By Ray Hamill — The South Fork Cubs will get a busy weekend in local football started on Thursday night, when they kick off their new season against California School for the Deaf in Miranda.
And it could be a good fall for the eight-player program, with longtime head coach Karl Terrell back on the sideline after taking much of last year off.
Terrell, who replaces Brandon Coborn, rejoined the program late last season and has been working with the players in preparation for the season for the past month.
And the experienced coach says he likes a lot of what he’s seeing from the team ahead of the season opener, as well as the players’ enthusiasm.
“I like their attitude,” he said. “They’re hungry, and I hope that continues throughout the year.”
Several players on the 20-player roster are expected to make a big impact this fall, including team captains Kael Puno, Martin Navarrete, Bo Ayala and Lucas Edwards.
Puno, a junior, will start at quarterback and safety, while Navarrete will play running back and safety and also provide necessary depth at quarterback.
Ayala, meanwhile, is a four-year starter on the team and will play center while anchoring both lines, while Edwards will also start on the offensive and defensive lines.
Those four players will be relied on for necessary team leadership, and all have been helping to set the tone for their younger teammates during the preseason.
“Having that experience in the same system always helps,” Terrell said.
Terrell got a first look at his players in action at their recent preseason scrimmage against Calistoga, Potter Valley and Round Valley, and the South Fork coaches used the opportunity to give the whole roster some game time, including the six freshmen.
“We got everybody in. Everybody wanted to play,” the head coach said.
That hunger and enthusiasm is something that has impressed the coaches through the preseason.
As for how the Cubs will look when they take the field for real, they should be strong in the trenches with plenty of experience and talent in the front six.
“We’re going to be a really good running team,” Terrell said. “And defensive wise, we’re going to be strong against the run.”
Several other players are also expected to make a big impact on the team this fall, including the versatile Sheyne Casey, who will play receiver, running back and defensive back, as well as sophomore Koda Walls, who will play on both lines.
Among the freshmen, Byren Spear will see time at receiver, running back and defensive back and is projected to take over at quarterback after Puno graduates in two years.
Spear is showing a lot of promise and understands what the Cubs are trying to do after playing under Terrell in youth football two years ago.
“He has grown,” the coach said, adding that he will learn a lot playing behind Puno and Navarrete. “He understands everything we’re doing.”
Senior Toby Tennessee is another player Terrell expects some big things out of, and the running back/defensive back brings a lot of speed to the lineup and will also see time as a kick returner.
Sophomore Kaidyn Hendershot will also see plenty of time in the offensive and defensive backfields, while junior Timber Bowman is another player who played for Terrell in youth football and will see time at receiver and defensive end.
As for California School for the Deaf, Terrell is expecting a battle.
“I expect them to be tough,” he said. “They run the ball pretty well, and they run a lot of counters. I hope to keep the score down, and I think we can.
“They’re just a tough team and they come in and play football.”
Kick off is set for 6 p.m.
