Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Gavyn Haberman is one of several key returning players for the Loggers this fall.
By Ray Hamill — Changes are in the air for Eureka High football, as the Loggers look to put the disappointment of a winless campaign in 2023 behind them this fall.
New head coach Sam Edmonds and his players will close out their 10 days of spring practice on Friday, and the new boss is more than happy with what he’s seen from his players so far.
The Loggers, who open the new season against Arcata on Aug. 30, have had around 60 players show up most days as interest in the team appears to be on the rise.
“It’s been a lot better than it has been the past couple of years,” said Edmonds, who replaced Mike Marcelli after he stepped down after last season. “It’s pretty amazing to see that many kids out.”
Edmonds is a Eureka High graduate and has been with the program for the past seven years, including the past two as JV head coach.
And he is looking to rebuild a winning culture at a school that has won just one of its last 12 Big 4 games.
“Honestly, my biggest thing is to change the culture at Eureka High,” he said. “I don’t want to be successful for myself, I want to be successful for the boys. I want them to believe in themselves and win ball games.
“My personal goal is to restore pride in Eureka football and in the community.”
The players appear to be buying in and a core group of returning seniors will provide a solid foundation for a team that was shut out in four of its last five games in 2023.
And many of them have impressed the new coaches this spring, including soon-to-be-seniors Kyle Johnston, who will start at quarterback, and Michael Jewell, who will play receiver and safety.
Jewell, who was named all-league in baseball last week, in particular has grown into a key leader for the Loggers and has been turning some heads with his approach this year.
“He has definitely improved,” Edmonds said. “And not just his attitude on the field, but his attitude in the classroom.”
Gavyn Haberman will also be back and is expected to provide some key leadership this coming fall after a breakout season in 2023, along with Jaydn Payton, who is coming off a big spring on the baseball field and is returning to the football team after not playing last year.
“They are excited,” Edmonds said of his players. “The one thing I can say about this group is they have a different attitude and it’s a different culture. The kids are pushing each other.”
Several other players have also impressed the new head coach with their work ethic and the leadership they have been providing this offseason, including lineman Dallin Baker, defensive end/tight end Chayton Rose, receiver/defensive back Bobbylee Tatum and running back/linebacker Cole Zeller.
“Cole Zeller is electrifying to watch on the field,” Edmonds said. “And like Gavyn Haberman, he’s going to do some big things this year.”
Edmonds, who began his coaching career under the guidance of Garett Montana right after graduation and cites the legendary local coach as a “great mentor,” says he has received a lot of support from alumni since taking over the new position earlier this year.
“Several alumni reached out and asked what can we do to help,” he said.
Edmonds’ coaching staff includes Jeff Faulk, the team’s defensive coordinator who will be his “right-hand man,” as well as Luiz Lopez (receivers), Clint Hooper (DBs), Michael Millot (defensive line) and Tali Fonoti (running backs)
Bobby Del Los Santos will take over we head coach of the JV team and his staff will also include Brett Battle, Nathan Payton and Vincent Arguelles.
And all of the new coaches are embracing the challenge ahead.
“I’m excited to get to work,” Edmonds said. “I have a lot of love and pride for Eureka High and I’m excited for what these guys can do.
“They’re going to be a scary talented team as long as we stay together and play together as a team.”
Most of all, Edmonds wants to see the Big 4’s largest school embrace a physical brand of football as the Loggers look for a first conference championship since 2018.
“We’re trying to get back to playing smash-mouth football,” he said.
As of right now, the Loggers have just three home games on their nine-game schedule for the upcoming season, including all road games from early September until late October.
Edmonds says he is hoping to add a fourth home game.
And with the ongoing construction at Albee Stadium, the Loggers will likely play their home games at the Redwood Bowl, although that has yet to be finalized.
