Kicking off the season




Star running back Jacob Newman last year against Scripps Ranch.

Star running back Jacob Newman last year against Scripps Ranch.

Star running back Jacob Newman last year against Scripps Ranch. photo by Dan Weisman/Valley Roadrunner.It’s time for Jaguars football.

The Valley Center High School football team has been practicing in the summer heat getting ready for its first fight under the glare of Friday night lights, beginning with a 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, home date against Mater Dei Catholic of Chula Vista.

Quarterback Rhett Reilly lights it up against Scripps Ranch. photo by Dan Weisman/Valley Roadrunner.CalPreps points to tough tests this season with nonconference foes Ramona, Brawley and West Hills. Fortunately, Valley League rivals Orange Glen and San Pasqual along

Quarterback Rhett Reilly lights it up against Scripps Ranch.

Quarterback Rhett Reilly lights it up against Scripps Ranch.

with non-conference Imperial were considered the Jaguars lowest-rated opponents.

The Jaguars are allowed a maximum of 28 practices before opening night. New California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules limit practice, film work, meetings and weightlifting to no more than 18 hours, no more than four hours on any given day. Two-a-day practices can’t be held on consecutive days.

Jaguar summer camp last month. photo by Dan Weisman / Valley Roadrunner.Coaches haven’t liked the two-year-old practice rules, but CIF officials say they haven’t received any complaints from parents and the new rules allow athletes to have a life beyond the sport.

Jaguar summer camp last month.

Jaguar summer camp last month.

Meet your Jags

Weightlifting at VCHS. photo by Dan Weisman/Valley Roadrunner.Longtime Jaguars Coach Rob Gilster points to an outstanding group of seniors as leading the way for what is expected to be a tough, but winning, season coming off last year’s 6-5 rebuild. The Jaguars have a history of Valley League excellence having won the league title from 2010-12.

“Jake Glennie and Ricky Mendoza will anchor the offensive line,” Gilster said. “Rhett Reilly will be returning at the QB position with a year of experience. Returning at RB will be Jake Newman. Jake had an outstanding junior season

Weightlifting at VCHS.

Weightlifting at VCHS.

in which he was the team MVP.

“At the receiver position,” Gilster said, “Niko Hernandez and Steven much will be the go-to guys. On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive backs return all four starters: Niko Hernandez, Mike Ibarra, Jon Cabrera and Andrew Navarro.

“‘The linebacker corp will be a strong group with Trent Reilly, Brock Moffit, Adrian Bound, and Daniel Belcher. Maybe the most outstanding group of players will be the defensive line of Christian Patstone, Micah Wierenga, Elijah McClure, and Manny Mendoza,” Gilster said, adding, “The Jaguars are coming off a 6–5 year and are working to get back to championship football.”




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