Cal High Football Preview: Grizzlies Look to Contend in Billeci's Second Year

Head Coach: Eric Billeci
2009 Record: 5-6
Top Offensive Players:  WR John Sarmenta, Sr.; RB Kyle Alvarez, Sr.;  OL Rich Garwood, Sr.; TE Trevor Taft, Sr.; FB D.J. Spalliero, Sr.
Top Defensive Players:  FS Taft; LB Spalliero; LB Marcus Prenot; CB Matt Deans; CB Jerrell Dunn, Jr.
Rising Star: LB/RB Kevin Ezibuiro
Team Strengths: Size on the offensive line, running backs
Mark the Calendar: Sept 4. at Washington.

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In Eric Billeci's first season as the football coach at California High, he admittedly stepped into a difficult situation, replacing the well-liked Tony Sanchez.

The transition was tough for the players and an up-and-down season — which started and ended with home losses to Washington — was the result.

With Billeci set to begin his second year, he expects to take steps back in the right direction.

"The biggest difference now is there are no more foreign concepts," Billeci said. "Everybody is on board (with what we're doing) and there is a better team concept."

Back from last year is standout running back/kick returner Kyle Alvarez, who played his way into the starting role as a junior and will be counted on the carry the load for Cal's run-based offense. Talented junior Jerrell Dunn, who got his first varsity playing time as a freshman in the North Coast Section playoffs two years ago, should also be a factor running the ball along with fullback D.J. Spalliero.

The trio of ball-carriers will be running behind a big, strong offensive line, led by senior guard Rich Garwood.

"We're really excited about the o-line," Billeci said. "There is some good beef there and we should be able to run the ball with Alvarez and Dunn."

Replacing Quinn Kaehler at quarterback will be senior Andrew Reil, who has not started at any level of high school football. Reil's inexperience was a worry for the coaching staff headed into fall camp, but Billeci has been pleased with his progression.

Reil has benefited from the addition of former San Ramon Valley head coach Dave Kravitz, who has had great success molding prep quarterback, to the coaching staff and has shown good chemistry with receiver John Sarmenta.

Billeci said he expects Sarmenta to make close to 50 catches this year after hauling in 22 in his junior year.

The Grizzlies open the season Saturday at Washington's Tak Fudenna Stadium at 7 p.m. with hopes of ending their two-game skid to the Huskies. In Cal's last trip to Tak, it walked away 41-0 winners in the first round of the 2008 NCS playoffs.

"We're putting a heavy emphasis on (Washington)," Billeci said. "We don't want to start out 0-2 like last year, then have to claw our way back."

After this weekend's game with Washington, Cal will host College Park and travel to Castro Valley in consecutive weeks before opening up the East Bay Athletic League slate with Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley in back-to-back weeks.

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Schedule

9/4 at Washington
9/10 vs College Park
9/17 at Castro Valley
10/1 vs Monte Vista
10/8 at San Ramon Valley
10/15 vs Livermore
10/22 at Granada
10/29 vs Amador Valley
11/5 at Foothill
11/12 vs De La Salle

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