By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor Greg Dulcich is typical of the St. Francis football program. He’s a driven, proud and competitive young man. Michael Bonds’ graduation last year left a gaping hole at quarterback for 2017. Dulcich very much wanted to earn the sport’s most coveted position one year after being second on the team […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
Greg Dulcich is typical of the St. Francis football program.
He’s a driven, proud and competitive young man.
Michael Bonds’ graduation last year left a gaping hole at quarterback for 2017.
Dulcich very much wanted to earn the sport’s most coveted position one year after being second on the team in receptions (30).
Jim Bonds had to do something that every coach hates, and that’s to let Dulcich know he had other ideas as to what his role would be.
Bonds saw Dulcich as their No. 1 receiver and Crespi transfer Darius Perrantes eventually earned the job calling signals for the Golden Knights.
Dulcich, 17, had the option to accept the heartbreaking news and move forward or he could pout and feel sorry for himself.
And that plan has actually paid off, because he leads the Golden Knights in several receiving categories including receptions (11), yards (323), touchdowns (3) and all-purpose yards (449).
Additionally, you could easily make an argument that Dulcich is the Pasadena-La Canada area’s best receiver and big-play athlete, and it’s clear that his diligent work in the off-season has paid large dividends for both himself and the program.
In three weeks of action so far, Dulcich is already less than 100 all-purpose yards from eclipsing last season’s mark, less than 100 yards from last season’s 406 yards receiving and just one TD from matching all of 2016.
That in itself is a huge indicator of how truly special he is as a receiver, but take one thing into consideration.
Just like his teammates, Dulcich has only played in about 6 of the Golden Knights’ 12 quarters of football, because they’ve blown all three opponents out and got ahead early.
His numbers, already impressive, would be that much greater if he played full games.
Having seen his character on display and how he swallowed his own pride for what is believed to be the betterment of the team, Dulcich was voted to be one of the three ‘Golden Knights’ (a captain), which at St. Francis is the highest honor.
He joined lineman-defensive end Matt Barriga and running back-linebacker Elijah Washington as the team’s three premiere leaders.
“Being a Golden Knight is not just an honor and privilege, it’s a responsibility to not only do our part, but it’s also making sure our teammates do their jobs as well,” Dulcich said. “To be a captain for a school and group of guys I love is the ultimate honor.”
St. Francis’ Greg Dulcich (16) cuts across the field as he gains yards for his team during the first half of a prep football game at St. Francis High School in La Canada, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. (Correspondent photo by Trevor Stamp)
Dulcich, at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, has very long strides and he often times has the ability to let his length create space between himself and defenders chasing him.
On top of that, his work in the weight room has been a noticeable improvement from a year ago in terms of strength and speed.
In wins of Mira Costa, Pasadena and La Serna, Dulcich had at least 83 yards receiving, including 100-plus yards in victories over Mira Costa and La Serna.
Again, it should be pointed out, in none of those games did he play more than a half of football.
He opened the season with 135 yards receiving and three TD’s in the 48-21 victory over Mira Costa.
A week later, Dulcich caught two passes for 83 yards in the 42-0 victory at Pasadena, and last Friday, he caught four balls for 109 yards in the 49-21 thumping of La Serna.
In spite of not being the first-string quarterback, Dulcich does get time behind center after games gets out of hand and Bonds wants to rest Perrantes.
He’s stepped in and led several drives while at quarterback.
Aside from spending time this season at wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback, Dulcich is also revered among his teammates for his work ethic.
In 2016, St. Francis had just two real blips on their map.
The first being a one-score loss at eventual Angelus League champion Cathedral on a night they collectively and inarguably played their worst game of the season.
The second of two was the season-ending one-point loss at Palos Verdes, where the Golden Knights went for a 2-point conversion attempt after they had pulled to within 38-37 with just a couple seconds to play.
On the bus ride home, Dulcich decided 2017 started in 48 hours, and on that Monday, he and seven teammates were back out on the field working their (butts) off.
He’s also an incredibly intelligent kid, and boasts a 3.87 grade-point average.
Dulcich’s humility, work ethic and his character was shaped at home.
His mom, Anna and father, George, have been not only his biggest supporters, but they also fuel Dulcich when they challenge him to be better (on and off the field).
He’s also the brother of George and sisters Eva and Madeline.
“My parents are always on my side,” Dulcich said. “They’re always pushing me to do better. They are on me to push myself, but their intentions are there, and they’re doing it for the right reasons. They are the reason I’ve become the person I am today.”
Unlike many athletes I’ve done stories on, Dulcich isn’t one of those guys who has to fight stereotypes about not being big enough.
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, with good speed, long strides, good instincts, versatility and a very high football IQ, he is the mold of what Division 1 schools want in an athlete.
It’s now just a matter of being seen, because his coach, Jim Bonds, who himself played at the Division 1 level (at UCLA), knows his senior captain is a diamond in the rough.
“I would say to a potential coach at the next level that you should sign this guy now,” Bonds said. “His upside is through the roof and he can do so many things. Some people see him as a potential tight end, others like him at wide receiver or even at defensive back. He’s an extremely versatile player that any coach should want to add to their roster.”
