Cromwell's to lead Vista offense

After saying goodbye to a large senior class that graduated in May, Vista del Lago has got a whole new football team this year, including a new coach in Mike Struebing. If that name sounds familiar it should, as Struebing returns to coaching the team after a four-year absence, as he coached the team previously from 2013-2020. Struebing is refreshed and ready to go and so are the Eagles, despite having so few returning starters. On the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles return only three starters: receivers Kyle Cromwell and Dylan Davis and running back Jack Cromwell. Kyle Cromwell and Davis were the Eagles third and fourth-leading receivers a year ago, while Jack Cromwell was the team's second-leading rusher. He would have been the team's top rusher if he wouldn't have missed half the season injured. Expect big things out of these three. "I think the offense is really coming along," Jack Cromwell said. "We've learned it really well and have progressed a lot since summer and we have the playbook down. Everyone knows what they're supposed to do, and we just keep getting better every day." Cromwell is not concerned about the youth and inexperience of the team. "Everyone is stepping up," Cromwell said. "Everyone knows what they have to do. We might have a lot of junior varsity players up from last year, but these guys know how to play football. Once they get used to varsity level and hitting, they'll be fine." Cromwell averaged six yards a carry last season. A healthy Cromwell means a healthy running game for the Eagles, something every team needs, especially with a young quarterback. The Eagles starting quarterback this year is sophomore Jacoby More. Coming off an outstanding freshman season that saw him pass for 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions in leading the team to a perfect 10-0 season, More appears more than ready to lead the varsity team. If More struggles, Struebing can turn to last year's junior varsity quarterback, Christian Chavez. "Both guys are dynamite, tremendous," Struebing said. "They both know the offense and throw good balls, and they both have a good understanding of what we're trying to do. Both also give us an opportunity to win." The quarterbacks have a slew of receivers to throw to, led by Kyle Cromwell and Davis. A season ago, Cromwell caught 21 passes but seven went for touchdowns, while Davis hauled in 14 passes. "We're looking pretty good and I'm excited to see what we can do this year," Kyle Cromwell said. "We've got myself and Dylan along with two new starters. Everyone is looking fast and shifty. We've got a good quarterback who can throw it far. The line is looking stronger than it did last year on junior varsity and the offense has good chemistry. "I think we'll be a good team. A lot of people doubt us because of our size and because we're young, but I think we'll be fine. We'll definitely be competitive in league." Struebing likes his group of receivers. "Jack and Dylan return from last year so they will lead us," Struebing said. "Dylan is smart and catches everything and has got a very good knack for route running. Luke Roberts is a new guy who's long and rangy. He can put his body in awkward positions and make a catch. "AJ Righini has probably been our most consistent player from the slot all summer. He's got a really good feel of attacking defenders and getting to spots. Brody Benoit and Cael Rens will mix in, as will Ethan Kowalski, who very dedicated to getting better and he's really good upstairs. I think we'll be as deep as we've ever been." In the backfield along with Jack Cromwell will be Joseph Ahola, who was last year's third-leading rusher, and sophomore Gavin Brainerd, who like More, had a strong season on the freshman team a year ago, rushing for 938 yards and 21 touchdowns, as well as catching 20 passing along with two receiving touchdowns. "Jack will be the heart and soul of our team this year, but I'm excited to see what Gavin can do," Struebing said. "Gavin is very twitchy; he's got this speed/power dynamic and offers a quick burst and it's a nice change of pace from Jack. He's got a very strong football IQ. We can line him up in the slot and he can get to spots on the field very quickly, so we really like what he can give us." Rounding out the offense is the most important part; the offensive line. The Eagles will need to be able to block for the young skill players to be able to execute. Struebing likes his group, which includes Lucas Garcia and Dominic Kascheres at tackle, Nico Esteves and Porter Maldonado at guard and Mason Lemm at center. Garcia and Lemm are seniors. "Mason will anchor us," Struebing said. "I think they've done a good job the last two weeks although it's tough with no pads on. As we start gearing up, we will start to see their size and strength. They're probably a little behind from where we want them to be, but I think they'll be where we want them to be by the start of the season." Maldonado is glad to be on the varsity team. "I think the line will do well," Maldonado said. "We still have some stuff to work on, just getting in sync with each other, but we're improving. "The offense in general, we've got room for improvement, but I've seen a lot of development and us getting better as a unit. "I think we'll have a good season despite our inexperience. As long as we do our jobs, we'll be fine. I have confidence in our team." Fellow lineman Kascheres also feels good about the offensive line and the team. "I think we've got a good bond together," Kascheres said. "We're ready to work together. We just have to tidy up a couple of things, but I think we'll be OK. "I'm excited for the season. To have a good year we just have to stay focused and be consistent and give 100 percent." Struebing said he wants to see the best version of his team this season. "The only thing I ever talk to those guys about is becoming the best version of themselves," Struebing said. "I don't normally talk wins and losses. We have not talked about team goals yet, but I just want them to be the best version of themselves and let the chips fall where they may. "The key to the season, offensively, is us generating explosive plays. Losing Matt Werpy and Will Greene, those two guys were unreal. How do we replace them? As a group, I think we're better so I think we'll be able to create some explosive plays. "Defensively, the key will be not giving up the explosive play and finding a way to force turnovers." Senior tackle and linebacker Lucas Garcia wants a section ring and more. "Our goal is to win section and make it to state and win that," Garcia said. "I've got high expectations for us. It will take practice to perfection. If we show it in practice, if we do it there, it will show up in games."