He also said he liked the way his swarming defense stifled the Los Altos running game for much of the game, which was marred by costly turnovers.
The defense will be led by defensive end Jason Bucio, 6-4, 230.
Walters acknowledged that his biggest challenge is all of the new varsity players, but is mindful of the fact that last year’s junior varsity team shared the league title with Aptos and Santa Cruz.
When asked for one word that summed up this year’s squad? “Heart”
That was clearly on display in the opener.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Los Altos
Sept. 2 7:30 p.m.
Carmel (Carmel )
at Monterey Peninsula College
Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Watsonville at Scotts Valley
Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Seaside at Seaside
Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Eureka at Eureka
Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Aptos at Aptos
Oct. 14, 7 p.m.
Harbor at Scotts Valley
Oct. 2, 2 p.m.
San Lorenzo Valley at SLV
Oct. 9, 2 p.m.
Soquel at Scotts Valley
Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz at Scotts Valley
