Football Preview: Placer reloaded after deep playoff run

Tradition runs deep on the hill and schools like Placer seldom rebuild, instead they reload. The Hillmen may have lost a bulk of production from last season as stars Baylor Kelley, Keefer Abs, Rian Miller, Ivan De Silva and Justice Alba all graduated, but that doesn't mean that this year's group isn't as physical and quick as a year ago. "This team's eager and hungry. They've shown up since January and they've been putting in a ton of work and a ton of time in the weight room. Guys have been doing extra stuff like quarterback clinics and putting in work outside of football. We had some question marks with graduation and to this team's credit, they took the bull by the horns and answered those questions with their work ethic." Montoya says that this team is one of the most coachable groups that he has had and has a desire to be great. Placer brings back seven starters on offense and four on defense this season. Leading the way is senior Shaun Jones, a two-way standout at running back and linebacker. A key part of the Hillmen rushing attack over the past two years, Jones has already racked up more than 1,800 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns in his varsity career. Now stepping into the role of featured back, he's poised for another standout season as he aims to lead Placer on another deep playoff run. "Shaun's one of three third year starters for us and his biggest thing is his maturity," Montoya said of Jones. "He's always had the talents and the gift of his abilities to be a great playmaker for us. Now he's kind of putting it together mentally as a leader." Jones talked about his experience and what it's like to step into a leadership role as a senior, noting how he feels like he is ready to fill those shoes and lead this year's team. "It definitely gives me a lot of confidence going into my senior year having that experience of playing on varsity for a couple years," said Jones. "It's just all about selflessness and finding ways to keep your teammates up and making sure they're ready to go." Jones shares Montoya's thoughts of this year's team, saying that "This group's gonna be special." Joining Jones in the backfield is the speedy Danny Sanchez-Harlow, who Montoya believes is one of the fastest players in the section. Sanchez-Harlow missed the second half of the season with a broken collarbone, but he feels better than ever and ready to get back on the gridiron. "He's a special athlete and more importantly a special human," Montoya said of Sanchez-Harlow. "He doesn't say very much but when he speaks, man, people listen. He's arguably one of the most respected guys on our team and to have him back with his leadership and his abilities is huge. The sky's the limit for that kid and he's gonna be fun to watch." Sanchez-Harlow, Jones, and William Santamaria make of three of the returning defensive starters at linebacker, a unit that Montoya thinks is one of the strongest on the team. Montoya also has high hopes for the offensive line, which he says is one of the most physical groups he's had in years. "This offensive line is one of the more aggressive offensive lines than we've had in the last few years," said junior Gage Esty, who is poised to lead the men in the trenches. "This group is all about keeping the pace of being physical throughout the whole game. Smashmouth football is my favorite." Other key players on this year's team include quarterback Liam Grant, tight end and defensive end Jeremih Rethi, and receiver and defensive back Keilan Beverage. Placer will be battle tested once again this year, facing a strong Foothill Valley League slate and nonconference games against strong programs in Casa Roble, Del Oro, Laguna Creek and Antelope.