Mustangs Heating up for Hacienda

Alejandro Restrepo and Randy Collins= Hurt and Pain

Last year Walnut started the season by wining its first five games and finished the year at 7-3. In another league that would have been good enough for a playoff spot and possible CIF run. But in the brutal San Antonio, Walnut was left on the outside looking in.

“Yeah that was tough,” said Walnut Head Coach Michael O’Shields. “I mean we beat Bonita handily and then Bonita almost beats South Hills in the playoffs.”

The Bearcats went 3-8 overall but ended up in CIF while the Mustangs stayed home. But things have changed for Walnut in 2010. The San Antonio has been disbanded and South Hills has been moved up and out. Walnut has landed in the Hacienda.

It might not be the San Antone but the road isn’t any easier for the Mustangs. The Miramonte (minus Charter Oak) has been merged with the San Antonio to form the new league. Although it’s not really new. The Hacienda was around before.

Aubrey Coleman can take a hit and dish it out as well

Bonita has joined Walnut in the Hacienda along with Rowland, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Diamond Bar and West Covina.

“It’s still a very tough league. I know West Covina is good and Bonita will be better. I know Diamond Ranch has a good line. It’s going to be a challenge.” O’Shields said.

But the Mustangs have some horses (okay, I’ve been waiting to use that line.) Everybody knows about receiver Aubrey Coleman. The senior, who might also see time at defensive end, has already verbally committed to Washington.

“He’s an absolute stud. Sarkisian, (Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian), called me and told me he’s not sure where he’s going to use him.”

Coleman was having fun Friday knocking heads in the “Oklahoma” drill. Coleman has help around him. Senior Brandon Roach has waited his turn behind Austin Cooper and now steps in as the starting quarterback.

“He’s had a good summer. I think he’s been playing really well. He’s been very accurate,” O’Shields said.

Nick Gutierrez leads the bubbas on the O-Line

Christian Murillo returns at running back and besides Coleman, Roach has a nice target in Jason Tsukada.

Spencer Tsai, Nick Gutierrez and Yang Yang Dai will anchor the front line.

Defensively the Mustang defense revolves around linebackers Alejandro Restrepo and Randy Collins. Both players led the Walnut D in tackles a year ago.

“It’s nice to have them back. Both are three year varsity starters. Restrepo will get some carries out of the backfield as well,” said O’Shields.

The kicker is one of the most extraordinary players on the team. Why? Because Nikki McKee is the only girl on the team.  She was consistently booting the ball though the uprights from 35 yards away at the north end of the field.

“Yeah she has a boot,” said assistant coach Ralph Warren.

The Mustangs open with Troy at home in week one before traveling to Claremont. They get Covina at home and then welcome in West Covina and Diamond Ranch in the first two weeks of Hacienda League action.

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