Everything's coming together for Paloma heading into opener

Speedy running back Arthur Clemons returns to help lead the Wildcats. (File photo by Rick Rowell)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Paloma Valley High School football team will start its season on Friday at Temescal Canyon. The Wildcats are looking forward to debuting their seasoned starters as well as a few new faces.

Now in his second year as head coach Juan Merida said the team is buying into his culture and starting to run it all on their own, with a group of experienced upperclassmen.

“They know the expectations and the standards and they’re holding everyone accountable to it and I don’t really have to enforce it,” said Merida. “[The older kids] are the ones holding the younger guys accountable with how we do things. It’s been really cool.”

That set of standards includes the classroom and community, not just actions on the field. Merida said he wants people to see the work the kids do for all areas of their life.

“We try to be super hard on every little detail. Our big saying is, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything,’” he said. “These kids have done a lot of work, not only on the field but with the culture and expectations and manners and discipline and all the little things. I’m hoping people see that out in the community as well … that these are just great young men.”

As for what the community will see on the field, Merida is excited about a few new faces joining the program. One in particular is Javon Major, who had to sit out last season due to an injury.

A two-time runner-up CIF wrestler who played his sophomore year and developed a name for himself at the school, the running back is one Merida said makes his job much easier.

“The kid is the real deal on the field,” said Merida. “You become a much better coach when guys like him show up.”

Team captain Albert Farillas said the additions to the team have him feeling ready to take this season to the next level.

“As a senior, my goal is to win CIF and possibly go to state,” said Farillas. “Coming into the season, we lost a lot of guys, but we gained a lot of people. We rebuilt the team and we’re trying to get higher than we did last year.”

Last season, the Wildcats were 7-4 overall and went undefeated in Sunbelt League play. Under Merida’s direction and the leadership of the two captains, Farillas said it’s been flowing smoothly.

“It’s a family here,” he said. “Everyone cares about each other. It’s not just a team playing for themselves. Everyone is playing for each other. “It’s all within who is leading the team. Coach and the other captain and I are trying to keep everyone together and keep this bond.”

Fellow senior Cyrus Medina agrees.

“I think there’s more chemistry and we’re more disciplined, honestly. We’ve worked together the full offseason and that has helped,” said Medina. “Coach is really organized and lets us know when we’re expected where and that helps a lot, too.”

Returning starter Arthur Clemons said now that the chemistry is in place, he is looking forward to seeing how it will unfold on the field.

“I’m excited to see how we’re going to use the pieces that we have,” Clemons said of his team's offense, specifically. “I think a highlight is going to be our ability to get to the outside. We are maybe slightly undersized, but we are fast and move quick and we do play hard.”

Merida added that he thinks the experience of the linemen will be a key in their success this year.

Coaches and athletes alike are anticipating big things from their team this season.

“I see the energy and enthusiasm they bring into practice and they’re excited about what we can be and see it on the field,” Merida said. “They’re really ready to show it off.”

“We’re all fired up. We play for each other so I think we’re all going to be on the same page when it comes time,” said Clemons. “We’re ready to compete with whoever, however whenever.”