Football Preview: Twelve Bridges reloaded after state championship run

The Raging Rhinos proved themselves on the biggest stage last season, but heavy is the crown as they look to defend their spot among the Sac-Joaquin Section's elite. Twelve Bridges has catapulted itself into the spotlight, having not lost a regular season game since October of 2022. Last season, the senior-laden Rhinos reached the Division 2A State Championship game but ultimately fell short against Palos Verdes. This season the Rhinos won't be sneaking up on anyone and despite graduating a bulk of their talent, they still appear to be one of the favorites in both the Foothill Valley League and Division IV. "There's just a definite belief in each other, and it's genuine," said Twelve Bridges coach Chris Bean. "If they can't do it on the field, they're just as happy about that guy stepping in and taking their place. I do think that's a culture that's been passed down by these guys." Bean has laid the foundation for the program since stepping foot on campus in 2021 and has emphasized the importance of creating a positive culture in order to sustain success. "When you get to create something, there's no one to blame but yourself whether it goes right or wrong," said Bean. "We have spent extensive time trying to get to that point where they're playing for something bigger than themselves and it's paying off." Leading the stampede for Twelve Bridges this year is senior linebacker and running back Chase Whylidko, who was third in the section last season with 147 tackles. Whylidko stands at a sturdy 5-foot-9, 225 pounds and Bean expects him to be a force on both sides of the ball this season as he plays a bigger role in the running game. "He is a straight downhill, physical runner and he's going to be really a problem for defenses," Bean said of Whylidko. "He's the type of guy you bring in, especially in the fourth quarter, and tell him to just go ahead and run this baby out." Whylidko says he is ready to play both ways and believes that he will not slow down as an ironman. He says that he is eager to prove that he can be just as dominant on the offensive side. "I'm gonna bring it every play. I'm working hard in practice, giving it 100% every rep and making sure I'm conditioned so that I'm ready," said Whylidko. "I want to embrace that role of going both ways. I want to do everything I can for this team. I want to win and help all my guys any way I can." Joining Whylidko in the backfield are Matthew Marquez and Daniel Oamil, who are both expected to play a large role in the offensive scheme this year as well. While in previous seasons the Rhinos have relied on one back, this year Bean says the backfield will be a three-headed monster. "It's a different approach this year because they each do some different things a little bit better," said Bean. " Our running game is going to be a problem." Twelve Bridges will be breaking in a new quarterback this season for the second consecutive year, but the 6-foot-6 Connor Frontiera already has the look of a seasoned veteran behind the center. As a junior, Frontiera threw for four touchdowns and Bean says after learning from previous quarterbacks Whit Kruse and Connor Flaherty, he is ready to take the reins of the offense. "We ask a lot of our quarterbacks and Connor has handled it," said Bean. "He's giving the line commands in protection, he's running the play action. What we ask of our quarterbacks is, is, is pretty heavy but that's also what allows that buy in. They don't have a choice. If you're going to play quarterback here, you have to buy all the way in or you're going to be embarrassed on a Friday night." Bean says that Frontiera's approach last season has prepared him to be the starter this year and he believes that he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the section this fall. "I loved Connor's approach last year. He told us at our team camp that you never know when it's your time so he prepared as if he was going to be the starting quarterback every single game," said Bean. "I think that's allowed him, even though he got limited reps last year, to be ready to rock and roll this year." Frontiera will have some strong weapons at his disposal in receivers Dylan Amos and Will Gant along with tight end Davin Markle. He will also be protected by a strong offensive line, anchored by Nevada commit Colton Hogge. Bean says that this year's team will face its toughest schedule yet, with nonleague games against Christian Brothers, Reed of Reno, Arroyo Grande and Destiny Christian, but it is all by design as he wants to ensure that the Rhinos are seasoned enough to defend their section title. Said Bean, "Pressure is a privilege and they're starting to understand that. A lot of teams would love to have what we do where we haven't lost a regular season game in a long time. But a lot of that comes with pressure too. I like the way these kids have attacked it and that they want to set their own path and not get wrapped up in what happened last year."