By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor Make no mistake about it, 2016 was a banner season for coach Russell Gordon’s football program at La Salle. The Lancers won a pair of Angelus League games after going two years without a league victory. They went on to earn their first playoff victory in nearly a decade. La […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
Make no mistake about it, 2016 was a banner season for coach Russell Gordon’s football program at La Salle.
The Lancers won a pair of Angelus League games after going two years without a league victory.
They went on to earn their first playoff victory in nearly a decade.
La Salle, however, lost 22 players to graduation, and that group consisted of a senior class that scored every touchdown last year for the Lancers.
Gordon wouldn’t complain about that fact, because he knows every program loses key players to graduation every year and no one is going to feel sorry for them.
But sympathy is something La Salle doesn’t want or need, because they are incredibly optimistic about the future, and with thanks to a deep and talented roster, especially at the skill positions.
La Salle opens its season tonight (Friday) when it hosts Arcadia at 7.
The Lancers have new faces at almost every position, and no spot on the field is more important than at quarterback.
Sophomore Chris Wilson and freshman CJ Montes will split time steering the Lancers offense.
Wilson is in his second year in the system, and Montes played in the ‘Snoop League’ and has played in front of thousands, so neither is intimidated by the impending spotlight.
Both seem content for the time being to the sharing of responsibilities, but if someone were to get the hot hand, there’s always the possibility of winning the job outright at some point in the season.
“They (both quarterbacks) both have their own strengths,” Gordon said. “Chris prepares well, and CJ is an electric player, who can do things with his feet and arm. I have confidence in both of them, and we’re excited to see them leading our offense.”
One of Gordon’s biggest concerns is being much more balanced than a year ago.
La Salle scored 30 of its 42 touchdowns last season on the ground, so having a prolific passing game is something Wilson and Montes acknowledge they need to change.
They’ll be stacked with and have big-play possibilities with a host of talented receivers.
Dante Coxsom, LJ Holmes, Justin Lockhart, Luca Farroni and others will all be key targets for Wilson and Montes.
Kole Hamane and Damian Curl will both get big minutes in the Lancers’ running game.
One area that is paramount to fix if La Salle wants to exceed last year’s 7-5 mark is discipline.
Gordon and his staff have made it clear to their players that personal fouls are something that won’t be tolerated and will land a player on the bench.
It was something too often that stalled drives for their offense and extended possessions last year to La Salle opponents.
Another staple of a Russell Gordon program is a close-knit, family-like atmosphere and this year is no different.
To a man, each of the young Lancers mentioned how much chemistry is shared and that they want to win much more for each other than just for themselves individually.
With so many new starters, it’s a wait-and-see scenario tonight in evaluating La Salle’s capabilities to make a run in the Angelus League and in the CIF-SS playoffs.
But they made it clear on Wednesday that the players and coaches alike are not only excited, but optimistic despite being relative untested thus far.
One thing that isn’t in doubt is the preparation that Gordon and his coaches will have each week for their players.
Winning and losing will happen on the field, but they won’t lose any games to a lack of preparedness, and that’s always something that adds a couple wins each season for a solid program like La Salle.
So, what should La Salle students, parents and fans expect over the next 10 weeks or so?
“You’re going to see a disciplined, hard-working group of young men who are all striving for one goal,” Gordon said.
Quotable:
La Salle coach Russell Gordon: We’re still finding our identity. I think our offense will be much more diverse this season. Last year’s (seniors) set the tone for hard work reaps rewards. Our kids know we’re not going to put up with any stupid fouls. They’re (Wilson and Montes) still learning, but both have shown signs that they’re ready. The team bonding is extremely important because the kids want to play for each other. We’re going to grow every week. I ask them every day if they got better or got worse.”
Quarterback Chris Wilson: “When I’m on the field, I need to make the reads and get the ball to our playmakers and let them work. I have a pretty good arm and can run a little bit. CJ is really good, so it’s cool to work with him and picking his brain. All of our receivers can make big plays. We have to work hard every day in practice.”
Quarterback CJ Montes: “I like to bring energy to the field and my players so we get hyped up before the game. I bring smarts, because we have to make the right reads and pass the ball. It’s kind of easy (to come in as a freshman) because I played in the ‘Snoop League’ on ‘Friday Night Lights’ in front of thousands of people.”
Running back Damian Curl: “It’s hard (the transition coming in as a freshman) but they made it feel like there was no pressure. Coach Gordon makes us earn every spot and it makes practice fun. The way I run is different than most people and I rely a lot on my speed.”
Slot/cornerback Dante Coxsum: “I want to open things up for the team and make big plays. I believe I have a special ability that you can’t teach. I think the receiving core (is much stronger than this year). If we pass the ball, it’s going to open up the running game. I can’t wait for the offense to open up.”
Wide receiver Justin Lockhart: “I bring big plays to the table and our offense can score fast. We have a lot of speed and I’m just excited to just play. We’re definitely (capable) of going to the championship.”
Running back Kole Hamane: “My role is to open up the field (at running back). You can never replace Amon Milliner, but we have really talented quarterbacks and receivers and we’ll make up (for his loss). We’re way closer than it’s ever been and we’re like a family. Our offensive skill players are way better than a year ago.”
Defensive end/reciever LJ Holmes: “I need to make plays all over the field. The unity is one this year, not like last year. Our work ethic is amazing. I think we’re capable of doing anything with discipline.”
Wide receiver: Luca Farrane: “My role is to open up opportunities in space. I can’t wait to finally get the ball. We’ve gotten faster and have more athletes on the field this year. The message our coaches tell us is to stay disciplined and keep our heads down.”
R’Mon Huff: “I just want to make plays and help the team. I see myself as a leader in the locker room and on the field. I am real happy with where we’re at right now. We’re very close. We’re like brothers. We’ll be successful if we play discipline and as a team. I am looking forward to winning.”
2017 La Salle Football Schedule:
August 25: Arcadia at La Salle at 7
September 1: La Salle at Monrovia at 7
September 8: La Salle at Birmingham at 7:30
September 15: La Salle at Muir at 7
September 22: Notre Dame Prep (Scottsdale, Az) at La Salle at 7
October 6: Salesian at La Salle at 7 **
October 13: St. Francis at La Salle at 7 **
October 20: La Salle at Cathedral at 7 **
October 27: La Salle at St. Paul at 7
** Denotes Angelus League Games
*** Editor’s Note: Please send us any pictures that parents might take and we’d be happy to use them. We’ll credit whomever takes the photos, but we need them the same night they play.
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