(Rosemead) – Rosemead has welcomed a familiar name into its starting lineup. Angel Alejandre may have graduated in 2009 but another Alejandre, sophomore Adanguillen, is the starting quarterback for the 2011 season.
“He looks pretty good so far. He was our freshman starter last year and did a good job,” said Rosemead Coach Matt Koffler. “Think Angel when he was a sophomore. I wanted to see how he looked today running our regular offensive sets and he did a good job.”
Adanguillen Alejandre – try saying that fast three times.
Of course if you know Koffler you know he also loves to establish the running game, and pound the rock. Matt Fregoso who rushed for over 2400 yards last year, yeah 2400, has graduated but Koffler has a couple of options he can call on this year. Matt Eddy, who rushed for close to 200 yards a year ago and Andrew Gibson, who had just under 100, will both get a shot to tote the pigskin. Eddy and Gibson both play on both sides of the ball.
“They’re both real tough kids,” Koffler said.
Mead may have a first year quarterback but all of the receivers are back. Steven San Miguel and Christian Garcia, who had over 900 yards combined in ’10, lead the receiving corps.
Who will pave the way and protect Alejandre? Lupe Perez and Leon Nelson return to anchor the line. Sal Chavrin, 6’1”, 325 may be the best of the bubbas.
“Yes he’s a beast,” Koffler said.
“If you have a good defense you’re always going to compete. If you remember that 2008 team than went to the Finals, we did it with defense,” Koffler said. “Sure we had some guys that made plays offensively but our defense was just so tough. We had guys flying around, rallying to the ball, making plays. Our defense this year has a chance to be really good.”
Besides Eddy and Gibson, Mike Chavez will be back as a defensive back and Dominic Salas, 54 combined tackles a year ago, is back at linebacker. Also the aforementioned Chavarin will be plugging gaps up front. Daniel Camarena, brother of former quarterback Jose, will see time on the lines as well.
“We’re going to do what we do. We lose guys but we plug other guys in,” Koffler said. “We’re just consistent as a program.”
The Panthers finished 8-4 last year (second in the MVL) and lost in the second round of the playoffs to Village Christian.
Rosemead opens the season at Montebello on September 9 followed by Rowland and San Marino at home before traveling to San Gabriel and then returning home to play Temple City. The Panthers open Mission Valley League play at El Monte on October 14.
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