Coach: Shane Smith
Career record: 0-5
Record at school: 0-5
Last year: Turlock Christian (0-10, 0-7) was exciting the first month of the season, with QB Chase Gonzalez flinging the ball and the Eagles making some noise. But an injury to Gonzalez and an inability to stop its foes, led to a long season.
Last league title: 2007
Last playoff berth: 2007
Coaching staff: Kobie Griggs (defensive coordinator), Bruce Fourmai (line),Eddie Sai (WR/DB), Dale Brown (RB/LB), Micah Larsson, Chris Pugh (strength).
Top returners: QB Chase Gonzales (6-6, 215), WR/CB Nick Steeley (6-1, 165), WR/DE Thomas Sawyer (6-2, 180), OL/DL Gavin Allison (6-2, 225), OL/DL Lars Russell (6-4, 235), WR/CB Jacob Bettencourt, RB/LB Cameron Pugh (5-10, 205), QB Austin Ellefson (6-0, 150), WR/FS Eric Amaya (6-3, 160).
Top newcomers: RB/LB Malik Portillo (5-10, 210, jr.), OL/DL Jereicho Taamu (6-1, 250, fresh.), WR/FS Josh Glendenning (6-1, 160), WR/CB Hakim Jordan (6-2, 160).
Outlook: Gonzalez (105 of 196, 1,588 yards, 12 TDs, 17 INTs) missed a month last season with a broken collarbone, while Steeley is the fastest receiver on the team and Sawyer spent the offseason working out and adding 25 pounds. … TC’s no-huddle spread will try to exploit Gonzalez’s height, arm strength and vision, but he won’t be running much. Before we say that, however, keep in mind that TC is rebuilding its line – so Gonzalez could be scrambling out of trouble. The O-line will be big, averaging 235 pounds. … Since it rarely has size on defense, TC will emphasize quickness over bulk this fall. After struggling to attract more than a handful of players in recent years, the Eagles expect to have 30 varsity players. … Arin Morelli’s the placekicker, and she’ll also play volleyball this fall.
Key game: Week Zero (Aug. 24) at Fresno Christian. Anytime you go 0-10, the most important thing the following the season is to win a game – as soon as possible. The schedule is favorable during the first month.
