Things are looking up at Los Altos

Jim Arellanes prepares for his first year at Los Altos

(Hacienda Heights) – The Southeast Division that Los Altos plays in may have gotten tougher. The new league that has been formulated by CIF that Los Altos resides in may be more difficult. It will be huge task for the Conquerors to make the post season but new Coach Jim Arellanes is ready for the challenge.

“It’s been going good. This is day number five and we’re coming along pretty well,” Arellanes said Monday while running his team through drills. “We had about 80 kids originally but now we have about 65.”

But according to Arellanes it’s a solid 65. “I don’t want kids coming and going when they want to. They have to be here every day and ready to play. With these 65 I believe we have that.”

Los Altos went 3-7 last year while playing in the Miramonte and missed the playoffs. This year the Conquerors have been placed in the Hacienda League featuring Diamond Ranch, Bonita, Rowland, Walnut, Diamond Bar and West Covina.

“Just look at those teams. There’s no weakness there. The most impressive thing is the coaches in this league,” Arellanes said. “Eric Podley at Bonita, Roddy Layton at Diamond Ranch, Mike Maggiore at West Covina – they all do a great job. And Diamond Bar is very very good. It will definitely be tough.”

Two Time all league Los Altos running back Scott Tibbs

Arellanes lost some talent from a year again including quarterback Justin Zamano but he likes what he has coming back.

The quarterback position is still up for grabs with David Poyet and Shane Vernala battling it out. Poyet fired several tight spirals on crossing patterns during offensive sets. Scott Tibbs, a two time all league running back, returns to carry the rock.

Defensively, the Conqs will rely heavily on linebacker Frankie Avalos and Jared Covarrubias should be a force on both sides of the line.

Senior wide receiver Ryan Longoria has not been at practice and is rumored to be transferring to Cathedral.

Arellanes likes his coaching staff as well.

“What I really like is the way our staff came together. I interviewed 28 potential coaches for my staff before I finally made my decisions. We have 10 varsity coaches right now. I was able to put it together fairly quickly.”  

Los Altos will be participating in several upcoming passing tournaments including one against Bishop Amat on June 22.

Los Altos has a challenging non league schedule as well with Ayala, Wilson and Bellflower on the docket.

David Poyet could be starting at quarterback for Los Altos in the Fall

While showing his quarterbacks the ropes Arellanes, the former World Football League signal caller, took several five step drops and rifled perfect strikes over the middle to his receivers. There’s no truth to reports however that he will be trying out for the Stockton Lightning of the Arena Football 2 League.

When I suggested that there may be an AFL 2 team coming to Los Angeles, he simply smiled, dropped back and threw another strike.

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