Dulcich has team goals of winning the Angelus League and a CIF championship.
As of September 11, after week two, St. Francis sits at No. 7 in the most recent CIF-SS Division 3 poll.
Individually, he’d like to reach the 1,500 all-purpose yards mark, as well as 15 touchdowns and pick 5 passes on defense.
One of the most noticeable things about the St. Francis football program is how genuinely close the players and coaches are.
And besides the winning, the time he gets to spend with his brothers (teammates) is something he covets most.
While the 2017 season is about one-third of the way finished, Dulcich already knows what he hopes his legacy is.
Said Dulcich: “I hope they remember me as the hardest worker they have ever seen. That I’m someone who put everything I had for the team, the school and the game I love.”
Finally, as much as any player enjoys some attention, Dulcich recognized all of his teammates for each doing their parts in making St. Francis the area’s premiere program.
Quotable:
SF coach Jim Bonds: “Greg gas been our most consistent big-play threat at this point in the season. I appreciate hi no nonsense approach to the game. His work ethic is also something we all appreciate. Greg handled the situation (of being told he wouldn’t be quarterback) like a pro. We actually talked about it after the last day of spring ball, and he came back on the first day of summer ball, and worked as hard as ever at wide receiver and defensive back.”
SF senior Blake Howard: “He’s a great teammate and leader, always in an upbeat mood and ready to work. He does a lot on the field for us by playing receiver and safety, as well as being a punt returner. Off the field, he stays out of trouble and is always focused. I appreciate his work ethic a lot. He was my lifting partner all off-season in the weight room and I think we really pushed each other to get to where we are today.”
SF senior Andrew Monarrez: “Greg is a leader verbally as well as by action. He is a humble leader that encourages the team to lead by example. On the field, Dulcich remains a dominant player by constantly making plays which gives the team energy. Off the field, he shows maturity in the classroom by giving respect and always paying attention What I appreciate most about Greg is his ability to remain patient about the recruiting process. He is an all around athlete that will soon be looked at by several schools.”
SF captain Matt Barriga: “He’s a great teammate. Greg always works hard. does his work and leading by example not by his words. As a player, I appreciate how he works and tries to be the best, and he is just a nice guy, who is a good friend of mine. On an off the field, he is a great guy, he always works hard and tries to make everyone around him do the same.”
SF captain Elijah Washington: “Greg is an amazing teammate and leads on and off the field by example mostly. He works hard in the weight room and during practice and gets the grades in the classroom as well. He contributes to the team on many levels. He brings a size most teams can’t match, and leadership abilities that any team would be lucky to have. He’s a really humble guy, who puts our team first. He’s smart and understands the game well. He executes his job, and as a ‘Golden Knight,’ he leads his team with a passion that most teams don’t experience.”
SF quarterback Darius Perrantes: “Greg is a great person and player, and he leads the team by example. He will do anything for us. On and off the field, he is smart and knows what to do and what not to do. I know I came and fought with him for the starting quarterback spot, but I’m proud how he took nothing to heart and just kept fighting, and now we are closer than we ever were. I am very thankful for that.”
Former SF quarterback Michael Bonds: “Greg is a good person that works hard on and off the field. He is a great wide receiver and tight end. He gets a lot of yards after the catch.”
Getting To Know Greg Dulcich:
Favorite Movie: Hercules
Favorite Actor: Chris Pratt
Favorite Team: Rams
Favorite Athlete: Lebron James
Favorite Musical Artist: ACDC
Musical Artist Some May Be Surprised I Like: Florida Georgia Line
Person (Alive or Dead) I’d Most Want A Conversation With: George Washington
Greg Dulcich Stats:
2017: (Through 3 Games)
Receptions: 11 receptions
Yards receiving: 323
Touchdowns: 3
All-purpose yards: 449
Rushes: 8
Yards rushing: 103
.
2016: (11 Games)
Receptions: 30
Yards receiving: 406
Touchdowns: 4
All-Purpose Yards: 541
Rushes: 8
Yards rushing: 102
Rushing TD’s: 2
Angelus League Standings:
Harvard-Westlake (4-0)
St. Francis (3-0)
Cathedral (3-1)
St. Paul (2-2)
La Salle (2-2)
Salesian (1-3)
2017 Schedule: (All Games at 7)
August 31: St. Francis 48, Mira Costa 21
September 8: St. Francis 42, Pasadena 0
September 15: St. Francis 49, La Serna 20
September 22: St. Francis at Saugus
September 29: St. Francis at Buena Park
October 6: St. Paul at St. Francis
October 13: St. Francis at La Salle
October 20: St. Francis at Salesia
October 26: Harvard-Westlake at St. Francis
November 3: Cathedral at St. Francis
CIF Division 3 Poll Through September 11, 2017:
1- Charter Oak
2- Lompoc
3- Citrus Hill
4- Westlake
5- Sierra Canyon
6- Villa Park
7- St. Francis
8- Palos Verdes
9- Rancho Verde
10- Newbury Park
