Football preview: Foresthill eyes fresh start with new coach

It's been nine years since the Foresthill High School football team has been in the postseason, but Nick Gleason is hoping to change that. Gleason, a 2012 Foresthill graduate, reached the Division VI section championship game with the Wildfires as a player in 2011 and he hopes to bring them back to the ranks of one of the top small schools in the area. "This group wants to bring a winning culture back to Foresthill," says Gleason about this year's team. "It feels like a soft reset for the program but we're excited to start winning football games again." Gleason will have a challenge in his first varsity season as Foresthill is one of 15 Sac-Joaquin Section teams transitioning to 8-man football this fall. While the field and the game may be slightly smaller, the Wildfires will be bigger than previous teams. "They've done a ton of good stuff in the weight room. We've emphasized that point a lot. It's really nice having the gym on campus and being able to really sweat it out in there and get ready mentally and physically," said Gleason. "They definitely are coming into the field part of the season well-conditioned and ready to move some bodies." While Gleason may have to break in a new playbook conditioned for 8-man football, one position he won't have to break in is quarterback. Senior Waylon Gossic returns to lead the team for another season and Gleason is pleased with the progress he has seen from his southpaw signal caller. "Waylon has got a great handle on everything. It's nice to have someone like him because as the offensive coordinator last year, he's a quarterback that's already familiar with my scheme," Gleason said. "He's been putting in his own work outside of practice during the off season and seeing some private trainers. He's definitely done his part to get even better." Gossic is excited to show off his mobility this season, saying that he believes there will be more opportunities to use his legs with two less linemen to keep the pocket clean. "I feel my biggest adjustment is mainly the pocket movement. With two less linemen, it can collapse super easily and I have to be ready to move," said Gossic. "This year, I have to be ready to move and I feel pretty confident that I can do that." Foresthill also brings back plenty of size on both sides of the ball. Shane Falkenberg, Spencer Torres, and Vincent Navarro are three players that Gleason expects to make a big impact on both sides of the ball this season and could be the driving force behind a playoff run. Gleason is especially excited for the versatility of Navarro, who is stepping into a role of being a ball carrier more this season. "He's becoming a gadget guy for us," said Gleason of Navarro. "I can plug him in anywhere. He's been taking some snaps at QB, running back and more. He's a threat anywhere he plays." Foresthill has a strong belief in this season and feels that it can be one of the teams in the mix for the first league championship in 8-man football. Said Gossic, "I think that we have the team that is capable of putting a banner up in our gym."