San Pasqual football preview: Back in charge

There probably aren't many teams at the 1A level more physically imposing than San Pasqual this year. The Warriors have 12 players that weigh 240 pounds or more on their roster. But San Pasqual is trying to find enough team speed to compete in the fast-paced 8-man football game.

"I think size is going to be our strength," said San Pasqual coach Don Klostreich, who returns to the sideline after a one-year hiatus. "Whether we can muster enough speed to get the job done we'll have to see. We've been working on speed every day."

Klostreich retired from coaching football after about 45 years at the end of the 2006 season to focus on coaching wrestling and spending more time with family.

But he was pressed into duty again since San Pasqual had difficulty finding a qualified coach with credentials.

This is Klostreich's first venture into 8-man football.

"When you're put in a situation where you have to coach," he said, "you have to get fired up, motivated and do the best you can.

"I'm not going to try anything fancy. For half these kids it's the first time they put on a helmet."

The Warriors will lean heavily on Patrick McCoy, a converted lineman, who will line up and fullback, to move the ball. McCoy is one of only five seniors on the team.

"If we had a bunch of guys like him we'd be OK," Klostreich said. "As big and tough as he is, he has no experience at running back, but he's the best we've got."

The Warriors are giving Klostreich something to get excited about.

Two weeks before San Pasqual's season began, it already had 31 players cleared with physicals and on the field practicing. San Pasqual didn't start football practice until the first day of school last year.

"Practices are going pretty smooth," McCoy said. "We have a lot of people out here and they're sticking with it."

And with a scrimmage and a bye week to start the season, Klostreich said this year's team will be as prepared as it possibly can for its opener.

"For us to have 31 kids out here, cleared and practicing for two weeks is awesome," Klostreich said.

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Derrik Miller can be reached at
dmiller@yumasun.com or 782-6520.

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SAN PASQUAL WARRIORS

Top returners: Patrick McCoy, FB/LB; Ruben Esperanza, OL; Victor Robles, WR.

Key newcomers: George Salas, QB; Andre Polk-Estrada, OL/LB.

Player to watch: Running back Patrick McCoy pasqual's top player on both sides of the ball.

The Big Game: San Pasqual got its first 1A win against Tanque Verde last year. The two teams will meet on Oct. 10.

The lowdown: San Pasqual is young, very inexperienced. The Warriors are loaded with size, but will need to find some speed to compete in 8-man football.

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2008 SCHEDULE

Sept: 5: at Patagonian, 7 p.m.

Sept 12: vs. Gila Bend, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: vs. St. David, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: at Maranatha Christian, 4 p.m.

Oct. 3: vs. Valley Union, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10: at Tanque Verde, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17: at Ajo, 7 p.m.