Liberty's first class of seniors ready for football season
New head coach Adam Contreras is excited about his team, which will field its first group of seniors. (Photo by Rick Rowell) By Paige Mendez...
By Paige Mendez, Correspondent
The Liberty High football team is looking to improve on an already impressive 9-2 record from last season with their first roster including seniors since the school opened.
In a break during this first week of practice, many of the seniors on the roster said their time together has brought them a higher level of team chemistry that makes them excited for what this season will hold.
In particular, Anthony Quinones, who came in part way through last season to start as quarterback, is looking forward to showing what a whole offseason of practice in the pocket yields.
“I’ve had the whole offseason to build relationships, so it’s definitely going to be good,” said Quinones. “We didn’t lose anyone, so however small we were last year, we’re bigger, faster and stronger now.”
New head coach Adam Contreras said his quarterback has used the growth and time to step into his role on the team.
“Quinones is a leader; he’s really stepping into a leadership role. He commands the offense; he’s getting more comfortable with that,” Contreras said. “He truly knows every position and with his skill and being a student of the game, he is making guys better around him.”
That type of improvement is a byproduct of what Quinones and his teammates see as team chemistry.
“We’re a lot more connected now and spend a lot of time together,” said senior Anthony Ruelas, who rushed for 1,221 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Several athletes added that they take the time to build friendships off the field in order to play better on the field, and Contreras said it’s a perceivable change.
“Every day you can see it at practice. They’re loving each other, they’re battling, but the camaraderie is there,” said Contreras. “It’s hard to force camaraderie, but this team has it. They’re hanging out outside of practice, it’s showing on the field ,and I’m excited for that.”
But what he and the players are most excited about is building on last year’s season, which ended with a loss to Elsinore in the first round of the CIF plasyoffs.
“I’m most excited about seeing their hard work pay off. These guys have been working hard for three years together. And I’m just excited to see their potential; this team’s ready,” Contreras said. “Our guys have been working hard. They’re extremely focused and hungry.”
Jacob Ramirez echoed his coach’s sentiment.
“I want to play to succeed and exceed limits,” said Ramirez. “We’re ready to play and to play hard.”
Ramirez and his teammates each have individual goals they are looking to reach, but the general goal and attitude is the same -- do more than last year.
Senior running back and linebacker Eddie Smith calls it a “revenge tour.”
From the outside, this young roster, finally including seniors, has accomplished a lot already. But the coaches and players alike are not content with that.
“Everyone knows we didn’t go that far last year, so I want to go farther and do what we couldn’t do last year,” said Ruelas.
Senior Zachary Velasco said that’s what he hopes for in his final high school football season, as well.
“I’m excited to get back on the field and prove ourselves in our last ride,” said Velasco.
Contreras is confident in this squad’s ability to do just that.
“If we take it one step at a time, our ultimate goal is to win league and make a run the in playoffs that will be a successful year,” said Contreras. “I just want guys to enjoy playing together and enjoy each others’ company because I’m enjoying being with them and if we win a couple ball games, that would be great too.”
Liberty’s season opener will be Aug. 18 at home against Valley View at 7 p.m.
Eddie Smith will be a valuable asset at running back and linebacker this year. (Photo by Rick Rowell)
Anthony Quinones, who joined the varsity late last season, will start at quarterback. (Photo by Rick Rowell)
