Football Preview: Del Oro hopes to turn things around, fight for postseason spot

A year ago, Del Oro football took its lumps with a young roster and endured the kind of growing pains head coach Josh Parry knows can shape a program. Now, with more experience, stronger leadership, and a roster that has bonded on and off the field, the Golden Eagles enter the new season eager to return to their winning ways. "We've got great leaders that are pulling guys in and lifting them up when they make a nice play and helping them up when they need it," said Parry, who is entering his second season as head coach. "Just little things like that show me they're closer and it's made a huge difference. There's a huge difference in the way we practice, in life, in everything. I can't say enough about our senior leaders, they've done a great job." The biggest leap may come from under center. Parry has seen his senior quarterback Nolan Sauve make massive strides this offseason, saying that he has a stronger arm, quicker feet and makes sharper decisions. "The confidence is huge," Parry said. "He's been in the playbook, working on his arm, working on his footwork. Now he can step in the huddle, tell guys what they've got, and settle everyone down. Last year was rough, but he's come out the other side. I'm so excited for him." "I've been working every weekend with a private coach and I've been coming to the field with the guys all summer and working with them," says Sauve. "We've been working on our timing, ball placement, just everything and trying to get better every day. It's the best I've ever felt throwing the football right now." That confidence reflects a larger shift in the team's energy. Senior leaders have embraced their roles, drawing younger players in, lifting each other up, and setting the tone in practice. "It's night and day from last year," said Parry. "They care about the guy next to them, and they'll sacrifice for their teammates. That goes a long way in this game." One of Del Oro's biggest weapons will be its tight end duo of Landen Parry and Luke Galer, whose combination of size, speed, and versatility makes them difficult matchups. "They are going to be tough weapons because they're able to do so much. We can hand them the ball, we can throw them the ball. We can screen it to them," said Del Oro coach Josh Parry. "They can run up past defenders, they're both just so dynamic." Landen feels like it can be a big season for the duo and added to the statement that the chemistry this season is different and this year's team feels more cohesive. "We went through adversity last year but I feel like we flipped a switch this year," said "We needed to get in the lab, get in the weight room, and it has really shown so far." Parry also welcomes back former Del Oro coaches Jeff Walters, Steve Birch, and Bill Sherman to the coaching staff, bringing championship experience and deep program knowledge. Birch, Sherman and Walters were significant pieces to Del Oro's success from 2010 to 2020 and helped lead the Golden Eagles to section and state championship appearances. "Their football knowledge is huge," Parry said. "The kids see how tight we are as a staff, and that's contagious." For Parry, the formula for a turnaround is simple: play each snap with focus and resilience. "There will be ups and downs. Don't ride the roller coaster. Just keep grinding, every play, every yard," he said. "We've got the mentality to never give up." With stronger leadership, a more experienced roster, and an offseason's worth of hard work, Del Oro looks ready to reestablish itself among the Sac-Joaquin Section's elite.